Essential Oils Blog

Feb 7, Nutritional Help

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:30:45 GMT

We all recognize the importance of good nutrition, but many may not be aware of the nutritional help that essential oils can bring. I've always been conscious of my diet and eating well, but as I'v

Feb 7, Lose Weight Naturally

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:14:12 GMT

Finally, a way for you to lose weight naturally – that really works. “I can't lose weight.” It's a statement made by thousands of people. . . thousands of frustrated people. And when you consider

Nov 23, Family Essential Oils. A natural way to a healthier household.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:48:34 GMT

Our family uses therapeutic-grade essential oils to address everyday health needs and improve our overall well-being. Your family can benefit from the power of natural healing oils too.

Aug 28, Vitamin Water

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:41:22 GMT

Is vitamin water any good for you? What do we know about its nutrition? Should you be drinking this product? Are there healthy alternatives to vitamin water?

May 26, Hot Tub Care

Thu, 26 May 2011 02:00:37 GMT

March 2010 Just out from a lovely dip in the hot tub. With the nice Spring weather this week I decided to change the water and clean it. Last time I changed the water? Hate to admit it … AUGUST! I usually try to change the water every 3-4 months but it just didn’t need it. Why, you ask? What’s different? GERANIUM – Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil. Since I purchased the hot tub in 2006, I’ve used Baqua Spa Chemicals to balance the water and keep it sanitary. Then, in October 2009 I read about using Geranium Essential Oil in your hot tub. All I have used since October is about 6 drops of geranium once a week. I was shocked as I emptied it – after 6 months of use. Typically when I empty the water from the pipes and pump it comes out milky colored and well … just gross. This time? The water from the pumps was crystal clear – no kidding! I also found the nooks and crannies that I usually have to scrub were just not that dirty at all. After refilling my 355 gallon tub, I put 20 drops of Geranium oil in and voila! All done. I’m excited at not only the financial savings, but the thought of no chemicals on my skin. UPDATE: May, 2011 Hot tub continues to be crystal clear with the Geranium essential oil. Now, I change the water only twice a year. There are a couple of other things I do to keep the water clean. When I fill the tub, I use our well water that is very highly alkaline and full of rust, too. Because of this, I use "Sodium Bisulfate", a mineral salt, to balance the ph before adding 20 drops of Geranium. Also, when we are using the hot tub regularly, I wash out the filters once a week with hose. Then, about once a month I put the filters in a tub of water with 8-10 drops of Thieves Essential Oil Blend. I soak them overnight, then put them back in the hot tub.

May 24, Vita Flex

Tue, 24 May 2011 03:29:06 GMT

One very effective way to apply essential oils is through the use of the Vita Flex Technique. This technique is a specialized form of massage of the feet or hands. It utilizes a complete network of

May 19, Insect Bite Remedy

Thu, 19 May 2011 03:27:28 GMT

Essential oils serve as an ideal insect bite remedy due to their anti-toxic and oil-soluble properties. One of the keys to their effectiveness is applying the oils as soon after an insect bite as pos

May 19, Natural Insect Repellent

Thu, 19 May 2011 03:18:33 GMT

An effective natural insect repellent is welcome to any who want to enjoy the great outdoors without the adverse effects that come from common pests and toxic repellents.

May 10, Massage Therapy Benefits

Tue, 10 May 2011 01:59:38 GMT

Massage therapy benefits are greatly enhanced by the use of therapeutic essential oils.

May 9, Raindrop Technique

Mon, 09 May 2011 23:02:59 GMT

I have personally benefited from what's called the Raindrop Technique in a big way.

Apr 8, Drug Resistant Bacteria

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:46:40 GMT

The occurrence of drug resistant bacteria has become a serious health issue in our time – and there's no sign it's going away soon. The overuse of antibiotics is a big contributor to the increase in

Mar 14, Natural Remedy for ADD

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 05:03:11 GMT

Looking for a natural remedy for ADD? Therapeutic essential oils provide an excellent alternative to drugs.

Mar 3, Natural Home Remedies

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:23:26 GMT

Natural home remedies are a great way to deal with the common ailments that can affect any family. And the popularity of such remedies is growing, too.

Mar 3, Pink Eye Remedy

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:17:06 GMT

I have found essential oils to serve as an effective pink eye remedy. In the situations I am aware of, therapeutic essential oils have brought relief for pink eye within a day, and have usually clear

Feb 15, Natural Cough Remedy

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 03:25:32 GMT

If you are looking for a natural cough remedy, there are a number of therapeutic-grade essential oils that can bring relief.

Feb 2, Earache Remedy

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:33:33 GMT

Many are surprised to learn that essential oils can serve as a very effective earache remedy. But it's true. We have found this to be so many times – even when there is an ear infection involved.

Jan 29, Essential Oil Use Chart

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:16:58 GMT

An essential oil use chart is an excellent way to become familiar with the wide variety of essential oil uses that exist.

Jan 29, Order Essential Oils

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:17:39 GMT

Wondering where to buy essential oils? You can purchase essential oils directly through me. I am a distributor for the world leader in therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Jan 24, Sore Throat Relief

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:55:38 GMT

Looking for sore throat relief? No matter what the cause of a sore throat, finding a remedy for its pain and discomfort is certainly welcome when it can be brought quickly and effectively. We have f

Jan 18, Ningxia Wolfberry

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:05:06 GMT

Ningxia Red is a potent whole food supplement powered by the legendary Ningxia wolfberry. We've found Ningxia Red so loaded with benefits that each member of our household drinks it daily.

Dec 7, Stopping the Common Cold

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 03:58:06 GMT

I woke up one morning a couple of weeks ago about 4:30 a.m with the kind of sore throat that let me know I would have a cold upon rising in the morning. I was tired, and really wanted to just go back to sleep. But I also did not want a cold. So, I overcame my sleepiness and did what I knew would stop this cold in its tracks. I gave myself a Thieves jumpstart. A Thieves jumpstart is a way of applying the essential oil blend “Thieves” in a systematic way in order to boost the immune system against a viral or bacterial assault on your body. Be sure and read the details of how to apply the Thieves jump start to make it work for you. There are a couple of keys that I believe make the Thieves jumpstart work effectively. The first is to initiate the jumpstart at the first sign of symptoms. This may be inconvenient, but it's at the initial stages of trouble that essential oils are most effective. At 4:30 in the morning I had no desire to crawl out of bed and do anything -- even if it had to do with essential oils. But I did, because I knew this would be the best way to beat this cold. The second key to making a Thieves jumpstart work is to apply it all of the way through as it's intended. You want to keep applying the oils until you've got your problem licked. That's what I did here, and it worked. At the first sign of a sore throat, I stayed awake doing the jumpstart long enough until I knew that I was overcoming it. When I woke up in the morning, I had no sore throat and felt really good, but I still applied Thieves every hour or so just to make sure this bug didn't sneak back up on me. On a side note, a day later my husband also was coming down with a cold in the night. He, um, wasn't quite as determined to avoid it, and did not get up and give himself a jumpstart. So, the next morning he woke up with a cold in its early stages. He sounded pretty plugged up, and decided he wanted to fight back a bit himself. So, he did. But instead of applying the jumpstart, he used clove. He began drinking lots of water, and every time he had a glass, he added a drop or two of therapeutic-grade clove oil. This made sense, because clove has a good history when it comes to wiping out bugs because of its antiviral properties. And for my husband, it worked. So, instead of having a cold that ran its normal course of seven to ten days, he knocked it off in two to three days. He has no doubt it was the clove oil that did it.

Nov 24, Bed Bugs

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:31:30 GMT

Bed bugs have become a real problem in American society. Since this recent outbreak of bed bug infestation began, there have been a lot of attempts to destroy the eggs but for the most part, it's had little success. After World War II, the problem of bed bugs virtually disappeared in our country because of the use of DDT. Once it was discovered this chemical caused cancer, however, it was banned. The banning of DDT, along with increased international travel, the popularity of second-hand merchandise, and a growing homeless population, has brought us a serious bed bug problem. In fact, the current variety of bed bugs are considered super bugs because they mutated in response to DDT. This has made it even harder to get rid of these pests. But there's good news. Research has shown that quality essential oils can work to get rid of parasites and menacing insects like bed bugs. Some of the most effective oils for this task are from trees. These include Palo Santo, Eucalyptus Blue, and Cedarwood. Palo Santo has a powerful resin that protects against infestation, making it a first choice against bed bugs. Eucalyptus has been used historically against bed bugs, and Eucalyptus Blue is the first anti-viral eucalyptus oil. And, cedarwood chips along with pine needles have been used in the mattresses of American Indians to ward off ticks and flees. With this in mind, here are some specific ideas for managing bed bugs either at home or while traveling. Bed Bug Spray
-10 drops of Palo Santo
-6 drops of Eucalyptus Blue
-5 drops of Cedarwood
Combine with 4 ounces of distilled water in a dark glass spritzer bottle.
Appy this spray to infested areas or items of concern like bedding, linens, pillows, etc. . . To go after nesting eggs, combine cornstarch or baking soda in cotton tea bags with Palo Santo, Eucalyptus Blue, and Cedarwood. Place the bags on the underside of the mattress. Here are some other applications worth trying, too.
-Wash bed linen with Thieves cleaner and Purification blend
-Use lavender oil or Purification on bug bites
-Diffuse Purification, Palo Santo, or Eucalyptus Blue
-Spray Thieves on beds between linen changes
Making use of these applications will do no harm if you have no bed bug problem. And if you do, it could be just what you need to wipe these little critters out. Any of these applications will make things smell good, too. Some other oils that people have found effective for bed bugs are lemongrass, lavender, and thyme. Here are the item numbers for each the oils mentioned to make your own bed bug spray and tea bag packets. Palo Santo, 3607
Eucalyptus Blue, 3597
Cedarwood, 3509
Contact me and I would be happy to help you order.

Nov 9, Family First Aid Training

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:38:36 GMT

At the recent Physican Assistant convention I took part in, there was a great speaker who gave a presentation on therapeutic-grade essential oils. His name is Dr. Peter Minke. Dr. Minke has his Ph.D. in cell biology, and is a former cancer patient. Out of Dr. Minke's own healing experience, he teaches others about getting healthy with various holistic methods, including essential oils. One area where Dr. Minke has developed some special expertise is in the area of family first aid and this is the topic he covered at the P.A. convention. This is the second time I've heard Dr. Minke talk about first aid with essential oils, and both times it's been extremely informative. It's been interesting, too, as he uses lots of real life examples. Probably the most memorable example to me is that of using the essential oil blend Valor to address bruising and goose eggs. (With a bunch of boys here, this is an application I definitely want to keep in mind.) Regarding this application, Dr. Minke makes a couple of worthwhile points. The first is that you want to apply Valor as quickly as possible to a bump or bruise. So, if your child falls and bumps his head, you want to run the other way and get your essential oils as quickly as you can then you can comfort him after you apply the essential oil. When it comes to applying the oil, you want to put it on generously. Valor is a thick oil, so you need to tap the bottle firmly to get the oil out. Once you get the oil coming, you don't want to stop until you have a puddle in your palm of about five or six drops. Remarkably, this approach does wonders to reverse the advance of bruises and goose eggs. Dr. Minke's first aid lectures are full of this kind of information. And now you don't even need to travel to a convention to hear him, because he has recently released a set of Family First Aid training CDs. In these CDs you not only get countless examples of how essential oils can be used, but also some invaluable principles and tips that will help you understand the use of essential oils a whole lot better. You can order this 2-CD set for yourself over at Dr. Minke's website, Free Spirit Enterprise A big part of using essential oils effectively is to learn more about them and their uses. Here's a resource that serves that end well. I highly recommend it.

Oct 31, Fire Ants

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:19:58 GMT

We're still wearing flip flops here in Florida, even as we embark on the month of November. That sounds like a lot of fun - until you discover you're standing on a nest full of fire ants. That's what I did last night while watching a few of our sons play soccer. There I was standing on the sidelines, and all of a sudden both of my feet felt like they were burning. I high tailed it to my lawn chair, and quickly applied my essential oils all over the affected areas. First, I put on the blend called Purification. This blend contains citronella along with other oils (lemongrass, Lavandin, rosemary, etc. . .) which do a great job neutralizing insect bites of all kinds. Next, I put several drops of peppermint on the area. Peppermint is always soothing because of its menthol content, and it serves as a good anti-inflammatory, too. It also has the benefit of driving the oil(s) layered beneath it further into your system, enhancing the effectiveness of your oils as a whole. This brought immediate relief. By the time I was done applying the oils the burning was gone, and the red welts from the ant bites were beginning to disappear. When I got back to the sidelines, a friend of ours said that I should expect my feet to be covered with little pimples by morning. When I heard this, I took it as a bit of a challenge and wondered what today would bring. Well, I'm pleased to tell you that today brought nothing as far as my feet are concerned. No welts or pimples. No irritation, no indication of fire ant bites of any kind. Once again, another powerful example of how therapeutic-grade essential oils can bring quick relief. But in order to maximize the benefits of these oils for yourself, you need to have them with you, and apply them as soon as they are needed. It's when they are applied in this way that you will find them to be most effective. My experience with fire ants shows again that essential oils can serve as an ideal portable first aid kit for a variety of concerns. Be sure and let me know of ways you have benefited from your oils in this way. The Family Essential Oils Facebook page would be a great place to post your comments.

Oct 21, Essential Oils Going Mainstream

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 02:35:07 GMT

I just got back home after presenting essential oils at two wonderful events. I'd like to tell you a bit about them so you can see how interest in therapeutic essential oils is growing. The first event I participated in was a marriage conference at the beautiful Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (MI). Celebrate Your Marriage was put on by Jay and Laura Lafoon. Both Jay and Laura are big essential oil users and they've been wanting to help some of their conference goers with them, so they invited me to come and give them a hand. The response to the oils was great. There was lots of interest from folks who want to take greater charge over their own health in a natural way including some doctors. It was very affirming to see how these oils make sense to people who are dealing with real health issues every day. The second event was Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants fall conference,in Traverse City, MI. At this event we presented essential oils to the 450 Physician Assistants in attendance in three different ways. First, we supplied an excellent speaker, Dr. Peter Minke, who spoke about family first aid and essential oils. Second, we provided a relaxation station that featured the application of essential oils. Third, we hosted a booth that enabled those at the conference to sample and learn more about essential oils. I spent most of my time at the booth. I felt a little intimidated when I was first setting up because there I was in the midst of a bunch of high-powered pharmaceutical company representatives. I even thought, “What am I doing here?” But not for long. I called my husband and he told me I was in a great position because I was presenting something that was entirely unique, powerful, and effective. And he was right. Throughout the conference we had dozens of P.A.s at our table asking questions about essential oils. (Even the pharmaceutical reps said we were the "buzz" of the conference). You could tell during the many conversations with physician assistants that a lot of lights were going on. And with new found understanding, there are now a host of P.A.s that are going to begin using essential oils. Why am I relating all of this to you? Because I want you to know that you are not a kook for using essential oils. You're smart. Sometimes when you use an unfamiliar health care method you can feel a little odd. May it not be so. My experience this past week has shown that essential oils are making inroads with families and health practitioners. You might even say they are in the process of going mainstream. As a result, in your own use of essential oils, you should not see yourself as unusual, just ahead of the pack!

Oct 7, Oregano Power

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 02:56:46 GMT

One of my first and most memorable experiences with essential oils was with oregano. I had it applied to me, along with a number of other oils, as part of a raindrop technique I received for some past scoliosis. I remember when I came home that day my husband said I smelled like a pizza. But more than that, we were thrilled with how it played a part in overcoming my scoliosis problem. Since then I've learned more about oregano and how many practical applications it has for common health problems. And there is research taking place regularly to study oregano's effectiveness against a variety of health concerns. The power of of oregano has been known for a long time. The Benedictine herbalist Hildegard used it medicinally back in the 12th century. Hippocrates used to administer oregano for stomach problems. Historically, oregano has been known for these important properties: anti-aging, powerful anti-viral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and as an immune stimulant. Recently, the research has shown that oregano has been effective in a number of specific areas. Here's a sample of what is being discovered about this oil. Kills bacteria that typically survives heat. Functions as a natural antibiotic against food born infection. Diluted oil can kill acid forming bacteria that causes gum inflammation and harms dental enamel. Overcomes chronic sinusitis caused by fungal infections. Effective against dandruff. Eliminates GI parasites in humans. May sterilize contaminated water Considered to have pharmacologic action against common bugs like candida albicans, E. Coli, and Salmonella. May help in cancer prevention. There's more, too. You might enjoy studying this further on your own. My favorite application for oregano is mainly for its antiviral properties. When it seems like I'm coming down with a cold, I take a “00” capsule filled with about 6 drops oregano, 6 drops thyme, 4 drops Thieves blend, and topped off with a good carrier oil. If someone has a virus that has settled in the chest, I like to apply oregano along with other oils like rosemary, RC blend, ravensara, copiaba, or peppermint to the spine. In a day when there is growing concern over drug-resistant bacteria and the side-effects about pharmaceuticals, the news about oregano is most welcome. Of course, in applying oregano to yourself in any of these ways, you only want to use a product that is quality, therapeutic grade. Note: Oregano is known as a “hot” oil and may irritate sensitive skin. If this occurs, use a carrier oil live olive or V-6 oil.

Sep 22, 90 Day Challenge

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 04:30:31 GMT

People today face all kinds of nagging health problems. These include maladies like allergies, arthritis, frequent colds and flus, headaches, high blood pressure, obesity, lethargy, and more. The sad thing is that lots of people resign themselves to living with these conditions. Oh, they might try some remedy for awhile. Or they might take a prescription or two. But after that, if there are no results, they often give in to their affliction and just make the best of it. But there is a key that should not be overlooked. Getting rid of some ailments can take some time. It's easy to think that any ailment should just disappear as quickly as it came. The problem with that thinking is that even though any given ailment may seem to have appeared overnight, usually it is the manifestation of something that's been brewing for some time. So, it may take a little while to get rid of the problem. Thankfully, in so many cases, with the right nourishment, rest, and time, the body can restore itself. Give your body what it needs, and it will take care of itself. That happens all the time. But it takes patience. Because it can take some time to shake some common nagging problems, I like to suggest a 90 Day Challenge to those looking for better health. During this 90 day period I encourage people to take some measures that they know would help benefit their condition.. For example, someone suffering with blood sugar issues might want to strictly avoid sweets for 90 days. I also encourage people to try some Ningxia Red, at the rate of one to two ounces per day. Ningxia Red is a delicious, nutrient-infused wolfberry juice. It energizes, fortifies, and replenishes. It brings many other benefits, too. For example, Ningxia Red is very high in antioxidants. In order to get the same level of antioxidant power that you have in one ounce of Ningxia Red, you would have to consume the following. . .

2 cups raspberries
4 pounds carrots
2 quarts carrot juice
8 oranges
1 pint orange juice
2 pounds raw beets
2 cups beet juice
3 cups blueberries

Together, that's 3 gallons in order to match up the power that's in an ounce of Ningxia Red! One reason why Ningxia Red is so effective is that it is infused with essential oils. This is significant because the oils penetrate cell walls making nutrients more available for your body's benefit. You can find more interesting facts about Ningxia Red at the Ningxia Red web site If you have some nagging health issue that's been afflicting you for awhile, don't give up on it. Take up the 90 Day challenge. I would be happy to help you set up a challenge that's right for you. And I can help you to get started with Ningxia Red.

Sep 13, Oil Testimonials

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:13:55 GMT

Many times I run into users of therapeutic essential oils who excitedly tell me about how they are benefiting from them. It happened again last night. My husband and I were out for a date night and we spent some time with a couple we hadn't seen in years. We knew that this couple regularly use the oils, but weren't going to bring the subject up. Well, we didn't have to. It didn't take long and they started talking about all these great changes that have taken place from their essential oil use. Thanks to lavender, both of them are avoiding allergy medication. No more Claritin. Thanks to peppermint, they've found relief from voice congestion. And thanks to Marjoram and the blend Aroma Life they've reduced some elevated blood pressure by 20 points. This was so significant that the doctor wondered how it was done. They talked about some other benefits, too. One of them was unexpected – and a little humorous. They discovered that drinking the essential oil fortified drink NingXia Red minimizes women's chin hairs! There you go – a testimonial for all the bearded ladies. I love hearing testimonials about essential oils. Not only are they encouraging, they often provide some new insight on how to use the oils for certain problems. If you like to learn from testimonials, be sure and check out the Oil Testimonial Web Site. This is a great way to learn how others have used therapeutic essential oils to address some of the same concerns you have. If you have a testimonial you would like to pass on, please let me know.

Sep 3, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:55:44 GMT

Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms are extremely common. The right essential oils can provide relief from these symptoms quickly.

Sep 1, Turning Your Health Around in a Hurry

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:49:03 GMT

I wanted to drop you a quick message to show you how therapeutic essential oils can help turn things around quickly when you aren't feeling well. This past week I was away traveling. It was a great trip with much accomplished. But, like often happens when you travel, I didn't get to eat as I'm used to, or get the amount of rest I need. By the end of the trip, I was pretty worn out. (Delayed flights and missed connections didn't help.) Just prior to getting on the plane for the trip home, I began to not feel well. So much so that I began wondering whether I should even get on the plane. I called my husband, and that helped. He prayed for me and told me to use my oils. So, as a good wife, that's what I did. I applied the essential oils in my carry-on bag as soon as I was on the plane. My oil blend Peace & Calming did a great job helping me get settled down, and gave me confidence that the flight would go fine. The blend Di-Gize did its usual reliable work calming down my stomach. The blend Harmony helped to give me a sense of being balanced and frankincense took away the dizziness I had been feeling. On top of all that, the blend Thieves put a good shield about me in the event I was coming down with something. The result of all the oils? The plane smelled great! More importantly, I felt much better. So good that I was able to hustle my way from Concourse D to Concourse A in ten minutes at the Atlanta airport – in flip flops -- to make my connecting flight home. Why am I relating this to you? Because everyone has occasions when they suddenly don't feel well for some unknown reason. And everyone has situations when this happens at what seems to be the worst of times – like the time you're just about to get on a plane. When this happens, you've got to figure out a way to feel better fast. And this is where essential oils come in. Time and again I have found them to quickly turn around how I feel in a hurry, so I can fulfill the responsibility facing me. For you to get the same kind of benefit, two things are necessary.. First, you need to have your oils with you. You can't be helped by the oils if you don't have them when you need them. Fortunately, essential oils are easy to take along, wherever you go. Second, you need to use your oils. Essential oils are powerful, but you need to get them out of the bottle and on your body to work. And don't be afraid to repeat applications or change oils until you've made the turnaround in the way you feel. Don't get caught needing a health turnaround without your essential oils.

Aug 22, EOs R Cool

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 02:37:29 GMT

I regularly pass on how impressed I am by therapeutic grade essential oils because they work so effectively. (We had another good example today when our oils brought my husband quick relief from three nasty hornet stings.) But there's another simple reason I like essential oils so much -- they're cool. That's the best word I can think of to describe them. How come? Essential oils are ancient. I like things that have stood the test of time, and essential oils certainly pass that test. They've been helping people for thousands of years. Essential oils and the plants that produced them also are mentioned over a thousand times in the Bible. Essential oils are powerful. Just a small amount of essential oils go a long way. For example, to get the same therapeutic benefit from one drop of pure peppermint oil you would need to drink 28 cups of peppermint herbal tea. Essential oils are valued. Because of the power of quality essential oils, they have had a high value placed on them through history. There's even evidence that the raiders of Egyptian pyramids preferred the stored essential oils over the gold. Essential oils are unique. There's nothing quite like essential oils. Because of their small molecular structure, they are able to access the brain in a way that brings remarkable results. It's because of this quality, many have found essential oils to help in overcoming emotional hurdles they face in their lives. Essential oils are diverse. There are so many different essential oils – frankincense, lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus – just to name a few. And they have so many diverse capabilities. They, for example, can be used for their antiviral and antibacterial properties, as an air purification system, for pain relief, for stress and anxiety, and even as a household cleaner. Essential oils are simple. With a little instruction, essential oils can be used by just about anyone. They can be used without much fuss, too. And, you can take them with you wherever you go. Essential oils are interesting. I'm always amazed how people find such interest in the subject of essential oils. I've even had some great conversations in the grocery store about them as people smell lavender or patchouli on me. Essential oils are special. They are not only so different than anything else, they also have a way of making you feel special when you apply them. In using them you know you are taking good care of yourself. Essential oils smell wonderful. Quality therapeutic essential oils can stimulate your sense of smell in a sensational way. Their aroma is incomparable and at times exquisite. Having mentioned all these qualities about essential oils, I hope you find them to be cool, too.

Aug 18, Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:18:04 GMT

Of all the natural cold and flu remedies out there, therapeutic essential oils are the best in my mind. Over the years I've tried a lot of natural cold and flu remedies, but I've found nothing as eff

Aug 10, Bladder Infection Remedy

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 01:01:53 GMT

Are you ever in need of a bladder infection remedy? If so, you will be interested to know that therapeutic essential oils have helped many suffering from this common problem.

Aug 6, Natural Insomnia Relief

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:08:11 GMT

Having trouble sleeping? Want to avoid sleeping pills or other medications to induce sleep? Essential oils can be a great way to bring natural insomnia relief.

Aug 4, How to Stop Excessive Sweating

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:20:25 GMT

Knowing how to stop excessive sweating is an important question for those afflicted with hyperhydrosis, which is the medical term for the problem of excessive sweating or perspiration.

Aug 2, Chicken Pox Symptoms

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:00:56 GMT

What are the telltale chicken pox symptoms, and how can they be relieved? Here's a quick rundown.

Jul 31, Skin Care

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:47:49 GMT

Lately, people have been paying closer attention to taking a more natural approach to skin care. And this makes good sense. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and functions like a huge sponge. Because of this, we're all susceptible to harmful chemicals that can easily be absorbed by the skin and stored in the tissues of the body. As a result, the products we use on our skin can have a bigger impact on our health than diet or exercise. For some time now, I have been totally avoiding petroleum-based skin care products and opting for natural alternatives – a big part of which are my essential oils. There are two oils in particular that I use every day, and I am thrilled with the good effects they are having on my complexion. These two oils are myrrh and lavender. Myrrh has been know for centuries as an excellent oil for the care of different skin conditions. Ancient Arabians, for example, used myrrh for conditions like chapped and dry skin, and wrinkles. Lavender has also been well-known historically for various skin problems, including acne, burns, eczema, perineal repair, psoriasis, scarring, and stretch marks. The way I use myrrh and lavender is like this. Every morning I wash my face with a natural cleanser and then apply a toner. After that, I rub in a drop or two of lavender, making sure to avoid the eye area. I then apply a natural facial lotion right over the lavender. Every night I follow a similar process, but this time using myrrh This approach is simple and has done wonders for my skin. I do want to mention that those who try this approach may develop some irritation if they have been using some synthetic skin care products. The reason is that the purifying nature of the essential oils will draw out impurities that have accumulated in the tissue. In these situations, analyzing one's other skin care products is a great place to start. Then, you would want to replace them with more natural products -- and this includes make up as well. There is a reason why myrrh and lavender have been recognized for centuries for their skin care benefits. Because of this, I don't want a day to go by without using them.

Jul 30, Natural Cold Sore Remedy

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:55:42 GMT

Looking for a natural cold sore remedy? Essential oils can be a great way to rid yourself of the pain and self-consciousness that cold sores can bring.

Jul 27, Blood Sugar and Ocotea

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:45:29 GMT

Many people suffer from what is often called low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Even it this has never been confirmed by a blood test, lots of folks will tell you that this is their problem when they have a spell that makes them feel weak, jittery, sweaty and hungry. We have a few of these individuals in our own family. Whenever someone goes through one of these spells, they need to address it quickly. For most, that means getting some food. Food made up of carbohydrates – like fruits and whole grains – usually bring the quickest relief. Personally, I've found something with a little protein – like almond butter – to provide help that lasts. But, we've also found an essential oil to be extremely effective with low blood sugar issues – and that essential oil is called ocotea (pronounced oh/ko/TAY/ah). Ocotea essential oil is extracted from the ocotea tree in Ecuador, and has the highest level of alpha-humulene of any essential oil. This compound is known to be able to balance the body's internal response to irritation. Ocotea is related to the cinnamon family, which is interesting because there have been studies done recently regarding cinnamon's ability to stabilize blood sugar. (By the way, ocotea tastes like cinnamon, too.) I have used Ocotea many times when I have been getting that low blood sugar feeling. All I do is put a drop under my tongue, and I'm back to normal within just a few minutes. I know of other people who like to put a drop of ocotea in a glass a water and drink it a couple of times a day to help regulate their blood sugar levels. When our youngest son, Matthew, needs some help in this area, I like to put a drop on a little bit of food. This happened recently in church when he was feeling woozy during the service. We slipped out and headed to the kitchen. There I found a bagel, and put a drop of ocotea on it. After eating it, he was quickly feeling like himself again. Sometimes just sniffing the oil will help, too. I like ocotea because I have found it to be simple and effective. And that's important because blood sugar problems are something you want to be able to handle without delay. A couple other things about ocotea? First, ocotea has been effective in lowering cortisol and blood glucose levels in diabetics. Second, ocotea has been used to curb the appetite and promote weight reduction. This little known essential oil provides some important benefits. It may be an oil that you, or someone you care about, should get to know better.

Jul 17, Canker Sore Remedy

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:55:58 GMT

The right essential oils can serve as an excellent canker sore remedy. And that's a good thing, because canker sores can be very debilitating and something most people want relief from fast.

Jul 14, Natural Remedy for Allergies

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:30:15 GMT

Essential oils can serve as an excellent natural remedy for allergies. That's been our experience on numerous occasions, making essential oils our natural allergy remedy of choice.

Jul 10, Frankincense Uses

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:42:22 GMT

I've been intrigued with frankincense lately and thought I'd share a bit of what I've been learning. Frankincense has been highly valued for thousands of years. Not only was it brought as a gift to the Christ child after His birth, it held a prestigious place in ancient economies. Today, the value of frankincense resin is becoming more and more recognized. This is in large part due to recent medical studies evaluating the impact of frankincense on various diseases and health concerns. Here are some present day applications of this ancient essential oil: ANTI-DEPRESSENT: Studies show may be effective in relieving depression, anxiety, and grief. CANCER THERAPY: Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous from normal cells and suppress cancer cell viability. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: Long used as an anti-inflammatory, frankincense has helped those suffering from arthritis and other causes of chronic pain. SKIN CARE: Going back to the ancient Egyptians, frankincense has been used to rejuvenate skin and even remedy scar tissue. ANTI-ANXIETY: The properties of frankincense can deepen breathing, helping one to cope with anxiety, fear, and anger. ANTISEPTIC: Frankincense smoke has been used to kill germs and arrest the spread of disease. It is still used today in the Middle East to repel disease-carrying insects. BOWEL DYSFUNCTION: Frankincense has shown to be a great alternative to modern drugs for problems like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS: Frankincense research shows it may alleviate asthma and allergies. VASCULAR SUPPORT: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, frankincense may inhibit plaque build-up in arteries. Frankincense can be used in different ways, depending on the application. While traditionally, frankincense has been burned to create a unique aroma, today it can be used with an essential oil diffuser. Topically, frankincense can be safely applied to the skin. Areas most common for topical use include the feet, forehead, neck, and temples. Quality frankincense can even be taken internally. The resin can be chewed and the oil can be taken in capsules or added to a glass of water. With the exciting frankincense research taking place, and the desire for alternative therapies to drugs, this ancient remedy is worth further consideration for people suffering from all kinds health problems. We regularly use frankincense ourselves and find it to be terrific.

Jul 9, Essential Oils for Acne

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:29:44 GMT

Natural acne remedies are in big demand as people try to avoid the use of harmful chemicals and prescription drugs. This is where essential oils for acne can meet a real need.

Jun 29, Cypress for Bleeding

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 01:23:49 GMT

Cypress has an interesting history. The Phoenicians used it for building ships and bows. The Egyptians used cypress wood for making tombs. There's even a legend that the cross of Christ was made of cypress. Well, I'm excited about a new application I've learned about for cypress essential oil. It can be used to control and stop bleeding. Whenever you're faced with someone bleeding, you know it needs immediate attention. But what do you use to address it? Essential oil from cypress is now going to be my first choice. Cypress has many properties, one of which is that it is a vasoconstrictor. That means it has the ability to narrow blood vessels, and that comes in really handy when you're trying to stop some bleeding because it helps to restrict blood flow. Recently, I've heard some great testimonials about people using cypress to take care of bleeding. One had to do with the stopping of a nosebleed. Another had to do with putting an end to hemorrhaging during childbirth. Other good uses would involve using cypress for cuts or bleeding gums. When applying cypress for bleeding you DO NOT put it directly on the affected area. Instead, you put it away from the area of the bleed. A good spot is along the veins on the inside of the arms. Because of the major blood vessels in this area you are able to get the oil into the blood stream quickly. Of course, as is true with any essential oil product, you only want that which is of high therapeutic-grade. If you are not using pure therapeutic-grade essential oils, I would not use them at all.

Jun 5, Ticks

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 22:55:13 GMT

Ticks are a big concern, especially with the increased incidence of Lyme Disease. The Northeastern United States and Upper Midwest is where Lyme Disease is most prevalent. But no matter where you live, you want to be careful of ticks because they can carry other diseases as well, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Like just about every kind of problem, taking preventive measures is always best. But even with prevention, the need to contend with a tick can arise.
Recently, one of our sons, Jordan, was taking pictures in a nearby nature preserve. When he came home, he found a tick burrowing into his leg.
When he showed me, I didn't panic, but I did want to move fast to get that critter removed.
People have long used a warm match head or sharp tweezers to remove ticks, But not surprising, I thought of using an oil.
I knew we'd had great success removing slivers with my Thieves blend, so I thought, “Let's give it a try!” So, we applied a drop or two right on the thing, and that loosened him up so he was easy to pick off. It was that simple.
Other oils that may help to remove ticks or chiggers are thyme or oregano diluted 50 percent. The phenols in these oils – like the clove in Thieves – will usually make them to let go and squirm to get away form the oil.
After a tick has been removed, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the spot, and you can use oils like tea tree, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, or Melrose to sooth any irritation.
Stay away from those ticks the best you can!

Jun 2, Cough Remedy Recipes

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:04:06 GMT

Even when we're not in the cold and flu season, a cough can come on you or someone in your household, so a good remedy for coughs can come in handy. Here's a simple recipe made with essential oils and honey that we've found effective. . . 1 drop lemon
1 drop orange
1 drop frankincense
1 drop peppermint
1 teaspoon honey
We've found this recipe to give immediate relief with even stubborn coughs. Here's another approach that I just learned someone else found successful. It really helped a 10 year old boy stop coughing and get to sleep. All they did was apply Thieves, frankincense, and peppermint to his feet and chest. With this, their son was able to stop coughing and go to sleep. After waking up once at night coughing again, they applied this combination once more and found success right away. Sometimes oils need to be applied more than once, so don't be afraid to repeat an application to attain the relief you are looking for. Another thing to keep in mind is that one mix of oils may be more effective for you than another, so it's good to have more than one recipe on hand.

May 24, Using Portable Oils

Mon, 24 May 2010 22:37:58 GMT

A little while back I wrote on the "portability" of essential oils and provided a list of the essential oils I take with me wherever I go. Since then, I've been asked how I most commonly use these oils. So,in answer to that, here again is the list of the oils I take with me and how I might typically use them. . . Lavender - allergy relief, burns, spastic colon or menstrual cramps (with peppermint layered over it), stress, assistance in sleeping when traveling, preventing plugged ears when flying (put on cotton ball piece and place in ear), sunburns. Wintergreen - headaches (including migraines), improving breath, charley horses (muscle spasms), pain/inflammation. Melrose - wounds, to stop bleeding, poison ivy. Lemon - put on throat area for mucous in throat, add to drinking water at restaurants. Ginger - motion sickness in car and plane (with peppermint layered over it - put behind ears and over stomach), nausea. Frankincense - dizziness (put a drop in palm of hands and place over the area directly in front of ears and hold it there while inhaling), inhale for general ill feeling - put over brain stem area and forehead between eyebrows. Ocotea - blood sugar imbalances (put a drop under tongue) Purification - bug bites, purify air of bad smells. Valor - use when in need of courage, and to help to balance body (referred to as chiropractor in a bottle). Peace & Calming - To bring a calming effect, help relax. Peppermint - nausea, itching, headache, sinus congestion, improving breath, freshening water, and other uses. Thieves - removing slivers, preventing sickness when feeling it is coming on, canker sores. R.C. - congestion, tickly cough (put some on finger and hold on throat area where cough seems to be stemming from), and colds. Di-Gize - upset stomach, stomach cramps, diarrhea, food poisoning. Patchouli - nausea (layer peppermint over the top - put oils behind ears and over stomach). Well, that's the list. Hopefully, you'll find some ideas here that you can benefit from. But I encourage you to experiment some yourself to see what works best for you. Bye for now. Laura

May 17, Wintergreen for Headaches

Mon, 17 May 2010 15:53:35 GMT

I'd like to pass on a quick word about wintergreen and its effectiveness for dealing with headaches. Headaches are such a common affliction, so I thought this was worth getting out to you. Whenever I've had a headache, I've been accustomed to using peppermint as one of my first essential oil choices. The same is true for other people, and peppermint has brought great relief to many suffering from headaches. But lately I've been hearing about a lot of people getting headache relief from wintergreen. My aunt, for example, has used it successfully for migraine headaches. I've heard others using wintergreen with success for other types of headaches, too. So, I decided to give it a try. Last week I had the opportunity when I had a horrible headache beginning to set in. I grabbed my wintergreen, and rubbed some into my temples, forehead, and back of the neck. I inhaled some as well. The result was remarkable. My headache symptoms seemed to lift almost immediately. Within a short time, I had forgotten all about it. This shouldn't be surprising. Wintergreen is known as an effective pain reliever, and is often used in ointments for musculoskeletal problems. From now on, I'm going to be reaching for wintergreen when I get a headache. You may want to give some good, therapeutic-grade wintergreen a try, too.

May 14, Portability of Essential Oils

Fri, 14 May 2010 01:14:40 GMT

One of the things I like so much about using essential oils is that they are so convenient. And a reason they are so convenient is that they are highly portable. I take my essential oils with me whenever I leave the house. That way I've got them readily available if a need arises. I cannot count the number of times I've used my oils while out and about. Usually it's just for me or someone in our family. But on occasion I'm glad I've got them with me to help out a friend or even a stranger. Whether it's a headache, upset stomach, fatigue, sliver, bug bite, burn, or twisted ankle, essential oils are what I want to have with me to apply immediately. Of course, I do not take all of my essential oils with me – just those that I use most commonly. For me, these include: peppermint, wintergreen, frankincense, lavender, lemon, ocotea, Patchouli, and ginger, as well as the blends PanAway, Valor, Thieves, Di-Gize, Melrose, Purification, and R.C. I carry the oils in a nifty little zippered carrying case that I got from YL Wisdom. You don't need to have the case to carry your oils, but if you are keeping them in your purse, it is a good idea to keep them contained in some way. If you are just taking one or two with you, you could always just drop them in a pocket. This is what my husband does. However you choose to carry them, do take your essential oils with you. There is nothing more aggravating than having a need arise that your oils can address, but not have them with you. One more point. When you have your essential oils with you away from home, do not leave them in a hot car as this may diminish the therapeutic quality. It's a great feeling knowing you are equipped with quality essential oils wherever you go.

May 14, The Essential Oils Lifestyle

Fri, 14 May 2010 00:41:20 GMT

Once you get accustomed to the power of essential oils, they become a part of your lifestyle. My friends know that's true of our family so they will often ask me while we're out: Hey, Laura, have you got some peppermint (or lavender, or melrose. . .)? You get the idea. Well, our family is not the only one that has incorporated essential oils as a way of addressing everyday health needs. Here's an example of how our friends Tom and Kathy use the oils in their family. . . Our family uses our essential oils in a variety of ways: For bug bites that cause itchiness or stinging, we apply a drop of Lavender onto the affected area. During the initial stages of head colds, we diffuse RC throughout different rooms in the house. For those persistent symptoms we continue the oil use. For sore throats, a drop of Thieves directly to the back of the throat or for the younger children we place a drop of Thieves onto a piece of bread or in a teaspoon of Agave nectar for them to swallow. For sinus and nasal congestion we apply one drop of Peppermint to the tongue and press the tongue to the roof of the mouth. For us brave souls, we apply the drop of oil directly into the nostrils. We have also made tea with RC, Agave and steamy water. My wife and I are runners and inevitably get various forms of tendonitis in the feet and knees. We regularly use either Wintergreen, which is a natural anti-inflammatory, or Panaway. We sometimes enhance the oil application by using a hot pack on the area for 20 minutes. Consistent use seems to cut the inflammation symptoms down by at least 50%. My wife and I also use the essential oils simply because they smell good. I occasionally apply Valor or Mister to my head and inhale its aroma deeply whereas Kathy likes the blend called Joy. For our toddlers and infants, we have used Peace and Calming prior to bedtime. Especially after a diaper change or bath, a drop on the soles of the feet or the nape of the neck produces a great aroma and a soothing sense for both the babe and us his parents. Lots of good ideas here -- and they show how any family can learn to use essential oils in a way that works for its needs. Something else I like about this testimony? Both Tom and Kathy are dedicated health care professionals (a physician assistant and pharmacist) who have discovered the effectiveness of therapeutic-grade essential oils for addressing common health issues.