How to Use Peppermint Essential Oil

If you have any questions regarding Peppermint Essential Oil or would like help in ordering Peppermint Oil , please contact me and I’d be happy to help you.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

The above usage of Peppermint was taken from “101 uses For Young Living Essential Oils” - thanks to Peggy Brackett and the many others that have contributed to the creation of this list.

What does Back Pain, Blisters and Poison Ivy Have in Common?

Me! Well, actually, I hope that they have nothing to do with me but the likelihood is very good!

For the past 3 hours my love, my oldest son, and I have been cleaning out the ivy in our front yard What a mess! The ivy on the hill in my front yard is my Nemesis! I don’t hate many things in life but I do hate my ivy. Why? Because it needs so much attention to look decent, many vines and unwanted things live there like Poison Ivy, and mostly because it is back breaking work to clean it up.

When we called it quits today my back was aching, my hands were filled with blisters (in the most tenderest spots) and there’s a good possibility that I probably got a little poison ivy on the part of my wrist that kept getting exposed.

Knowing that I will probably need some sort of first aid to deal with all of this, I decided that I’d look up what oils I can use to alleviate blisters and poison ivy in my Essential Oils Desk Reference (3rd Edition). I already know that PanAway will be awesome for my aching back, I’ll just have to get my love to give me a massage.

I thought since I researched this information I would share it with you. Here is the information I found in the reference book:

Blisters - It occurs when there is an accumulation of fluid underneath the skin. When the blister bursts, the revealed tissue beneath may become infected.
Single Oils: Lavender, Tea Tree, Frankincense, Sandlewood, Melissa, Cistus, Roman or German Chamomile.

Blends: Purification, Inspiration, Melrose

Dilute essential oil with a carrier oil (such as V-6 or Sweet Almond Oil) 50-50 and apply to blistered area 3-5 times daily.

Poison Ivy -

Single Oils: Peppermint, Eucalyptus dives, German Chamomile, Lemongrass, Lemon, Idaho tansy, Tea Tree, Rosemary, basil

Blends: Thieves, Purification, Sensation, Melrose, Gentle Baby, R.C., JuvaFlex, JuvaCleanse, Release.

Dilute essential oil with carrier oil (such as V-6 or Sweet Almond Oil) 50-50 and apply 4-6 drops to affected areas twice daily.

Back Pain - As I mentioned above, I didn’t need to look this up. For any kind of back, neck or muscle pain I use PanAway. This is a soothing oil containing wintergreen that immediately brings a warming sensation to the area where it has been applied and begins to alleviate the pain. This oil previously only came in 5ml bottles but now comes in a 15ml bottle! Thank you Young Living!

I am also sitting on my Balance Ball Chair (scroll down for discount coupon on the right side of this page) as I write this. Its awesome for any kind of back pain. It takes the pressure off of the spine and frees it from pain. I highly recommend this chair to anyone who experiences any kind of back pain. I gave one to my love for Christmas. I had it shipped to his office and ever since he’s been using it he hasn’t complained of any back pain!

Thankfully I have Lavender, Purification,
Peppermint and PanAway on hand and I’ll begin applying the Lavender to these blisters.

It looks like my massage will have to wait; my family is calling me. Its to the beach we go! I’ll let you know how the Lavender worked on my blisters.

If you have any questions on ordering any of these Young Living products please contact me. I’d be happy to help!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Headin’ to NYC for an Overnight Getaway - I’m Bringing My Thieves

My darling husband has surprised me with an overnight getaway for our 15th wedding anniversary and my birthday!! I am so excited to head out and leave all our cares behind.

Of course I will be packing my essential oils - I just can’t be without them! I will also be packing my Thieves Spray to make sure that I spray all surfaces in the hotel room.

My husband laughs when I do this but honestly, when you read the study done by the researchers from the University of Virginia Health System on the presence of germs in a hotel you’d be this prepared too!

The study found that when a consumer checks into a hotel, many times they find the previous guest has left something behind — their cold! They found that many objects in the hotel room were contaminated by the previous guests.

Dr. Owen Hendley, professor of pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the UVa Health System said “To my surprise, in a hotel room occupied overnight by an adult with a cold, everything from television remote controls, telephones, light switches and faucets were contaminated with rhinovirus”.

Thieves Spray kills germs on contact and its so portable. Take it with you wherever you go and are sure to run into unwanted germs. Thieves essential oil blend has been university tested for its effects against unwanted microorganisms.

I will be prepared not to pick up any unwanted germs on this quick getaway and I most sincerely hope that the next occupant of my bed and breakfast room has some Thieves Spray on hand for their stay because, sadly, I will be arriving with a cold!

Do you need help with ordering Young Living Products or do you have a question about the product line? Contact me, I would be happy to help you!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Beach Bag Essentials - Oils that is!

Ahhh, Summer - its officially here!

Despite the debate as to whether the Summer Solstice (the unofficial mark of Summer’s start) is the 20th or 21st of June, I know its here because the kids are finally done with school and my thoughts are turning to lazy days and fun times.

If you live in the proximity of the beach then another unofficial mark to the start of summer is the packing of the beach bag.

My beach bag has expanded to more than one bag over these last few years, heck, just needing 6 beach towels will do that! But for the most part my beach bag still includes the basics with a few extras for the little ones. Gotta keep ‘em happy!

Here are some suggestions for a well packed beach bag. Some are no-brainers but there are a few “essential” additions that just might make that trip to the shore a bit more enjoyable:

• Beach Bag - of course, can’t pack a beach bag without a bag
• Sunscreen - I know you don’t need to be reminded of this however, I did want to point you to a report of the best and worst sunscreens with regard to the amount of chemicals they possess and their effectivness. Take a look at the Enviornmental Working Group’s Report they released last year and choose wisely. I think you’ll be surprised, like me, to find that 85% of 1,074 sunscreen products they tested had inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns.
• Water - goes without saying. Try spiking your water with a couple of drops of Lemon Essential Oil or Peppermint Essential Oil. Both are very refreshing and envigorating. Read how great Lemon water is for you here.
• Snacks - Add some non-perishable high energy snacks in your beach bag and even when the cooler is empty there will be snacks available. I like to keep pouches of NingXia Red, trail mix, or granola bars. I’m going to order the new Manna Bars and add them to my bag. They’d be a good addition as they are loaded with great whole food nutrition and they sound super yummy!
• A Good Read - The beach is a great time to catch up on your reading, so grab something new from the Bestseller List or that book that you’ve been meaning to read for years. I’m starting my summer reading with Quantum Wellness by Kathy Freston.
• Disposable Camera - capture those precious moments without the worry of having your good camera getting ruined.
• Peppermint Essential Oil - great for helping you cool down! Add a couple of drops to your water, rub on your feet, or you can put a few drops on a bandana to wear around the head for summer cooling. Mixing Peppermint and Lavender oil with water makes a very simple and pleasant Cooling Spritz (see recipe below).
• Lavender Essential Oil - Make a Cooling Spritz and Sunburn soother in portable spray bottles and add to your bag (see recipes below). Feeling a little stinky? Apply a couple of drops of Lavender under your arms to use as a portable deodorant. Lavender will not only cover any unpleasant odor, it also prevents the occurrence of odor-causing bacteria.
• Lavaderm Cooling Mist - if you don’t want to make your own Sunburn Soother than you can purchase this pre-made skin soother. It includes Lavender Essential Oil and Aloe Vera. Its great as a first aid spray and for soothing bug bites!

If you purchase an Essential 7 Kit you’d have 3 essential oils mentioned in this post…..


• Horsefly Repellent - to me, nothing can ruin my day at the beach more then when those pesky, biting, flies arrive to nibble on our toes, and legs, and arms and well, you get the picture. You can repell them by making a floral water with Idaho Tansy essential oil (see the recipe below). Bathing on the dock of the bay? Then mosquitos may be your problem. Check out my Mosquitoes Bugging You? post for an insect repelling recipe.
• Cornstarch - easliy removes sand from your feet. If you’d like to make it more refreshing add some essential oils (see the recipe below). Please don’t use babypowder. Inhaling baby powder has been linked with respiratory illnesses.
• Garbage Bag - please bring an extra bag with you to stash your trash! While you’re at it, do what my family does and get each one in your beach party to pick up their trash and one extra piece of trash. The beach critters and us loyal beach goers would greatly appreciate it!

Order Young Living Essential Oils here…….

Recipes:

Lavender and Peppermint Cooling Spritz

Add 5 drops Lavender and 1 drop Peppermint to 1 cup distilled water. Spritz on arms and legs to help you cool down. Do not spray near face; if you wish to use this mixture near the face, dampen a cloth and lightly apply to the face.

Sunburn Soother

Add 20 drops Lavender to 1 ounce water and 1 ounce Aloe vera. Spray on affected areas as needed.

Horsefly Repellent

Add 10-20 drops of Idaho Tansy Essential Oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Spray generously on exposed skin being careful to avoid the eyes.

Foot Powder
Measure the cornstarch and pour it into a widemouthed glass jar or a spice powder container. Then add the essential oils. Tighten the cap, and let the foot powder sit for a day. Shake before using.

Chamomile: 20 drops
Clove: 5 drops
Cinnamon: 5 drops
Cornstarch: 2 Tbsp

Foot Powder Recipe from 500 Formulas for Aromatherapy: Mixing Essential Oils for Every Use by Carol & David Schiller, ©1994.

Happy Summer! I hope you enjoy it and that you create many special memories with your family and friends!

If you have any questions or need help placing an order please contact me. I’d be more than happy to assist!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

R.C.™ To The Rescue

I love when my essential oils alleviate a symptom or heal me or my family without the use of over the counter medicines or prescription drugs.

When my oils bring comfort to my family it brings me great satisfaction and helps reaffirm, for me, that there are natural solutions that can be used to help my family maintain their health and bring us relief when needed.

Last night my essential oils came to the rescue and brought with it great relief and great satisfaction!!

Last night one of my dear children started in with her allergy related croupy cough. It was a threatening cough and I became concerned for our night ahead and the possibility that I would be waking in the middle of the night to administer a nebulizer to my daughter. Even my husband had that “we are in for it tonight” look on his face as my daughter headed for bed.

I have had great success with R.C.™ and Raven essential oils in the past for congestion issues with my children so I decided to pull out the R.C.™ . I mixed it with some sesame oil and rubbed it on my daughter’s chest and back. I then gave her some homemade Honey Horehound cough medicine and silently said a little prayer that sleep would be in our lives this evening.

My daughter settled in nicely and I was very hopeful. About 3 hours into my sleep I awoke to her coughing. I knew in my heart that I needed to either get her more cough medicine and/or put some more oil on her chest and if I didn’t, for sure, I would be pulling out the nebulizer to help her breath. I dreaded waking her for this ordeal but if I didn’t do something I wasn’t going to be able to get myself back to sleep due to my fretting over what was to come.

I decided that I would do the least disruptive solution and that was to set up the diffuser in her bedroom.

Read About Diffusing Here

I added about 20 drops of the R.C.™ oil into the diffuser and started it up. Once the oil began circulating in the room my daughter’s coughing stopped immediately and she didn’t make another sound the entire evening. When she woke in the morning her cough was no longer a croupy cough but sounded more like a cough that was breaking up. Even better, she barely coughed all day!

R.C.™ is an Essential Oil blend created by Young Living and consists of four different eucalyptus oils and other oils that are perfect for supporting the respiratory system. This oil blend is very beneficial in the diffuser to decongest and relieve allergy-type symptoms such as coughs, sore throat, and lung congestion.

Order Young Living Essential Oils Here…

Please contact me if you have any questions or need help placing an order. I’d be happy to assist you.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. This information has not been evaluated by the Federal Food & Drug Administration.

Alkalize with Lemon Essential Oil

Have you ever stumbled across something that was so simple to do, that took very little effort to add to your life, and brought great rewards? I love these kinds of moments because simple and me go perfect together. And when these ideas affect my health in a big way, well, for me, its like hitting the lottery!

I have one of those simple ideas for you and the effect it will have on your health is huge! Ready?

Drink a glass of lukewarm water with lemon juice in it every morning. Better yet, drink lemon water throughout your day. What’s so great about lemon water?

Lemon water is very alkalizing and when your body is in an alkaline state your body functions more optimally.

The body’s entire metabolic process depends on an alkaline environment. When we ingest too many acidic or acid-producing foods, excess acid corrodes tissues and organs, which leads to illness, sickness and disease. In addition, acid also provides a favorable environment for harmful bacteria and other micro organism that can damage organs, glands and body cells.

Its nice to know that simply drinking a glass of lemon water can help maintain the alkalinity of the body and ward off the acid that causes so much damage, but there are additional benefits to drinking lemon water. Here are a few:

• Cleanses the digestive system and helps eliminate waste products from the body more efficiently.
• It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea from taking place, by ensuring smooth bowel functions.
• Relieves symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching.
• Good Source of Vitamin C.
• Enhances the beauty of your skin, rejuvenating it from within.
• Cleanses and aids in eliminating waste in the liver.
• Helps cleanse the kidneys.
• Eliminates water retention and helps with weight reduction.

• Lemon is antiseptic thereby able to help reduce or prevent infection
• Contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
• Lemon juice has been known to relieve asthma.
• When served hot, offers relief from cold and flu symptoms while providing some much needed Vitamin C.
• Flushes out body toxins
• enhances concentration and decision making
• contains over 68% d-limonene. D-limonene has been extensively studied for its ability to combat tumor growth in over 50 clinical studies.

Great stuff right?

HUGE benefits - very little effort. AWESOME!!

Add some Lemon water to your life and see if you don’t feel the benefits!

You can make this an easy habit to incorporate by using Lemon Essential Oil. A bottle of lemon essential oil is so portable it makes drinking lemon water throughout the day simple and lets face it, it sure beats carrying lemons around with you

In addition to convenience Lemon Essential Oil is concentrated so a little bit goes a long way. You should know that it takes 3000 lemons to produce 1 kilo (2.2lbs) of lemon oil. Imagine how much benefit you’ll receive from 1 drop of lemon oil in your water.

Homemade Cough Syrups

I recently had a request for the homemade honey cough syrup recipe that I made for my children this year. Its a wonderful cough syrup that I am sure some of you could benefit from during this time of allergies when coughs become bothersome. I took a swig tonight and it rid me of the annoying tickling cough that I have been experiencing all day today. Why it took me all day to think of it is beyond me but I am very comfortable now while I type this out.

The cough syrup worked great for my family this past cold season; it even worked well on my husband whose coughs are generally tough to kick. Click here to read the article for a couple of different recipes. I can only vouch for the effectiveness of the horehound and honey recipe.

If you were to make any of the recipes with the highly antimicrobial Manuka Honey (click here to read about this awesome honey) you’d have a nice homemade cough medicine. Horehound can be found in a natural food market or health food store that sells herbs. I found horehound tea bags and made the recipe that way. Manuka Honey is becoming more popular and also can be found in natural food markets and health food stores.

I hope you experiment with these natural cough solutions and utilize the healing benefits of honey. You’ll even have a natural solution for your coughs instead of using all those over the counter medicines that are questionable for you and especially your children to use.

If it is allergies that you are suffering from, Lavender and Young Living’s blend Harmony might be just what the doctor should have ordered. I’ll save that for tomorrow’s post. Let me know if you try these recipes and how they work for you.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth