Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Testimonial Tuesday: Vomiting Baby

Today's testimonial is another GREAT one from Whitney. I wanted to tell her how great these oils are, but did NOT want to come across pushy or like I was selling something. So what I often do is lend them out. Once somebody uses them and sees how they work, the oils speak for themselves. She had a little one that was vomiting and had a fever. I sent over some Peppermint for the fever and some DiGize for the vomiting. Then I quietly waited for her to tell me if they worked :) Here is her story:

"At the time Eli was 5 months old and the only thing I could give him was Tylenol. He had been throwing up off and on for 2 days. On the evening of the third day he started vomiting more frequently, was barely eating and his fever spiked to 103. He was so sick, I just wanted to make him feel better, but there wasn't much I could do. The dr said it was a virus and we would just have to let it run its course. It makes you feel so helpless as a mom when your little ones are sick and you just have to wait it out. I was willing to try anything. I borrowed DiGize and peppermint from you. I layered them onto his stomach, chest and bottom of his feet (diluting them as directed in olive oil). He didn't vomit again after that first application and his fever came down to 101! I put them on him every two hours until his fever was normal and he started eating again. By the next morning he seemed significantly better and actually started eating normally. His fever was 99 by that afternoon. This was my first experience with young living essential oils. From this moment on I couldn't wait to use more and purchase my own. Essential oils gave me the ability to treat my little one's illness even when he was too small for most medications and they actually worked. Nothing feels more empowering as a mom than being able to help you baby when they are sick."

Monday, April 29, 2013

Blackheads ... Happy Monday

I read last week a way to help with blackheads.

Let's be honest. Really honest. If you are, you may admit that you may have seen some on yourself at one point. I have seen them lurking on me.

I have started using Purification for them.


I put a drop right on my nose and spread it around. The first time I did this it burned. Pretty bad! I am thinking it is because it was getting rid of toxins and germs in the area. I am serious when I tell you that the next day the area already felt smoother to the touch. The more I have done it, the less it burned. Now it is not burning at all.

I do this once a day and have noticed a great improvement. How awesome! I wonder how great it would work if I did one of those nose strips first and then let the oil get deep into the skin. Hmmm ... I may have to try that.

Until next time ...


Heather

Friday, April 26, 2013

Focus Friday: Frankincense

Frankincense. This is a big one. I could write for days and still miss a lot. It's like I don't even know where to begin ... but here I go!



I will start with my foundation. A reference from the Bible. (there are over 52 references to frankincense in the Bible)

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11)

Here is a bit from the Essential Oil Pocket Reference:

"It was well known during the time of Christ for its anointing and healing powers and was one of the gifts given to Christ as His birth. 'Used to treat every conceivable ill known to man,' frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times, and only those with great wealth and abundance possessed it."

"It increases spiritual awareness, promotes meditation, improves attitude, and uplifts spirits. Frankincense contains sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic system of the brain (the center of memory and emotions) and the hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands. They hypothalamus is the master gland of the human body, producing many vital hormones including thyroid and growth hormone."

And that description is just its aromatic benefit! I use it as a cure all type of oil. It has made 2 dark spots on my face (had been there for years) all but disappear. I use it on skin conditions with great success.

It is also being used (the sacred frankincense) to fight cancer in studies. Here are some links to that information.

Study done at OU Cancer Center right here!

28 days to kill cancer

What is "sacred frankincense"?

Skin cancer

An example of how I use it a few months back was when my dad was about to have a 2nd surgery to remove cancer. It was his only hope of survival. We spent the night before with family and friends just begging and pleading with God for my dad's healing. We placed frankincense on him and layed hands on him. It was such a special time. When I smell the oil now I am reminded of how God heard us that night. He healed my dad! It is an oil that is incredibly special to me. I hope you can find great use for it as well.

Until next time ...


Heather


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Young Living Rewards

The Rewards program. Want a quick run down? Here it goes!

Get the full explanation here. I am going to just give the basics.

What is the Rewards program?

It is an automatic monthly shipment you set up with Young Living. 

Can I change it?

Yes! It was described to me like an ongoing "grocery basket". You can log in and change any of your items in your shipment (as long as it is done 2 days before shipment date). You can also change your shipment date. This works well with my fluctuating income. I can change it for what I need and when I can make it happen each month.

What if I don't change it?

If you don't change it, then it will automatically ship the items you had chosen again the next month on the same day.

What are the advantages?

There are several! Let's start with shipping. On a rewards order it is cheaper than on a regular order. But remember, your Rewards order only ships once a month, so make it count!

The longer you are purchasing through Rewards each month, the more "points" you earn. First it is 10%, then 15%, then 20% of your total PV spent that goes into a "points" account which you can redeem to pay for products! How cool is that? I LOVE free!

What else should I know?

To ship a Rewards order, there needs to be a minimum purchase of $50. If you are working Young Living as a business as well, then to be eligible for all your bonuses, you need to be placing a minimum of $100 (100 PV) each month. It is a big commitment, but if you are wanting to do this as a business, you need to be using the oils so you know how to help and share and how they have worked for you!

Until next time ...


Heather

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

New Job!

Last week we were so blessed with my husband starting a new job! He is so excited about it and I am so excited for him. He will be working nights.

The big night came for his first shift. I could tell he was anxious and excited and nervous all rolled into one. Starting a new job is like walking blind into the unknown. I gently suggested some oils.

I had him layer a few things. He started with Valor. I thought that would help with any anxiety for this new situation. Then he went with Thieves since he will be working in a hospital. We topped it off with some Egyptian Gold just to add more immunity boost.

I could tell he was confident and ready! He did have a great first night by the way.

We always start with Valor going into anything that could make us nervous. And when I am layering oils I start with Valor too. Love it!

What situations has Valor helped you in?

Until next time ...


Heather

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Testimonial Tuesday: From The Husband

I am just now getting my husband (Brandon) into oils. He wants to learn all about it though! I am so busy oiling myself and my girls that I forget about him.

Anyway, today's testimony comes from him! Let me give you a little background. Did you know that Lemon can help with concentration?



From the Essential Oil Pocket Reference: "University researchers in Japan found that diffusing certain aromas in an office environment dramatically improved mental accuracy and concentration. Diffused lemon resulted in 54 percent fewer errors, jasmine 33 percent fewer errors, and lavender 20 percent fewer errors. When aromas were diffused during test taking, scores increased by as much as 50 percent."

Brandon is in school and has a tough class at the moment. A pharmacy student friend of ours came over to help tutor him. I gently suggested that I diffuse lemon while they studied. When I asked him how it went he said, "I could really notice a difference. It's like I was able to stay more focused, and I am able to recall more of the information!"

What a great use for lemon! So don't forget (you won't if you are diffusing your lemon, haha) that when you have important school work or a test or a big project with your job, that lemon can help with some focus.

Until next time ...


Heather

Monday, April 22, 2013

Cloth Diaper Odor

A quick tip for those using cloth diapers. You can get a pail liner at Green Bambino that has a small square of fabric sewn into the inside. I use a trash can with my liner in it and a lid on top to put my diapers in while they are waiting to be washed.

To help eliminate odor from "sitting" diapers, you can put several drops of essential oil onto the little square of fabric inside the bag. Then when you open your bin, you get a nice fresh smell, instead of the alternative. How awesome and easy!

My favorite oils to use in my pail liner are Purification, Peppermint, and Lemon. Of course I love them all but those are ones I tend to use often. I hope this can add even more fun to your cloth diaper routine.

Until next time ...


Heather

Friday, April 19, 2013

Focus Friday: Purification

Today's oil of focus is Purification.



Let's see what the Essential Oils Pocket Reference has to say.

"This purifying blend cleanses and disinfects the air and neutralizes mildew, cigarette smoke, and disagreeable odors. It disinfects and cleanses cuts, scrapes, and bites from spiders, bees, hornets, and wasps."

I love purification. I use it to diffuse when I have made a strong smelling meal. I also diffuse it when there are several people in my home, just in case any germs may have come in too. I also use it on skin and nail infections.

What a great oil to add to your first aid kit! Especially with summer coming up, having it on hand for bites and wounds will be invaluable.

Planning to travel? Purification would be a GREAT choice to take with you. Apply it to cloth or cotton and rub on air vents at hotel rooms (or where ever you are staying) to help kill germs and odor in the room.

Leave your laundry in the washer too long and can't get the smell out? Wet a wash cloth and add 5-10 drops of purification and throw in the dryer all together. It will help get rid of any odor.

How have you used Purification?

Until next time ...


Heather

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Catch up!

It has been a busy few days! I have barely been home or when I was, I was elbow deep in laundry and house work! No fun. So now it's time to catch up on some oil talk ... my favorite thing!

Here are some ways I have used mine in the past few days:

1. We don't use fabric softeners. So when I was elbow deep (or neck high) in my piles of laundry, I use oils to make them smell amazing! I added a damp wash cloth with about 4 drops of oil to the dryer with each load. The hardest part is deciding which scent I want!

2. I used Valor to help stay calm and confident during the threat of severe weather we had. When I had children they came with a new irrational fear of tornados. I just want to keep them protected and some prayers and some Valor helped!

3. Another Valor moment. At work I forgot my child's drink and lunch among other things and I felt really flustered. Used some Valor and I felt more centered!

4. After a day of my 4 year old testing every boundary imaginable (just to make sure they all still exist I am sure), she was not herself and I just wanted to put on some noise canceling head phones and stare at the wall. I am trying to also teach her how God gives us forgiveness when we mess up (even mommy). So out came the diffuser with some Joy! It helped us perk back up and we ended the day on a good note.

5. Peace and Calming came in my last order. I had run out. I have been diffusing it at night, and my baby has been sleeping better than she has in months! She still wakes often at night but she has been going back to sleep very easily after she gets her cuddles and milk.

How did you use your oils this week?

Until next time ...


Heather

Monday, April 15, 2013

Thieves Spray

You may have heard of the Thieves blend. It is a great oil for keeping the germs away! Well, Young Living makes a Thieves spray.


I have fallen in love with this little spray! I use it for several different things. When I am out to eat, I spray it on the restaurant table before I put my baby's food down to sanitize it. You can spray any surface that needs to be cleaned! If I ever feel like I have a sore throat I will spray it in my mouth to kill anything that may be trying to start up. Also if I am out and notice I have been around sick people I will do a mouth spray for an additional little boost of protection. Before we eat out I also will spray our hands with it to sanitize. I have been more than happy to replace the other hand sanitizer I was using from Bath and Body Works. You can see the list of ingredients it has here. Looks harmless, right? Did you know that ingredients to make fragrance are not required to be listed? Read about how it is one of the biggest causes of contact dermatitis here and how those ingredients get a free pass under our laws.

And my fragrance rant is over. So the best part about Thieves spray for me is that when I run out, I use this same bottle and make more! I put 20 drops of Thieves oil and fill the rest with straight vodka. Voila!

Until next time ...


Heather

Friday, April 12, 2013

Focus Friday: Lemon

Today I will focus on Lemon and how you can use it.

The Essential Oils Pocket Reference has this to say:
"Historical Data: Research by Jean Valnet MD, showed that vaporized lemon oil can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in 1 hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours, and pneumococcus bacteria in three hours. Even a 0.2% solution of lemon oil can kill diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis bacteria. Lemon oil has been widely used in skin care to cleanse skin and reduce wrinkles and combat acne. Lemon has shown to have antidepressant effects in research done by Komori, et al., 1995.
Medical Properties: Antitumoral antiseptic, improves microcirculation, and immune stimulant, improves memory, relaxation. Rich in limonene, which has been extensively studied in over 50 clinical studies for its ability to combat tumor growth.
Uses: Circulatory problems, arteriosclerosis, obesity, parasites, urinary tract infections, varicose veins, anxiety, hypertension, digestive problems, acne."

When using this oil on skin remember to stay out of the sun for 24 hours since it could increase your chance for a burn.

Curious for yourself? Put 1 drop of lemon on a piece of styrofoam and watch it put a hole through it! It truly will digest toxins.

I personally use this to drink in my water. I always make sure to drink in a glass, not plastic cup. Again since the oils will digest down toxins you would be drinking them as well if you drink out of plastic. My lemon water helps me to curb cravings for sugar. Sometimes I notice a reduction in appetite. As a nursing mother I always make sure to still eat plenty when drinking lemon. It is supposed to help get toxins out of your liver as well. Lemon can be a powerful aid with household cleaning as well! Something else I will be trying soon is using lemon as a deodorant. You can diffuse at work or during school to maintain focus and reduce errors. When I smell lemon I can't help but be happy!

Happy Friday!

Until next time ...


Heather


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Let's Go!!

Have you ever been in this situation? You get up and get ready for work and/or school, and you have to get  your child ready too. Surprisingly it does not go down like that vision you had in your head before you had children (like a nice family breakfast at the table with your happy and well dressed children all giving each other loving good byes before you leave). Sometimes my child wakes up mad. Doesn't want breakfast. Or I make the "wrong thing". Or we don't agree on what to wear for the day. Or I did not pack the right lunch. Or she just did not want to get up and go anywhere that day. Oh yeah, you know what I am talking about.

I tried a trick last week on one of these lovely mornings. I used the Joy blend.


I don't tell her what I am putting on her (meaning what it is supposed to do) just to make sure that if there is a change it is because of the oil so I will know if it worked. And amazingly it DID work! I put a drop on the bottom of each foot. She perked up, got happy, gave hugs, and was ready for her day.

A few days later she saw the oil (she calls it the pink one) and still not knowing what it was called she said "Is  that the one that makes me happy?"

I love this blend. I think it is a great way to start my day and end it too.

Until next time ...


Heather


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Goody time! (quick one)

My order came today and I could not be more excited. I ran out of my Peace and Calming blend which I think helps my baby sleep better. It has been a long few weeks! I will be diffusing it tonight to see if I can finally get some rest.

One other new oil (for me) that I got is the Exodus II blend. I am planning to use it for teething. Other oils for teething need to be diluted but this blend can be placed neat right on the gums. With my older child I would give Tylenol or Motrin for bad teething. I feel so much better about trying a natural alternative this time. I am armed and ready!

Until next time ...


Heather

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Testimonial Tuesday!

Today's testimonial comes from Phil. He had suffered from severe allergies. His wife Nikki and he decided to try essential oils to treat the problem. Here is their story.



"My husband has suffered from seasonal Spring allergies ever since we moved here in 2006.  Each Spring he would go to CVS and stock up on all the usual antihistamines, and Benedryl.  The would sometimes work, but would also cause him drowsiness and dizziness.  

This year, I had heard about using Lavender, Young Living oils internally and in our nasal rinses.  At the first sign of allergies we put 5 drops of oil in a gel capsule he bought at Atkins.  He took it in the evening as well as put Lavender on his feet and diffused in the bedroom.   The next morning, he said it worked fairly well, but that he wasn't quite sold and that he might take his allergy meds just to get him though the work day.  I asked him to give it 24 more hours.  So he took another Lavender pill and went to work.  That day he said he could feel the sinus pressure going away and was feeling much better.  That night he took another capsule before bed and did a sinus rinse with a drop of lavender oils as well.  I also put Peppermint oil on the back of his neck and along his spine and on his feet.  The next morning, he said he slept though the whole night and was able to breathe through his nose with NO CONGESTION!  The rest of the week, he just took one capsule with only 3 drops every other day.  That was two weeks ago and he has only had to take one capsule this week.  We still diffuse lavender in our bedroom every night and vacuum our carpets almost every day just to get allergies out.  We also take off our shoes when we get in the house.  
We are sold on Young Living oils for our family!"





It is so great to see and hear about how oils are working in the lives of those around me!

Until next time ...


Heather

Monday, April 8, 2013

Fennel and Breastmilk: Take 2!

As you all know I ordered the Fennel oil last month and tried it out by applying some externally to the area for an increase in supply. I did notice just a small difference.

You can read more about increasing your milk supply here.

My baby girl just hit the 6 month mark last week. We are full on in our 6 month growth spurt. At this point I have lost almost all my pregnancy weight by just feeding her (and that was a lot). I am just beginning to run out of my extra fat reserves, so with her appetite in full force as well, I decided it was a sound decision for me to try out this oil internally.

Usually I would get engorged daily. That has NOT been the case these days. I still make plenty but don't have just lots of extra. So I also had the room so to speak for this trial.

I decided to take 2 drops with a spoon of honey every 2 hours. I started in the afternoon. I took it at 2:30, at 4:30, at 6:30, and at 8:30. This was in the evening when I really don't have tons of extra fullness.

The Results

By 8:00 when I went to feed baby girl, I was so full that I was engorged!! It actually surprised me when I went to feed her and felt what had happened. That is awesome! So, I stopped taking it at 8:30 because I was afraid I would get way too engorged.

I am so excited to have this little trick in my back pocket in case I ever feel like I need it some day. But in full disclosure I do know somebody who tried this and did not notice a large difference. If you try it I would love to know your results.

Happy feeding!

Until next time ...


Heather

Friday, April 5, 2013

Focus Friday: Valor

Each Friday will now be "Focus Friday" where I will focus on one oil to discuss. Today I am choosing Valor.

Valor is a blend of oils. The Essential Oils Pocket Reference (EOPR) describes it. "This blend was formulated to balance energies and instill courage, confidence, and self-esteem. It helps the body self-correct its balance and alignment." It is also "renowned for its strengthening qualities" and how it "enhances an individual's internal resources".

A great thing is that it also comes in a roll-on. This makes a very convenient option for when you are out on the go. It is available as a single purchase and also comes in the Everyday Oils Kit.

Here are some times when I found it helpful to use Valor.

1) When I go for a walk or exercise to help give me the boost of confidence to push myself harder.
2) When I am heading into social situations. It helps me feel more comfortable and outgoing.
3) When I need to let go of stress and release anxiety.

Some other times it would be useful include during the hardest part of labor (giving birth) for mom to have the courage to keep going and release her fear (and for dad to do the same!). If my child has a big event for school, is going into somebody else's care, or feels scared I use it on her also.

Go into your weekend strong with Valor!

Until next time ...


Heather

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Easter Experience

I just wanted to share how using oils enhanced my Easter experience last weekend.

Our church has a walk through event with 8 physical stations set up to experience and learn of the things that led up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. It is awesome. This year as I went through it ... it took on something much more real. One of the stations mentioned the oils and gifts such as in John 12:3 "Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." I got to touch and smell a bowl filled with frankincense, another with spikenard, another with hyssop. Then I continued on my journey learning and thanking Jesus for all he has done.

I wanted to hang on to that moment. So when I got home I pulled out my Egyptian Gold blend.

It contains the same oils I had experienced in the walk through. I was able to continue to wear it through the whole weekend and through the main service to keep my mind focused and remembering of the great sacrifice made for me ... the great promise that was fulfilled.

I will surely be using this during each Easter to come!

Until next time ...


Heather

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Tantrums

I will admit that I have a VERY strong willed 4 year old daughter. I mean this girl once threw a fit for an hour and a half just because she did not want to throw away a banana peel (that she threw on the floor). I had heard about using the Peace and Calming blend to help with tantrums. I read about putting a drop in the middle upper part of the stomach so it reaches where the emotions seem to originate. I though "sure, okay". I had no expectations. Now that my child is 4, we don't have near as many tantrums. But when she gets angry it is hard for her to express emotion so it will last a good hour or two.

A few weeks back she had one of these episodes. I remembered about the oil and thought I would put it to the test. She was on the couch not even able to communicate because she was so angry. I rubbed the oil in the upper middle part of her tummy. Within 5 minutes she had calmed down!!! No lie. This has never happened in my home when she has already reached the point she was at. But, like I said she calmed right down, expressed what she was angry about and went on about her business. It blew my mind. Seriously!

I am so excited to try this on my baby as she grows into being a toddler and deals with the same things that all toddlers deal with. I will not be using this as a "cure all" or expect my child to never be upset. I believe children need to experience emotion and know it is okay. But, I am happy and thankful to have this little trick in my back pocket for a really rough day.

Until next time ...


Heather

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Testimonial Tuesday!

I am going to try and do something I am calling Testimonial Tuesday. I love sharing what oils are doing with my health, but I think you all would enjoy hearing what they are doing for others as well. So here we go!

Today's testimony is from a friend of mine named Whitney. I have let her borrow some oils to see if they are something she would be interested in for herself and her family. Whitney is a busy mom and suffered from daily headaches. Poor thing! She was having to take Advil or Tylenol about everyday to keep it under control. Here is what she said after trying oils:

"I get a tension headache almost every day and have to take something for it. I used the peppermint and lavender around my hairline and down my neck and my headache was gone in about 10 minutes! I have also used it when I feel one starting and it has kept it from getting bad! It's amazing!"




I am sure Whitney's liver is pretty happy with her too since she gets to take less medication now!

Do you ever lend out your oils? I do. I know it will be the way for others to get to experience how awesome it can be to have them work to better there health.

Until next time ...


Heather

Monday, April 1, 2013

Baby's Cold #4

My baby comes to work with me in a child care setting. So it is almost a certainty that we will be dealing with illness. I use the Thieves blend to prevent getting sick. I love feeling like I am armed and ready walking into work each day! But, right now my baby is on her fourth cold.

We have dealt with this before and I have had definite improvement in treating her with oils. But, as my supply of oils grows, I am getting more options and feel like I have found our perfect blend to treat this! She woke up with (TMI) REALLY thick yellow/green mucus. So much that I could not even suction it out without adding liquid to her nose.

When I am "treating" her for an illness, I choose to apply oils every two hours or so to stay on top of things. Here is what we have been doing for about 2 days.

We are applying the R.C. blend to her chest and bottoms of her feet.
Then I am layering. This means I am applying more than one oil on top of another. So next I layered Eucalyptus Globulus over her chest and bottoms of feet as well. This oil helps with respiratory infections.

Next I am layering on the bottoms of her feet ONLY the Thieves blend. This one is a hot oil so it can cause skin sensitivity. That is why I choose to only put it on her feet. I feel it is not needed and too irritating for her chest. 

*One thing I learned with oils and babies this week. Watch putting oils on their feet because they love to chew on their toes! So when I put the oils on her feet I make sure I hold them out of her mouth and then cover them with socks afterward. 

I am also alternating my diffuser with the 3 oils as well. 

What we have noticed with this treatment: She has not had to sleep inclined because she does not have much mucus left!! She has a little when she wakes up, and that is it. No coughing this time. No running nose. Sleeping normally. I am praying that this continues to work and we can be done with it soon. I could not be more thrilled with our results!

Until next time ...


Heather