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

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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

Doggy Deodorant

I have a 70lb Redbone Coonhound.  If you know hounds, you know they stink.  They stink even when they get out of the bath – no matter what.  Then they roll in something and stink some more.  I have tried dry shampoo, regular shampoo, deodorant, as well as baking soda, vinegar and just about any home remedy that one can think of.  I decided to give my oils a try after checking thoroughly that these oils were not harmful to dogs in this application  This recipe is safe for 50+lb dogs.  You will not believe it.  Try it.  You have to if you have a stinky dog like me.  Your dog will not only love you for the massage, he or she will love the extra cuddles and kisses you and your friends insist on giving after they go from dirty dog rank to light citrusy lavender. This blend will also repel mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.

Be sure that you do not spray this solution directly on your dog’s head.  Your dog won’t like it, and you want to make this a good experience.  Use a towel or paper towel to refresh the head, ears and neck.  Please do not get this into the eyes.  Don’t pour the liquid directly onto the fur. Make sure you are using high quality essential oils and test a small area first to make sure your dog isn’t sensitive to anything in this solution.

Otis, our Redbone, enjoying a hike to the local waterfall.

Doggy Deoderant:

1 cup of water in a spray bottle
8 drops eucalyptus oil
6 drops lemon oil
3 drops of lavender oil

Shake well and spray all over except for the head and neck.  You don’t have to get the pup wet, less is more, and you don’t want to encourage licking.  This should not be ingested. Work the oils into the fur with your hands or a towel.  Spray the solution onto a towel or paper towel and wipe down the head, neck and ears.

That stinky old dog smell will is gone before you are finished wiping him or her down.  Bury your nose in your pooch’s fur and enjoy cuddling again!

Try Bergamot Essential oil in place of the Eucalyptus oil in the recipe above for a safe refresher if your pooch is a licker, or if you plan to use the spray frequently.

These oils are highly concentrated.  Always use them responsibly.  For a smaller dog I would dilute the oils with another cup of water or cut the oils in half.  Ask your vet before using if you have a miniature breed.  Do not use if your dog shows sensitivity. Eucalyptus oil can be toxic if ingested in larger amounts, causing vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.

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