Darby's Essential Oils Info

Oils tame coughing flu

2011-12-31T14:36:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas, my husband developed a flu-like ailment that started like a cold and quickly settled in his lungs. His cough was tight, painful and persistent. His coughing came in fitful spasms, and he was really uncomfortable. Once again, essential oils to the rescue!

1. First step: taking capsules of Young Living's highly anti-microbial Thieves blend three times a day (about 6 drops in an empty gelcap, after meals).

2. Next, I had him rub a couple of drops of Melaleuca Quinquinervia (also known as Naiouli) on his chest. Naiouli is a potent respiratory aid oil with strong decongestant properties--a good choice for treating head and chest colds.

3. I then put hyssop oil in the cold air diffuser in the room where he was resting. Hyssop is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacoepia as a specific treatment for bronchitis and the common cold. Used since ancient days to bring respiratory relief, Hyssop is considered one of the strongest anti-viral essential oils. (Note: individuals with seizure disorders should avoid using this oil.)

4. Finally, I was inspired to add to the diffuser a few drops of Young Living's Egyptian Gold blend--a beautiful combination of frankincense, lavender, Idaho balsam fir, myrrh, spikenard, hyssop, cedarwood, rose, and cinnamon essential oils. All soothing, healing, antimicrobial oils.
We are both pleased to report that as of yesterday--4 days after he first started sniffling--he's out and about, feeling good, and even felt good enough to repair a leak under the kitchen sink this afternoon!

With so many cautions now for over-the-counter cold medications. it's great to know there are natural, safe ways to help when colds and flu strike.

As always, if you are pregnant, nursing, or under a physician's care, please consult with your medical care providers before using essential oils. And always, always, always use therapeutic grade essential oils if you want safe, therapeutic results! My choice? Young Living, the world leader in essential oils.

Oils help my friend's dog

2011-10-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a great testimonial from one of our newest Young Living members down here in Fort Lauderdale. Dean is an awesome LMT and a phenomenal hair stylist, and he just recently discovered the power of essential oils. He has 4 wonderful canine family members (see picture), and one of them--Boris, 2nd from left--stopped eating for no apparent reason. Here's what Dean writes:

I noticed that my dog Boris didn't want to eat. Even if I tried to force him, he would just walk away. So, I figured he would eat later. Well, he didn't. This started on a Thursday morning. He didn't eat all that day, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. He was also acting very lethargic. So, on Sunday I gave him 1 drop of Thieves & 1 drop of Purification Oil 3 times a day. Needless to say he didn't like the taste at all!!! But...on Monday night he ate about 1/2 his dinner and was more active with my other 3 dogs. He is eating regularly again
and very active with the others. I continued the oils for a full 10 days before stopping treatment with them. Don't know what was wrong, never did take him to the Vet. But, the oils worked. Thank you for introducing me to YoungLiving Oils.

Dean Allen Moran, Owner
Dean Allen - A Hair Studio
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Pretty amazing, huh? Well, no, not really: after all...essential oils change lives: pass it on!! I would suggest diluting Thieves 50-50 with some olive oil if giving internally...it can be "hot" when applied neat. You can also rub the oils (diluted) on the dog's paws and on the tips of their ears as a way of administering the oils.

Want more information about these astounding gifts of nature? Visit my Young Living website!

I love teaching about oils!

2011-10-04T18:00:00.001-07:00

I just returned from a wonderful visit to Vermont and Massachussetts: Vermont to spend time with my sister, her husband, her son and his family, and Massachussetts to give a workshop on essential oils for the childbearing year at the beautiful Center for Midwifery Care in Northampton., where my sister is a midwife. It was such a joy to share my passion for essential oils with a wonderful group that included expectant parents, doulas and midwives! I hope the information we shared will help create many beautiful and happy birth-days!

Interested in hosting a workshop about essential oils? Please let me know by posting a comment here! I offer classes on everyday wellness with essential oils, essential oils for emotional well-being, essential oils for the childbearing year, essential oils for bodyworkers, healing oils of the Bible, and more. I'd love to share my knowledge (and passion!) with you and your group!

Oils help ease pain & bruising of broken toe

2011-10-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

The other day I got a text from my son: "What oils should I use on a broken toe?" He had smacked his little toe hard on a metal toolchest and it was very painful, badly bruised and definitely broken. I told him to apply Young Living's PanAway blend followed by Peppermint oil with ice right away. He texted back later and said that within 2 hours of applying those oils all the bruising was gone! He still had pain...but then, I forgot to tell him to keep applying the oils! Today, 6 days later, he told me he's still a little sore but has no bruising and is able to run.

In a case like this, it's crucial that you apply oils immediately and often. By getting oils on fast and frequently, you can often minimize and even eliminate pain and bruising. PanAway and Peppermint are my favorites for this: I have broken my little toe, too, and the healing from this combination of oils was so amazing that the next day I had no bruising and no pain at all.

PanAway contains oils that are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and supportive of circulation and tissue repair. Peppermint is also analgesic and anti-inflammatory as well as deeply cooling. It's the perfect combination for healing bumps and bruises...I carry them with me all the time!

Raindrop Technique eases runner's pain

2011-06-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Raindrop Technique is one of the most wonderful things you can do with essential oils. It's a simple but powerful application of essential oils that can help detoxify the body, relax muscles, stimulate circulation, and make you feel great all over.

I recently taught a "mini-class" of Raindrop to a group of students at the massage school where I am an instructor. One of the students is a runner who is currently training for an Iron Man Triathlon. He had been having pain in his hip for weeks, and nothing seemed to make it better.

Before he even got up off the massage table after he received his Raindrop treatment, he lifted his head and with a smile of amazement and relief told me the pain in his hip was GONE! I saw him a couple of days later and asked him about it--he said the pain had not returned.

The REALLY interesting thing is that in this "mini class" of Raindrop, the students didn't even use all the Raindrop oils. They used only Valor blend, basil, wintergreen, marjoram and peppermint. Imagine what might have happened if they had used ALL the oils!!

Every day I have a new appreciation for the power of therapeutic grade essential oils!

Cat's paw soothed by lavender

2011-06-17T08:28:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday my "grand-cat" (the gorgeous caramel colored feline who adopted my son about 13 years ago) was holding his left paw up and wouldn't put any weight on it. Seems he had gotten some sharp object embedded in the pad of that paw. My son cleaned out the sore spot and called the vet for suggestions. The vet told him to use shredded paper in the litter box until the sore healed, and to keep an eye on it and bring the cat in if the problem persisted.

I suggested we try some lavender. Known for its soothing, anti-infectious and healing qualities, I figured it might help. So we managed to get a drop of my therapeutic grade lavender on Mr. Cat's sore paw, and he jumped right down and went over in a corner and started licking his paw. That night he was pretty miserable so my son figured a trip to the vet was on the agenda for the next day. He re-applied the lavender, and by morning Mr. Cat was walking much more comfortably. My son has been applying lavender every day, and the healing has continued!

Gotta love that lavender!

Saving the chef's fingers with lavender

2011-06-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have followed my blog for a while know that my son is the chef in his Thai restaurant in Philadelphia, http://www.padthaiphilly.com/. (Here he is, on the left, with his beautiful wife Yamilet, in the restaurant's kitchen.) Thai chefs prepare many dishes in a wok using very, very, very hot oil. So, being a loving and concerned mom, I made sure there is always a bottle of therapeutic grade lavender essential in hand in the kitchen. That lavender oil came in really handy last week! The chef reported to me:

Last week I spilled some really hot oil on the 4th and 5th fingers of my left hand. I grabbed the lavender and poured it on my fingers right away. It was amazing! Those fingers should have been blistered in minutes, but there wasn't even any redness. You can't even see where I spilled the oil.

Kitchen burns are painful in any situation, but for a professional chef that kind of injury can be limiting to how much you can do on the job for days. So my son was very glad he had his lavender on hand to save the day--and his fingers!

Taking the bite out of bug bites

2011-06-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Last week one of my massage students complained about a bug bite he had just gotten--we don't know exactly what kind of critter bit him, but he had a nice red bump on his forearm that was itching him like crazy. I handed him my trusty bottle of Purification blend and suggested he put a drop or two on the bite and rub it in. He did, and about 10 minutes later he came back to me and said, "I don't know what that stuff was, but the itching is completely gone and so is the bump!"

"And," he added, "it sure smells nice, too!"

Purification is definitely a "must-have" oil blend for summertime. Made up of
essential oils of Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida), and myrtle (Myrtus communis), Purification can repel insects so you don't get bitten in the first place, and can ease the itchiness if you do get bitten.

Fellow oiler Kim says she's had success repelling mosquitoes with a spray made up of Purification, Orange, Thieves & Peppermint in distilled water. Another oiler writes: "For an excellent mosquito repellent, I mix lemongrass or Purification in extra virgin olive oil (or V6 mixing oil) and massage it into my skin. I also use it on my toddler. It's DEET free and it works! There may be some sun sensitivity from the Lemon, so be cautious." Note: you will need to re-apply any natural insect repellent more often than you would with a chemical one. A small price to pay for not having those poisons on your body!

For bee stings, many people have found Purification helps counteract the venom quickly. Personally, I've found that pure therapeutic grade Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) works well. Soothes and takes the sting away, fast. (Note: if you are allergic to bee stings and get stung by a bee, seek medical attention immediately.)

So keep your oils handy this summer and don't let the bugs take a bite out of your fun! And always remember to use therapeutic grade oils. My oils of choice come from Young Living, the world leader in essential oils.

More travel tips

2011-06-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about being a Young Living "oiler" is that friends are always happy to share their experiences. I got a nice email from Stephanie who enjoyed my earlier post (in January) about traveling with essential oils. She added these tips:

On board I also like to have the Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer and also the Thieves Spray. Another idea I read is to have a note, YL brochure or business card on top/with your checked luggage oils, with info., in case they search your piece of luggage and "just aren't sure..." and with a note to please tighten any bottles of oil they might open.

Great ideas! The waterless hand sanitizer is so important, to keep your hands germ-free. And the note inside the checked luggage? I will be doing this tomorrow when I travel north to do an oils training with lots of bottles of oils in my suitcase.

Thanks, Stephanie! Isn't it wonderful to be part of such a sharing community?!

Natural Dryer Sheets

2011-04-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

My good friend Marilee Tolen a.k.a. the Home Spa Lady, came up with a great way to make natural, non-toxic dryer sheets--using essential oils, of course! View her short video which shows you exactly how to make them.

Try lavender for things like lingerie..Purification blend or eucalyptus for bedding to kill dust mites...lemon or lavender for bath towels...use your imagination!

One more way to get chemicals out of your daily life...with the help of essential oils!

Click here to purchase the purest, most potent essential oils on the planet!

Oils heal injury from savage aloe plant!

2011-03-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

Lemon oil cleans!

2011-03-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

This oil tip comes from the recent Young Living e-newsletter:

“I am a teacher. One of my students colored the inside of his desk with a crayon, so I had him scrub his desk out with limited results. Then I sprinkled several drops of lemon essential oil inside the desk. He continued to scrub and all the crayon came off. You should have seen the smile on my student's face!” --David Key

...and I bet the classroom smelled amazing! I wonder if this teacher also knew that the aroma of lemon oil can inspire increased concentration and awareness. A Japanese study demonstrated that after diffusing lemon oil throughout a busy office building, typing errors decreased by 54%. And since lemon essential oil is also highly anti-infectious and has strong antibacterial properties, it’s perfect for purifying the air and surface areas in hospital rooms, schools and waiting rooms.

Hmmm, I wonder what would happen to student levels of concentration/focus and attendance if a teacher diffused this sunny, happy, healthy aroma regularly in the classroom…?!

Essential oils for klutzy cooks (like me!)

2011-02-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

My son is a chef--a Thai chef at that, and owns a great Thai restaurant in Philadelphia called Pad Thai. He never ceases to amaze me with his culinary skills and creative talents in the kitchen...and I often wonder where he got that gene because he sure didn't get it from me! (Must have been his dad's side of the family!)

Proof positive of this lack of culinary skill on my part is the fact that I not infrequently have little mishaps with knives. This alone could be reason enough to have therapeutic grade essential oils in my home--they have saved slashed and bloody fingers more times than I can recount!

Here's my latest "slice & dice" episode, and how Helichrysum and Cistus healed the injuries quicker than you can say Tom Ka Gai!!

Going to Thailand? Bring peppermint oil!

2011-02-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

I love Thai food...and while traveling throughout Thailand last month with my best friend and my Thai chef son, I had the pleasure of eating my way from one end of the country to the other--literally!

But my palate and digestive system are 100% made in the USA, and there were times when the unfamiliar mix of ingredients, environment and time zone caught up with me and caused some indigestion and intestinal discomfort. Peppermint oil was my best friend: a drop on the tongue and a drop rubbed on my belly made all the difference--within minutes!

By the way, peppermint oil helps with all kinds of digestive woes, not just overeating or eating strange food! A recent study financed by the American College of Gastroenterology shows that it can even help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS--good news for folks who suffer from this unpleasant and often painful condition.

Oils relieve nasty bump on the shin

2011-02-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

While I was in Thailand recently, my friend whacked her shin on the leg of a table at a rather rustic restaurant one evening when we went out for dinner. I mean, she REALLY hit it hard. The tissue was crushed and indented, bruising started immediately and the area started bleeding. Thank goodness I had my oils with me (they went everywhere in my large purse, all over Thailand!). I reached first for my Deep Relief roll-on and had my friend apply it all around the wound. Then I grabbed my Valor and told her to just slather it all over the site. She re-applied every couple of minutes until we were able to get some ice. Even before the ice arrived the bleeding had stopped and the discoloration seemed to have stopped getting worse. It still hurt but the oils did ease the pain, too.

My friend fully expected to have an indentation and nasty, painful bruise on her shin for quite a while. Imagine her surprise when the next day there was minimal bruising, and the tissue had healed to an amazing degree. Within a day, she had forgotten about the injury because it was healing so thoroughly.

Time and time again, these oils prove how invaluable they are! I never go anywhere without them!

Traveling with essential oils

2010-12-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

I've gotten a few emails recently from friends who are traveling and are unsure what to do with their oils. I have the same dilemma, since I will be spending 3 weeks in Thailand starting January 15! I've gathered some advice from my files and from my own personal experience and am happy to share with you.

1. Be sure to follow the TSA 3-1-1 regulations for carry-on liquids. Your clear plastic 1-quart ZipLoc bag must be placed outside your carry-on bag in a bin on the X-Ray belt. You are allowed a maximum total of 3.4 ounces of liquid in your carryon. This is the equivalent of 100 ml. Most essential oils come in 5 and 15 ml bottles; do the math!

2. Don't tempt fate and leave a bottle of oil in your purse or carry-on. The X-Ray will pick it up, you will be pulled out of the line, your bag will be searched, your oil will be confiscated. Trust me, this has happened to me! Careful packing and planning eliminates this sad and annoying occurrence.

3. Do X-Rays harm the oils? From what I have learned from many of my awesome teachers, X-Rays will lower the frequency of essential oils, but praying over them or sending Reiki to them will bring the frequency back up. Their frequency will return in time anyway--prayer just speeds up the process.

4. Consider buying 5/8 dram amber bottles and filling them with your favorite oils instead of bringing the 5 or 15 ml bottles. Be sure to label the bottles--here's a link to the right size labels for these bottles.

5. Any oils you will not absolutely need for the actual in-flight travel should be packed in your check-through luggage and wrapped tightly in a plastic bag. Oil bottles sometimes leak and, as much as you might love lavender, you do NOT want you entire suitcase full of clothes smelling of it!

6. Speaking of inflight use of oils: be VERY considerate of your fellow travelers. I have stopped opening bottles of oil on planes because so many people are sensitive to smells and I have had a few unpleasant encounters with people who do not want to hear about "therapeutic grade," "good for you" oils. My advice: choose your favorite oil and put a few drops on a cotton ball. Place the cotton ball in a ZipLoc bag and keep it in your purse or carry-on. You can then open a corner of the bag and take a quick but deep breath as needed, then zip it up again with minimal irritation to fellow travelers.

7. You can also anoint yourself with your favorite oils before you leave home for the airport. But instead of putting the oils on your belly, heart, neck and shoulders, put them all on your feet so that other travelers won't be disturbed. The oils will be absorbed into your body quickly by applying them to your feet.

8. My Must-Have oils for traveling (all from Young Living; these go in my check-through luggage): Valor, Harmony, Joy, White Angelica for daily anointing, safety, grounding and balance (my daily practice). Then Thieves for any sniffle, sore throat or stomach bug that might find me. PanAway for bumps or bruises. Peppermint for upset tummies, cooling, headaches. energy. Lavender for anything! Frankincense--just because. Lemon to purify water. Purification to ward off insects and purify hotel rooms. Peace & Calming for sleep. Oh hey, guess what: this is the Young Living Everyday Oils Kit I'm outlining! Add the Deep Relief, Stress Away and Breathe Again roll-ons and you will be prepared for any eventuality!

9. Young Living's travel fan diffuser is easy to pack and ideal for hotel rooms. When traveling overseas be sure to pack extra AA batteries so you won't have to worry about current converters.

10. Supplements: for the sake of ease, I've ordered Young Living Core Supplements packs. Omega Blue, Longevity essential oil gelcaps, True Source whole food vitamins and Life Five probiotic--the basics I take every day--pre-packaged and ready to go anywhere. Also the NingXia Red single-serve packs are a must for energy, stamina, and great nutrition on the go. You can take one of these in your ZipLoc liquids bag and pack the rest in your check-through bag. (Keep in mind that each one is 1 ounce so factor that into your total liquid amount in the ZipLoc bag.)

Bon voyage and happy traveling!!

Dentist Office Angst and Orange Oil

2010-12-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

What a great way to start the holiday season: I'm getting a root canal! Doesn't THAT sound like fun?

I've done some research into how essential oils can help with the anxiety associated with that kind of activity, and the news is good: in a study in Vienna, essential oil of Orange was diffused in dental waiting rooms. The researchers found that

...women who were exposed to orange odor had a lower level of state anxiety, a more positive mood, and a higher level of calmness. Our data support the previous notion of sedative properties of the natural essential oil of orange (Citrus sinensis).

In a similar study, researchers experimented with diffusing lavender essential oil and orange essential oil. The results were similar:

Statistical analyses revealed that compared to control condition both ambient odors of orange and lavender reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients waiting for dental treatment. These findings support the previous opinion that odors are capable of altering emotional states and may indicate that the use of odors is helpful in reducing anxiety in dental patients.

So guess what I will be bringing to the dentist's office on Friday? My travel diffuser and my bottle of Orange essential oil!

I have a friend who did this last year when she went in for a lengthy dental procedure. The dentist was skeptical but humored her. One by one every member of the office staff stopped into the treatment room to take a deep breath and say, "Hey, what smells so great in here?" Before she left, the dentist had ordered a diffuser and a bottle of orange oil for each of his treatment rooms and one for the reception area!

So spread the word, and bring a diffuser and orange oil (or lavender, if you prefer) the next time you plan to spend any "quality time" in a dentist chair. You might help a lot of future dental patients ease through their treatments with a little less angst. Order essential oils and diffusers by clicking here!

It's all about balance

2010-11-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

My husband recently saw a broad-thinking, open-minded physician who practices functional medicine. One of the outcomes of the visit was that, based on Joe's current cholesterol levels, blood pressure and other things that have changed significantly, the doc took Joe off of 2 of the 3 medications he's been taking since his heart attack 7 years ago. No more statin drug, no more BP meds!

What has changed? A lot of small things, but one main emphasis: we've both been paying much more attention to BALANCE. Balance in our diet (we recently became vegetarians). Balance in our stress levels (we recently moved to Florida from New Jersey after 21 years in the rat race). Balance in as many aspects of our lives as we can control.

This led us to thinking about how UN-balanced we get when we take synthetic drugs. These substances are not meant to work with our bodies in balance or harmony--they are laser-like approaches to a single problem and the rest of the body be damned! When dealing with serious problems, such as a heart attack or cancer, this is a good thing: we need that focused approach to break up a clot or destroy a tumor. But then, what happens in the rest of the body? In the case of chemotherapy, healthy cells are killed or maimed along with the cancer cells. With ongoing heart meds, the liver can be compromised and other side effects pop up. (Shortly after he began taking lisinopril, Joe developed a dry, persistent cough. He put up with this for 7 years. Last week, he discontinued the drug at his new doc's direction--and within one day, the cough was gone. Oh, and his blood pressure? 120/80.)

The difference with natural substances--especially essential oils--is that their molecules are chemically so compatible with our bodies that our bodies treat them as if they were our own. What does this mean? Well, in the case of cancer, exciting research at the University of Oklahoma shows that frankincense essential oil kills bladder cancer cells but leaves healthy cells alone. Clove essential oil has been demonstrated to be more effective than aspirin in reducing red blood cell stickiness (when blood cells stick together and form clots, heart attacks and strokes can happen)--but it has no other side effects in the body--except, perhaps, its phenomenally high antioxidant power and antimicrobial action.

Why is this? Well, the answer is simple--essential oils work with the whole body and help restore its natural balance. Here's an example:

Conventional approach: You have a headache, you take an aspirin. Headache goes away, but the aspirin also causes some tiny bleeding in the stomach; with repeated frequent use, this can become a problem. And aspirin isn't kind to the liver, which has to work hard to process it.

Alternative approach: You have a headache, you reach for your essential oils. You apply peppermint and lavender essential oils topically, which cools and is analgesic. Add a drop of copaiba oil on top, which amplifies the action of the lavender and peppermint and is also highly anti-inflammatory. Then you inhale the oils, which oxygenates your brain and your body and carries the oil molecules throughout your system. Headache goes away--no side effects. Oh, and in case that headache was caused by stress, the oils help with that by helping balance things in your brain's emotional center. I guess that could be called a side effect, couldn't it...

I'm not advocating that if you have a serious health challenge you immediately drop your doctor's directions and run to something alternative (although I know of people who have done just that and have gone on to live long and healthy lives). The best of all possible worlds is to find a great doc who will work with you to help you build the health you want and deserve.

The best approach of all is to create balance BEFORE problems start. How? Here are a few ways:

1. Eliminate toxins from your home, workplace and life before they get into your cells and start mutating your DNA.
2. Eat healthy food--organic when possible--fruits, vegetables, whole and sprouted grains; eliminate white flour and sugar in all its forms, and stop eating milk products.
3. Read labels carefully and know what you are buying.
4. Use all-natural personal care products that won't leach chemicals into your brain and body.
5. Take measure to reduce your stress. Learn to meditate (simple!). Pray. Take yoga. Get regaular massage or healing bodywork. Use soothing essential oils such as lavender, orange, Peace & Calming and StressAway.

Is all of this easy? Some is, some isn't. But is it important? YOU BET IT IS. We're surrounded by toxins, high stressors and unhealthy choices everywhere we go, and if you look at the alarming increase in rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity in our country you'll see the results.

At the ages of 60 and 61, my husband and I have made a commitment to change the way we live, so that the latter part of our lives will be spent with both of us alive, active, and in vibrant mental, physical and spiritual health. A good diet...regular spiritual renewal...the guidance of an excellent and open-minded physician...and of course, at the heart of it all, therapeutic grade essential oils on and in our bodies every single day.

Please visit www.youngliving.com/fullcircle to explore the world's finest, purest essential oils and supplements and personal care products that contain them.

Peppermint for reflux

2010-11-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got an email from my good friend Linda in NJ about her most recent essential oil "aha!" Hope this helps someone out there...hooray for peppermint!

Hi Darby,

The other night I had a heavy meal of my son's chili. He's experimenting and while I love hot food, this was heavily spiced. I woke up in the middle of the night with terrible acid reflux. It's not something I'm used to. I grabbed some papaya tablets to settle my stomach but I could not get the burning out of my throat. By then, I was AWAKE.
I fired up my computer, searched the oils-testimonials website for GERD and read that peppermint oil could help. One drop (licked off the back of my hand!) and it was gone.

By the way, that site Linda visited is a great resource for essential oil
testimonials. Check it out at http://www.oil-testimonials.com/ .

Workshop in Florida!

2010-11-01T16:29:00.001-07:00

Calling all interested folks in the Coral Springs FL area! Join me for a fun workshop on using essential oils to get through the holiday hustle-bustle!

WHEN: Tuesday Nov. 16 from 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: My home in Coral Springs
ENERGY EXCHANGE: $5 per person

Learn how essential oils can help lift your spirits, calm your stress, balance your emotions--and even balance your budget!

I'll be making some yummy and healthy taste treats using essential oils...you'll take home some great suggestions, tips and recipes..you'll experience a simple but powerful mood elevating protocol using 4 essential oil blends...and you'll leave feeling much better than when you came!

Leave me a message in the Comments section to let me know you'd like to attend. I'll get back to you with details.

Hope to see you!

Try this salad dressing--you'll love it!

2010-10-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

I made this dressing the other night when we had guests for dinner. It was a hit! I started with a recipe from a friend and added a few touches of my own. See what you think!

1/4 extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

2 drops tarragon essential oil

2 drops dill essential oil

1 drop lemon essential oil

Salt & pepper to taste.

Whisk together and store for up to a week in a sealed jar in the fridge.

In addition to tasting amazing, this salad dressing is also good for you! Tarragon and dill are both supportive of the digestive system. Dill has antimicrobial compounds and lemon is awesome for detoxing. It's also high in d-limonene which has been studied for its effects on cancer cells. So enjoy your salad and know that it's not just the veggies that are good for you--it's the dressing, too!

NOTE: use only therapeutic grade essential oils, especially when ingesting.

"Off label" use of Thieves blend

2010-09-20T10:34:00.001-07:00

I do my best to live without drugs and artificial stuff, turning first to natural methods for aches, pains and the like. My one exception has always been Extra Strength Excedrin for headaches. I have chronic neck/shoulder tension from 16 years of doing massage...when it's exacerbated, I can get headaches that, left untreated, will knock me out for an entire day. When a headache threatens, I have found that Excedrin has been the only thing that can actually make my headaches go away.

But like all chemical treatments, there are side-effects. Excedrin has caffeine in it (the caffeine-free stuff won't touch my headaches!), and I often end up getting "buzzed" and unable to sleep after I take it. Not to mention the effects of the caffeine on my heart, and what the aspirin and acetomenophen could be doing to my digestive tract...

This morning I woke with a stiff neck and a headache that was already well on its way to becoming a bad one. But instead of reaching for the pills, I grabbed the bottle of Young Living's Thieves essential oil blend out of the medicine cabinet. I put a drop of the oil on my thumb and pressed it into the roof of my mouth. After about 30 seconds, I swallowed it, and took a lozenge made with the Thieves oil. I sat down at my desk to read emails and told myself that if there was no change in the headache in 15 minutes, I would relent and take the Excedrin.

Twenty minutes later I was engrossed in my work and suddenly realized the headache was gone. Completely!

This is not a typical use of Thieves! This wonderful blend is usually used to fight unwanted microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and molds, and to give support to the immune system. I had read about using Thieves for headaches somewhere years ago but figured my headaches were too strong, I needed "big guns". Well, guess what I learned: Thieves IS "big guns," and its only side effects are good ones!

For information on how Thieves blend works against household and black mold, please visit http://www.naturalmoldcure.com/.

Oils for snorers!

2010-09-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

If you share your life (and bed) with someone who snores, you know how disruptive it can be to your own sweet dreams. And if your bedmate also suffers from sleep apnea--stopping breathing during sleep, and starting again with a sudden snort--this is not only very disturbing to your sleep but it's also not healthy for your partner's heart.

Once again, I've found help with essential oils!

About 2 weeks ago I started asking my dear husband to put Valor on his feet before going to sleep. I had read somewhere that this lovely blend can help with snoring. I was skeptical, but was at the point where I would try ANYTHING. Lo and behold, he did not snore that night! Must be coincidence, I told myself....but the next night, same thing! And the next!

The following night the snoring started again. Guess it doesn't work after all, I figured as I packed up my pillow and headed for the living room couch... but in the morning I asked my hubby if he had remembered to put the Valor on his feet the night before...? Oh, I forgot! he confessed. That night I made sure he used the oil, and we both slept soundly.

It's been over 2 weeks now, and the only times he has snored were the nights when he forgot to "Valor" his feet. I don't understand it, and I don't care what the reason is: it sure works for us!

According to Young Living, "Valor® is 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. "

Valor contains frankincense, blue tansy, rosewood and spruce in a base of almond oil. I put Valor on my own feet every morning, then inhale it deeply, to start my day with balance. Who knew it could also help my husband and me get a good night's sleep?

You can purchase this wonderful oil blend at www.youngliving.com/fullcircle . Or leave a comment here and I'll contact you with more information.

Extra "shots" fend off a cold

2010-08-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Another great testimonial for natural healing...I woke up Monday morning with a scratchy throat and overall tired feeling...the way I used to feel when I'd be coming down with a cold. I took one drop of melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) and swallowed it; then had THREE 1-oz. "shots" of NingXia Red Juice, each with 2 drops of Thieves in it. Within an hour, I was feeling completely, totally fine and the symptoms did not return! A yummy and natural way to fend off a cold. (Oh, ok, I will admit the tea tree oil wasn't all that delicious :P !!)

A great respiratory oil blend

2010-08-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

Our good friend’s 14 year old daughter had a cough for 2 weeks…it hadn’t gotten better, hadn’t gotten worse, and she was scheduled for a blood test yesterday because the doc didn’t know what was going on. The young lady was also supposed to get braces on her teeth yesterday but they were afraid they were going to have to cancel that appt because of her cough (do you know how long it takes to get appointments with some orthodontists?!). So night before last, I gave her Young Living's RC blend to rub on her chest and diffuse overnight in her bedroom. I also gave her a few drops of the amazing Thieves blend in a teaspoon of honey and a drop for the sole of each foot. She called me the next morning to tell me that she woke up uncongested and with not a trace of a cough! They canceled the blood test, and she was able to keep the long-scheduled orthodontist appointment!

So what's in RC? 3 different varieties of eucalyptus, myrtle, pine, spruce, marjoram, lavender, cypress and peppermint. These oils are good for congestion, for circulation, for antimicrobial actions, and for supporting the respiratory system. It also was shown in lab studies at Weber State University to totally inhibit the growth of MRSA--the methycillin resistant staph bacteria that most modern antibiotics don't touch. An awesome blend!

I love this stuff!!!! I love teaching people that there are options…natural, healthy, God-given options, for many of the conditions, aches and pains we deal with everyday!

Miraculous Cypress oil

2010-08-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Last evening I held a class on Healing Oils of the Bible for a lovely group of women here in Coral Springs, FL. One of the oils that is mentioned several times in scripture is Cypress--Cupressus sempivirens--which has been used since at least 1800 BC, when it was mentioned in a Babylonian tablet. Cypress wood is a strong, long-lasting wood that was used in ancient days for ship-building; in Genesis, it says Noah built the Ark out of Cypress.

Today Cypress oil is known for its powerful support of circulation. It has been shown to help with strengthening blood capillaries so it's helpful for varicose veins; it is also helpful for edema.

I mentioned all this in the discussion of Cypress oil in last night's class. One of the ladies said her husband has had edema in his ankles for quite a well and wondered if Cypress oil might help. I gave her a few drops to take home and try, and here's what she wrote this morning in an e-mail:

...thank you again for last night and the sharing of the cypress oil...I put it on my husband's swollen ankles and massaged...and this morning he had the best measurement since his blood clot a few years ago. WE WERE BOTH SO EXCITED!!!

Powerful testimonial for another of God's gifts!

Back to school tip: peppermint essential oil

2010-08-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine in NJ is a special education teacher. When her students are studying for a big test, she diffuses peppermint essential oil in the classroom. While they are actually taking the test, she diffuses peppermint again. She says her class always has the best scores!

Another friend in Colorado is an elementary school teacher. She says that while her kids are in lunch period, she wipes the desks with peppermint essential oil. The "after lunch slump" is not a problem in her classroom!

When I am teaching my all-day "intro to aromatherapy" class, I diffuse a blend of peppermint and lemon essential oils. My students stay focused and on task (unless they had a late night the night before!).

As the kids start back to school this fall, be sure you have some therapeutic grade peppermint essential oil on hand, and a good diffuser. Put a few drops of peppermint in the diffuser and turn it on while they're doing their homework. If you want, add a few drops of lemon essential oil into the mix--about twice as many drops of lemon as peppermint. Do this for a week and then leave me a comment to let me know if you notice a difference in their ability to focus!

My choice for essential oils is Young Living, the world leader in the research, development and production of pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. By the way, Young Living also offers excellent diffusers ranging from a small battery-operated travel diffuser to a high quality professional grade diffuser. I recommend them all!

Delicious essential oil "shots!"

2010-07-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

If you drink an antioxidant juice every day, such as the awesome NingXia Red, you can jazz it up and increase its health benefits even more by adding a few drops of therapeutic grade essential oils. (Of course, never take any oils internally unless they are therapeutic grade!). At Young Living's Convention in June, the "NingXia Red Bar" offered some of these yummy shots. Here a couple of recipes:

"The Holy Cow." Two ounces of NingXia Red, 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil, 2 drops of Frankincense, 1 drop of Lemon. Purifying and a great wake-me-up for the brain!

"The Sunrise Special." Two ounces NingXia Red, 1 drop Orange essential oil (or Grapefruit, Lemon or Citrus Fresh), 2 drops Tangerine, 1 drop Frankincense. Tangy, citrusy, high antioxidant boost, and high in d-Limonene, a clinically proven anti-tumoral component.

"Who Let the Dogs Out?" Two ounces NingXia Red, 1 drop Lemon essential oils, 2 drops Tangerine, 1 drop Frankincense, 1 drop Cinnamon Bark (get it? Dogs? Bark?) Wow!! This one's got 'bite!'

Check out this video of the NingXia Red bar at last year's Convention...you can even see Gary Young himself pouring shots! (Yeah, we have a lot of fun at YL!!)

Must-Have Oils for Every Home

2010-07-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Based on 10 years of using essential oils and the advice of experienced oilers, here's my list of "must-have oils" that every home should have. Remember, of course, these are therapeutic grade essential oils--not "recreational fragrances" which make up the majority of fragrant oils on the market. There is a HUGE difference! For therapeutic results, always always always use therapeutic grade oils! My choice is Young Living Essential Oils--the best on the planet!

VALOR. Young Living's beautiful, multi-purpose blend is a fantastic first oil to apply immediately to bumps and bruises. Also, apply daily to the soles of the feet or wrists to help balance your energy and ground you.
PANAWAY. Young Living's pain relief blend that has immediate results for many things (like a heavy can dropped on a toe!).
CYPRESS. A single oil distilled from the branches of cypress trees. Can help stop bleeding when applied on exposed skin away from the bleed--NOT directly on the cut (example: for nosebleeds, apply to inside of upper arm).
PURIFICATION: an outstanding blend for insect stings and bites, and for scrapes; also repels insects. It purifies the air when diffused.
THIEVES. This powerful antimicrobial blend of oils is available in several forms including a handy purse-size spray (great for purifying an area like a toilet seat), hand purifier (so much healthier than the others out on the market!), and of course, the oil itself. Apply to the bottoms of your feet for a boost to your immune system.
LEMON. This antiseptic oil can help bring a fever down with repeated doses on the spine or inside the forearms. It's a gentle oil, safe for children. 2-4 drops would be plenty for an infant. To help a sluggish digestive system, add 5-6 drops to a glass of water and drink it down.
LAVENDER. A favorite with many people, lavender is calming to the nervous system. It is excellent for minor burns and sunburn--my first choice for either! You can mix 20 drops of lavender in 4 ounces of aloe vera juice and use as a spray on sunburn.
PEPPERMINT. "Cools the body, stimulates the brain, soothes digestion." It can help bring down a fever, relieve bloating and gas, and keep you alert. It relieves headaches, clears sinuses, helps with smoking cessation, and has been clinically shown to help with IBS. And, a few drops in water it can also decrease appetite.
FRANKINCENSE. A great boost for the immune system, this ancient oil elevates mood and helps with depression, and supports "the connection between heaven and earth."
PEACE & CALMING. To help with sleep; to relieve stress; to calm hyper kids and animals; any situation where peace or calming is needed--this oil is the best!

Many thanks to Dr. Peter Minkey, whose presentation at this year's Young Living Convention inspired these comments and provided invaluable information on the topic of "The Family First Aid Kit" of essential oils.

Dropped a heavy can on my toe!

2010-07-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, I wish I had had my camera handy for this one! The day we moved, I was packing last minute stuff into a box and dropped a #10 can of tomatoes on my big toe. YOW!! The edge of the can landed right at the base of my big toe nail, and the nail and toe started turning purple immediately--I actually watched as it spread up the toe in the first 10 seconds after the injury. I hobbled over to my case of oils (the very last thing to go in the car, of course!) and grabbed the PanAway. I dripped the oil all over my toe and held some ice on it for a couple of minutes. When I took the ice pack off, the purple had receded to just the base of the toenail. The next day there was only a small bruise at the base of the nail. Today, 2 weeks later, it just looks like I got some charcoal dust on it. Pretty amazing.

The key here is not only to apply oils after an injury--it's to apply the oils immediately. You should always have your "first aid oils" near you, whether you're at home or on the road, so they are always available. Of course it helps to use them any time after an injury, but the sooner you can get the oils on, the faster you will heal.

Next post: I will write my list of first aid oils to always have on hand. Obviously, PanAway is major!!

Cool peppermint

2010-07-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

One way to help beat the heat is to use pepperming essential oil. Mix the essential oil 50-50 with a good base vegetable oil and rub a drop or two on the back of your neck. Soothing and cooling! By the way, ladies in my age group, this is also a big help for hot flashes!

If the peppermint feels too "hot" because of its intense menthol content, dilute with vegetable oil, NOT water. Many people (me included) can use peppermint oil "neat" from the bottle but if you're new to the oils, dilute first to see how your skin responds.

One other "cool" thing about peppermint oil on the back of the neck: it can stop hiccups! I have helped many people stop their hiccups within seconds by having them apply a drop of peppermint essential oil on the back of the neck, just above the "bump" in the cervical spine where the neck meets the torso. Why does this work? Not sure, but it has something to do with cooling the nerve that ennervates the diaphragm, the abdominal muscle that spasms to cause hiccups.

And of course, as always, for therapeutic results, always use therapeutic grade oils.

A Moving Experience

2010-07-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Moving one's household is an ordeal any way you cut it. Transporting your life of 21 years from the Northeast to Florida is downright traumatic! But we did it...I think I'll start a separate blog on that topic because of all the things I wish I'd known, that I learned through the process! But here's one thing that was a no-brainer for me: using essential oils every day to reduce the stress, help with sleep, lower anxiety and stay focused on the zillions of things that had to be done:

Valor on the feet every morning for the courage and endurance to get through it!
Sleep Essence capsules at night when the events of the day wouldn't let me get to sleep.
Into the Future on my temples whenever I got "stuck" with regrets and doubts.
Peace & Calming when the stress level started building.
Gratitude to remind me that this big step we were taking was an exciting adventure!

And here's one for you dog lovers who are going to be moving soon: everyone warned me that my little shih-tzu Mischa was going to get very agitated, confused and disoriented when the movers started taking things out of the house. Peace & Calming to the rescue! I rubbed a drop into the tip of each of her ears and then let her smell my hands. I put a couple of drops on a towel on her bed. It was darned near miraculous! She was calm as could be and basically slept through the whole thing! The movers were amazed. We used Peace & Calming on her during the drive from NJ to FL over 3 days, and she was the best little traveler you can imagine. I will never be without Peace & Calming--it is truly a miraculous blend!

Now we're settled in our new home, new community and new life. I've been diffusing Harmony every day. As for the little ants that appear in the kitchen...peppermint in a spray bottle with distilled water stops 'em in their tracks. Still waiting for my first encounter with the dreaded Palmetto Bug...I've heard Thieves is phenomenal for getting rid of them, as well as the mold that plagues so many homes in South Florida. Stay tuned!

Another "oils to the rescue" story

2010-05-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 6 this morning feeling achy, sluggish, possibly even feverish...oh no! I'm scheduled to attend a health fair at Colgate-Palmolive this morning! What to do?

Oils to the rescue, of course!

After breakfast, one Inner Defense gelcap with water at 7 a.m. Inner Defense contains the famous "Thieves" blend of antimicrobial oils--cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary--plus oregano, thyme and citronella. All pure, all therapeutic grade, all dynamos when it comes to knocking out unwanted "bugs!"

Result: 8 a.m. feeling better. 9.30 in the shower, and 10.30 on the road to Piscataway, feeling great! Had a wonderful time sharing these awesome oils with the nice folks there. And of course, as I shared the oils with people, I was inhaling them too. By the time I left at 2.30, I was feeling energized, happy and well!

Lesson of the day: whenever you're feeling less than great, just put an oil on, in or around you and watch what happens!

Frankincense & Myrrh and all pure, complete oils

2010-05-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

In the Biblical story, the three wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Lots of people ask, "I get the gold, but what about the other stuff?"

Myrrh was highly valued as an aid in pregnancy and childbirth, a treasure for the skin of ancient women, and a protection against the strong desert sun. In the past 10 years, scientists have found myrrh to have powerful effects against certain strains of cancer. Frankincense was one of the most highly prized substances in the ancient world. It was used as incense in holy places, for the anointing of kings, and for healing. Current science is showing us why it was so valuable: it not only elevates the mental and spiritual level of the person breathing it, it also has anti-tumoral qualities that can inhibit or even heal cancers. Here's what NaturalNews.com writes:

"...recent research showing that frankincense contains an agent that halts the spread of cancer may reignite its popularity. According to immunologist Mahmoud Suhail, frankincense resets the DNA code that has been corrupted by cancer cells and reprograms the correct code back into the cell. Frankincense also effectively separates the nuclei of cancer cells from their cytoplasm bodies which stops cancer cells from reproducing themselves and the corrupted DNA codes. Because frankincense attacks only malignant cells while leaving health cells alone, it could revolutionize cancer treatment protocols. Currently, scientists are working to isolate the agent within frankincense that fights cancer and trials are currently being conducted to identify which one it is."

It's great that modern scientists are re-discovering this quality of frankincense. The problem is, when you isolate a component from an essential oil, it may well become toxic. When desirable molecules are isolated or artifically produced, toxicity is increased. Why? Because in complete therapeutic grade essential oils, there are many components that balance each other out--the so-called quenching effect, in which non-toxic molecules balance out the toxic ones for an overall beneficial result with a broad spectrum of healing benefits. With an artificially isolated or created molecule--such as in pharmaceutical drugs--the non-toxic "good guys" that exist in the essential oil aren't around to balance that molecule and keep it under control. The result: lots of unwanted side effects.

Natural, pure, complete therapeutic grade essential oils have so much promise for healing...without being picked apart and re-structured. "God's Medicine" indeed.

Warts--ugh!

2010-02-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

Let's face it: warts are pretty gross! I found one blooming on a finger about a month ago. I reached for my oregano oil and put a drop on the wart--ouch, it burned! but soon the burn was gone. I treated it the same way for the next few days. Before long it had a scab on top, and the scab came off. Then I forgot about it. I just noticed this afternoon that there is not a trace of that sucker left!

Once again, essential oils to the rescue!

Please note: be very careful when using oregano essential oil. It is high in phenol which can make it caustic to the skin. Dilute with a good quality vegetable oil to reduce intensity. As with all essential oils, oregano oil is very concentrated so one drop goes a long, long way! And as always, be sure you use only therapeutic grade essential oils. My choice: Young Living Essential Oils--the purest, the best on the market!

Teaching = sharing

2010-01-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

I love to teach people about essential oils. Why? Because it's my way of sharing something that has profoundly affected my life! For my New Jersey friends & contacts, mark your calendar for two upcoming classes: both will be held at Onsen for All in Kingston NJ: please call in advance to register--609-924-4800.

Weds. Jan. 20, 7 p.m. "Dr. Mom:" Everyday wellness with essential oils. Easy-to-understand background on what essential oils are, how they work, and how to use them safely for everyday stuff like headaches, bumps & bruises, tummy aches, earaches, big bites, stress, and more. Lots of practical & useful handouts, plus the opportunity to experiences many wonderful essential oils! $35 per person.

Tues. Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Essential Oils for Your Inner Essence. More basic info on how essential oils work, specifically how they affect your brain, your emotions, and your energy field. More great handouts and "how-to's", and a deeply relaxing guided meditation using a specific essen6tial oil or blend on each chakra (energy center) to help clear away negative emotions and uplift your spirit. Everyone leaves this class with a big smile! $35 per person.

Raindrops keep falling...

2010-01-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

...on clients' backs! I am amazed at how many people are requesting Raindrop Technique these days. Today I'll be doing TWO sessions...and I did one last week, one yesterday and have another booked for Saturday. I love sharing these amazing oils with people, and I love the fact that I get to handle and breathe them while giving the treatment :0) !

My colleagues at Onsen for All always love to walk into my room afterwards and breathe the wonderful smells--so they benefit, too. Talk about a win-win!!

Sleeping with the oils

2010-01-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

While I was on my "sabbatical" from essential oils, Young Living introduced an incredible new product called Sleep Essence. These beautiful golden gelcaps full of essential oils are like magic on those nights when the mind won't stop chattering...and lucky for me, my good friend Connie picked up a bottle for me at the annual Convention--just before a shocking tragedy struck in my life. During this difficult time, sleep was incredibly elusive. I credit Sleep Essence with helping me get the sleep I needed to work through the crisis.

Sleep Essence is filled with a perfect blend of essential oils that promote sleep and relaxation and are soothing to the brain: lavender, vetiver, valerian, mandarin and rue--plus natural melatonin. It sends you off into a gentle but deep sleep--and, no "hangover" in the morning. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Coming home...to essential oils

2010-01-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

OK, I'll admit it: I have gotten so crazy busy and stressed out over the last 3-4 months that with the exception of a few of my forever favorites, I have taken a sabbatical from essential oils. It wasn't by design--I just...got busy. I got out of the wonderful routines I had for daily self-anointing. I forgot to reach for the oils when the stress level starting rising. It was sort of like getting lost and not realizing it until I found myself in a very unfamiliar place.

A couple of days ago I did a Raindrop Treatment and a special oils application called NeuroAuricular Technique on a friend with Parkinson's Disease. Being in the presence of those oils, having them in my hands, breathing them, and anointing my friend with amazing effects brought me home again. I remembered how wonderful I felt with my daily use of oils, how I used to be able to shift my mood in a nano-second just by breathing an oil or two.

Have you ever just "forgotten" about the self care things that always work? It's easy to let that happen, when life gets crazy and we are on the go all the time. I have certainly gotten off the track...but I'm here to say--I'm back! I am so thankful for the presence of essential oils in my life, and now that I have resumed my daily practice, I feel like "me" again!

Another yummy vinaigrette!

2009-03-02T14:43:00.001-08:00

Here's another delicious way to incorporate essenial oils into your day!

FRESH ROSEMARY & ESSENTIAL GRAPEFRUIT VINAIGRETTE
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c. white wine vinegar
2 tsp. fresh chopped rosemary
2 drops therapeutic grade essential oil of grapefruit

Whisk together and enjoy over a fresh leafy salad!

Dress up your salads with essential oils!

2009-02-23T13:43:00.001-08:00

Did you know that one of the best ways to make delicious salad dressings is with essential oils? Think about this: with essential oils as the flavoring, you get not only awesome taste but also therapeutic benefits!

Check out this recipe from my friend and fellow oil user, Carolyn Gallos: it is fabulous!

TARRAGON & DILL VINAIGRETTE
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 white wine vinegar
2 drops essential oil of tarragon
2 drops essential oil of dill

Whisk together and toss with leafy greens. Yummy! And it goes down easy, too, since the oils of tarragon and dill have been used for centuries to assist with digestion.

Amazing wolfberry juice

2009-02-13T09:00:00.001-08:00

I know, this is an essential oils blog...but I have to share my recent amazing story about NingXia Red, the amazing nutritional infusion produced by Young Living. Made from wolfberries from NingXia province in China, this juice combines high anti-oxidant power and astounding nutrition with no junk juices and a glycemic index that's about as low as beans. There are so many testimonials out there about how NingXia Red has helped people -- here's mine:

My son (now 30) broke his wrist at age 9. It was apparently not set correctly at the time because he has had intermittent pain ever since. He's now the chef of his own restaurant (www.padthaiphilly.com) and spends many hours chopping,dicing, slicing and otherwise making motions that involve wrist action. He had gotten to the point of being in bad pain most of the time. He used several anti-infkammatory and analgesic oils such as wintergreen, peppermint, and PanAway blend...all helped to varying degrees but the pain always came back.

About a month ago I asked him how his wrist was doing, and he told me it never hurts any more. What did you do? I asked him. "I drank a whole bottle of NingXia Red over 2 days' time, and the pain went away and never came back." WOW.

I would not suggest this kind of mega-dose but it certainly seems to have made a profound difference on my son!

Learn more about NingXia Red by clicking here. You can order yours by visiting my web site.

Myrrh Miracle

2008-12-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this amazing story! I have a 75 year old client who came in 2 weeks ago and showed me a really nasty-looking wound from where she had scraped her arm when she fell getting out of bed the week before. It looked like a really bad brush burn and it was still oozing a little. I offered her a couple of drops of helichrysum to put on the wound, thinking it would help promote healing.

Last week when she came in the wound had scabbed over with a heavy thick scab, but 1/4" around the entire sore it was really red under the skin. She said it was itching like crazy. I gave her a couple of drops of lavender and told her to pat it on the wound, thinking that would at least help with the itching/inflammation and would promote healing. Then "out of the blue" I suddenly thought "Myrrh!" (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, soothing to the skin) and so I gave her a couple of drops of myrrh and had her put that on top of the lavender.

She came in today and reported that the very next day after she applied the lavender and myrrh "It was gone!" No way, I thought! Then she rolled up her sleeve and sure enough, the only thing I could see was what looked like the very, very faint shadow of a scar of a very old wound. THIS HAPPENED IN 24 HOURS' TIME!!

I never cease to be amazed at the power of these oils! And what a blessing to have a "myrrh miracle" just before Christmas!

Holiday Survival Guide: Part 3

2008-12-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

Spiritual Centeredness: the message of the season is Peace.

This year, pledge to focus on peace, hope and joy--the true theme of this time of year. One of the best ways to do this is to "go inside" and experience the stillness within. How to do that? Here are some suggestions:

Get a nurturing, soothing massage once a week (or as often as your budget will permit) from Thanksgiving to New Year's.

Set aside at least 30 minutes every day to sit quietly, away from the hubbub of seasonal activities—perhaps with a cup of herbal tea, perhaps in meditation, perhaps with an inspirational book.

At least once a day, read sections of scripture or inspirational books that remind you of the "reason for the season." Regardless of your religious affiliation, this season is about peace, hope and joy. Read things that enliven that message in your heart.

Weather permitting, get outside at least 15 minutes a day and soak up some sun. Just 15 minutes of sun a day can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder which affects so many folks this time of year. Even when it's cold, if the sun is shining just bundle up and turn your face to the sun!

If possible, take a long, warm bath every evening before bedtime. Even better, mix 8-10 drops of essential oils such as lavender, chamomile or Peace & Calming into 1/2 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt and stir it into your drawn bath. Light a few candles in the bathroom and hang out the "Do Not Disturb" sign!

Even these small gestures can help re-set your stress level to zero, which enables you to feel more peaceful. And the more peaceful you feel, the more peacefully and joyfully you can relate to others. It’s contagious!

To support a peaceful, centered frame of mind and an uplifted spirit, try these oils:
Peace & Calming
Sandalwood
Frankincense
Lavender
Bergamot
Citrus Fresh
Grounding
Gathering

May this holiday season be healthy, happy, relaxed, peaceful and joyful!!

Holiday Survival Guide: Part 2

2008-12-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Mental Balance and Centeredness: Don’t try to be SuperHuman

Remember that the most important thing—maybe the ONLY important thing--about the holidays, is being with people you care about. Everything else is optional!

That being said, we all have gifts to buy, places to be, goodies to bake, homes to decorate, and on and on. This year, think about being a bit more realistic in what you think “needs” to be done. A few examples:

Do you really need to bake 12 dozen of 6 different cookie recipes?

Do you need to accept every holiday invitation that comes along?

Do you really need to go to the mall on the weekend, or can you wait until Monday? Better yet, can you get what you need online or through catalogues? (Check out Young Living’s great holiday ideas! or check out the beautiful gifts available online at Aromawear!)

Along those lines, try to approach each day with a sense of gratitude for what you have, what you’ve gotten done, and what you can accomplish in the day ahead. Some of the oils that can help with this are:

Abundance
Gratitude
Present Time
Valor
Believe
Magnify Your Purpose
Clarity

Diffuse them in your home, put a drop in your hands and inhale it, wear it on your skin, or put a few drops in one of AromaWear's gorgeous aromatherapy jewelry items and carry it with you all day!

Tomorrow: keeping your spiritual center

Holiday Survival Guide, Part 1

2008-12-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

The holidays can cause extra stress on your immunity and your psyche:

More contact with people carrying cold & flu germs--at parties, gatherings, the mall, etc.

Tempting sugar-laden goodies everywhere!

Stress of holiday gift-buying, meal preparation, home decoration, etc.

Tendency to put your own self care at the bottom of the “to do” list

And many other subtle ways!

Today's post and the next few days' posts will share some ways you can support your physical, mental and spiritual well-being during this joyous, wonderful time of year using essential oil products from Young Living.

Physical: Immune & energy boosters

Inner Defense® once a week. These capsules contain the powerful antimicrobial Thieves® blend, plus oregano, thyme and citronella essential oils, all of which are high in anti-microbial compounds. If you start feeling like you’re coming down with a cold, increase your intake to as much as 3 times a day.

ImmuPower® essential oil blend on the soles of the feet every morning.

Thieves® Hand Sanitizer carried in your purse or pocket at all times, to keep your hands clean and germ-free throughout the day.

Life Five® Probiotic every evening to support healthy flora in your intestinal tract, where the immune system has its “headquarters.”

MultiGreens® capsules, 3 capsules twice a day. These little green capsules are packed with energy-boosting stuff! I’ve found my energy level has been greater since I started taking them with breakfast and dinner.

NingXia Red®, 2-5 ounces a day depending on stress and activity level. This phenomenal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory infusion of wolfberries from NingXia, China is enhanced by essential oils--it's one thing I can’t manage without!

Raindrop Treatment®. Detoxify, relax and boost immunity with a Raindrop session just before the holidays, in mid-December, and after New Year’s Day. The antimicrobial, anti-spasmodic, purifying oils used in Raindrop are wonderful for your overall wellness.

Be on “Sugar Alert!” I’ve found that sugar makes me angry, depressed and irritable in a matter of hours. It’s also a known fact that sugar contributes to inflammation in the body, leaving our immunity compromised. So be on your guard this holiday season when it comes to all those yummy, tempting but unhealthy goodies that seem to be everywhere at this time of year! Go for the veggie trays first, and before you leave the party, allow yourself ONE “no no” so the little kid in you won’t throw a temper tantrum! (and yes, make sure it’s a good one!)

Speaking of sugar… Young Living’s Blue Agave is a fantastic sugar alternative. It’s natural, it’s delicious, and it’s low-glycemic—so much better for you than sugar. And it tastes great! In baking, I can’t tell the difference. If a recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, substitute 2/3 c. of agave. (FYI: Make sure your agave is high quality, like Young Living's: there's a lot of inferior agave out there that doesn't even pass the low glycemic test.)

Tomorrow: Staying mentally centered & balanced in the middle of it all!

Certified in Aromatherapy!

2008-10-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce that I passed my final exam and am now a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist!

My training was through the Institute for Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy (ISHA), a wonderful organization founded by a wonderful teacher and aromatherapist, Linda Smith. The training was a 250 hour program of intensive classwork, home study, case histories and research. It enlightened me, educated me, delighted me and challenged me!

If you are looking for a program that combines scientific and practical knowledge of essential oils with a gentle spiritual underpinning, this is the one for you! Linda and her staff are excellent instructors and facilitators who bring this fascinating study to life in an enjoyable, refreshing and totally professional way.

Certification is only an option in this program--many people take one or more of the courses simply to further their personal knowledge. If essential oils "call to you" and you're wanting to learn more, check out ISHA's web site. In addition to classes, they also offer several teleseminars, and Linda has written numerous articles and e-books that are terrific references.

The world of aromatherapy has a great resource in Linda Smith and ISHA. And I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to further my education through its program and to now put the initials "CCA" after my name!

Lavender & Peppermint

2008-08-24T07:55:00.001-07:00

This idea comes from my friend Joanne who just experienced one of our Lavender-Peppermint massages at Full Circle and loves the combination of those 2 oils. She starts off her day with a great pick-me-up: when she starts the water for her morning shower, she stoppers the drain and runs about an inch of water, then adds a few drops of lavender and a few drops of peppermint. While she is showering she enjoys breathing those gorgeous aromas which rise up from the standing water in the bottom of the shower.

What a wonderful way to start your day! Thanks for the idea, Joanne!

My own best science experiment

2008-08-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

My friends laugh when I tell them I am my own best science experiment...but it's true: I use every bump, scrape, ache & pain as an opportunity to collect more "evidence" of the power of essential oils! Yesterday, another one:

My husband's enormously heavy WorkMate bench fell over onto my right ankle. The whole front of the ankle turned black and blue immediately, and a long, purple, angry-looking gash appeared. We both thought I had broken a bone. As he rushed into the house for ice I yelled after him, "Bring the helichrysum and the PanAway!" I applied a few drops of helichrysum right onto the wound which was bleeding by now, and put the PanAway all around the ankle. I held the ice on the ankle for about 5 minutes, and when I took it off I was amazed to see that the bleeding had stopped, bruising had disappeared, and the purple gash had lightened significantly. Throughout the day I re-applied PanAway a few times to keep down any inflammation or pain, and at bedtime I rubbed a little Cypress around the wound to support damaged blood vessels and reduce puffiness.

This morning, the nasty purple gash looks like a mild cut, there is no bruising, and I have had only an occasional twinge of discomfort. It looks like little more than a shaving accident!

Essential oils are so powerful in a beautifully fragrant, gentle way. God's Medicine!!

The healing power of helichrysum

2008-07-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

It seems like every day I have another opportunity to witness the healing power of essential oils. Yesterday, for example:

I was chopping vegetables for my lunch salad and the knife slipped and lightly ran across the pad of the 4th finger of my left hand. Just a tiny slice, not very deep, but enough to draw blood. Now, this is not a big deal for most people, but for a massage therapist who has clients to see in the next few hours it's a BIG problem! I immediately grabbed my trusty bottle of helichrysum essential oil and put a drop on the cut. I dabbed the excess off, then went back to cutting veggies.

A couple of minutes later my husband asked how the cut was doing, and I swear to you, I looked at my left hand and could not remember or figure out which finger had been cut...the sting was gone and the wound was totally sealed! Only on very close examination did I notice that the pad of the 4th finger had a little puffy area on it. I couldn't even see the cut.

This morning I can see the cut but it's not at all red, not puffy, not painful, and you would never know it had ever been deep enough to bleed. Astonishing...miraculous...amazing...I love these oils!!!

We oil users have been without helichrysum for a long time now, because therapeutic grade helichrysum simply has not been available. So imagine how thrilled we all were when last week Young Living announced that it was back in the line-up! Helichrysum is known for its coagulant, regenerative properties that make it an invaluable oil to have in the home. It's not an inexpensive oil, but I will never be without it. And since you generally need only a drop or two at a time, a bottle lasts a long time.

Order your helichrysum here, or contact your Young Living distributor. And always, always make sure the essential oils you use are therapeutic grade. There are numerous companies out there who say their oils are "therapeutic grade;" some even "certify" to that fact. But in my years as a massage therapist and aromatherapist, I have come to trust only Young Living to provide perfect, healing, truly therapeutic grade essential oils of the highest quality and integrity. For my health & well-being and that of my family and my clients, I will use nothing less!

The "other" melaleuca

2008-07-15T14:57:00.006-07:00

I've been singing the praises of melaleuca alternifolia, better known as Tea Tree Oil, because of how it knocked the fungus out of my big toe. But did you know there's another member of the melaleuca family that has fabulous qualities? It's called melaleuca ericifolia, or Rosalina.

I have fallen in love with this oil lately. I first learned about it in Dr. Daniel Penoel's book, Natural Home Health Care Using Essential Oils. According to Dr. Penoel, Rosalina is a very gentle oil that is high in compounds that support the respiratory system, as well as antibacterial properties. Because it's so gentle, it is a good choice for children with infections of ear, nose and throat.

But as a massage therapist, I am especially interested in Rosalina's high linalool content, which makes it a deeply relaxing oil. I've found that using about 15 drops in 2 ounces of almond or grapeseed oil, applied in a soothing Swedish massage, makes for a beautifully relaxing massage session. This is a wonderful oil to use for stressed-out clients, or people who just need to unwind.
Penoel says:

Its suble fragrance will surround the patient and the skin penetration of a small amount will work on many different aspects of the body, from its physical aspect to its finer, hidden levels.

You can order therapeutic grade Melaleuca ericifolia from Young Living Essential Oils. Get a bottle and ask your massage therapist to use it in your next session--15 drops in 2 ounces of base oil will do the job nicely. See for yourself what a lovely effect this oil has on your body-mind-spirit!

Toenail update!

2008-07-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

OK--here we are 6 months after Tea Tree oil was first applied to my yukky fungal toenail. Check out my previous posts below to see how far it's come. Amazing! My guess is that by September 1 I will have a totally healthy nail...with no dangerous side effects. Thank heaven for essential oils!

Oils for Croupy Kids

2008-07-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Several months ago a friend called me up asking for help for her 2 children, ages 3 and 5, who were suffering from croup. I prepared an essential oil blend for her (see below). She reported that 15 minutes after rubbing a few drops on their chests, their backs and the soles of their feet, their coughing stopped!

A couple of months ago another friend called with the same problem with her 5 year old. I mixed up the same blend, and she said that after the second application, the "barking" had stopped. I guess there's something to this blend!

Here's what I used:
8 drops ravensara (ravensara aromatica)
2 drops lemon (citrus limon)
3 drops melaleuca alternifolia ("tea tree oil")
3 drops lavender (lavandula angustifolia)
48 drops V-6 base vegetable oil

Why these oils? Ravensara and melaleuca are high in compounds that support the respiratory system, and are also high in antimicrobial elements. Lemon is a powerful antimicrobial and detoxifying oil. Lavender is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities. All 4 oils are gentle enough for most children; combined together with Young Living's V-6 base oil, they make a nice blend to soothe the respiratory tract, bolster the immune system, and relax the body, mind & spirit.

A few words of caution:
* While my friends and I have found this blend to be helpful, it is not a prescription! I share this information simply as testimonial to the wonderful effects therapeutic grade essential oils can have.
* Always consult with your health care provider on all matters concerning your family's health.
* The lemon oil may cause skin photosensitivity so don't expose the treated area to direct sunlight for 12 hours after application.
* Very important: the oils I used are certified therapeutic grade essential oils. I use only oils from the world leader in pure essential oils--Young Living Essential Oils. For more information, please visit my website.

The meaning of "aromatherapy"

2008-06-05T04:29:00.000-07:00

An article in the York (UK) Press this morning really got me thinking about how in the United States, the term "aromatherapy" means something very different from what it really is. The article talks about a new DVD that offers advice and information to the 57,000 or so family caregivers in North Yorkshire. It also talks about services that are available, through the county government, to support these caregivers and help them cope better. Read the article.

In addition to short-term home coverage, laptops and respite spa days, the county's Direct Carer's Grant offers aromatherapy sessions for caregivers. Aromatherapy sessions? Isn't that just another kind of spa day offering?

No--not in the UK, where aromatherapy is taken quite seriously. Not in France, where aromatic medicine is a medical discipline. Not in many parts of the world, where the therapeutic power of essential oils is known and respected. Unfortunately, in the US, when you say "aromatherapy" most people think of smelly candles, lemon-scented furniture cleaner or the little plug-in things that spew scented chemicals into the air. Pop culture has taken the "therapy" out of "aromatherapy." What's worse, the chemicals and artificial substances in these products that tout "aromatherapy" as their selling point can have negative affects on the human body, causing allergies, rashes, headaches and more, leading many people to the conclusion that they are "allergic" to essential oils and tossing aromatherapy on the pile of bogus New Age treatments that don't work.

As an aromatherapist, I have studied the chemistry of essential oils. I've studied their history, I've learned about the precision required in the distillation of essential oils, the science and art of blending oils for synergistic, therapeutic effects--and everytime I see a product promoted as "aromatherapy," I cringe. As many people abroad have known for a long time, true aromatherapy has nothing to do with sweet-smelling candles, artificial chemicals or cheaply produced essential oils. It has everything to do with the intelligent, informed use of pure, organic, natural, therapeutic grade essential oils. It's that kind of aromatherapy--the real aromatherapy--that can change people's health and even their lives.

Dr. Daniel Penoel, a French medical doctor and world-renowned proponent of essential oils for healing, calls it "Aromatic Care:" care for the body, mind and spirit with the use of therapeutic grade essential oils. This is the "aromatherapy" that is such a blessing to the caregivers in North Yorkshire, England: soothing, focused applications of carefully selected and blended essential oils that specifically address the many issues of people who care for an ailing loved one. Much more than a "fluff and buff" massage with a few drops of lavender added to the massage oil, which is what often passes for aromatherapy in day spas in the US.

It's always heartening to read about places where aromatherapy is treated as a serious discipline. Until very recently, those places have all been outside the US. But with ongoing research and the strong advocacy of groups such as the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists (NAHA), Young Living Essential Oils, the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy and others, "Aromatic Care" is working its way into the mainstream of health care. (For example, read this article about essential oils in a Texas hospital .)

As I tell my clients and the students in my classes, you can't get therapeutic results from aromatherapy unless you use therapeutic grade oils--so unless you use the good stuff, please don't call it aromatherapy! REAL aromatherapy is a serious practice that can and does have profound healing results. Just ask the caregivers in Yorkshire.

Toenail progress: slow & steady!

2008-05-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Toenails grow slowly! That's the lesson for today...and when healing toenail fungus, patience is key, whether you use chemicals, drugs, or natural substances like I used: Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, a.k.a. Tea Tree Oil. I applied the Tea Tree oil back in December. The picture on the left was taken on April 29th...the one on the right was taken today, May 21. (Oh, how I wish I had taken a picture back in December when the entire toenail was yukky!) As you can see, progress is slow--but it's steady! Scroll down to my May 2 post for more info on how I used the Tea Tree oil. (By the way, I haven't applied any more oil since the end of December. The oil apparently killed off the fungus with less than 2 weeks' worth of applications.)

The other really important key when using essential oils to combat any ailment is to be sure you're using certifiable therapeutic grade oils. Therapeutic results come only with therapeutic grade oils! Check out my oils web site for lots of great information on how essential oils have been used for ages and how they can help you today!

Study shows Lavender helps you get a good night's sleep

2008-05-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

You've always heard that lavender helps you sleep, right? Well, a peer-reviewed study at Wesleyan University backs that up. The June 2008 issue of Natural Health magazine says that in this study,

30 "healthy sleepers" between the ages of 18 and 30 "sniffed lavender essential oil over the course of one half hour before bed...it increased the amount of time they spent in the most productive stages of sleep, and they reported feeling more rested the next day."

One of the reasons for this is that lavender essential oil stimulates the production of melatonin, the hormone that induces drowsiness. Another reason might just be that it smells so sweet and lovely that it puts your mind at ease so you can drift off more easily.

As a massage therapist for more than 13 years, I've heard many clients over the years say they "tried lavender but it didn't work." My response is always, "Were you using therapeutic grade lavender?" And the answer is always "No." Don't expect therapeutic results unless you use therapeutic grade essential oils. Cheaper oils are usually impure, adulterated or derived from the wrong plant, so they simply cannot give you the results you want.

Most so-called "pure" essential oils on the US market today are anything but! At best, they won't give you the results you want; at worst, they can make you sick or worsen your condition.

With therapeutic grade lavender, a few drops is all you need--on your pillowcase, or on your wrists. You can also mix a few drops into 1/2 cup of Epsom salts and put them into a warm bath. The folks at Natural Health say that "a warm bath raises body temperature. When it falls after you get out, that drop causes you to feel drowsy."

Stress-Relieving Bath Salt Recipe

2008-05-09T16:18:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had an extra-stressful day, so I decided I'd draw myself a nice relaxing bath. What oils to use?? I had been preparing for a class on how essential oils affect emotions, so I had a few in mind. Here's what I mixed into 1/2 cup of Epsom salt:

8 drops bergamot
5 drops lavender
4 drops frankincense
4 drops rosewood

The result? Magical! The aroma of these oils put me into such a deep state of relaxation I literally dozed off in the tub!

Bergamot has become one of my favorite oils. Its lovely fruity/citrus aroma is balancing and uplifting in the face of anxiety, stress and tension. It may also strengthen the immune system. It's the oil I reach for lately when I'm feeling overwhelmed. Treat yourself to a bottle of therapeutic grade bergamot--you will soon find it to be an indispensable addition to your essential oil collection!

NOTE: bergamot often causes photosensitivity of the skin, so do not wear or ingest bergamot less than 48 hours before exposing your skin to strong direct sunlight.

Melaleuca for toenail fungus!

2008-05-02T05:12:00.000-07:00

Is the word "miraculous" too dramatic? I don't think so! Look at this picture of my big toe, 4 months after I applied a drop of melaleuca alternifolia--a.k.a. Tea Tree oil--to the nail bed and under the nail twice a day for about a week. You can see where the damaged nail has grown out, and all the new growth is pink and healthy. Who needs expensive, liver-damaging drugs when Mother Nature has the answer?!

A widely-advertised drug for treating toenail fungus lists possible side effects as "headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, upset stomach, taste disturbances, nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, rash, itching, hives, and abnormalities in laboratory tests of liver enzymes." Guess what side effects I experienced from my essential oil treatment? Only a healthy new toenail!

I used Tea Tree oil from Young Living--pure, organic, 100% therapeutic grade. Tea tree oil is highly antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, with an impressive history of research and study to back up its effectiveness against many kinds of undesirable microbes. It should be in everyone's bathroom cabinet and in every hiker's backpack.

Better than styptic

2008-04-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

For shaving nicks, you can't do better than the essential oil of Cistus (cistus ladaniferus), also known as Rock Rose. A natural astringent and antiseptic, cistus quickly stops bleeding from open cuts. According to Dr. David Stewart in his book Healing Oils of the Bible:

The healing capability of cistus or rock rose was noted centuries ago when sheep and goats would accumulate the gum of this shrub in their hair as they browsed through the desert. The shepherds noticed that when they rubbed their hands on the wool with this resin, any cuts or scratches would heal much faster.

It is believed that cistus is what is referred to in the Bible as the "Rose of Sharon." It's not really a true rose, nor does it smell like one. In fact, as Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt points out in his book Advanced Aromatherapy, its scent is rather masculine, making it an ideal treatment for men to help close shaving nicks. Women love it too, and it's also great for our little shaving mishaps! Even better, it aids in normal cell regeneration so it helps heal the cuts faster.

Therapeutic grade Cistus essential oil is available as a single oil, or as part of the kit called "Twelve Oils of Ancient Scripture," through Young Living Essential Oils.

Lavender for your waistline?

2008-04-27T07:04:00.001-07:00

I've been reading a wonderful book by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D/chemistry and scientific director of the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy in California, and I came across yet another use for the "Swiss army knife of essential oils," everyone's favorite--lavender. Here's what Dr. Schnaubelt says in Advanced Aromatherapy: the science of essential oil therapy:

Interestingly, lavender also normalizes blood sugar output by the liver. One or two drops taken about fifteen minutes before a meal will noticeably reduce the appetite.
So in addition to all the other great things lavender does for us--such as soothing burns, cuts and big bites, helping with sleep, and relieving headaches--it turns out it can help us control our appetites. I don't know about you, but that's good news for me as we get closer and closer to the dreaded swimsuit season!

As always, it is important to use only therapeutic grade essential oils--inferior oils can make you sick or, at the very least, will not give you the desired therapeutic results. Young Living is my choice for the purest, most beneficial essential oils. Contact your Young Living distributor or purchase your lavender here.

Essential oils offer alternatives to OTC cold remedies

2008-01-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

This past week the FDC reported that over-the-counter cold medicines could have "serious and potentially life-threatening side effects" for tots under the age of 2. This announcement has moms and dads everywhere wondering how to help their little ones with a cold, now that the "old stand-bys" aren't safe.

Not to worry: Essential Oils to the rescue!

Here are some suggestions gleaned from the Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley, ©1998-2002. These essential oils--time-tested "gifts from nature"--along with lots of TLC from Mom & Dad, should give some relief and comfort to stuffed-up little ones!

Common Cold: Cedarwood*, lemon*, Melaleuca alternifolia, rosemary*, rose, sandalwood, or thyme. Blend: Combine 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil with 2 drops melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree), 1 drop lemon, and 1 drop rose otto. Massage a little of the blend on neck and chest.

Croup: Marjoram*, ravensara, rosewood, sandalwood, or thyme. Dilute 10:1 with vegetable oil for massage, or diffuse in cold air diffuser. Bundle baby or child up and take outside to breathe cold air.

Earache: Lavender, melaleuca (Tea Tree), Melaleuca ericifolia, Roman chamomile, or thyme (sweet). Put a diluted drop of oil on a cotton ball and place on the surface of the ear; rub a little bit of diluted oil behind the ear. Blend: Combine 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil with 2 drops lavender, 1 drop Roman chamomile, and 1 drop melaleuca (Tea Tree). Put a drop on a cotton ball and put on surface of the ear, rub behind the ear and on the ear Vita Flex feet points.

Fever: Lavender. Dilute in vegetable oil and massage baby or child (back of neck, feet, behind ear, etc.). Peppermint (diffuse only; never use peppermint on children under 30 months).

Flu: Cypress, lemon*, Melaleuca ericifolia. Dilute 1 drop of each in 1 Tbsp.bath gel base for a bath, or diffuse.

* These oils should not be used undiluted with children.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Use ONLY therapeutic grade essential oils! Inferior, synthetic or adulterated oils may worsen a condition and, at the very least, may not have the same therapeutic effects.

I trust Young Living Essential Oils for their purity and unparalleled quality. Contact your Young Living distributor or order oils here.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided here is for EDUCATION PURPOSES ONLY and is in NO WAY intended to replace proper medical advice. IT IS NOT for diagnostic or prescriptive use. Every individual is different, thus what may work for one may not work for another person. Consult with the professional health authorities of your choice.

Time to clear the air

2007-09-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Asthma, cancer, hormone difficulties, headaches, breathing difficulties... you might not need to look any farther than that chemical room deodorizing plug-in your wall socket. According to a petition to two federal agencies from the NRDC, the Sierra Club, Alliance for Healthy Homes and the National Center for Healthy Housing, air fresheners have been linked to breathing difficulties, developmental problems in babies, cancer in laboratory animals, and problems for asthmatics. Read more in Julie Deardorff's article in the Chicago Tribune.

Once again, the evidence points to essential oils as the perfect alternative. Ms Deardorff's article lists a few ways you can use essential oils as air fresheners. You can also:

Get yourself a good nebulizing diffuser and a bottle of therapeutic grade essential oils. I love diffusing Young Living's Purification blend to purify the air. Citrus Fresh blend or any of the citrus oils to clear the air and uplift spirits...lavender to soothe...Thieves to kill airborne bacteria..choose your favorite scent and use the pure essential oil--not a chemical product!

Car diffusers are also available and really freshen the air in your vehicle. Put peppermint in your car diffuser to help keep you alert on long drives!

Young Living's Thieves spray makes an awesome bathroom spray! Packed full of essential oils that have been laboratory-proven to kill many airborne bacteria, it smells like cinnamon and clove--and one spritz kills odors fast! (Also great to disinfect surfaces such as toilet seats, doorknobs and countertops, by the way...)

There are so many ways essential oils can enhance your life--this is just one more.

Wintergreen to the rescue!

2007-05-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is getting warmer, are you gardening a lot more? Doing lots of yard work? Loving the great outdoors and working out a little harder? Discovering muscles you forgot you had?

WINTERGREEN TO THE RESCUE!

WINTERGREEN OIL (Gaultheria procumbens) is extracted from the leaves of a small evergreen herb. The plant has been used for centuries for respiratory conditions; and early American settlers had their children chew the leaves for several weeks each spring to prevent tooth decay. Wintergreen was used as a black tea substitute during the Revolutionary War.

Its best known use, though, is for joint and muscular problems. Its key constituent (90+%) is methyl salicylate, a precursor to common aspirin. That's why it has such great analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects. Inhaled, its fragrance is stimulating, and it increases awareness in all levels of the sensory system.

To use Wintergreen essential oil, dilute 50-50 with vegetable oil and apply on location. You can also directly inhale it or diffuse it. I use it often in my massage work (and on my own muscles!) for painful, spasmed muscles and aching joints.

Cautionary notes: Wintergreen essential oil should be avoided if you have epilepsy or are pregnant, and should not be used on children under 5 years. If you are taking anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Heparin or aspirin, wintergreen’s anticoagulant properties can be enhanced. Do not take wintergreen essential oil internally unless under the guidance of a trained health professional. And as with all essential oils, keep away from the eyes and out of the reach of children. Young Living's Wintegreen oil comes with a special protective childproof cap.

You can order your therapeutic grade Wintergreen essential oil here, and save 10% off the regular price now through June 15, 2007!

Essential Oils for the Chakras...and Mom

2007-05-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a wonderful, restorative week in beautiful Sedona, AZ. One of the highlights of the week was a powerful healing session with a local massage therapist which incorporated medicinal grade essential oils, crystals & gemstones and energy work to provide an amazing feeling of balance and peacefulness. I've used essential oils for several years to promote wellness and balance, but this session was a wonderful reminder of how high quality essential oils can help us balance our energy systems.

The chakras (energy centers) of the body have corresponding colors, stones and oils. For example, my Sedona healer, Cynthia says of the fourth, or heart center, chakra: "This center deals with love for yourself, love for your God, and love for others...it is also where we hold our Divine Identity." The color for this chakra, which is located in the center of the chest, is green. A supportive crystal/gemstone for this chakra is rose quartz. And essential oils that support and nurture love/heart energy are rose, bergamot, ylang ylang, melissa, and neroli.

As a result of my experience in Sedona, I've put together a similar treatment for my clients at Full Circle Family Massage & Healing Center. I've combined therapeutic grade essential oils, healing gemstones, heated basalt stones, Reiki, Tibetan and modern reflexology, and Swedish massage to provide a powerfully relaxing, deeply healing session I call the Serenity session. Check it out!

The heart center is the center of nurturing and love...a good chakra to focus on for Mothers' Day. Why not give Mom a beautiful piece of rose quartz and a bottle of essential oil? I suggest Young Living's Joy blend, which contains many of the oils we use to open and nurture the heart. You can buy this and other therapeutic grade oils at my Young Living web site.

Essential Oils are Natural Insecticides

2007-04-25T04:28:00.002-07:00

Looking for a natural insecticide? Look no further than essential oils! Used safely for thousands of years to address a variety of health and wellness issues, many essential oils are toxic to the nervous systems of insects. This makes them perfect natural, safe insecticides for use in the home, garden or workplace.

A Canadian entymologist recently revealed his evidence on Canadian TV (read the news article and see the TV interview). The result of his work is a new product that will soon be available for sale in the US. But before you run out to buy this product, check out the power of a few therapeutic grade single essential oils!

According to Dr. David Stewart, PhD and Registered Aromatherapist*:
"We don’t need poisons to kill pests. We can repel them (and even sometimes kill them) with substances that are not only harmless to us but are actually healthful to us (therapeutic grade essential oils). And how do you use them? One way is to get a pistol-grip squirt bottle. Mix a few drops of the oil with some water, shake it up, and start firing. If you have bugs on your plants, like aphids on your roses, you can squirt the leaves and drive the bugs away with no harm to your plant. You can do the same with the other pests. As for ants, you can smear a line of peppermint or spearmint across your kitchen counter or floor and the ants won’t cross it. If you already have a line of ants invading your house, just draw a line of oil across them and they will turn back. It is fun to watch. And as for flies, you can knock them dead right out of the air with one shot from your pistol grip."

Here are some specific uses of essential oils that Dr. Stewart suggests as natural insecticides:

ANTS: Peppermint , Spearmint
APHIDS: Cedarwood, Hyssop, Peppermint, Spearmint
BEETLES: Peppermint, Thyme
CATERPILLARS: Spearmint, Peppermint
CHIGGERS: Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme
COCKROACHES: 10 drops Peppermint and 5 drops Cypress in ½ cup salt water. Mix together and shake well, spraying where needed. Can also be put on cotton balls for use in drawers, etc.
CUTWORM: Thyme, Sage
FLEAS: Peppermint, Lemongrass, Spearmint, Lavender
FLIES: Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage
GNATS: Patchouli, Spearmint
LICE: Cedarwood, Peppermint, Spearmint
MOSQUITOES: Lavender, Lemongrass
MOTHS: Cedarwood, Hyssop, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint
PLANT LICE : Peppermint, Spearmint
SLUGS: Cedarwood, Hyssop, Pine
SNAILS: Cedarwood, Pine, Patchouli
SPIDERS: Peppermint, Spearmint
TICKS: Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme
WEEVILS: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood

So there's no need to buy expensive commercial products: a few bottles of therapeutic grade essential oils are all you need to help get rid of the "things that bug you!" But be careful about the quality of the oils you use. Cheap essential oils are usually not pure, no matter what the label says. They often are cut with other oils, diluted with cheap vegetable oil, contaminated with metals or--guess what?--pesticides...which defeats the purpose of using them as "natural insecticides," doesn't it!

I get the purest essential oils on the planet through Young Living Essential Oils. Do I pay a little more for them? Of course I do...but when it comes to the health and safety of my family, I for one am happy to do so. Check them out! and start enjoying a safe, natural insect-free season.

*This information is taken from Dr. Stewart's article in The Raindrop Messenger.

Science validates the power of Aromatherapy

2007-04-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

The British seem to be doing a fair amount of published research on the effects of essential oils these days. A couple of weeks ago a report was published about a study done in a British hospital, in which essential oils diffused in the hospital's burn unit actually reduced the number of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus--the so-called "super bug") infections to zero. Zero!

Then this morning I came across another recent study , this one by Cancer Research UK, and published in the latest issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, that "Aromatherapy can significantly lift anxiety and depression" in cancer patients diagnosed with anxiety or depression following their cancer diagnosis. According to the lead researcher, who's also a psychiatrist, “The results show that aromatherapy really accelerates the improvement in anxiety and depression. And when you consider that many people in the trial had a limited life expectancy, that acceleration is a huge gain to health and wellbeing.”

For someone who practices aromatherapy, this is all good news, and excellent validation. It's good to know there are parts of the world where scientific studies on alternative therapies are seen as important!

As an independent distributor for Young Living Essential Oils--a US-based company--I'm proud to say that Young Living is in the forefront of research on essential oils. In fact, the folks at Young Living have been studying the effects of oils against MRSA for a while now, and their 2006 study demonstrates that 11 essential oils, including lemongrass, mountain savory, cinnamon and melaleuca, show high anti-MRSA activity. (I wonder if those are some of the oils used in the British hospital?)

Those of us who work with therapeutic grade essential oils have seen, time after time, their powerful effects on physical, mental and emotional well-being. It's good to know that science is providing validity to what we've known and witnessed for a long time!

About Melissa Essential Oil (Lemon Balm)

2007-04-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever used pure Melissa essential oil (melissa officinalis) on a cold sore will tell you there's nothing better. In fact, a professor at the Technical University of Munich, Dr. Dietrich Wabner, reported that melissa oil can lead to complete remission of the Herpes Simplex virus that causes cold sores in just one application. I personally know chronic cold sore sufferers who have used this beautiful oil with wonderful results.

Melissa is just one of many essential oils that are high in antiviral properties. Another one, Ravensara (ravensara aromatica), has been shown to be helpful in reducing the pain of Post Herpes Neuropathy (PHN)--the pain that lingers after an outbreak of another herpes virus--Shingles. In a study reported by the American Journal of Medicine, Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens) was also effective in reducing PHN.

Melissa oil is one of the most highly-prized oils in aromatherapy. Not only antiviral, melissa has anti-inflammatory and relaxing qualities that are calming and soothing to the mind and emotions. Its uplifting fragrant influence helps balance the emotions and support a positive outlook. Well-known aromatherpy expert Kurt Schnaubelt writes in Advanced Aromatherapy:

"The way in which melissa oil combines an excellent antiviral component with a soothing but pervasive sedative power is difficult to imagine; it has to be experienced. In its complexity, power, and gentleness, melissa oil perfectly illustrates how nature time after time works better than one-dimensional synthetic medicines."

Melissa is one of the most expensive oils to produce: it takes some 6,000 pounds of botanical material to produce a pound of pure oil. For this reason, what often passes for "pure" melissa oil in the marketplace is really a blend of melissa with lemon, lemongrass and/or citronella and diluted with vegetable oil. If you find "melissa oil" for less than $20-$25 per milliliter, you can pretty much guarantee it's not "the real thing." As with all things, high quality comes with a price tag. Be sure to carefully research the source of any essential oils you use for therapeutic purposes, and make sure you know what you're getting.

So why invest in a bottle of pure, therapeutic grade melissa essential oil? Because for centuries it's been shown to be helpful for so many things--and as with all pure essential oils, one drop is often all you need for a single application, so a bottle will last you a long time. According to contemporary essential oil experts such as Daniel Penoel, Guy Roulier, D. Gary Young and Shirley Price, Melissa essential oil is helpful with a variety of problems including:

Anxiety
Depression
Headaches
Herpes simplex (cold sores)
Indigestion
Insomnia
Nightmares

Melissa...lemon balm...is one of nature's most prized gifts. Treat yourself to a bottle of this wonderful healing oil! It's on sale through April 15, 2007.

Please note: the information in this blog is in no way intended to replace or offer medical advice. As always, consult with your health professional when making decisions about your health or before using any product that might impact your health.

Amazing Peppermint

2007-03-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the young girl in Florida with the non-stop hiccups? I would love to send her a bottle of therapeutic grade Peppermint essential oil! Applied to the back of the neck on either side of the 5th cervical vertebra, I've seen a single drop of peppermint oil (mentha piperita) stop hiccups dead in their tracks!

Peppermint, as an herb and as an essential oil, has been used for centuries. It's perhaps best-known for its use with digestive difficulties, but has also been shown to be antimicrobial, antiviral, antispasmodic and analgesic. A 1979 clinical trial showed that it can be helpful with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. With peppermint essential oil you can also:

Relieve pain to bumps & bruises by applying Peppermint essential oil immediately to the injured area.
Reduce fever by rubbing a few drops of Peppermint oil on the bottoms of the feet.
Ease nausea, morning sickness or motion sickness by massaging several drops of Peppermint oil on the abdomen and soles of the feet.
Relieve a headache by rubbing a drop of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, and back of the neck. Caution: keep peppermint oil away from the eyes and never, ever put an essential oil in the eyes!
Improve alertness and concentration by placing one drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue and rub another drop under the nose. Keep a bottle in your car for long drives; in your desk drawer at work for that mid-afternoon slump!
Enhance concentration and improve recall by diffusing Peppermint oil in the room while studying.
Relieve nasal and sinus congestion by placing a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue and inhaling into the nose.
Flavor food with peppermint oil! See great naturally-sweetened Peppermint Brownie recipe below!
Kill aphids on houseplants by adding 4-5 drops of Peppermint oil to 4 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the plants.
Curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat by inhaling peppermint oil.

Want some scientific documentation? Read what the American Botanical Council says about this simple, common but immensely useful gift of nature!

How can you get the purest essential oils on the planet? Visit my web site!

Fragrant blessings,
Darby

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PEPPERMINT PEPPERMINT BROWNIES....as demonstrated at the Young Living Essential Oils Farm (where the finest organic peppermint is grown, harvested and distilled into the purest peppermint oil on the planet)

Mix together: 1 c. whole wheat flour, 1 c. carob powder (made by griding grain-sweetened carob chips in a food processor with a little flour), 1 tsp. salt, 1 Tb. baking soda.

Whisk together: 3 eggs and 1-1/2 c. blue agave. Add 1 c. vegetable oil (such as coconut or safflower). Add 2 drops therapeutic grade Peppermint Essential Oil (or more depending on taste).

Combine dry and moist ingredients.

Bake in 350 degree oven in an oiled 9" x 9" pan for 30-40 minutes. Test for doneness at 30 minutes.

Let cool 20 minutes in the pan before cutting.

ENJOY!!