How To Use Essential Oils Part III: Other Uses

Jun17

young-living-essential-oils

Direct Inhalation

  •  Place 2 or more drops into the palm of your left hand and rub clockwise with the flat palm of your right hand.  Cup your hands together over your nose and mouth and inhale deeply.  (Do not touch your eyes!)
  • Add several drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water.  Inhale the steaming vapors that rise from the bowl.  To increase the intensity of the oil vapors inhaled, drape a towel over your head and bowl before inhaling.
  • Apply to a cotton ball or tissue (do not use synthetic fibers or fabric) and place it in the air vent of your car.
  • Inhale directly.

Indirect of Subtle Inhalation

(wearing as a perfume or cologne)

  • Rub 2 or more drops of oil on your chest, neck, upper sternum, wrists, or under FOOTPRINTyour nose and ears, and enjoy the fragrance throughout the day.
  • There are many necklaces with different types of vessels hanging on them into which you can pour a particular oil to use throughout the day.
  • There are clay-type medallions to hang around your neck or fasten with a clip on your clothing onto which you can put a few oil drops to give off a gentle fragrance the entire day.

Internal Consumption

Many essential oils make excellent food flavorings or dietary supplements. To use essential oils for internal consumption, Young Living suggests these methods:

  • Place several drops of oil into an empty capsule and swallow the capsule with water.
  • Add 1–2 drops to a glass of water or rice milk.
  • Put 1–2 drops onto a piece of bread or add to your meals when cooking.
  • Add 1–2 drops onto a teaspoon of Young Living Blue Agave and swallow.
  • Drop directly onto the tongue and swallow. Exercise extreme caution when using this method. Many essential oils are potent and should be tested by pouring a single drop onto a spoon and tasting a small portion to determine the amount of oil to be used.

*A word of caution, be sure your essential oils are labeled as safe for internal use otherwise do not chance it as it can do more harm than good.  Please see below under NOTE for more information.

Vaginal Retention

For systemic health problems such as candida or vaginitis, vaginal retention is one of the best ways for the body to absorb essential oil.

  • Mix 20-30 drops or essential oil in 2 Tbsp. of carrier oil.
  • Apply this mixture to a tampon (for internal infection) or sanitary pad (for external lesions).  Insert to retain for 8 hours or overnight.  Use tampons or sanitary pads made with organic cotton.

Rectal Retention

A retention enema is the most efficient way to deliver essential oils to the urinary tract and reproductive organs.  Always use a sterile syringe.

  • Mix 15-20 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil.
  • Place the mixture in a small syringe and inject into the rectum.
  • Retain the mixture through the night (or longer for better results).
  • Clean and disinfect the applicator after each use.

Another method can be done by making a suppositories.

  • Mix 15-20 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon coconut oil
  • Place in a piece of foil and roll into shape.
  • Place in freezer for about 30 minutes.
  • Remove from freezer, unwrap from foil and insert into rectum.  (Coconut oil melts to body temperature very quickly resulting in the delivery system of the oils being fast.)
  • Another idea shared with me is to fill a vegetable capsule with the essential oil and coconut oil, place in freezer and when ready to use, peel the vegetable capsule off and you have a capsule size suppository.

 

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NOTE: The above information is for Young Living essential oils only.  They are pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and safe for the above uses.  Please be aware that not all essential oils are created equal and it is very important to know your product.  For more information on the importance of essential oils and reading the labels please see my previous post here.   Please also note that the information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is your responsibility to educate yourself and address any health or medical needs you may have with your physician. Please seek professional help when needed.

How to Use Essential Oils Part II: Diffusing

Jun11

Young-Living-Diffusers

Diffusing 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, orange, grapefruit, melaleuca (alternifolia-tea tree), eucalyptus (E. globulus), lavender, frankincense, and lemon, along with essential oils blends (Purification, Melrose, Thieves), are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne germs and bacteria.

A cold-air diffuser is designed to atomize a micro-fine mist of essential oils into the air, where they can remain suspended for several hours.  Unlike aroma lamps or candles, a diffuser disperses essential oils without heating or burning, which can render the oil therapeutically less beneficial and even create toxic compounds.  Research shows that cold-air diffusing certain oils may:

  • Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors
  • Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind
  • Help with weight management
  • Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity
  • Stimulate neurotransmitters
  • Stimulate secretion of endorphines
  • Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity
  • Improve the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida
  • Improve digestive function
  • Improve hormonal balance
  • Relieve headaches

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Guidelines for Diffusing

  1. Check the viscosity or thickness of the oil you want to diffuse.  If the oil has too much natural wax and is too thick, it could plug the diffuser and make cleaning difficult.
  2. Start by diffusing oils for 15-30 minutes a day.  As you become accustomed to the oils and recognize their effects, you may increase the diffusing time ti 1-2 hours per day.
  3. By connecting your diffuser to a timer, you can gain better control over the length and duration of diffusing.  For some respiratory conditions, you may diffuse the oils the entire night.
  4. Do not use more than one blend at a time in a diffuser as this may alter the smell and the therapeutic benefit.  However, a single oil may be added to a blend when diffusing.
  5. Place the diffuser high in the room so that the oil mist falls through the air and removes the odor-causing substances.
  6. If you want to wash the diffuser before using a different oil blend, use Thieves Household Cleaner with warm water or any natural soap and warm water.
  7. If you do not have a diffuser, you can add several drops of essential oil to a spray bottle with 1 cup purified water and shake.  You can use this to mist your entire house, workplace, or car.

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Other Ways to Diffuse Oils

  1. Add your favorite essential oils to cedar chips to make your own potpourri.
  2. Put scented cedar chips in your closets or drawers to deodorize them.
  3. Sprinkle a few conifer essential oils such as spruce, fir (all varieties), cedar, or pine onto logs in the fireplace.  As the logs burn, they will disperse an evergreen smell.  This method has no therapeutic benefit, however.
  4. Put essential oils on cotton balls or tissues and place them in your car, home, work, or hotel heating or air conditioning vents.
  5. Put a few drops of oil in a bowl or pan of water and set on a warm stove.
  6. On a damp cloth, sprinkle a few drops of one of your purifying essential oils and place the cloth near an intake duct of your heating and cooling system so that the air can carry the aroma throughout your home.

* One of my favorite methods in this section is #1.  I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon bark essential oil on a basket filled with pine cones and set around the house for the wonderful smell of fall (see idea here).  The store bought scented pine cones make me very sick so this homemade method is safer, healthier and offers therapeutic benefits as the oils diffuse into the air.

Humidifier and Vaporizer

Essential oils make ideal additions to humidifiers or vaporizers.  Always check the viscosity of the oil, because if it is too thick, it could plug the humidifier or make it difficult to clean.

Singles: Balsam fir, frankincense, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus (E. globulus), melaleuca (M. alternifolia), lavender, ylang ylang, and others of your choice.

Blends: Purification, Thieves, Raven, Melrose, Joy, RutaVala, The Gift, White Angelica, Sacred Mountain, and many more.

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NOTE:  Test the oil before diffusing it in the vaporizer or humidifier; some essential oils may damage the plastic  parts of the vaporizer. 

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If you are interested in a selection of diffusers, please visit my store, here.   To learn how to receive 24% off of all product as a wholesale customer, click here.

 

 

The information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is your responsibility to educate yourself and address any health or medical needs you may have with your physician. Please seek professional help when needed.  The information above is provided courtesy of Essential Oils Desk Reference by Life Science Publishing.

 

 

 

How to Use Essential Oils Part I: Topical Application

May31

Having essential oils on hand are wonderful, when you know WHAT you have, and HOW to use it.  Today I would like to share with all of you the many wonderful uses for Young Living essential oils.  We will cover the following in a three part series with today’s being on Topical Application:

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Part I. Topical Application

Part II. Diffusing

Part III. Other uses

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Topical Application

Before applying oils, always remember to wash your hands with soap and water.  Many essential_oil_scalp_massageoils are safe to apply directly to the skin but please pay attention the the labeling on your bottle as some oils are much stronger than others, and some are considered “hot” and may need to be diluted in a carrier oil.  Some key ways to apply essential oils topically are:

Massage

Start by applying 2 drops of a single oil or blend on the skin and massaging it in.  If you are working on a large area, such as the back, mix 1-3 drops of the selected oil into 1 tsp. pure carrier oil such as Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, a massage oil, or any other oil of your choice such as jojoba, almond, olive, and/or grapeseed.

* Keep in mind that many massage oils such as olive, almond,  jojoba, wheat germ oil may stain some fabrics.

Acupuncture

o-ACUPUNCTURE-facebookLicensed acupuncturists can dramatically increase the effectiveness of acupuncture by using essential oils.  To start, place several drops of essential oil into palm of your hand and dip the acupuncture needle tip into the oil before inserting it into the person.  You can premix several oils in your hand if you wish to use more than one oil.

 

Acupressure

Living-Water-Massage-backwebWhen performing an acupressure treatment, apply 1-3 drops of essential oil to the acupressure point with your finger.  Using an auricular point with a slender point to dispense oil may help to enhance the application.

Start by pressing firmly and then releasing.  Avoid applying pressure to any particular pressure point too long.  You may continue along the acupressure points and meridians or use the reflexology or Vita Flex points as well.  Once you have completed small point stimulations, massage the general area with the essential oil

Warm Compress

For deeper penetration, use a warm compress after applying essential oils.  Completely People-Compress-Massagesoak the cloth of towel by placing it in comfortably hot water.  By the time you wring out the cloth and shake it, it will be a nice, warm temperature to be placed on the location.  Then cover the cloth loosely with a dry towel or blanket to seal in the heat.  Leave the cloth on for 15-60 minutes.  Remove the cloth immediately if there is any discomfort.

Cold Packs

Apply essential oils on location, followed by cold water or ice packs when treating hot-compress1inflamed or swollen tissues.  Frozen packages of peas or corn make excellent ice packs that will mold to the contours of the body part and will not leak.  Keep the cold pack on until the swelling diminishes.  For neurological problems, always use cold packs, never hot ones.

Layering

This technique consists of applying multiple oils one at a time.  For example, rub marjoram over a sore muscle, massage it into the tissue gently until the area is dry, and then apply a second oil such as peppermint until the oil is absorbed and the skin is dry.  Then layer on a third oil, such as basil, and continue massaging.

Bath

Adding essential oils to bath water is challenging because oil does not mix well with water.  For even dispersion, mix 5-10 drops of essential oil in 1/4 cup Epsom salts or bath gel base and then put the cup under running water and gradually add to water.  This method will help the oils disperse in the bath evenly and prevent stronger oils from stinging sensitive areas.

Shower

Shower-filter-chrome

Essential oils can be added to Epsom salts and used in the shower.  There are special shower heads containing an attached receptacle that can be filled with the essential oils/salts mixture.  This allows essential oils to not only make contact with the skin but also diffuses the fragrance of the oils into the air.  The shower head receptacle can hold approximately 1/4-1/2 cup of bath salts.

Start by adding 5-10 drops essential oil to 1/4 cup of bath salt.  Fill the shower head receptacle with oil/salt mixture.  Make sure neither oils nor salts come in contact with the plastic seal on top of the receptacle.  This should provide enough salt material for about 2-3 showers.  Some shower heads have a bypass feature that allows the user to switch from aromatic salt water to regular tap water.

Ways to Enhance the Benefits of Topical Application

The longer essential oils stay in contact with the skin, the more likely they are to be absorbed.  For example, Young Living’s ART Night Reconstructor or ART Day Activity lotions, Sandalwood Moisture Cream, or Boswellia Wrinkle Cream may be layered on top of the essential oils to reduce evaporation of the oils and enhance penetration.  This may also help seal and protect cuts and wounds.

So now you have some excellent information on using essential oils topically.  Part II is soon to follow on the benefits of diffusing essential oils

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The following information has been provided courtesy of The Essential Oils Desk Reference by Life Science Publishing.  It is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any illness or disease.  If you are seeking professional help, please do so under the care of your healthcare provider.

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Thieves Horchata

Apr23

Thieves horchata

What is Horchata?

Definition: A traditional Mexican beverage made with rice. It is flavored with lime and cinnamon and sweetened with sugar. Originally horchata was made with the chufa nut and sometimes melon or squash seeds.The rice, nuts or seeds are ground and mixed with water to make a milky looking drink.This drink can be found in most Mexican restaurants and is often sold by street vendors in Mexico. Since it does not contain milk, it will not spoil as easily as a dairy containing beverage. The origins of this drink stem from Egypt where they originally used the chufa nut to make horchata. During ancient times, the drink made its way to Spain. When the Spaniards brought the drink to Mexico, the natives used rice to make the drink.

Traditionally horchata is still made with rice in Mexico and chufa in Spain, although you can find the alternate chufa version in Mexico as well.

Pronunciation: or-CHAH-tah

Recipe for Thieves Horchata

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 quarts water
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla
  • 1/4 cup blue agave
  • 1-2 drops Thieves essential oil blend
  • dash of ground cinnamon

Directions:

In a large saucepan, combine rice, water, and Thieves.  Set aside for 3 hours.   After 3 hours, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes.  Allow to cool.  Puree rice mixture in blender until smooth.  Strain through a cheesecloth or a fine sieve.  Flavor with vanilla and agave to taste.  Chill and and serve over ice.

For more information on Young Living essential oils, including tips and a free newsletter that you can sign up for, visit me at here.

For more recipes and ideas for in the kitchen, you can click on “In The Kitchen” to the right of you, under categories.

Garden Tea for Green Beans

Mar25

Green Beans

So are you excited for spring yet?  Are you ready for gardening?  After the posts on Garden Teas and a healthy harvest it’s really peaked my excitement to begin working the ground and planting seeds. Unfortunately here in OH, it’s going to be a little while more before that takes place, but a girl can dream right :D

Health Benefits of Green Beans

High in Fiber

Eating foods rich in fiber improves digestion, notes the Mayo Clinic. The clinic says beans are a prime source of dietary fiber. In every 1/2 cup of string beans you’ll get 1.6 g of dietary fiber, according to the University of Illinois Extension.

Immune Booster

Le Cordon Bleu, the international culinary institute, advises that eating beans because they have a “significant impact” on strengthening your immune system. This is due in part to the legume’s high anti-oxidant content. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s national nutrient database, string beans come with lots of vitamin C and various B vitamins.

Protein

Your body uses protein to strengthen, repair and build tissue. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends all kinds of beans as rich sources of lean protein. A half cup of string beans offers up approximately a gram of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Low Calories

A half cup of string beans has just 15 calories, reports the University of Illinois Extension. This makes beans a low-calorie food. The fiber can also keep you feeling full, thereby helping you stay on a diet.

High in Calcium

If you avoid dairy, you can get calcium in string beans. Your body needs calcium to keep bones strong and teeth sturdy. A half cup of string beans yields 31.5 mg of this important mineral, according to the University of Illinois Extension.

Thank you to Live Strong for this wonderful information, to read more on green beans you can visit their website.

Today’s post is on a garden tea mixture to help with your green beans. You can use mountain savory, lavender or basil essential oil to assist your growing season and help it to be a successful one. View recipe in the picture above.

:D

Garden Tea for Apples

Mar19

Apples

Health Benefits of Eating Apples

1. Get whiter, healthier teeth

An apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria.

2. Avoid Alzheimer’s

A new study performed on mice shows that drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Mice in the study that were fed an apple-enhanced diet showed higher levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and did better in maze tests than those on a regular diet.

3. Protect against Parkinson’s

Research has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fiber foods gain a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by a breakdown of the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. Scientists have linked this to the free radical-fighting power of the antioxidants contained therein.

4. Curb all sorts of cancers

Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fiber intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

5. Decrease your risk of diabetes

Women who eat at least one apple a day are 28 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t eat apples. Apples are loaded with soluble fibre, the key to blunting blood sugar swings.

6. Reduce cholesterol

The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates into lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.

7. Get a healthier heart

An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fiber intake with a slower buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.

8. Prevent gallstones

Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as a liquid, so it solidifies. They are particularly prevalent in the obese. To prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet high in fiber to help you control your weight and cholesterol levels.

9. Beat diarrhea and constipation

Whether you can’t go to the bathroom or you just can’t stop, fiber found in apples can help. Fiber can either pull water out of your colon to keep things moving along when you’re backed up, or absorb excess water from your stool to slow your bowels down.

10. Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and bloating. To control these symptoms doctors recommend staying away from dairy and fatty foods while including a high intake of fiber in your diet.

11. Avert hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a swollen vein in the anal canal and while not life threatening, these veins can be very painful. They are caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas. Part and parcel with controlling constipation, fiber can prevent you from straining too much when going to the bathroom and thereby help alleviate hemorrhoids.

12. Control your weight

Many health problems are associated with being overweight, among them heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. To manage your weight and improve your overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in fiber. Foods high in fiber will fill you up without costing you too many calories.

13. Detoxify your liver

We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. Luckily, one of the best—and easiest—things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is fruits—like apples.

14. Boost your immune system

Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you’re stressed out.

15. Prevent cataracts

Though past studies have been divided on the issue, recent long-term studies suggest that people who have a diet rich in fruits that contain antioxidants—like apples—are 10 to 15 per cent less likely to develop cataracts.

Thank you to Best Health Magazine for the above information.

Garden Tea

Did you know that you could use garden teas to help with even your apple trees?  Yes, you can and lavender essential oil is the perfect complement for your growing season.  Essential oils are like preventative medicine for your plants.  It helps them grow strong and they are able to fight off bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew.

Using essential oils in the form of a garden tea will help increase the yield and make the fragrance and flavor of the flower/fruit more pungent.

I wish you many blessings and success with your garden…happy gardening!