Sleep

This essential oil recipe was given to me by my mother when I desperately needed to relax and get some sleep.  I am not sure of its origin but I feel I should pass it along.  The scent is heavenly, relaxing and knocks you out.  Just lovely.  Give it a try.  This mixture of oils goes a long way in relaxing your mind and body and nudging you off to a restful sleep.

The Sleep Bomb:
10 drops Lavender
6 drops of Vetiver
4 drops Ylang Ylang

Combine all oils together, I triple this recipe for a dropper bottle, mix will and add 4-5 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser.  If you don’t have Ylang Ylang, you could try Clary Sage in its place.  Still lovely, still calming and still a sedative.

You can also mix these oils in a roller bottle with FCO and apply to the bottoms of your feet or to your chest.

As always, only use the highest quality essential oils.  Neither this recipe nor how it affects the mind and body have been evaluated by the FDA.  If you have a medical issue or are taking medications, please discuss these oils with a doctor before using.  Lavender, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang are GRAS essential oils.

You can purchase these oils here if you wish: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

Advertisement

Geranium Essential Oil

Potent and floral, this essential oil is an important oil to add to any collection, and a must for the home physician’s kit.  To extract Geranium essential oil, the stems and leaves of the geranium plant (Pelargonium graveolens) are steam distilled.  It’s health benefits are numerous including its ability to balance hormones, clear and repair the skin from acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns, cut and other skin issues, fight infections of the upper respiratory tract, and promotes mental stability.  Because Geranium is a popular addition to fragrances, use care when shopping for it.  Do not buy oils that are labeled as “fragrance”, “natural”, or “food grade”.  Only buy essential oils from reputable companies that stands behind their products.

Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil:
• Antibacterial
• Antimicrobial
• Insect repellant
• Cicatrisant
• Hemostatic
• Cytophylactic
• Diuretic
• Deodorant

The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of Geranium essential oil make it a wise choice to swab onto a wound, using a 50:50 dilution.  It supports the immune system by removing and prohibiting microbes, fungus and bacteria from multiplying and invading the body.  This, along with it’s hemostatic (speeds up blood clotting) and cicatrisant properties allow your skin to heal quickly, cleanly and without complications.

Geranium essential oil, when applied to the skin will help reduce scars (cicatrisant), improve elasticity, inhibit growth of bacteria, smooth out melatonin distribution, and helps improve blood circulation, which makes it a remarkable addition to facial moisturizers and treatment for oily to extremely dry skin as well as those suffering from Rosacea.

When taken as directed internally, it can benefit your kidneys by increasing urination.  Urination is responsible for eliminating most of the toxins from your body.  In addition to toxins, urination removes fat, sugar, sodium and aids digestion by eliminating excess acids and bile from your system.

The antibacterial qualities of Geranium coupled with the skin benefits make this essential oil a good one to add to a deodorant.  Use in aromatherapy is also beneficial because this oil is a circulatory oil, meaning it exits the body through perspiration.  So if your workout is strenuous, it could make you smell like flowers while destroying body odor.

To use this oil, diffuse or use topically by diluting it 1:1 with a carrier oil and rub it into the skin.  To take internally, make sure your Geranium essential oil is 100% pure and add one drop to 4 fl. ounces of liquid.  Children under 6 should not use Geranium internally, and any topical applications should be diluted 1 drop of oil to 3 drops of carrier oil.  Children over 6 should be 1 drop of oil to 2 drops of carrier oil.  If skin sensitivity is present, raise the amount of the carrier oil or stop using it altogether.

For an easy tick repellant for dogs, put a drop in your hand and simply wipe down their backs.  For humans, put a dab on the inside of your wrists, your ankles and a dab behind the ears.  No ticks!

Pets benefit from geranium too!  Aromatherapy is safe for your pets.  You can apply this directly to dogs, 1 drop and rub head to toe.  I do not use any essential oil topically on my cat or bird without the advice of a veterinarian.  Horses, especially mares seem to benefit from geranium aromatherapy or diluted and added to an all natural castille soap shampoo.  Any small wounds benefit from the same antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that humans do.  If there is ever a question on wounds, always seek the advice of your veterinarian.

Speak with your doctor about using Geranium essential oil if you have any medical conditions.  Don’t try to cure any disease with Geranium Oil yourself, always consult the advice of a physician for any health issues. Don’t use before speaking with your doctor if you are on any medication, pregnant or nursing.  It can interfere with your medication.  These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. 

100% pure Geranium essential oil can be bought here with confidence:  http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

The scent of Ylang Ylang essential oil is both fresh and floral, and intoxicatingly heavy.  The oil is steam distilled from the fresh flowers of the Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata) tree in the South Pacific Islands.  A popular additive to fragrances and cosmetics, Ylang Ylang has many medicinal benefits as well, which has made this oil a favorite among aromatherapists.  Because the fragrance of Ylang Ylang is so popular, it is very important that the Ylang Ylang essential oil you buy does not contain the words “natural” or “fragrance”.  It must be 100% pure essential oil, therapeutic grade, and purchased from a reputable distributor.  The health benefits listed only apply to 100% pure and unaltered essential oil.

Health Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil:
• Antidepressant
• Antiseptic
• Balances sebum production in skin
• Aphrodisiac
• Hypotensive
• Sedative
• Benefits the Nervous System

For ages, Ylang Ylang has been used to treat anxiety, stress disorders, depression and sadness.  It’s medicinal benefits for fighting depression and relaxing the mind and body is well known.  It encourages emotional balance and lifts the heaviness weighing down the sadness.  Not only does this benefit people with stress disorders and depression, these properties make Ylang Ylang a sedative.  Sleep is important, and sometimes we don’t get enough.  A few drops added to your diffuser is a great treatment from those who suffer from insomnia or stress.

The effects that Ylang Ylang has on the skin are numerous.  I add it to most of my facial moisturizers.  It helps to regulate sebum production, helping people with skin issues ranging from dry or oily skin types, all the way to Seborrhoeic Eczema, a painfully itchy condition of the hair follicles.  To use Ylang Ylang for skin conditions, blend it 50:50 with a carrier oil like jojoba or fractionated coconut and massage in a circular motion into the area of concern.  In addition to regulating the sebaceous glands, it is a disinfectant that can help to prevent infection by prohibiting microbial growth in wounds.  It inhibits growth of bacteria, fungus and viruses.  It is said that this oil can be used to prevent the bacterial growth of tetanus!  I don’t know how effective Ylang Ylang actually is against tetanus, so keep up with your tetanus shots.

You can find romance again with the help of Ylang Ylang.  Usually people are too busy and stressed to keep a relationship healthy.  Not only does the aroma of the Ylang Ylang encourage romance, it quiets the stress and anxiety in the mind, leaving more room to keep your relationship healthy.  It is an oil of the heart and soul, helping us fight the struggles we all face between listening to your heart or your mind.

Ylang Ylang has been said to help protect nerves from damage, as well as helping to repair some damage that the nervous system may have suffered.  It is a booster for a healthy nervous system!  It is also said to improve hormonal balance, work with the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, as well as promoting spiritual balance.

Speak with your doctor before using if you have any medical condition (including high blood pressure) or if you are taking medications.  When taken as directed, Ylang Ylang essential oil has no side effects and is tolerated well in most people.  If too much is taken or if someone is sensitive, this oil can cause headache and nausea.  I am in no way implying that anyone should self-treat for any condition.  Please ask your doctor for advice and proper dosage.

*** If you are pregnant or nursing, do not use without first consulting your doctor.  Not for use in children under 6.  Dilute heavily for topical use on children over 6.  Not for people on medication for hypertension without first consulting a physician.  This information has not been evaluated by the FDA.***

 

Ylang Ylang 100% pure essential oil can be purchased here: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

 

Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil

A common household spice in the US called Cinnamon is usually ground from Cassia, which is related to cinnamon and has similar characteristics as cinnamon does.  Cinnamon Bark essential oil is more costly than Cassia and a bit more intense.  Steam extracted from the inner bark of the Cinnamon (Lauraeceae) tree from Indonesia, the oil is used most widely as a stimulant.  Take care that what you are buying is actual Cinnamon Bark oil and not that of the leaves.  Both are widely available and they are different oils.

Cinnamon Bark is regarded as safe, however you really need to be careful not to ingest more than directed.  It’s hotter than a fireball and can cause a fair amount of discomfort (yes, it has bit me back).  In aromatherapy, cinnamon is used to clear the air of viruses and stimulate a better emotional state of mind.  Topical applications are always diluted with your choice of carrier oil and then applied to sore muscles or joints.

Benefits of Cinnamon Bark:
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Antiviral
• Astringent
• Disinfectant
• Stimulates moods, appetite and circulation
• Antibiotic for bacterial and parasitic infections
• Antidiarrhea while stimulating appetite

Companies have been adding cinnamon oil to toothpaste and mouthwash for its antiseptic benefits for decades.  Not only does it taste great, it leaves your mouth clear of bacteria and most viruses!  It is also known to gently benefit adult-onset diabetics by helping to lower blood sugar – its properties contain a chemical that works like insulin*.  Cinnamon bark oil is added to creams to reduce muscle spasms and also to help relieve joint and muscle pain or soreness.  People have used Cinnamon bark oil in small amounts (1% dilution) in warm water or tea to soothe the stomach and combat diarrhea.  In larger amounts, you may make your problem worse.  There are many people who say this oil should never be ingested by anyone.  I tried, I didn’t like it.  It was way too strong for me.

Cinnamon bark oil can be added to vodka or water to spray on surfaces to disinfect them, and it makes your kitchen smell lovely.

Please use with extreme caution after consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.   Children should not ingest Cinnamon bark oil as it could cause vomiting and diarrhea.  My daughter is okay with this oil topically when I use extra carrier oil in addition to other oils for colds.  I would not use it topically or internally on any child under six.  The claims above have not been evaluated by the FDA.  Use care with this oil, as it is recognized as generally safe.  Some people will be more sensitive to it than others.  And make sure you talk to your doctor about Cinnamon bark essential oil.

*If you have diabetes, please consult with your doctor before use.  If you take insulin, taking Cinnamon bark oil could possibly cause hypoglycemia.

http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

Autumn Scents and Comfort With Essential Oils

Fall is here.  Thoughts turn to apple pie, pumpkin spice, and warmth of home and hearth.  A doTERRA recipe I saw on Facebook for a diffuser scent invokes all of those feelings, and may provide additional benefits.

Diffusers used with essential oils should be ultrasonic or cool steam type.  Heat can change the components of essential oils, losing some of the benefits.  I get mine at Amazon.  There are several types of diffusers available.

I mix this recipe in a small amber glass bottle so that I have it ready.  It really is something you’ll want to use again and again.  It’s diffusing in the living room right now, and the scent is heavenly.

Autumn Scents:

•   2 drops Cassia
•   2 drops Patchouli
•   2 drops Wild Orange

Cassia is in the Laurel family and is closely related to Cinnamon.  The scent is similar but stronger.  It can be irritating to mucous membranes so usually needs to be combined with other oils, or diluted with a carrier oil if using topically.   Cassia is warming and can be soothing to aching muscles and joints (dilute with fractionated coconut oil). It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.  It has historically been used for many ailments and is generally considered safe for consumption, but only in a diluted state because of possible sensitivity.  If you add a drop or two with lemon to your water, it can settle your stomach and help to reduce hunger cravings. It should not be used with children under 6 or while pregnant or nursing.

From the Mint family, Patchouli’s scent is sweet and musky.  It is said to have many health properties and may even work as insect repellant.  It can be grounding and balancing to the emotions when used in aromatherapy and is frequently used for wounds, tissue repair, or other skin conditions such as wrinkles, scars and stretch marks when used topically.  It can can be used aromatically, topically and can be taken internally, but not by children under 6 and further dilution is recommended for children older than 6.  Consult your doctor if pregnant or nursing.

Wild Orange is from the Citrus family.  Its scent is similar to an orange held up to the nose.  It can be used to cleanse and purify both surfaces when diluted to make a multipurpose spray, or the air if diffused.  When diffused it is uplifting and energizing.  It contains powerful antioxidants making it valuable for overall health.  It also may have benefits against seasonal threats.  I often add a drop to my water as a flavoring agent.  It can’t hurt right?  It can be diffused, used topically or taken internally, but not for children under 6 and should be diluted for children older than 6. If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor.  If used topically, avoid sunlight or UV rays for 12 hours.

No essential oils should be taken internally unless they are 100% pure therapeutic grade.  It sometimes takes tons of material to yield a pound of essential oil.  Some sellers use additives so be cautious about sources.  I trust doTERRA, and this is a great source:  http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

Any health benefits mentioned above have not been evaluated by the FDA, and if you have medical conditions you should always consult your doctor before taking anything medicinally to assure there are no harmful interactions with medication you are taking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosemary Essential Oil

The popular culinary herb, Rosemary, has been popular in Mediterranean kitchens for centuries – probably even before there were kitchens.  The herb aids in the digestion of meat, and tastes wonderful when rubbed on chicken, beef or pork.  But this post is about essential oil.  I wouldn’t ingest this oil.  It is really, really potent.  For internal use, stick to cooking with the plant.

Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant Rosmarinus Officinalis.  It belongs to the Mint family, which includes lavender, basil, myrtle and sage.  It is a kind of evergreen that grows wonderfully in warmer climates that don’t have hard freezes, and smells absolutely divine in the garden or near your front door.

The health benefits of Rosemary essential oil are numerous.  From growing hair to insect repellant to healing organs such as the liver, brain and heart to strengthening the entire body.

Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil:
• Treats indigestion
• Appetite stimulant
• Regulates the creation and release of bile
• Stimulates blood flow, improving circulation
• Stimulates hair follicles
• Slows down premature hair loss
• Benefits dry scalp
• Disinfectant
• Removes oral bacteria, improving oral health
• Soothes respiratory problems due to allergy, colds and flu
• Antiseptic and antispasmodic
• Helps eliminate eczema, dermatitis, oily skin and acne
• Improves focus by stimulating brain activity
• Rich in antioxidants
• Stimulates the immune system
• Releaves most headache and joint pain
• Repels insects

The comforting aroma of Rosemary essential oil diffused will lift your spirits and improve concentration and lower stress.  Always dilute the oil before using topically using olive oil, fractionated coconut oil or another carrier oil at a ratio of at a maximum 2:1.  Dilute more if sensitivity is present.  For children over 7, try adding a few drops of rosemary essential oil into their favorite shampoo and conditioner as a guard against head lice.  If they don’t like the smell, use geranium.  There are ongoing studies of the benefits of rosemary.  This is truly a powerful oil.

Do not ingest Rosemary essential oil.  It has been know to cause severe allergic reactions, muscle spasms and vomiting.  Do not use if you have high blood pressure or are prone to seizures unless consulting your doctor first.  Do not use on children.  Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.  It has been know to stimulate the uterus, and there are claims that it helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.  Excessive use could cause a miscarriage.

Only use 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils!

As always, discuss the use of Rosemary essential oil with your doctor to be sure there is no interference with any medications you are taking.  Do not use this information in place of your doctor’s advice.  The above information has not been evaluated by the FDA.

Rosemary essential oil can be purchased here:   http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

The Dreaded Cold and Flu Season

 

Winter is on its way. Kids are generously sharing viruses and bringing them home to you and all who visit you. Time to clean the air in every room.

Aromatherapy isn’t just about moods. There are quite a few powerful oils that when diffused, kill bacteria, fungi and viruses in the air.  It also helps to alleviate symptoms of colds as well as the flu.

There is not one single recipe that is the best because there are so many oils that can help, depending on what brings your home the most comfort.  Lavender is universally good for moods as well as health.  I like to mix 4 drops of lemon essential oil and two drops of lavender in my diffuser and let it run for cleaner, lighter air during any time of the year.

But when fall rolls around and into winter, I will use a mixture of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary and cinnamon bark regularly to boost immune systems and keep the air cleaner in the home.  This recipe is similar to Young Living’s Four Thieves, which is wonderful. If applying it topically, dilute it in a carrier oil.  Be sure to use only therapeutic grade essential oils in this recipe.  When someone is sick in the house, I diffuse this mixture almost constantly.  I have experienced it, and it does work!

Clear the Air – Makes 2 milliliters

• 20 drops Clove Oil
• 18 drops Lemon Oil
• 10 drops Cinnamon Bark
• 8 drops Eucalyptus
• 5 drops Rosemary

Combine all oils together in a dark amber glass container of your choice.  Shake well.  This is your diffuser blend.

You can also use it to spray linens, mattresses, pillows, curtains, closets, doorknobs and any other surfaces around the house.  In this case, mix 20 drops in a 12oz spray bottle with witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar.  Shake well each time you use it.

To make a blend that you can apply to ears, chest, lower back and feet, use 3 drops of carrier oil to one drop of blend.  I would not apply to pets, and add more carrier oil if I were to put this on small children or babies.  If you want a thicker consistency, like Vapor Rub, use 3 drops per tablespoon of raw Coconut oil.  Mix it well.  It is warm and soothing on the chest and feet.  If you get cold feet in the winter you will love applying this to the bottoms of your feet and putting on your socks.

This blend kills viruses, is anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, relieves congestion, relieves sinus headaches, boosts immune response, and smells really, really good.

I don’t recommend taking this mixture internally.

Disclaimer:  This has not been evaluated by the FDA.  Be sure to consult with your doctor as you normally would for severe colds and flu.  I am not a doctor and I’ve never played one on TV.

Individual oils can be purchased here: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

 

Lavender Essential Oil

Hands down, Lavender oil is one of the most used oils in my arsenal.  I diffuse it alone or with Lemon or Bergamot, or Rosemary, Melaleuca or Eucalyptus.  As well as antidepressant properties, it is antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal and also can be a sedative.  I add it to my lotions because in addition to the pleasant scent, it offers the same benefits to the skin as it does to the air.  It may also help with acne, wrinkles and even balance the oils in your hair and scalp.

Pure Lavender Essential Oil has so many uses, and it is regarded as generally safe for human consumption by the FDA.  Always make sure you have 100% pure therapeutic grade oil.

Lavender Benefits Include:

• Anti-convulsant
• Antidepressant
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antitoxic
• Antimicrobial
• Antiseptic
• Antihistimine
• May minimize scarring
• Helps to balance body systems
• Reduces discomfort of rashes, insect bites and stings
• Relieves headaches

 

Lavender can be used in cooking and in beverages.  Some people will put a drop under their tongue to treat ailments ranging from edema to inflammation, from tension to depression.  It will lower fevers, help with pain, blood clotting disorders, and even expel parasites from the system.

Don’t forget to try this oil in a homemade insect (mosquitoes & ticks) repellant!

Test for sensitivity before use.  Some adults that don’t tolerate the straight oil well can try diluting it first before abandoning it altogether.  Lavender can be applied neat (undiluted) in adults and children older than 6.  On children under 6, dilute in carrier oil or water before using.  Should also be diluted for use on dogs and more so for cats.

Check with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or nursing.

100% therapeutic grade Lavender essential oil can be purchased at: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman