Ways To Use Essential Oils

In the world of essential oils, there are many ways to use oils. Often, a single oil can be used in more than one way. This can be very confusing to newer users, so today we are going to discuss what the different ways are and what they mean.

The simplest way to use your oils is simply to apply them directly where you wish. This way of application is called 'neat.' Oils can be applied neat directly to the area you wish to use them, or they can be applied to 'Vita-flex' areas. The diagram below shows an example of where you may choose to put oils on your feet to support different parts of the body.

Another way to use an oil is to dilute or mix the oil with a carrier oil, such as Young Living V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex. The ratio you dilute each oil depends both on what the purpose is and the individual needs of the person you will be using the oil on. People with more sensitive skin and children will probably wish to have the oils more diluted.

You can also diffuse oils. For this method, you will need a diffuser. The concentration of oil to water will again depend on the use and the person or people the oil is diffused around. In our family, I will normally add 10 drops of Lavender to the kids' diffusers before bed. If I am trying to support their respiratory systems with R.C. and Eucalyptus or any other combination, that number will normally increase.

Additionally, some people choose to take essential oils internally as supplements. While I personally do take Young Living Essential Oils internally, I strongly encourage educating yourself about what you are introducing into your body and how to do it. While many Young Living Essential Oils are marked as dietary supplements, not all are. In addition, many oils that are labeled as pure essential oils are not approved as a dietary supplement. Internally taking essential oils will often include diluting the oils in the capsule before ingesting.

Many essential oils are wonderful for cooking. Our family uses Basil oil and Oregano oil to make our own pizza sauce. Be careful, though! A little goes a long way! One suggested way to add oils, at least until you figure out exactly how much of an oil you need, is to dip a toothpick in the bottle, then stir that small amount into your recipe. Taste test that small amount before adding more. I will often hold the back of a clean spoon firmly to the stopper of the bottle, quickly flip the spoon and bottle upside down and back up, then stir that in. I seldom need more. Keep in mind, I cook for a family of seven, so we make big batches. Again, I also encourage you to be 100% sure you are using oils marked as dietary supplements in anything you intend to eat.

You can also use essential oils in a variety of do it yourself projects like deodorants and shaving creams. I will be posting some of the things we make in the future, but if you're looking to make some now, you can easily do a search to find many great ways you can make your own products.

These are just a few of the varied uses for essential oils. If you have any other methods, feel free to share them with everyone in the comment section below.
 
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe, or cure.

DiGize And The I Love You Massage For Tummy Aches

As a first time mother, I wanted to do everything right. I read books, researched online, and made a list of all of the things I would and would not do as a mother. Much of my research and planning went out the window soon after that little bundle of squirms and wiggles was handed to me. One thing I do continue to use with all of my babies, even as they have grown, is the infant massage course I took with that first tiny baby. The class taught me basic massages that have comforted my children through stress, gassy bellies, and other times of need. Some of them have also worked for my husband. Since finding Young Living, I have added essential oils to our massages, depending on which body system most needed support. Today I would like to address the "I Love You" massage and how we have supplemented it with Di-Gize.

DiGize is described on the Young Living website as follows: "Di-Gize™ is a dietary supplement that provides valuable aid for digestive concerns and helps support a healthy digestive system." With that in mind, I began to add a drop of DiGize to 1/4 teaspoon of organic coconut oil to massage on little tummies for most stomach complaint massages.

To begin, I have the child requesting a massage lie down on a blanket. (This is one of those massages that works well for adults, too!) For the "I Love You" massage, the child or baby will be on his or her back with nothing covering the tummy area. Next, I put some of the coconut oil and Di-Gize mixture on my hands to warm it. Finally, I begin to gently massage, repeating the simple words and steps, keeping in mind that this massage is meant to help the intestines and traces them with each step.

I - The first step is a simple stroke that lovingly draws an I along the left side of the recipient. The I goes from a little below the rib cage to just above the pelvic bone.
Love - The second step is an upside down L. I start at the right side of my child's stomach, a little below the rib cage, and I draw a line across to the left. Then my hand will continue in one fluid motion down the left side.
You- The third step is an upside down U. Starting just above the pelvic bone on the child's right, I draw a line up to just below the ribs, curve the line across the upper stomach, then do a final curve to bring the line down to just above the left pelvic bone.

I repeat the steps as needed. Normally 6-8 repetitions helps tremendously. I will often feel a gas bubble moving. Sometimes that bubble will even move entirely out of the body during the massage. Other times it will dissipate naturally within the intestines.

For a more detailed or visual explanation, there are many videos on YouTube. Please be sure to look for somebody that is certified! This massage with DiGize as a supplemental oil has been wonderful for my family, but safety is always top priority! Be sure to ask your pediatrician (or doctor for adults) before using any supplements and to be sure massage is safe for your loved one. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure.

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Toothpaste To Really Make You Smile

Each year I make two appointments to go to the dentist, and each year they would find at least one cavity. Pregnancy was unkind to my teeth as well. No matter how careful I was, the hygienist and dentist found at least double the cavities I normally have while I was pregnant. When I went for my six-month checkup with my most recent pregnancy, I expected no less. I climbed into the chair, opened wide, and waited for them to find the cavities. First the hygienist said nothing, which was strange. She always tells me the moment she finds a cavity. Being in a hormonally unstable state to begin with, I began to really worry. Did she find something really bad? The dentist came in soon after and examined my teeth. He stood up, gave me a smile and said, 'Well, I guess we'll see you in six months.' I was in shock. No cavities? I always have cavities! I was still brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. I used mouthwash when I remembered, but if I'm perfectly honest, that isn't as often as I should. What was the difference, then? I had changed what I was using.

This is my dream team! After reading what was actually in my previous toothpaste and mouthwash, and wanting to use Thieves with my floss as well, I made the change to Thieves Dentranome Ultra toothpaste, Thieves dental floss, and Thieve mouthwash. My husband said my breath was fresher, which was enough to make my new routine stick. Still, even with the first dentist appointment finding no cavities, I wasn't convinced. It took two visits in a row without the slightest trace of a cavity to convince me that something about the Young Living Thieves toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash worked well with my body to support the natural health of my teeth. Knowing there were no synthetic chemicals being absorbed through my mouth and passing on to my unborn child also gave me peace of mind.

Our family has since expanded our switch to include our children. Our children love the taste of their new KidScents toothpaste and the fun monster on the front of their tube. We love that they enjoy learning healthy brushing habits without the added chemicals most children's toothpastes have. They have also continued to enjoy the cavity-free visits to the dentist.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure. You should always be aware that oils do not always support each individual's system equally, but for our family, switching our oral care products and continue to practice our routine for healthy gums and teeth was a great move in our journey to reduce chemicals and enhance our health.

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Teething Support Without Synthetics

My youngest daughter got her first two teeth pretty early, and they weren't visibly too uncomfortable as they came in. She is now getting her top teeth, and they do seem to be much more distressing for her. With my older children, my first reaction would have been to reach for an over the counter pain reliever. Newer studies put out by the companies that make those pain relievers, however, suggest using them less. With this little one, we have the benefit of an oil that supports her body and its reaction to teething.

Directly from the Young Living website: "Copaiba is used to aid digestion and support the body's natural response to injury or irritation. Copaiba contains the highest amounts of beta caryophyllene of any known essential oil." Our experience has been exactly that! We apply a drop of Copaiba to her gums when she first shows signs of discomfort, and we notice she doesn't seem nearly as cranky or chewy after. When she sees the bottle now, she reaches for it. We do still have the over the counter options our pediatrician recommended in the event our oil approach doesn't work and her discomfort interferes with her day, but so far we haven't had to touch them. Our pediatrician is happy with the changes we have made, and so are we.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure. You should always consult with your pediatrician before trying supplements with your children, and be aware that oils do not always support each individual's system equally.

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Oils For My Nights Of Worry

My husband is an amazing father, husband, and person. He is the kind of person that will drop everything to help somebody in need, regardless of if he knows them or not. When we take the kids to the park, we always end up with random children we don't know trying to get his attention, and he always finds a way to include all five of our children plus as many as would like to join us. He is also a police officer. He is fair, willing to listen, and happy to do what he can to help those in need. He has received awards and been thanked by those he has arrested more times than I can count, because he is just that kind of person and is that good at his job. If you have watched the news, you know the person behind the badge doesn't always seem to matter. Sometimes it's simply that they wear one. That is what leads to some very stressful, sleepless nights for me.

Last night was one of those rough nights. I watched some mind-numbing, pointless TV, but my nerves wouldn't calm. I tried a hot shower, pampering myself, and willing my mind to be silent, but all to no avail. Worst case scenarios and fear wouldn't allow my eyes to droop even slightly. I would have used Lavender hours before, but I foolishly let my supply dwindle to the last few drops, and I'm saving those in case my children have a rough night. 

After a particularly harsh scenario played all the way through, I went to the oil cabinet and opened it.  I reached for Valor. I had read several posts previously about people using Valor for soothing dogs that were fearful. For me it had been something to encourage my back to relax during pregnancy, but maybe, just maybe it would help to calm me. I took the deepest breath I could manage, rubbed one drop over the back of my neck, and prayed. I held the open bottle under my nose and inhaled increasingly deeply as I felt my mind and body begin to calm. Each breath became more relaxed. The images that had haunted my thoughts began to dissipate. After about a minute had passed, I put the Valor back in the cabinet and put my nightly drop of EndoFlex over my throat, then headed in to my empty bed. By them time I got the Bible we keep at the head of the bed opened, my eyes began to get heavy. After only about a dozen verses, I was too tired to read on. Within minutes I went from worried to too sleepy to finish even a page. My bedtime prayer barely made it through my lips, my thanks to God hardly had time to be said, before I drifted into a peaceful, blissfully dreamless slumber.

Lavender is my normal oil to help me relax and so I can go sleep. I love that it comes in the Premium Starter Kit, it's not an expensive oil, and it has several uses, but this is one thing I will be switching oils for. Valor is now the oil I will be using for more difficult nights. It's the oil I will reach for when I need strength to push the demons from my mind. 

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Calming Her Wild Puppy

When Princess Lilyan became part of our family, she fit in better than we could have hoped. Right away she played with the kids until they were too tired to play, cuddled until they were ready to play again, and catered to their every desire. Even after her initial fear that she would be moved to a fourth home in her first eleven months of life passed, she was full of energy, love, and craziness.

The day of her 'special surgery' came, and everybody was prayerful and worried. My oldest cried when she had to do her schoolwork without her companion. I jumped whenever the phone rang. Spaying a dog is a very normal procedure and one we schedule as soon as possible after deciding to bring a new furbaby home, but when the steadiness of the surgeons hands hold a life so very valuable to my children, there is no calm. 

The relief that was felt all around when we went to pick Lilyan up was tangible. You could see the stress lift from my oldest daughter's shoulders as she was welcomed to see her puppy. The surgery was successful, but the veterinarian was concerned about recovery. Princess Lilyan was already showing signs of wanting to play. We were prescribed extra tranquilizers to use over the next week.

Over the next week we did what the veterinarian prescribed. Lilyan was in no mood to be put in her kennel or kept from jumping once we ran out of the medication the doctor gave her. Since her incision was healing nicely, we decided to try oils to help her relax. We had learned that Lavender may help calm dogs if diluted properly and used correctly. Finding the right combination for her helped. Lilyan healed in peace, or at least as much peace as can be expected with the company she had.

A year later we still keep Lavender on hand for trips and days when Lilyan is feeling stressed or overly hyper. A single drop on her bedding or diluted properly and rubbed between our hands, then gently petted onto the fur of her back is all it takes to calm this little ball of energy.

All pets will react differently to oils. Please be sure to carefully research or ask a vet before using oils with your pets. Allow your pet to come to you. Many animals have a very strong sense of smell, and forcing them wear something they truly do not like would be like being forced to wear that stinky perfume or cologne you're sure somebody bathed in. Once you figure out which oils work well for you and your pet, you can find some amazing uses!

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Just a Drop of Lemon Oil Makes a World of Difference

I already talked about infused water, but today I will be touching on my husband's favorite drink. Like many men, he's not a fan of fruity drinks. He's also not a big fan of our town water. He used to drink a lot of Pepsi or a lot of Kool-Aid, but as we all know neither of those are healthy choices. Thankfully, those habits have changed. While he does still enjoy Pepsi or Kool-Aid on the rare occasion, we seldom even have them in our home. Instead, he drinks water with one tiny difference.

A single drop of Young Living Lemon Essential Oil! That's it! That is the secret to my husband drinking and enjoying water. I switch out which oil I put in my own water, but we keep this oil, which is only $14.80, on hand at all times. Less than $15 and he is happy to drink water for a couple of months! Not only is he enjoying the taste more, but he is enjoying the added benefit of supporting his immune system in a big way.

What else do we use Lemon Oil for? It's great in tea, in fish dishes, or one of my personal favorites is diffusing right before company comes over. We have long been without harsh chemical cleaners that some people associate with 'clean.' This gives us the best of both worlds. Our house is cleaned using things that are just as effective, but safer for our children, and our house smells 'lemon fresh' for company!

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Cleaning Without the Harsh Chemicals

Everybody knows that most household cleaners on the market today are toxic. Study after study shows long term health issues from using them, yet people continue to use them. The chemical smells have become synonymous with what many people call clean. It doesn't have to be that way! My family switched away from most chemical cleaners you can buy in a store over a year ago. Our Young Living team recently challenged me to do more, and I enthusiastically accepted that challenge.
 

This is the bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner that I got free with Essential Rewards points. There is a great kit that has all things Thieves in it, but I know my family well enough to know I needed the extra bottle. The little box next to it are some roll-ons I used my commission to get for my girls, and I will do a post for that later. Back to the Thieves Household Cleaner! I wanted to find something challenging for it. I could wipe down my bathroom or do my windows, but almost anything can do that job. No, that wouldn't do for a real test. My oven, however, was just the challenge I needed.

First I wanted to wipe off the easy stuff. This is the stuff that will build up over a week or two in our convection oven. It doesn't really count as a hard job, because an Envirocloth and some water takes off a good portion of it.

THIS is the hard stuff, though. This is the stuff that I still need some form of chemical to clean. We were using a cleaner that required the oven to be at around 100 degrees, which isn't even a setting on our range. Then it had to sit for five minutes. I am not a patient person. In five minutes I normally forget about it and am on to about half a dozen other projects. Then if I manage to remember to clean it, it takes a little scrubbing. I'm not a fan of cleaning. Part of that is how ridiculously dirty things are within a few minutes of cleaning them. Still, this is something that needs to be done, so I thought it a fitting trial.

I took an empty spray bottle I had around the house, added one cup of warm water, then added one cap of Thieves Household Cleaner. I swished the mixture around and sprayed it on the nasty stuck-on black gunk on the oven door. Again, I am not patient, so I immediately started to wipe it off. Most of the gunk came off without waiting! I sprayed it a second time, came to start typing this post in my excitement, then went back and finished wiping. Less than five minutes sitting and the rest is GONE! I didn't scrub. All I used was the spray and an Envirocloth. That's it!

I am actually excited about cleaning the rest of my kitchen. This was quick, easy, and it smells good. Instead of a residual chemical smell, my kitchen smells like cinnamon! I will be trying out new and exciting uses for the Thieves Household Cleaner. Comment below if there is anything you would like to see me clean with it.

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Deep Relief Is My Hero!

Like most people, I really need to get my sleep. If I don't get a good eight hours, I am miserable, I get headaches, and I get nothing done. Last night was shaping up to be one of the nights I wouldn't get much sleep.

My husband arrived home from work around 3:30am, and I had only been in bed for about an hour and half. That time was fairly sleepless. My head was pounding and my neck was sore. I climbed out of bed, knowing I really needed to find something to help so I could get to sleep, because I knew at that point sleep was what my body really needed. Normally I would have grabbed Lavender, but my bottle is almost empty, and I am trying to save the last bit in case I need it for my kids. My second choice is normally PanAway, but that's gone, too! Finally my eyes rested on Deep Relief. It's something I haven't used a whole lot, but I gave it a try. I took the top off and rolled the ball over the back of my neck. Within minutes, the discomfort was gone! Not only did it get rid of my discomfort, but the headache didn't come back and I slept right through my alarm in the morning. I guess I needed that sleep more than I thought!

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Energizing Your Water

Many of us have taken notice of the posts going around about water that can help you get your diet off on the right foot. I am happy to say this is one thing our family has been on top of, but not as help with a diet. It is a well known fact that your body needs water. It's essential to your well-being. It is also a well known fact that most people do not get enough water in a normal day. I was one of those people. While I was pregnant I would carry around my cup and make sure I filled it the exact number of times I needed it filled to get my daily amount of water. I would force down each cup for the baby, but it was not very enjoyable for me. After a healthy baby was born, I would revert back to not drinking enough until I was pregnant again. Infused waters helped me to make a healthy lifestyle change that has lasted!

How exactly do we do it? We have a water pitcher. When it gets empty, I ask the kids what flavor they would like next, we fill it, and the next morning we have ice cold infused water. Ours isn't just fruit. We don't use packets. We put in some fruit and then we add a burst of flavor with oil. What the kids don't know is we are also supporting healthy bodily function. The flavor possibilities are endless, and you can have a lot of fun coming up with new flavors for your family to try. This has been a great influencing factor in my children drinking more water as well. They enjoy the taste, and they also enjoy being a part of picking what they get to drink.

Do you need a few combo ideas to get you started?

Fill your container about 1/8 of the way with blueberries. Drop in some Lemon oil to taste and fill your container with water. Put it in your refrigerator overnight. I used about 15 drops of Lemon in a two gallon pitcher and the kids loved it. You can add more or less, but keep in mind, the water will continue to flavor throughout the night, so try not to overdo it. My kids love to eat the blueberries at the end.

Peel and thinly slice some mango and kiwi. Place the pieces at the bottom of your container and add a couple drops of Spearmint oil. I only used 10 drops of Spearmint, and my kids wouldn't touch it. They are not mint fans, and they found even 10 drops to be far too minty. I found this combination to be very refreshing and energizing. I enjoyed a cup slightly heated in the morning to get me going in place of my coffee, and I continued to drink it through the day.

When summer comes around, try watermelon and your choice of mint. I personally prefer Spearmint for this, too, but experiment with peppermint or wintergreen for something new and exciting!

Try some oranges (make sure to slice the pieces in half) with Cinnamon Bark. I really love how wintery this flavor feels to me. This is one of those waters I prefer to drink warm.

While you have the Cinnamon Bark out, slice some apples and make another pitcher! Personally, I like to add extra apples because I enjoy really bringing the fruit out for this mix. My word of caution is to watch how much Cinnamon Bark you put in. It's easy to overpower the apple.

Regardless of what combinations you use, have fun with it! Take note of your favorites, improve them, and smile knowing you are supporting your health while exciting your taste buds.

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The kid just wouldn't sleep!

I have five kids. Simply stating that fact is often enough to make people think I am insane, but I couldn't imagine my life any differently. Through the ups and downs, I mostly enjoy our big family. The mostly part ends between two and three in the morning, when I have yet to go to sleep, the baby is up, and I know the others will be up in a few hours. From about 8:30pm to some ridiculous hour in the morning, she normally looks an awful lot like the picture of her below.

Tonight was looking to be no different. The older kids' 8pm bedtime came around. They fell asleep one after another. The house was quiet except for the soft singing coming from the CD player in the baby's room. Out of nowhere, the baby began shrieking! Lovely. This is how it always happens. I expected to be up rocking her for the next couple of hours, just like I normally am. She would rub her eyes, because despite her insistence on staying up, she was exhausted. Still, she would refuse to sleep.

As I picked her up and turned, the new diffuser that came last month caught my eye. It was in her room because we had used it to not long before. A thought crossed my mind. All of my children have oils I use specifically for helping them to relax. The baby's oil has been Gentle Baby, but somehow that bottle went missing, and I can't order more right now. What about Lavender, though? I used to use that for her. I'm not sure when I switched to Gentle Baby, but maybe...

Off I marched to get the water and oil I needed. I turned on the diffuser, and the baby and I sat in the rocking chair. I held her close and sang the first verse of Amazing Grace while the Lavender filled the room and she rubbed her sleepy eyes. Somewhere during the second verse, her little eyes finally got too heavy. It was only 8:30pm! This doesn't happen! An hour later, here I sit in awe and silence. Why haven't I been doing this nightly?



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