Heading Back to School - Your Oils Arsenal

Are you ready for back to school? If you’re a parent with a school aged child this is a question you hear constantly this time of year. My answer is always no!

Let me clarify, from a tangible, physical standpoint we are ready - we have our clothes, our backpacks are packed, and we have our much needed school supplies but it seems, in our house, we are never emotionally ready.

In our house the start of the school year is filled with emotions. Depending on which one of my four children you speak with you’ll get a different emotion associated with school. The range is wide and includes nervousness, anger, excitement, anticipation, and confidence. Add to that my own anxiety and anticipation for what the school year will bring and what you have is a house filled with emotions running on high.

To me there’s no better time to ensure that my back to school arsenal is well stocked with essential oils and nutritional supplements to help make a smoother transition from summer to school. It gives me some peace of mind to know I can help alleviate some of our anxieties with proper nutrition and with the help of 100% pure essential oils. Following is what I have in our back to school arsenal to help us start the school year off right.

Good nutrition is key for a happy mind and body and is vital to build a healthy immune system. To help bolster my kids’ emotional and physical health I supplement their diets with:

• Kids MightyVites - A nutrient-dense whole food source multi-vitamin which contain super fruits, plants and veggies that deliver the full-spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients for children’s developing bodies.
• Omega Blue - clinically proven dose of omega-3 (EPA, DHA) fatty acid nutrients. Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help children who cannot focus while at school. We’ve had great results using Omega-3 fatty acids. These work great for my older guy as he can swallow pills but for my younger ones I use Coromega Omega-3 Supplement
• NingXia Red Singles - I drop one of these single packs in the kids lunch boxes to give them a good boost of vitamins and minerals in the middle of their day. Its an excellent way to ensure they are getting their needed vitamins throughout their day.
• Manna Bars - a multi grain snack bar made with nutrient-rich whole foods. The bars are a healthy snack alternative to other sugary non-nutritious snacks and give good steady energy to busy minds and bodies.

• Lemon - When diffused, lemon has been known to refresh and stimulate the mind, improve memory, and promote a sense of well-being. Its scent is revitalizing and uplifting. My middle guy will have this on his Terra-Cotta Pendant, especially on his first day of first grade. This is his favorite oil and I am sure it will bring him comfort while away from home. We will also be diffusing lemon while doing homework.
• Peppermint - Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness. We’ll diffuse this oil during homework if we are having trouble concentrating.
• Clarity - After researching this blend for a friend I had to add it to our arsenal. I am putting this essential oil blend in a roll on for my oldest son to discretely apply to his wrists when he feels he needs focus. After reading about the benefits of Clarity I am hopeful that it will help.
• Jasmine - My daughter Cait will wear this on her Terra-Cotta Pendant. Jasmine relaxes, soothes, uplifts, and enhances self-confidence. This is her oil of choice and in my opinion, it couldn’t be a better oil for her to take to school.
• Peace and Calming Essential Oil Blend - This is a must have! When diffused, it helps calm tensions and uplift the spirit, promoting relaxation and a deep sense of peace. When massaged on the bottoms of the feet, it can be a wonderful prelude to a peaceful night’s rest. Peace & Calming may be especially calming and comforting to young children after an overactive and stressful day.
• Thieves Essential Oil Blend - My children won’t leave for the day without a loving foot rub with Thieves Essential Oil Blend. This is a fun ritual we perform every morning. Its a great time to give your child that extra love they need to start the day happy. You’ll also be giving their bodies help in fighting off all those nasty germs that they encounter throughout their day.

And while I am providing my children with good nutrition and helping them by using essential oils it is ever important to make sure I am protecting them from all the germs that are abundant in their classrooms. So, in addition to their morning foot rubs, each of my children’s backpacks contains their own Thieves Hand Purifier for use throughout their day. I love this hand purifier because it doesn’t contain the antibacterial triclosan nor the dreaded isopropyl alcohol that poses problems when children ingest it. I love this purifier because the Thieves essential oil blend remains on the skin to continually purify long after application.

What’s in your back to school arsenal?

If you have any questions or would like help with any of the items discussed above, please contact me. I am more than happy to help!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

The Dangers of Using Antibacterial Products

Are you familiar with Triclosan? Triclosan is a pesticide; a potent wide spectrum antibacterial and anti fungal agent. Triclosan is one of the most common active ingredients in all the beloved antibacterial products people love.

As a society we are obsessed with killing germs and keeping our environment disinfected. We’re even looking for our cutting boards, bibs, and high chairs to include some type of antibacterial protection and the government is hearing our cries.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), as of July 2008 the federal government has approved the pesticide Triclosan for use in 140 different types of consumer products including liquid hand soap, toothpaste, undergarments and children’s toys.

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for keeping our homes and bodies clean but this need to kill germs is causing much larger problems for us. The following facts will help explain why:

• According to the World Health Organization, disinfectant and antibacterial products are resulting in stronger, more resistant bacteria. Triclosan kills most - but not all - of the bacteria it encounters. The germs that survive emerge stronger and harder to kill in the future. This can make normal household germs more resistant.
• The American Medical Association recommends that triclosan not be used in the home as it may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
• A 2002 Swedish study found high levels of triclosan in 3 out of 5 human breast milk samples.
• A study of over 200 healthy households found that households using antibacterial products did not have any reduced risk for runny noses, coughs, and other symptoms of infectious diseases.
• Researchers have raised concerns about triclosan and its link to dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic chemicals that can cause severe health problems such as: weakening of the immune system, decreased fertility, altered sex hormones, birth defects, and cancer.
• Girl Scouts in St. Paul, Minnesota found that when they tried to use triclosan to kill bacteria they were growing for a science fair project, the bacteria actually started growing.
• Triclosan, when washed down the drain, is making its way into our water system and is highly toxic to a number of different types of algae which are the primary producers in many aquatic ecosystems.
• When triclosan reacts with chlorine found in tap water, chloroform is produced. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen.
• Research suggests that normal water treatment procedures could convert triclosan into a toxic dioxin and the conversion can be triggered by strong sunlight.
• Triclosan bio accumulates or becomes concentrated in fatty tissue in humans and animals that are exposed to this chemical.

These facts make it clear, triclosan isn’t good for our health or our environment. Unfortunately there are over 973 products listed in the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database containing triclosan. I bet you won’t have any trouble finding products you use on this list.

What can you do to make sure that your exposure to this hazardous chemical is limited?

1. Watch for triclosan (and triclocarban, its chemical cousin) in personal care products. Read ingredient labels and use the Cosmetic Data Base to see which of your current personal care products contain triclosan.
2. Switch your personal care products to those that are all natural and free of triclosan and other hazardous chemicals such as Young Living Essential Oils. Young Living offers many personal care products that include Skin Care, Hair care, Bath and Shower Products, Kids products and, Oral Hygiene. Click to see the entire essential oil based product line here. (then click on the Personal Care tab)
3. Switch your antibacterial cleaning supplies for those that are considered natural and non-toxic such as Young Living’s Thieves Essential Oil based Household Cleaner

Order Your Triclosan Free Personal Care Products Here…..

1. Make your own antibacterial cleaning products using essential oils. Essential oils are the lifeblood of a plant and the oil serves as its own chemical defense against fungus and infection. When used outside of the plant the essential oil is a powerful antibacterial and in fact, has been used to neutralize germs as far back as 1887. Here is a great article from another Young Living independent distributor on house cleaning with essential oils.
2. Forego antibacterial soap. Use Thieves Foaming Soap instead. Its made with the most potent antibacterial essential oils: clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary.
3. Avoid “Antibacterial” Products - these products may be labeled “antibacterial,” or make claims such as “odor-fighting” or “keeps food fresher, longer.” These products may be toys, bedding, bath accessories, and clothing. I think you will be surprised when you view the list of government approved products allowed to contain triclosan here. Shop for natural home items at Gaiam.com and Acacia Catalog.

Would you like to learn more about Triclosan and what the Environmental Working Group is doing to help get this hazardous chemical banned? Click here to learn more and if you like what you see and you support what they’re doing why not click on their donate button and give them some support.

If you have any questions regarding this information or would like help getting chemicals out of your life, contact me. I’d be happy to help.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Related information: Rub A Dub Dub….Is Cancer in Your Tub?

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

Look At All The Great New Products Released at the Young Living 2008 Convention!!

Last week Young Living introduced fabulous new products at the 2008 Convention. There is much buzz about them and when you take a look below you will see why.

Personally, I am very excited about the Essential Oil Roll-Ons (especially Valor), The Kid’s Mighty-Vites (I have been waiting for these for my children), and how can I not be excited about the new Ultra Sonic Diffuser? After all I am a diffusing junkie!

Take a look and see what new products spark your excitement…

Essential Oil Roll-Ons
Three new, portable, no-mess roll-on application.

Deep Relief™ (#3534) - a proprietary blend of wintergreen, peppermint, Palo Santo, copal, and other formulated to relieve muscle soreness and tension.

Tranquil™ (#3533) - a proprietary blend of lavender, cedarwood, and Roman chamomile formulated to calm and relax the body and mind.

Valor ®(#3529) - an empowering combination of therapeutic-grade essential oils that works with both the physical and spiritual aspects of the body to increase feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem in the face of adversity. Renowned for its strengthening qualities, Valor enhances an individual’s internal resources. It has also been found to help energy alignment in the body.

Supplements

EndoGize (#3090) - is especially formulated to support a healthy and balanced endocrine system in women. How to use: Take 1 capsule twice daily. Use daily for four weeks. Discontinue for two weeks before resuming.

KidScents MightyVites Chewables (#3215) - Using nutrient-dense whole food sources, the new MightyVites contain superfruits, plants and veggies that deliver the full-spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients for children’s developing bodies. The new MightyVites chewable tablets feature an enhanced vitamin-mineral source and two new and improved natural flavors: orange cream and mixed berry. Using nutrient-dense whole food sources, the new MightyVites contain superfruits, plants and veggies that deliver the full-spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients for children’s developing bodies. The new MightyVites chewable tablets feature an enhanced vitamin-mineral source and two new and improved natural flavors: orange cream and mixed berry.

Balance Complete™ (#3292) - New formula - is a super-food-based meal replacement that is both a powerful nutritive energizer and a cleanser. Offering the benefits of Ningxia wolfberry powder, brown rice bran, barley grass, extra virgin coconut oil, aloe vera, cinnamon powder, and our premium whey protein blend, Balance Complete is high in fiber, high in protein, and contains the good fats, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals needed for a nutritionally dynamic meal. Balance Complete also features Young Living’s proprietary V-Fiber™ blend, which supplies an amazing 11 grams of fiber per serving, absorbs toxins, and satisfies the appetite while balancing the body’s essential requirements.

Manna Bars

Apple/Cinnamon #3076 & Apricot #3075) - a healthy and delicious snack, Manna Bars are full of natural flavors and nutrient-rich whole foods like juicy apples, wolfberries, crunchy almonds, seven whole grains, pumpkin and sesame seeds, and essential oils.

Power Meal (#6300) - a delicious, satisfying, rice-based meal replacement, Power Meal is rich in calcium, antioxidants and amino acids, and delivers an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving plus a complete vitamin, mineral and enzyme profile.

All-natural personal care products infused our pure, therapeutic-grade lavender oil.

Lavender Lip Balm (#5203) - Repair and moisturize lips with nourishing blend of ingredients such as lavender essential oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.

Lavender Bath Gel (#5202) - relax your body and rejuvenate your mind with a soothing bath of nature’s finest lavender essential oil. All-natural ingredients work to refresh and condition your skin as you unwind from your busy day. Pour directly into the water for a luxurious bubble bath, or drop a quarter-sized amount onto a bath sponge and lather.

Lavender Hand & Body Lotion (#5201) - bring life back to your skin with this all-natural lightweight moisturizer infused with skin-loving lavender essential oil. Added nutrients such as wolfberry seed and jojoba oils fortify your skin’s natural moisture barrier to maintain long-lasting hydration.

Lavender-Rosewood Bar Soap (#3673) - soothe and soften the skin as you cleanse with a nourishing all-natural formulation of ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, and nature’s finest lavender essential oil.

Thieves Dental Floss

Thieves Dental Floss - infused with Thieves® and peppermint essential oil. Available in 3 pack (#4464) or single (#4463).Companion products: Thieves Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste (#3744) and Thieves Mouthwash (#3683) - both are highly recommended!

Diffusers

Travel Fan Diffuser (#4457) - convenience and portability to essential oil diffusing. The Travel Fan is capable of diffusing any essential oil. It diffuses by blowing cool air through the essential oil pad, releasing the therapeutic benefits of the essential oil into the air and allowing the oils to be easily absorbed. The Travel Fan Diffuser uses a quiet but powerful mini fan and all natural high-density essential oil pads, and has output that can fill room as large as 1000 sq. ft. Includes 1 lavender essential oil (5ml).

Ultrasonic Diffuser (#4456) - an essential oil atomizer that can diffuse any essential oil. Using an optimal frequency of 2,400,000 cycles/second, Young Living’s Ultrasonic Diffuser atomizes cold water and essential oils, breaking up molecules into a microscopic mist. Capable of diffusing any essential oil, this new model offers a deeper well enabling longer more continuous diffusing without frequent refilling. Other unique features include a timer, with five different cycle option; a soothing light system guaranteed to set a calming mood in any room in your home; and three different diffusion rates for easy saturation control, all of which are unique to Young Living.The Ultrasonic Diffuser includes 1 lavender essential oil (5ml) and 1 Citrus Fresh essential oil (5ml).

Essential Oils

Feelings Kit (#3125) - features six essential oil blends formulated by D. Gary Young to promote emotional clearance and self renewal. This collection includes Valor, Harmony, Forgiveness, Inner Child, Release and Present Time.

RutaVaLa (#3419) - promotes relaxation of the body and mind. It helps ease tension and relieve stress. The blend helps overcome negative feelings while encouraging a positive attitude and comfort.

If you have any questions about all these new wonderful products or if I can assist you in placing an order please contact me. I’d be happy to help!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth