Body Butter In the Extreme

One of the things you realize quickly once you start using Essential Oils and researching healthy alternatives, is that you can formulate different items you usually buy in stores, with who knows what in them, but in a healthy and even beneficial way.

Body butters are very easy to make.  You need to make sure to keep your proportion of solid oils and butters and liquid oil to 3:1.  I say solid oils, because Organic Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature and for this purpose is considered a solid.  For every 1 1/2 cups of solid butter or oil, add 1/2 cup of a liquid oil.  The liquid can be any that you choose.  Use a skin nourishing oil.  Olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, or safflower oil will work fine as will many others.  Then add a teaspoon of Vitamin E.  That’s it, except for the essential oil of your choice which should be added after cooling before whipping stage.

There is a trick in keeping your butters from being gritty.  Keep the oils in the double boiler on very low heat after they melt for 20 minutes.  In fact please remove the word boil from your consciousness.  The butters should never “boil.”  We buy raw butters for a reason.  Don’t cook it out. You may have to wait longer, but keep your heat very low.  Most butters will melt at just above room temperature, all become liquid at around 90 degrees.  Be patient.

After the 20 minutes, put the top of the double boiler in ice water and wait for it to cool slightly.  When you start to see it solidify on the sides of the bowl, it’s time to get busy with your mixer.  Leave it in the ice water while you do this.  It speeds the process.  Add the Essential Oils of your choice, and beat it up like you’re making frosting. Scrape the sides of the bowl to keep the solidifying butters involved in the process.  It’s easy to beat, begins to solidify as you beat, and begins to look like frosting.

Mango butter is white.  It is made from the seed of the mango, so don’t expect it to smell like mango.  That was a disappointment.  However it is pretty much unscented, so whatever oil you put in it will not be overpowered.  It has some skin protective qualities where sun is concerned, so I was not concerned making a body butter with Citrus Bliss, a heavenly blend of Citrus oils with a little vanilla, that is usually referred to as Invigorating Blend.

Citrus Bliss is a a mood supportive blend of oils that helps to energize you and lift your spirits. There are UV cautions after application but in this case, in its diluted quantity in the Mango Butter which naturally protects your skin from sunburn, it should not be an issue.

Combine these in the top of a double boiler over low heat:
1 Cup of Raw Mango Butter (get it here http://www.amazon.com/Mango-Butter-White-Raw-Lb/dp/B00AEIVIGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427568014&sr=8-1&keywords=mango+butter
1/2 Cup Organic Coconut Butter (I get it at BJ’s but it’s available everywhere, including Amazon).
1/2 Cup of liquid oil of your choice. Use cold pressed.
1 tsp. Raw Organic Vitamin E (optional).

Once the oil melts (and this could take a while, but be patient-you don’t want to cook out all of the good stuff), let it stay over the heat for 20 minutes.  After 20 minutes, take the top of the double boiler and set it in a bowl of ice water.  Don’t let any water get into the oils.

After about 15 or 20 minutes you’ll start to see a layer of solids on the outside of the bowl.  Now add about 30-40 drops of Citrus Bliss (or the oil of your choice which you can get here: http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/#/ .  Stop adding when it smells the way you want it to.  Scrape the sides of the bowl with your spoon and start beating.  Once it’s the consistency of creamy frosting, it’s time to load it into your jars.  This recipe will fill almost four 4 oz jars.

Hints: You can replace the Mango Butter with Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, or any butter as long as you keep those proportions.  They do have more of a scent, so might need more Essential Oil to get your desired result.

Happy buttering!

 

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Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot Seed oil is steam distilled from the seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace (daucus carota), or the wild carrot plant.  It has a very strong earthy and warm aroma.  I really like the grounding scent of this oil.  My daughter is repulsed by it, probably only because of it’s potency.  It’s a matter of personal preference.  Just a drop adds a pleasant base to oils like ylang ylang and lavender when mixed together in a carrier oil for a face moisturizer.  This is one incredible oil that packs a healthy punch.  But be careful that what you are buying is 100% pure daucus carota essential oil, harvested from the seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace.  There are many places to buy carrot seed oil, make sure the company you decide to buy from is reputable.  Native American Nutritionals is one of my favorite places to look in cases like this, when the oil I want isn’t carried by doTERRA.  They also have very high standards in every single oil they put their name on.  Young Living would be another safe option.  I would be very wary of any low cost carrot seed oil on the market. Never buy any oil if it is labeled as “natural” “fragrance” or listed to be used for “aromatherapy”.  Cheap carrot seed oil is likely adulterated in some way, which decreases or may even eliminates some of the health benefits.  Keep in mind that fragrance oil or “natural oil” is not the same as pure essential oil.

Benefits of Carrot Seed Oil:
• Antiseptic
• Antiviral
• Detoxifies
• Diuretic
• Disinfectant
• Digestive Support
• Purifier
• Stimulant
• Tonic

Carrot Seed oil is an effective antiseptic.  When applied to wounds, it can prevent infections.  It can cure infections of the skin as well as numerous skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, carbuncles, sores and ulcers.  When ingested* as directed it can help cure infections of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.  It effectively relieves bloating and gas as well by regulating the flow of digestive juices.  It also helps your body to flush toxins from your system because it is a diuretic.  This benefits tissues, blood, muscles, kidneys and the liver.  Also, it’s immune-boosting antioxidants help fight off viral infections such as the flu, mumps and the common cold.

In addition to wounds, its benefits for the hair and skin are numerous.  It’s disinfectant qualities are incredible.  To use this oil as a skin cleanser, add a drop to a teaspoon of olive, almond or jojoba oil and massage into your face.  After 3-5 minutes, rinse your skin with lukewarm water and blot dry.  I use a little carrot oil in lotions, salves and hair and scalp conditioners.  Suitable for all skin and hair types, it can help keep your skin looking young, nourished and rejuvenated.  Mature skin benefits greatly by the improved elasticity and texture.  Carrot Seed oil can also help reduce the size and appearance of scars, wrinkles, discoloration, cellulite, and prevents sagging while evening out your tone and texture.  To reduce the potential of photosensitivity, always dilute with a carrier oil when applied topically.  If you experience issues with photosensitivity, try to reduce or eliminate your sun exposure for 12 hours after use.  On the scalp, Carrot Seed essential oil encourages new hair growth while helping to prevent hair loss.  It improves elasticity in hair, even in curly hair, preventing breakage and frizz.

For me, Carrot Seed oil’s real magic lies in its ability to rejuvenate your skin, tissues and blood at the cellular level.  It stimulates growth of new cells and tissues, which is helpful, especially to the mature body that might be slowing down.  It is believed that this quality in conjunction with its antioxidant properties, purifying and detoxifying benefits, neutralizes free radicals and even helps fight cancerous cells.

As a stimulant, this oil really performs.  Carrot Seed oil stimulates the circulatory system as well as metabolic function.  It stimulates the production of hormones and enzymes, as well as gastric juices and bile.  It also helps keep your digestive system on track, by promoting movement through the intestines.

Women who suffer from endometriosis or other painful menstruation conditions will find relief when using this oil.  It helps keep your hormones steady and improves the process, which results in less pain and more regularity.  For centuries, women used the seeds of wild carrot to prevent pregnancy.  This oil is more potent than a spoonful of seeds, and may cause bleeding, so please use care*. 

*Do not use this oil if you are pregnant.  Ask your doctor how this oil can help you before use if you are nursing.  Because Carrot Seed is a stimulant, do not use on anyone with Epilepsy or if there is a risk of seizure.  Can be used diluted one drop of essential oil to 5 drops of carrier oil topically on children over 6.  If you have any medical condition or are taking medications, consult your doctor before use.  Do not use internally at all unless the supplier suggests it as an appropriate use.  When taking internally, so so strictly as directed by a doctor or certified aromatherapist.  Carrot Seed oil overdose can cause vomiting and convulsions. 

The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA.

 

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

 

Love Your Skin with Tamanu, Jojoba and Essential Oils!

Oils for your face?  Well I used to be skeptical.  Beauty products have always been a miss for me.  When I was a teen, the ones that fought acne dried my skin out terribly, the moisturizers always seemed to bring back the zits, and I still had the oily skin.  As I aged, the pimples declined in number but the oily skin persisted, with the errant zit showing its ugly self when I least expected it.  I gave up spending a fortune on ineffective face washes, astringents and moisturizers years ago and had been using olive oil for a while to clean and moisturize my face because it was the only thing I found to work –– until I found the magic of Tamanu nut oil, Jojoba oil and the benefits of essential oils.  Olive oil alone was okay to clean my face, but it really didn’t help cut the amount of oil my skin produced. It also did nothing for blackheads.  These are two recipes that I have created and used with success on two different skin types.  Try one.  You won’t be disappointed.  If you have combination skin, try the recipe for oily skin.  The initial cost may seem fairly high for all of the ingredients but are cheaper in the long run.  Store them in a cool, dark place, and the oils are good for a year, more for the essential oils if stored with the same care, and you’ll never again have to spend hundreds falling for beauty product promises that end up in landfills because they just don’t work.

Base Oil Blend:
• 20 Drops   Tamanu Nut Oil
• 20 Drops   Jojoba Oil

Oily Skin Recipe:
• 4 drops   Carrot Seed essential oil
• 6 drops   Ylang Ylang or Lavender essential oil
• 6 drops   Bergamot essential oil
• 6 drops   Lemon essential oil

Other essential oils that treat oily and combination skin: Frankincense, Clary Sage, Helichrysum, Cypress, Orange, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Tea Tree.

Dry Skin Recipe:
• 4 drops   Cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops   Carrot Seed essential oil
• 6 drops   Ylang Ylang or Lavendar essential oil
• 6 drops   Lemon essential oil
• 2 drops   Geranium essential oil

Other essential oils that treat dry skin: Myrrh, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose Otto, Rosewood and Sandalwood.

Tamanu Nut Oil Benefits:
Antibacterial – acne fighter, aids in healing cuts
Astringent
Anti-inflammatory
Inhibits staph and candida infections
Aids skin regeneration – reduces appearance of scars & wrinkles
The oil actually protects your skin from the sun with an SPF of 20!

To make Tamanu oil, the nuts are harvested, dried for a month and then cold pressed.  There should be no additives, no other method of extraction should be considered and the origination should be Madagascar.  The oil is a deep, earthy olive-yellow in color and has a pleasant, nutty aroma.  It is a must for creating your own personal facial moisturizer, regardless of your skin type.  From young to mature skin, there are just too many benefits to leave it out.  It is gentle and can be applied directly to your skin.  In 2 weeks my oily skin was balanced with improved texture, my pores less visible, blackheads nearly gone and my skin tone evened out.  My neighbor’s incredibly dry skin was smooth and hydrated, less tight-feeling and had experienced improved texture.  She swears she will never go back to the chemical-laden cream hunt.  Just like essential oils, you don’t need a lot.  It can be used alone, but it blends really nicely with Jojoba oil, which I recommend.

Jojoba is an incredible oil in its own right because it contains virtually all vitamins and minerals required for healthy skin (and hair), plus it has many of the same benefits of tamanu oil!  It mimics your own sebum production, so your skin actually creates less, stopping that unsightly shine from developing in oily and combination skin.  People with dry skin can count on relief that lasts all day long.

Both oils can be used in the oil-cleaning method.  To do this, massage 3 to 4 drops onto your face and neck.  Let it sit for a bit so it can mingle with the oils in your skin, and then rinse with warm water.  They both fight stretchmarks, heal chapped lips and last a long time, regardless of weather when applied. Other uses include burn relief, including sunburns. They are also considered a good treatment for nail fungus as well as athlete’s foot.

People are having good results in fighting eczema and psoriasis with tamanu oil, reducing itching, moisturizing the skin and killing bacteria that can cause infections.  Also people with shingles have had good results.

Moms, remember to use tamanu nut oil if your baby is suffering from diaper rash.  You’ll never go back to the old Butt Paste standby. It is an all natural, gentle, soothing, antibacterial, antifungal and healing oil.  Do not use on any child who has a nut allergy.

Dogs, cats and horses with skin problems can be topically treated with tamanu nut oil.  It is regarded as safe for them.

***Tamanu oil is regarded as safe but do not use it if you have any allergy to nuts.***

Please see additional information on essential oils before using, and as always, if you are taking medications or have health issues, consult a doctor before using any essential oil.

Questions and comments are always welcome.  Thanks for stopping by.

 

Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils can be purchased at:  http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

Organic Homemade Lip Balm

On my journey learning about essential oils, I came across some homemade remedies using organic materials.

I don’t know about you, but winter is chapped lip time.  The wind and the cold is just brutal to lips.  Using petroleum based products is not very appetizing, nor is it likely healthy.  With just a few supplies in less than half an hour, you can make your own far superior products.  All of the supplies are available through Amazon.  You’ll need an eye-dropper or what they call a pipette to transfer the balm into your lip balm tubes or pots.  You can use either; it’s up to you.   The disposable pipettes make cleanup a lot easier.

You can also get cocoa butter, beeswax and coconut oil at Amazon.  Remember, both coconut oil and cocoa butter will melt in your hand, or in a container in your pocket. You need the beeswax to help keep it solid.  I usually carry mine in my purse.

This balm is very luxurious and long lasting.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. beeswax.  I used Organic, premium quality, cosmetic grade from HansiOrganics (sold on Amazon).
2 TBS Organic Cocoa Butter (also at Amazon).
1 TBS Organic Coconut Oil, not fractionated.
1 Vitamin E Capsule contents
10 drops of your choice of essential oil. I used Peppermint (available here: http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/)
Makes 6 tubes

In a glass pint or smaller jar placed in a small pan with a small amount of water in kind of a double boiler effect, slowly melt the beeswax, cocoa butter and coconut oil. Cut the end off of the Vitamin E capsule and dump into the glass jar. The beeswax will melt slowly. When contents are completely melted, add the essential oil and stir.

Then take your pipette and transfer the melted mixture to the container you choose. As they start to harden they will shrink slightly and can be topped off. If you keep it in the hot water it will stay liquid long enough for you to do this. That’s how easy it is.

This can be changed to a healing balm by changing the essential oil. You can choose any that are considered safe. There are essential oils that speed healing of Herpes Simplex cold sores.  Lavender, Tea Tree and Oregano Essential Oils are all good choices. Whatever you choose, keep it at 10 drops essential oil for this mixture. While there are studies on individual essential oils for their effectiveness against Herpes Simplex, they have not been verified by the FDA.  Results may vary.

Anything you use on your lips should obviously be safe, so always use 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.

With all natural remedies, if you are under the care of a doctor, or are pregnant or nursing, consult your medical provider.  As always, make sure the oils you use will not interfere with any medications you are taking, or if you plan to use them on children, that they are safe.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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