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familylifescsaping-blog · 5 years

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All About Lemon

All About Lemon Video What is a Lemon? The lemon tree, which is an evergreen, originated in China or Northeast India and can grow to be around 20ft (or 6 meters) tall.

Lemon Orchard It produces lemons (aka citrus limon) that are a popular fruit due to their versatility in drinks and in both sweet and savory recipes. However, instead of the traditional steam-distillation process, its essential oil is obtained from cold pressing the rind of the fruit. It takes approximately 75 lemons to make one 15ml bottle of lemon essential oil, or about 250 drops. And of course, as usual, we’re only talking about Young Living’s essential oils. You can tell with the aroma of this one, that you’re ONLY getting lemons in your bottle. It smells AMAZING. So, Why use Lemon and Lemon Vitality Essential Oils? Lemon has many wonderful properties that are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle, including the naturally occurring constituent limonene, which is known for its cleansing properties. As a result lemon is a key ingredient in many health products and essential oil blends. It also contains other key constituents such as Alpha-Pinene.There are multiple research studies that are available to the public detailing its benefits. Pub Chem When taken internally, lemon vitality has antioxidant properties that can support a healthy immune system. It supports the nervous system and keeps your system alert with its potent properties. It can also balance pH levels to the alkaline state. Remember, if your body pH is low, your body will be acidic and so you will have less of a response to essential oils. And diseases thrive in an acidic environment. It’s very insightful to delve into other culture’s historic usage of lemon, so I highly recommend you do a little research. Click here for a starting point. The aroma of Lemon also revitalizes and lifts the spirit. When you diffuse this essential oil you’re also getting a bright aroma that can tackle strong odors. So, How To Use Lemon Essential Oil Aromatically Lemon is a wonderful air freshener, but you can take it up a notch by adding 6 drops of lemon and 6 drops of purification into a glass spray bottle with distilled water. Shake it up and use it in the bathroom as an air freshener. As I’ve mentioned several times before, there are endless combinations you can come up with to diffuse. Here are some that include lemon, which I regularly diffuse: The most popular is probably LLP, which contains 3 drops each of Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint. Running low on the Raven blend? No problem, I combine 3 drops each of Lemon, Wintergreen and Eucalptus Radiata, especially at bedtime. It’s summer, so try this one to help you get in the right mood: 1 drop of Lemon, 3 drops of Lime and 4 drops of Stress Away. And here’s one I’m diffusing right now for the first time, which has: 2 drops of Lemon, 3 drops of Grapefruit, 3 drops of Orange and 1 drop of Bergamot. Now, How To Use Lemon Essential Oil Topically

Safety Alert # 1 To avoid photo-sensitivity, some essential oils such as citrus oils, should NOT be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light for several hours. This is why you don’t normally find people bathing in lemon essential oil. Having said that… if you have blond hair there are plenty of recipes to brighten the look of your hair that contain lemon. If you happen to find me handling fish after a successful fishing trip, there would be no doubt that I would be using a couple of drops of lemon oil on my hands and rubbing it in throughly at the end of the day. How To Use Lemon Vitality Essential Oil Internally Lemon vitality, which comes in your Premium Starter Kit is a very simple and straight forward essential oil to use internally. Add it to your NingXia Red shot for an added boost, or practically any other drink you like. Typically it’s added daily to my glass of water or glass container that I sip from throughout the day when out and about. Water now has flavor for me without any harmful ingredients, and is actually doing me some good.

Safety Alert # 2

Always use Lemon, and other citrus essential oils in glass or stainless steel. They eat away at petrochemicals. So in a plastic water bottle, they are effectively eating away at the plastic, and you do NOT want to be drinking that. The whole point is to be flushing nasty chemicals out of your body, NOT adding more to it. To make this point…I’m going to show you what happens when you add one drop of lemon essential oil to the bottom of a styrofoam cup.

I’ll leave it alone and show you the results in a couple of minutes. You can even put Lemon vitality into a vegetable capsule - a common combination is equal parts of Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint vitality essential oils. You’ll find us doing this one mainly in the spring time. But you can easily combine lemon vitality with other vitality oils of your choice. Once you’ve made the capsule either swallow it immediately or put it in the freezer for a couple of weeks, otherwise you’ll quickly make an oily mess. Now, even though Lemon is a wonderful summer smell to me, it’s great to take internally during the winter. How about this warm spicy apple punch: Combine 2 quarts apple cider (or juice), 2 cups orange juice and 1 cup of pineapple juice into a large pot and let it simmer over a low heat. Then add the following vitality essential oils: 5 drops of Lemon, 4 drops of cinnamon, 1 drop of clove and 1 drop of nutmeg. This recipe makes approximately 10 cups, and you serve it warm. Now, something for the adults…Winter Whisky: Warm up 1/4 cup of honey and add 3 shots of whisky and 6 shots of water, where 1 shot equals 1 oz. Then add your essential oils: 6 drops of Lemon, 2 drops of the Thieves blend and 8 drops of Orange. Or make a lemon martini with 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of simple syrup, 5 drops of lemon vitality essential oil and 1/4 oz of lemon juice for an added tangy twist. You can even add it to a turmeric infused honey for a boost during the colder seasons. Take 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric and add it to 1/4 cup of raw honey. Then mix in 2 drops of Lemon vitality and cover as you may store this at room temperature. Stir the contents before each use and take 1/2 teaspoon several times a day. Or simply add 1-2 drops of lemon vitality to a teaspoon of honey and put it down the hatch. I like to add a couple of drops of Copaiba as well for added benefits and to soothe some of the heat from the lemon. We commonly use Lemon vitality in our kitchen. It adds a bright and dynamic flavor to many dishes we cook from around the world. Why not add a drop or two to savory foods like fish, chicken, vegetables, noodles, rice and pasta, or sweet foods like pastries and cakes. What about adding a drop next time you have a plain or vanilla flavored yogurt? Or add 2-3 drops when you want to give a lovely fresh twist to your salsa. It’s very convenient to use instead of zesting or juicing. My husband nearly always uses it when creating vinaigrettes or marinades. It really does add a bright taste to summer salads and grilling. Back to our styrofoam cup…

And the lemon is going to continue to eat away at these chemicals. Lemon is powerful and gets down to business. This is why it’s ALSO so good in DIY recipes for the Household Lemon can be added to cleaning solutions to infuse them with a fresh citrus scent, AND it has cleaning power too! Here are some recipes: Furniture Polish: Mix together 1 tsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of water and 2-3 drops of Lemon Essential oil and apply with a soft cleaning cloth. You’ll want to make this fresh each time. If you don’t yet have the AMAZING Thieves Household Cleaner, which also contains lemon (a very important ingredient ), why not use this recipe for a window cleaner. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 3 cups of distilled water and 10-15 drops of Lemon EO in a spray bottle for sparkling windows and mirrors. Or, this recipe for a floor cleaner: 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 bucket of hot distilled water and 5-10 drops of Lemon, Tea Tree or Purification essential oils. Of course, I prefer the Thieves Household Cleaner, but in a pinch this is what I would do. Or use 1-2 drops of Lemon essential oil on stains. Let it stand and then rub it off with a clean cloth or throw it into the laundry cycle. However, if you do have the Thieves Household Cleaner, but need a little extra elbow grease for a build up of soap scum, tile grout needs brightening or marker mishaps, I highly recommend this soft scrub: 1/4 cup Thieves Household cleaner, 1 tsp distilled vinegar, 10 drops of lemon essential oil and 1 cup of baking soda. Mix the first 3 ingredients together and then slowly stir in the baking soda. It makes approximately 8oz of paste, and I keep it in small mason jars so it’s ready to go when I need it. For a Dishwasher Detergent I mix together 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup borax, 1/4 cup citric acid, 15 drops of lemon and 10 drops of orange in a large glass container. Add 1 heaped tablespoon per load. You could add a sachet of uncooked white rice to the container to absorb moisture. I commonly also add a drop of Thieves essential oil blend directly into the dishwasher for the sparkle and odor elimination. Even More DIY Recipes: Use 1-2 drops of lemon to remove gum, crayon, grease spots or oil. A couple of drops also removes the sticky residue from labels. Help keep your fruit fresh by adding 2-3 drops of lemon to a bowl of cool water. Soak the cleaned fruit into the water and stir, making sure each piece of fruit has had contact with the lemon. Drain, rinse, dry and place in a bowl. Of course, you can skip this step if you’ve cleaned your fruit and vegetables with the Thieves Fruit and Veggie soak. You’ll be amazed to see how that cleans up your food. You can also freshen dishcloths before they start to sour, by soaking them overnight in a bowl of water with a several drops of lemon. Also freshen your counter tops by adding 2-3 drops of lemon to a spray bottle of water and spritz your counters Let’s take another look at the styrofoam cup.… There’s no doubt that Lemon does its job!

This photo was taken after the video. So use this as a reminder to use glass or stainless steel containers with essential oils, rather than plastic. Plastic particles can leach into the oil and then into your body one way or another, including if applied via a lemon mixture onto your skin. However, if you must use a plastic container, look for HDPE or PETE that have the recycling symbols 1 or 2 as apparently these are less likely to react. Although, I haven’t done my research on those yet. There are so many more ways you can use a drop of Lemon or Lemon Vitality essential oil, Google it and you’ll be lost for days! This is truly and essential oil no home should be without, and it’s cheaper and better quality than any of the Lemons you can buy in the store. With Young Living’s Seed To Seal Commitment, you know where your lemons have come from. So, now you can go and make the most of every drop of your Lemon essential oil Read the full article

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teritcrawfordca · 7 years

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15 Foods to Eat for a Glowing Skin and Healthy Hair

Literally, you are what you eat. Here are 15 foods to make your skin glow and your hair healthier.

Turns out, Mom was right (again). You really are what you eat. So, if you’re looking for healthy hair and glowing skin, try these awesome foods today.

Ready to nosh your way to better hair and skin? You can. Research is now showing that it’s possible to influence your looks simply by choosing specific foods. Hair growth (and fallout), skin collagen production, hormone balance and more are all tied to what you choose to eat.

First thing to know, don’t skimp on rich, healthy ingredients this season, even if you are trying to slim down. ‘Our body has no idea what a calorie is,’ says Ciara Foy, a Toronto-based holistic nutritionist. ‘That’s important to understand with respect to eating whole foods because they contain tons of nutrients, phytochemicals and enzymes that work synergistically to keep us healthy.’

Here are our must-eats to help you get your skin glow on.

Fatty Fish

Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids have incredible beauty benefits, including glowing skin and shiny strands. About three percent of the hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids. They’re found in cell membranes on your scalp and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated. While salmon is usually the superstar choice, Foy says mackerel, sardines and anchovies are even better. ‘They’re great because they’re at the bottom of the food chain, so they’re not living for very long, which means toxins like mercury do not accumulate in them.’

See: 15 Natural Ways To Maintain Your Skin

Spinach

Not only does spinach give you strength, but it’s also a major anti-ager. According to celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, author of The Beauty Detox Foods, it’s rich in beta carotene, which converts into the powerful anti-aging vitamin A. This nutrient is crucial for allowing proper moisture retention to the epidermis, helping to prevent wrinkles and remove dead skin. For premium absorption, pair spinach with a food that’s high in vitamin C. Try a squeeze of lemon in a homemade dressing drizzled over a spinach salad.

Red Bell Peppers

Did you know that red peppers contain far more skin-boosting vitamin C than oranges? ‘Vitamin C is a pre-cursor to collagen production and is also an antioxidant,’ says Dr. Julia Carroll, a dermatologist with Compass Dermatology in Toronto. ‘When light hits your skin, it creates free radicals. These bounce around inside your skin and lead to DNA damage, which turns into aging.’ The antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals and neutralize them so that they can’t do damage. Loading up on red peppers will help keep your skin younger-looking.

Coconut

The water from coconuts is a great natural hydration aid and contains potassium, an electrolyte that helps move nutrients into our cells. Coconut oil, which is high in healthy fats, vitamins E and K and minerals, is one of the best natural nutrients for your hair, boosting growth and shine by moisturizing the scalp. It’s also highly effective in reducing protein loss when used as a pre-wash conditioning treatment ‘ protein loss can leave strands weak and prone to damage. You can also try swapping vegetable oil for coconut oil when cooking ‘ it has a high smoke point, which means it’s great for high-heat cooking.

Avocado Oil

We all got the message about the benefits of eating whole avocados; now it’s the oil that’s getting all the attention. Avocados contain good amounts of vitamins A, D and E and omega-9 fatty acids ‘ one of the building blocks of healthy skin ‘ which is highly concentrated in the oil. All of these nutrients help to even out skin tone over time when added to your diet regularly. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, so it’s versatile enough to use when sautéing or roasting veggies or as a drizzle on a cold summer soup.

See: 20 Foods That Will Clean Your Arteries Naturally And Protect You From Heart Attacks

Garlic

Truly one of nature’s best medicines, garlic also helps prevent breakouts and maintain clear skin. To make the most of its naturally antibiotic compounds, it’s best to crush or chop garlic and leave it on the cutting board for a few minutes before cooking.

Walnuts

These nuts have omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help the body retain moisture, giving your mane a healthy-looking shine. The protein content of the walnuts helps boost hair follicles, making hair fuller and stronger.

Eggs

Whether you enjoy them sunny side up for breakfast or boiled and sliced cold over a green salad, eggs are serious healthy-hair helpers. One of their key ingredients is sulfur, an essential nutrient that helps with everything from vitamin B absorption to liver function (your body’s detox organ). Sulfur is also necessary for the production of collagen and keratin, which help create and maintain shiny locks, strong nails and glowing skin.

See: Best Brain Foods For Best Brain Function

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are skincare superheroes, protecting you from sun damage thanks to their high antioxidant content. A recent study presented at The Royal Society of Medicine in London found that women who were given five tablespoons of standard tomato paste with 10 grams of olive oil every day for 12 weeks showed significant improvement in their skin’s ability to protect itself against UV damage.

Pumpkin Seeds

These little wonders are packed with zinc, as well as vitamins A and K and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are essential to building a healthy hair shaft. They’re also rich in fatty acids and vitamin C, which are important for producing sebum ‘ your skin’s natural oil ‘ to protect and repair skin.

Collard Greens

All greens are great for our health, but collard greens are one of the most underappreciated. They are extremely high in vitamin C, a major antioxidant that fights toxins (just one cup of collards provides 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C). If you’re trying to eat more raw meals this summer, try this take on the traditional taco: Mix ground walnuts with taco spice and a few dashes of tamari, top with salsa and roll in raw collard leaves.

Pineapple

This sweet treat is high in vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which is known to be an effective skin softener. Drinking pineapple juice and munching on the fruit help the body synthesize collagen, which supports skin structure, while vitamin C and amino acids aid in cell and tissue repair, giving you a youthful appearance. Add it to your morning smoothie for a refreshing treat.

See: Foods That Are Unhealthy For Your Heart

Hemp

Hemp seeds are made up of 30 percent pure protein and a full range of amino acids and essential fatty acids needed to maintain your skin’s structure. You can sprinkle a spoonful on cereal, or use hemp seed oil in dips or add it to your morning smoothie. According to a study noted in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, symptoms of skin dryness and itching significantly improved after using hemp seed oil for 20 weeks when consuming one to two tablespoons a day.

Oysters

These saltwater delicacies do wonders for hair, nails and skin. ‘They’re a great source of dietary zinc, which is really important for the growth and function of skin cells,‘ says Dr. Carroll. ‘If you go out and order half a dozen oysters, that will give you 500 percent of your daily requirement.’

Also see: Food that makes you happy

Oats

For the love of your locks, you need to eat more oats. ‘They have high amounts of zinc, biotin, magnesium and potassium,’ says Foy. ‘A deficiency in these key nutrients can lead to more brittle hair and more breakage.’ For the perfect summer breakfast, Foy suggests making soaked oats in a Mason jar: Fill a small jar halfway with oats, top with your favorite milk (dairy, almond or soy) and spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg), and let soak overnight in the fridge. In the morning, you can add berries, nuts and seeds for added nutritional value. (Source: besthealthmag.ca)

The post 15 Foods to Eat for a Glowing Skin and Healthy Hair appeared first on JEELDA.

from Teri Crawford Business Tips https://www.jeelda.com/15-foods-eat-glowing-skin-healthy-hair/

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consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis · 7 years

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How a (Gluten Free) Health Nut Celebrates Earth Day

New blog post! I'll admit it. When it comes to holidays, Earth Day - which falls on April 22 this year, a Saturday! - isn't usually on the top of my list. Sure, I love the planet (I think anyone who is alive hopefully does) and I love spending time outdoors...but Mother Earth is often outshone by figures like the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.

This year, though, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to celebrate Earth Day in ways that any health nut can enjoy! With some (sponsored) help from companies like Aloha, Setton Farms and Explore Cuisine, here's the perfect itinerary for a healthy, happy Earth Day!

8:30: Wake up. Sure, recent research has found that morning doves tend to be happier and healthier than night owls. However, that doesn't mean you need to wake up at 5 AM. The truth is, we all need different amounts of sleep - and thanks to fibromyalgia, I need more than most. So you do you. If you wake up earlier, enjoy a pre-workout snack like a loaded up rice cake or (gluten free) toast.

9:30: Get your body movin' in a yoga class! I prefer hot yoga, but you can also practice in the comfort of your own bedroom with YouTube channels like this one. I love all kinds of exercise, but yoga is perfect if you want sweat + mindfulness. One yoga mantra I recently heard was that yogis should represent the changes we want to see in the world.

The mural right outside my yoga studio!

Sometimes, that means giving loved ones - and even strangers - the benefit of doubt. Other times - like on Earth Day - representation involves being thankful for our planet, treating it right (by cleaning up litter, choosing a gas-efficient car, etc) and encouraging others to do the same.

11:00: Dig into some brunch! On Earth Day, what brunch is more fitting than a creamy, green smoothie bowl? If you have time, blend your smoothie the day before and stick it in the freezer (I use mason jars). Then, you can just defrost it in the microwave after yoga.

No smoothie bowl is complete without toppings, though - and I have some special ones in mind for Earth Day! Aloha just released their new plant-based protein bars, with flavors ranging from peanut butter and jelly to chocolate fudge brownie (my personal favorite - I've never tasted something so decadent yet healthy!). Why is Aloha perfect for Earth Day? First of all, these bars of free of gluten, soy and dairy, so almost anyone can enjoy a bite! Research has also found that eating a more plant-based diet can help the environment by cutting your carbon footprint, conserving water and preserving animal and plant habitats. Who knew eating a brownie protein bar could actually help make the world a better place?

Those brownie pieces!

2:30: After your food had digested and you've spent some time doing whatever meets your fancy (volunteering to pick up litter or plant trees would be quite fitting!), why not celebrate Earth Day by spending some time outside? As I've written before, I'm a huge fan of walking - and it comes with plenty of health benefits.

How far or hard you walk depends on you. You could go on a hike and enjoy being surrounded by more trees than people. You could visit your favorite nearby parks and dedicate extra time to appreciating the gorgeous landscaping. You could even just find a scenic bench and relax while getting some vitamin D.

3:30: Fuel up as needed. I don't know about you, but a morning workout + afternoon walk always leaves me hangry by 3:30. One of my favorite snacks? Setton Farms' pistachio chewy bites! As I've written before, these only have three ingredients - pistachios, cranberries and agave nectar - and are packed with vegan protein and fiber. Besides eating more plant-based protein, you can also help the environment by eating locally (or at least food made in the USA, like Setton Farms' pistachios) since this reduces your carbon footprint even more.

"Saving" the planet may sound overwhelming at times; however, paying attention to what you eat can have a huge impact!

Those pistachio chunks...

Dinner time: Most likely, you eat dinner at a different time than I do - so enjoy your next Earth Day meal when you get hungry. I do have a suggestion of what you should eat, though: a pasta dish loaded up with vegan protein thanks to Explore Cuisine! This gluten free and vegan line offers a variety of pastas types in a variety of unique bases, from lentils to black beans to chickpeas. When I was offered a taste test, then, I couldn't resist! Not only does Explore Cuisine fit Earth Day with its plant based protein, but it's also organic and a great reminder to appreciate cuisines from all over the world. In fact, founder Joe Spronz was inspired to start Explore Cuisine because of the soybean noodles he discovered while traveling in China. Sure, Earth Day (especially this year) is focused on improving people's understanding of the environment and climate - but also raising our appreciation of different cultures on Earth can't hurt!

Some of my fave uses...

As for how to eat this pasta, your taste buds are the limit. Add pesto and veggies for a stir fry. Whip up my fave vegan cheese sauce for a killer mac 'n cheese. Sometimes, I even just eat plain pasta as one of the sides to my ultimate snack plate dinner. (Is that weird? Probably. Oh well). Bottom line: you do you!

Dessert and Beyond: If you feel like dessert to end your Earth Day celebration with a bang, I'd suggest my chocolate lava mug cake. Besides being paleo and vegan, you could always serve it with vanilla (coconut) yogurt colored green with spirulina for a dirt-and-grass theme! Need more ideas? Check out these delicious (gluten free and vegan) recipes from the blogosphere:

Vegan Avocado Mousse: healthy + chocolate + brown and green colors = edible Earth Day heaven!

Flower Power Cake: this cake is almost too delicious to eat...but I think you'll manage.

Roasted Carrot Ginger Ice Cream: who says veggies can't be delicious - and part of dessert?

Plant a Tree Cupcakes: Fork and Beans will always be the queen when it comes to decorating desserts, and these chocolate cupcakes are no exception!

How to end Earth Day is also up to you. Maybe you take advantage of the cooler evening temperatures and get busy gardening. Maybe you look up environmental documentaries on Netflix and help your knowledge grow instead. Or maybe you sit out in the front porch and read a book until you can watch the sunset.

Earth Day might not be the most popular or exciting holiday of the year, but that doesn't mean you should skip celebrating! Whether you decide to lower your meat consumption for the day, go for a walk or simply take five minutes to really enjoy the sun on your face, celebrating Earth Day can be as simple or complex as you want.

Happy Earth Day, y'all!

And if your Earth Day eats and activities are so awesome, they become a normal part of your schedule? Well, that's just a bonus - for Mother Nature and you!

*I received product samples from Aloha, Setton Farms and Explore Cuisine in return for an honest review. However, all opinions, pictures and recipes are my own. Thanks for supporting what supports Casey the College Celiac!*

Do you do anything special on Earth Day? Have you ever tried Aloha, Setton Farms or Explore Cuisine before? Tell me your plans and thoughts!

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familylifescsaping-blog · 5 years

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What To Do With Lavender and Frankincense

Video: What To Do With Lavender and Frankincense What is Lavender Essential Oil?

Lavender Field Lavender is regarded as one of the most powerful and versatile essential oils. When looking at the ingredients of a product, the latin name should be labeled for lavender, and the true species you want to read is Lavandula Angustifolia. In France, Young Living bought the first foreign-owned lavender farm, which is situated in southern France… nearly two hours north of Marseille. As shown in the picture, its 136 acres sit in the valley looking up at a 12th century castle. This valley in southern France is now the largest farm of true lavender in the world, and the history of why this is the case, is a shocking reminder as to why ‘playing with nature’ with fertilizers and pesticides should NEVER be used. The effect these toxins have on the immunity of plants, is similar to the negative effect we see in humans. Thankfully, the seed originally grown here was brought to the Young Living farm in St. Maries, Idaho many years ago, so we have access to the very popular Lavender essential oil, which is distilled from this original plant species. And to give you some context, if you’re thinking of growing your own…It takes 27 sq.ft. of lavender to produce one 15 ml bottle of lavender essential oil, which gives you approximately 250 drops. Why use Lavender Essential Oil? Well, whatever the reason for wanting an essential oil, this tends to be the oil I’ll grab first. It’s commonly known as the “Swiss Army Knife” of essential oils as it has so many uses thanks to it having over 200 different chemical components.

Swiss Army Knife of Essential Oils It has a sweet and light floral aroma that is well known for it’s comforting and calming properties. Many use it to aid relaxation. In most cases you do not need to dilute it, so it’s perfect for children. My girls love it, and it’s normally the one they ask for, and that’s not just because it has a purple label. It’s also a great essential oil to help replace toxins in your home, such as dryer sheets, which have been proven to be one of the worst toxic producing culprits in homes. Instead, add 3-5 drops of Lavender EO to a few wool dryer balls and throw them in the dryer with your washing. My dryer balls are still going strong after years of use. Not only will your clothes come out smelling wonderful, you’ll save money as you’re not longer buying the sheets and your load of washing will dry quicker. So, to avoid unnecessary static, reduce the length of time you’re running your dryer, and to help further you can even add a safety pin to a couple of of the dryer balls. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results. If you don’t have dryer balls yet, you can make reusable dryer sheets instead from fabric scraps. Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar and 8-10 drops of Lavender EO into a mason jar. Allow time for the fabric to absorb some liquid and add a few to the dryer. After use, put them back in the container to absorb more liquid. While we’re still in your laundry room. Lavender is also a great ingredient when making a fabric softener, or even your own laundry detergent. Remember, your clothes and bedding have contact with your skin (your largest organ) 24/7, so these were a couple of the first products I swapped out with non-toxic ingredients for my family. Now let’s cover other typical ways that Lavender essential oil can be used via aromatic, topical and internal techniques. First up, using it aromatically. Aromatically This popular oil is often diffused for a comforting and calming scent. But when you’re on the go and don’t have a diffuser near by, you can still enjoy this relaxing aroma by rubbing a drop in the palm of your hands, cupping them over your nose and breathing in. In the spring it’s very common for me to diffuse Lavender to freshen up our home and mood, and I love pairing it with Lime and Spearmint OR Lemon and Peppermint.

Desert Mist Diffuser If you got a Premium Starter Kit with Copaiba EO, add a few drops of this and a few drops of lavender to your diffuser and sit back and relax after a tough day. Before bed place 3-5 drops of Lavender in your bedroom diffuser. This fills the room with its relaxing and peaceful aroma. I also like to add a couple drops of Cedarwood too, especially for the children. In a spray bottle add 8-12 drops to a pinch of salt and add water. Use it to spray beds and inside closets for a fresh, pleasing aroma. If you’re not a fan of DIY, Young Living has got you covered with Seedlings Linen Spray, which was originally created to help the babies in our lives have a peaceful night’s rest. You could also add a couple of drops to your own pillow at night. In my purse I carry a nasal inhaler, to which I added 2 drops of Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint. All of these are in the Premium Starter Kit and it lasts a long time. Perfect for when on the go. Add 6 drops of Stress Away EO, 2 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Peppermint EO into a 2oz glass spray bottle. Fill 3/4 full with distilled water and top off with Witch Hazel. Now you have a portal spray to create a chilled environment. These EO are also in the Premium Starter Kit. You could even place a drop on your wrist and inhale whenever you need a brief “pause” for the day. Topically There are multiple ways to use lavender topically. Commonly people add a couple of drops to their shampoos, lotions and other skin care products. Why not place a drop in a new (non-waterproof) mascara tube for lovely conditioned eye-lashes. Cedarwood is great too, but don’t poke yourself in the eye. Apply a drop or two topically for menstrual cycles. This is going to come in very handy in a few years time as my girls grow up. You could also combine Lavender with Peppermint essential oil for a cool tingling sensation that helps relieve occasional head tension, when rubbed in. How about unwinding with a night time bath of several drops of lavender added to 1/2 cup of Epsom salts. This is a great option for children. And for an extra boost, as you hop into bed, rub 2 drops onto the bottom of your feet, wrists and the back of your neck. There are also endless sugar and salt scrub recipes on the Internet. One of my favorites is the aroma of a Lavender & Peppermint sugar scrub. But a simple one to start with is this foot scrub, which combines 1/8 cup of almond oil, 6 drops of Lavender EO and 1 cup of fine salt of your choice. It can be stored in a glass jar and you use it 1-3 times a week in the shower. It’s even better if you add a few drops of Cedarwood or Patchouli EOs to the recipe. When you want a Sweet Dreams foot lotion for your kiddos, or even yourself, whip together to combine 1/4 cup of Coconut oil, 10 drops of Lavender EO, 10 drops of Valor EO, 10 drops of Peace & Calming EO and 10 drops of Cedarwood EO. Who doesn’t like a foot rub before bedtime, and this smells amazing. Young Living carries multiple Lavender infused products such as hand soap and lip balm, but you can also easily make your own. Ingredients for a lavender lip balm can also work great for a general salve. And the combinations you can make for hand soap using essential oils, such as lavender are endless. Internally I n the US, Lavender Vitality has a white label and is intended for internal use. Outside, especially in springtime, I place a drop on my thumb and press it against the roof of my mouth. It’s a key ingredient in Young Living’s SleepEssence supplement, which promotes healthy sleep patterns. In the kitchen there are various recipes you can make using Lavender Vitality. For example: Lavender cookies, or in the icing for cakes. Mix it with jams and jellies, or even a citrus sorbet for a another layer of flavor. You can even balance it in savory chicken and lamb dishes with herbaceous essential oils such as Thyme, Rosemary and Oregano. Here are some yummy recipes we’ve made:

In the Kitchen Lavender lemonade…mix together 6 juiced lemons, 1 juiced lime, 1/2 cup honey, 2 drops lavender vitality, 10 cups iced water. You could even add sprigs of lavender for presentation. Credit goes to Young Living’s blog for this recipe. Lavender dip…whisk a block of cream cheese and add 1 drop of Lavender vitality and Maple Syrup to taste. Lavender ice-cream…the ingredients include a 14oz can of full fat coconut milk, 2 eggs, 1 vanilla bean (slit lengthwise), 3 Tbsp of raw honey and 2 drops of Lavender Vitality. Once it comes out of the ice-cream maker, it will have a creamy soft texture. When we make a batch of chocolate truffles, mix in 8 drops of Lemon Vitality and 3 drops of Lavender Vitality for a delicious treat. What is Frankincense? Affectionally called ‘Frank’ by many, there are several different species of frankincense, known as boswellia trees: (papyrifera, serrata, carterii, sacra and frereana).

Boswellia (Frankincense) Tree Once a tree has matured for 5-10 years, it can be ‘nicked’, where some of its bark is pealed away to allow the tree’s milky sap to bleed slowly over the fresh wound. Several days later the semi-hardened sap (known as tears) are harvested and placed in dry caves for several months. This produces Frankincense resin. The resin can then undergo a distillation process to obtain the Frankincense Essential oil. It’s a lengthy process, which gives you a better understanding as to why it’s not the cheapest oil around. But each species produces an essential oil of different qualities and attributes.

Young Living’s Frankincense, boswellia carterii (car-tear-ree) is a very popular essential oil in the premium starter kit. But also available are Sacred Frankincense (boswellia sacra) from their farm in Oman and a third species of Frankincense (Frereana) is used in one of the weight management products, Slique gum - a new chewing experience. When labeled as a single Frankincense essential oil, it should NOT be a mix of species (a trick to reduce costs, but also reduces it’s specific therapeutic powers), so read your label. Frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times. It’s mentioned multiple times in the Bible, and in one of the oldest known medical records, Ebers Papyrus (Egyptians). Frankincense has been sought after, and traded since ancient times, and plays a special role in many religious ceremonies. Today, it has been used in hospitals and is subject of substantial research. Elemi, which originates from the Philippines is known as the poor man’s frankincense as it has similar properties. Why Use Frankincense Essential Oil? It’s a very powerful essential oil that can center emotions, including temporary sadness, feeling blue, and even occasional feelings of anxiety, which everyone experiences at some point. It supports focus and healthy cognitive function. The chemistry of this essential oil consists of mainly monoterpenes (can be 82%), which help to reprogram cellular memory. So it supports healthy cell regeneration in the body, which we all want to have, as well as the immune system. It also contains sesquiterpenes which help deliver oxygen molecules to cells. And it’s known to delete miswritten codes in DNA. To top it all off, the amazing Alpha-Pinene is one of it’s naturally occurring constituents - look it up! Again, let’s cover other various ways that Frankincense essential oil can be used via aromatic, topical and internal techniques. First up, using it aromatically. Aromatically Diffusing Frankincense provides a woodsy, warm and earthy aroma. You can even get a special burner for the resin, for a deeper atmospheric experience. These are both popular aromatic techniques during meditation or yoga. Put 3 drops of Frankincense in your diffuser, and it’s a great oil to combine with your other favorites. At anytime, for an extra boost of this relaxing aroma, rub a drop in your palms. Then cup your hands over your nose and breathe in. Ideally close one nostril at a time to allow this aroma to pass over your olfactory into the brain. Your brain will really thank you for this oil. This is a good essential oil to diffuse when you need support with focusing and want a healthy cognitive function.

Rainstone Diffuser Topically Frankincense is a Popular essential oil for massage, so combine with your favorite carrier oil to cover a large area. I love using Young Living’s V6 as my carrier oil for this. For healthy smooth looking skin, add a drop to your moisturizer or apply around the eyes. Frankincense LOVES the skin! It features prominently in many well liked recipes, as well as Young Living’s skin care products (for good reason), especially the ART (Age Refining Technology) skin care line. For emotions, rub a couple of drops over your neck & outer ears. You can also add several drops to 1/2 cup of Epsom salts and run a warm bath to relax. It’s also a key ingredient in the Longevity EO blend, which leads us nicely into covering internal use. Internally As well as the Longevity EO blend mentioned, Frankincense is a key ingredient in the Longevity Softgels. These also contain Thyme, Orange and Clove EOs and protect DHA levels that support brain function, as well as help maintain healthy cell integrity. It also supports liver and immune function. Frankincense is also in Young Living’s Cortistop supplement, along with Peppermint and Fennel. It’s designed to support the female glandular system and maintain balanced cortisol levels within the body. Frankincense Vitality is specifically labeled for internal use to support our internal wellness. Add a drop to your glass of water (which is common in other cultures), juice or your daily shot of NingXia Red. For extra support, add a drop to a teaspoon of honey. Our recipes in the “Discover Frankincense” PDF include: Frankincense Earl Grey Tea, Frank’s Scottish Shortbread, Frankincense Flavored Goat Cheese and Mushroom & Onion Phyllo Treats. Let’s review practical uses of these oils together. I often diffuse 3 drops of both Lavender and Frankincense at night to promote a restful night’s sleep. For healthy looking skin, add 1-2 drops of each oil into your: - Moisturizer or lotion. - Jojoba oil for a face serum. - Shaving cream. For a nasal irrigation rinse: Add 1 drop of either oil in the salt before adding the water. I personally prefer Frankincense. Young Living’s blog also give this DIY Lavender-Oatmeal bath soak recipe: 1 cup Epsom salts, 1 cup quick oats, 1/2 cup baking soda, 5 drops Frankincense EO, 10 drops Tea Tree EO, 15 drops Lavender EO. Grind the oats in a food processor or coffee grinder into a fine flour-like texture. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until they oils are evenly distributed and store in a glass jar. You’ll want about 1 cup of the mixture for each bath. They even suggested creating a pouch for your mixture using a sock or pantyhose to reduce floating oatmeal flakes in your bath. But your skin will love it. However, if you like to keep it simple, add a few drops of each oil into 1/3 cup of Epsom salts into a basin or bowl. Add hot water and soak your feet. You’ll even catch my husband joining in, and you can tell by the look of our feet when we’ve been making time to do this. Micheal especially loves it after a week of being on his feet for 12+ hour shifts at the hospital. We also love Myrrh & Patchouli together, or even combining Lavender or Frankincense with Cedarwood. There are endless combinations. More Tips & Tricks. Both Frankincense and Lavender combine well with other essential oils, especially Cedarwood and Sandalwood. There are multiple research studies out there regarding the power of these essential oils. Check them out on: pubmed.gov & cochranelibrary.com There are also multiple published resources so you don’t have to wade through endless pages on the internet, many of which are unreliable. A couple of great STARTING resources include: D. Gary Young The World Leader in Essential Oils, by Mary Young , Young Living Essential Oils. And Essential Oils Desk Reference (EODR) by Life Science Publishing. There are more resources mentioned in the pdf: “Discover Frankincense”, which we will email all of you who registered for this Thursday Night Live. But you can find it on our website, familylifescaping.com Next Week, our Thursday Night Live will cover: What’s Inside Your Box? Whether you have yet to get started with essential oils, or you bought your kit several years back and still don’t know what to do with it, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We will discuss various tips and tricks of how to get the most out of items in the Premium Starter Kit. Every penny counts, and so does every drop of an essential oil, and essential oil infused products. So don’t forget to register. In the meantime you can check out our full Introduction to essential oils video on our familylifescaping website or U-tube labeled: Discover A Healthier Lifestyle with Essential Oils, or check out last week’s Thursday Night Live, which gave a quick breakdown covering the How, What, When Where, Who & Why of Essential oils. Video: What To Do With Lavender and Frankincense Click to register for Thursday Night Live Webinars Read the full article

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