I've just finished a six day stretch at work which has made posting a little difficult! Sorry readers! Today, I am really excited because my Essential Rewards order finally arrived! Two of my items were on backorder, Purification and Citronella, so hopefully they'll get here soon, but everything else is pretty great! I've been basically out of oils sans a select few so I was happy to receive the ones that came. I got Lemon, Citrus Fresh, Thieves (LOVE), Eucalyptus Globules, Lavender (I use lavender like crazy), Cedar wood, and Joy. Already I've been able to put these oils to use and share them with people which is what I love the most. Honestly, I won't lie, making money by providing a way for people to get oils is nice, but it's not even close to why I am doing this. These oils have truly changed my life and I want others to experience that, too!
So what I did today:
Thieves
I used thieves in three different ways today. You read that correctly: three. Thieves is great for disinfecting and cleaning. First, I made my cleaning spray. For this I usually use a 12 oz. spray bottle. I fill it half way up with water, then add a little bit of cleaning vinegar. I follow with 20 drops of thieves. It works wonderfully. Not only did I make it and use it for myself today (It is the ONLY thing I've found that works really well to get off soap mildew) but I got to share it with someone. That's what this is really about to me.
I also used thieves while doing my dishes. As I mentioned--six day stretch. Shawn, my fiancé, also works part time, so we had a few dishes piled up. I added a bit of thieves to the dishwater.
Finally, I added a drop of thieves to my toothpaste. My teeth feel really clean (this was about ten minutes ago.)
This is why thieves is one of my favorite oils. It is very versatile.
Flea Spray
I hate fleas. We all hate fleas (I think). But I also hate flea medication. The dogs have to be careful after I put it on them. We can't touch them. And in some cases animals get sick from it. We've been trying to use oils to help prevent fleas this summer, and so far so good (knock on wood.) While I can't PROMISE this will work for you (we might just be lucky this summer.) Here is what I did (and shared!) I used a half cup of water with 1 drop lemon, 2 drops cedar wood and lavender, and 4 drops lemongrass and eucalyptus. There are a LOT of different ways to do this, but these are the oils I had on hand that are good at repelling bugs.
Cedar Wood
I'm not only using this on me to help with sleep (I felt relaxed immediately after application.) I also tried this on my dogs. At eleven pm my two dogs decided it was time to play and be noisy. I put drops of cedar wood and lavender behind their ears and within minutes both dogs were ready for bed. I always love seeing the way the oils work on children or animals because they can't talk themselves into it working.
And More...
Today, I used Citrus Fresh in the diffuser to make the house smell better, plus I put it in my water to drink. It tastes wonderful.
I also diffused Joy after Citrus Fresh. Joy makes me feel so happy.
I use lavender on my face after washing to help with acne. Works wonderfully.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil, made with the flowers of the lavender plant, is one of the most popular oils, available in Young Living's Premium Starter Kit, and part of many blends.
Lavender is one of my favorite, and most quickly used oils. It is an antiseptic, anti fungal, antibacterial oil that works well to help with sleep, acne, irritated skin, and a variety of other things.
Lavender has been claimed to work for insomnia, hair loss, burns, nerves, high blood pressure, plus more.
The biggest benefit of this oil is that it is calming and relaxing. It is great to use on children, as it is a gentle oil. It is often used in creams meant for children and babies as it is soothing and it helps bring on sleep. This oil can be used neat. It also works well being inhaled and can even be taken as a dietary supplement.
One benefit that this oil has is that it is great for cat lovers. Many oils are toxic for cats to use topically (being around them in a diffuser as long as they have plenty of room to leave is often fine) but for a nervous cat, or to use to as an antiseptic, this is a safe oil. Lavender is also good to help treat bug bites.
Multiple academic studies have been done on lavender essential oil.
Researchers at the University of Miami did studies that showed lavender increased the brains beta-waves. This leads them to believe that lavender does increase relaxation. Another study found similar results in 2001.
Lavender is one of the oils in the Young Living Premium Starter Kit.
Lavender is one of my favorite, and most quickly used oils. It is an antiseptic, anti fungal, antibacterial oil that works well to help with sleep, acne, irritated skin, and a variety of other things.
The biggest benefit of this oil is that it is calming and relaxing. It is great to use on children, as it is a gentle oil. It is often used in creams meant for children and babies as it is soothing and it helps bring on sleep. This oil can be used neat. It also works well being inhaled and can even be taken as a dietary supplement.
One benefit that this oil has is that it is great for cat lovers. Many oils are toxic for cats to use topically (being around them in a diffuser as long as they have plenty of room to leave is often fine) but for a nervous cat, or to use to as an antiseptic, this is a safe oil. Lavender is also good to help treat bug bites.
Multiple academic studies have been done on lavender essential oil.
Researchers at the University of Miami did studies that showed lavender increased the brains beta-waves. This leads them to believe that lavender does increase relaxation. Another study found similar results in 2001.
Lavender is one of the oils in the Young Living Premium Starter Kit.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass Essential Oil is simply made from lemongrass--a grass that was given its name because...you probably guessed it, it smells like lemons!
Lemongrass has a lot of uses: it is a main component in the pain cream because it is anti-inflammatory. It helps clear infections. It helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system. It also helps strengthen circulation. There is much more it can do as well.
It works great as a bug spray and it works well as deodorant. This oil has a lot of uses. Many people cook with it as well.
The oil can be diffused, applied topically, or taken internally. This is a hot oil and must be used with a carrier oil. Use at least 4 drops carrier oil for every 1 drop Lemongrass Essential Oil. I highly recommend Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Lemongrass. It mixes well when using this oil topically.
Since this oil IS a hot oil, it is not recommended for children. It also is not recommended for women who are pregnant.
Finally, lemongrass makes a great perfume because it holds a scent very well. There are many uses for this oil and it is a staple oil for someone who is looking to really incorporate oils into their life. It is not expensive, but not part of the Premium Starter Kit, however, with its many uses it is worth the purchase.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella Essential Oil doesn't just work like your favorite brand of citronella candle. Citronella has many uses, ranging from, but not limited to, being an antibacterial, anti fungal, and antiseptic. It works as deodorant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic. It can reduce a fever, and helps with stomach upset. It also is good for treating (gross I know) intestinal worms.
Also, it repels insects.
It is particularly good at helping to treat (but I still always say: see a doctor) infections of the digestive/urinary tracts. It's also great to have on hand for a first aid kit- you can use it for stomachaches, or to help disinfect a cut or scrape.
It is also recommended for helping pain/upset stomach when for menstrual cramps OR when it is a side effect of medication because this particular oil helps get toxins out of the body.
Many people also recommend Citronella Essential Oil for weight loss as it is a diuretic, so it helps reduce bloating. It also is a diaphoretic, which means it induces sweating, so it helps get toxins out of the body. This property is also what helps reduce fever.
Now we all know Citronella works on mosquitos, but as a dog lover, I like that it works on fleas. It also works on lice.
Citronella is overall a good oil to have around the house.
Also, it repels insects.
It is particularly good at helping to treat (but I still always say: see a doctor) infections of the digestive/urinary tracts. It's also great to have on hand for a first aid kit- you can use it for stomachaches, or to help disinfect a cut or scrape.
It is also recommended for helping pain/upset stomach when for menstrual cramps OR when it is a side effect of medication because this particular oil helps get toxins out of the body.
Many people also recommend Citronella Essential Oil for weight loss as it is a diuretic, so it helps reduce bloating. It also is a diaphoretic, which means it induces sweating, so it helps get toxins out of the body. This property is also what helps reduce fever.
Now we all know Citronella works on mosquitos, but as a dog lover, I like that it works on fleas. It also works on lice.
Citronella is overall a good oil to have around the house.
Friday, June 13, 2014
What Led Me to Essential Oils?
You can sort of find this story on this page here, but I thought this also deserved a whole post. Sorry for the repeats in the story, but this has a whole lot more information.
LEMONDROPPERS are not salesmen. So no one said to me, "Hey, I'm selling this product that you need to try." I found out about essential oils after a variety of events and I think each step of that is important to explain how I got to where I am today.
Part one: I am sick.
I am very sick. I don't have cancer (luckily!) but I do have a series of nervous systems disorders all stemming from a genetic mitochondrial disorder. I realize that was a lot of words, so simply, my brain does not work. And by doesn't work I do not mean in the "I can't do math" kind of way (I am killer at adding 2+2). My brain has a hard time regulating simple things like my heart rate, or how much I am supposed to sweat. Also my nerves, the little dudes who tell you things like "This is hot" or "Ouch" like to die and put me in a lot of pain. This has caused me to develop multiple syndromes. I won't go into those, but because everything is so complicated, there are not a lot of ways to treat it. We can sometimes treat the symptoms, but usually medications only work for so long, or things get worse. This leads to part two of my journey.
Part two: I have wonderful friends.
One of my very best friends is constantly looking out for me, and I her. I like to think that we are the kind of friends who sixty years from now are going to be living together after our husbands die (edit: or as she says, "We'll being living together even with our husbands still living with them on the couch.")
Part three: She has friends.
Her friend introduced her to essential oils.
Part four: They worked!
She found success in the oils. I took her claims seriously because she is not the type of person to get wrapped up in weird hippy stuff (Please don't take offense as I am the type of person to get wrapped up in weird hippy stuff.) She told me about how Valor worked on my precious godson. She showed me her stretch-mark cream results. I'd show you the pictures but she would probably kill me. She took me to an oils class where I was given free samples. These oils actually worked. And better yet no one tried to sell me anything. They told me what I could buy, yes, but they never pressured me. No one told me if I bought it I'd have to do any selling, something I did NOT want to do (ha ha ha.)
Part five: They really worked for me and I wanted to share that with others.
I personally feel better. I'm taking less medication. I'm off of my sleep medication. Due to my illness without my sleep medication I would sometimes go weeks getting four hours of sleep per week. I have not been able to go without it, but NOW I can. Occasionally I need to take it, but I have never been so happy. I've lessened the amount of prescription pain medication I have had to take. For the medication I am on I was on the highest dose that they give patients. Often I would have to take that amount. Now I often go days without needing to take it at all. As a person with one of the most painful illnesses known to science, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, this is a miracle. I've also gotten off of my anti-nausea medication. Peppermint has helped me tremendously there. Only rarely do I need to take it.
I never would say that these oils can replace western medicine, but I understand why the Cleveland Clinic and nearly thirty other hospitals recommend them. If you have an illness you should always continue your medication and consult your doctor, but it's worth a try, even if it just helps. I know when you are really sick just finding something that helps can be a miracle.
Anyway, that's how I got here. That's why I am trying to help people learn about essential oils and what they can do. I'm not saying they are a cure, but if it can ease anyone's suffering, or make anyone's life a little easier, healthier, better, then I think I am doing a good thing.
LEMONDROPPERS are not salesmen. So no one said to me, "Hey, I'm selling this product that you need to try." I found out about essential oils after a variety of events and I think each step of that is important to explain how I got to where I am today.
Part one: I am sick.
I am very sick. I don't have cancer (luckily!) but I do have a series of nervous systems disorders all stemming from a genetic mitochondrial disorder. I realize that was a lot of words, so simply, my brain does not work. And by doesn't work I do not mean in the "I can't do math" kind of way (I am killer at adding 2+2). My brain has a hard time regulating simple things like my heart rate, or how much I am supposed to sweat. Also my nerves, the little dudes who tell you things like "This is hot" or "Ouch" like to die and put me in a lot of pain. This has caused me to develop multiple syndromes. I won't go into those, but because everything is so complicated, there are not a lot of ways to treat it. We can sometimes treat the symptoms, but usually medications only work for so long, or things get worse. This leads to part two of my journey.
Part two: I have wonderful friends.
One of my very best friends is constantly looking out for me, and I her. I like to think that we are the kind of friends who sixty years from now are going to be living together after our husbands die (edit: or as she says, "We'll being living together even with our husbands still living with them on the couch.")
Part three: She has friends.
Her friend introduced her to essential oils.
Part four: They worked!
She found success in the oils. I took her claims seriously because she is not the type of person to get wrapped up in weird hippy stuff (Please don't take offense as I am the type of person to get wrapped up in weird hippy stuff.) She told me about how Valor worked on my precious godson. She showed me her stretch-mark cream results. I'd show you the pictures but she would probably kill me. She took me to an oils class where I was given free samples. These oils actually worked. And better yet no one tried to sell me anything. They told me what I could buy, yes, but they never pressured me. No one told me if I bought it I'd have to do any selling, something I did NOT want to do (ha ha ha.)
Part five: They really worked for me and I wanted to share that with others.
I personally feel better. I'm taking less medication. I'm off of my sleep medication. Due to my illness without my sleep medication I would sometimes go weeks getting four hours of sleep per week. I have not been able to go without it, but NOW I can. Occasionally I need to take it, but I have never been so happy. I've lessened the amount of prescription pain medication I have had to take. For the medication I am on I was on the highest dose that they give patients. Often I would have to take that amount. Now I often go days without needing to take it at all. As a person with one of the most painful illnesses known to science, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, this is a miracle. I've also gotten off of my anti-nausea medication. Peppermint has helped me tremendously there. Only rarely do I need to take it.
I never would say that these oils can replace western medicine, but I understand why the Cleveland Clinic and nearly thirty other hospitals recommend them. If you have an illness you should always continue your medication and consult your doctor, but it's worth a try, even if it just helps. I know when you are really sick just finding something that helps can be a miracle.
Anyway, that's how I got here. That's why I am trying to help people learn about essential oils and what they can do. I'm not saying they are a cure, but if it can ease anyone's suffering, or make anyone's life a little easier, healthier, better, then I think I am doing a good thing.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Why You Should Use A Carrier Oil
Carrier oils are oils that you use along side your essential oil. Not all essential oils need a carrier oil, some are applied neat (or all by themselves.) Some oils that almost always can be applied neat include, but are not limited to lavender, valor, and stress away. When using an oil on a baby or a child you should always dilute at first just to be sure and to make sure their skin gets used to the oil.
Now what types of things count as carrier oils? Vegetable oil (though I would not recommend this, you can use this), Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, plus more. Many people tend to stick between EVOO and Coconut Oil. I personally use organic but that's up to you.
Now you may be wondering: can I just use lotion? That's a totally valid question. I'm going to save you the trouble of finding that out on your own: no. The reason carrier oils are used is because some oils are hot oils. Have you ever played the cinnamon game where you have to put a spoonful of cinnamon into your mouth? Your tongue burns and gets irritated. Well with some oils it is as if you are putting a pound of cinnamon onto one little tiny spot on your skin. It burns. These are hot oils. Lemon is a hot oil (notice how in real life lemon is sour?) Thieves is a hot oil because it has lemon, cinnamon bark and eucalyptus in it. These are all hot. You know how when you suck on a strong mint it may burn a bit? Peppermint essential oil can irritate your skin without a carrier oil.
Lotion, even if it has some oil in it, does not have enough oil to dilute the essential oil. You need to use a pure oil. I learned this the hard way.
I use lemongrass as deodorant. Noticing I no longer had any EVOO left in the bathroom I thought I would just use my lotion to dilute the lemongrass, a hot oil. Well, as I put it on I felt an intense burning. The longer I stood there the more intense the burning became. Next thing I know I'm running through my house to my kitchen trying to open my jar of coconut oil. Once I open it I'm standing over my stove shoveling coconut oil onto my armpits. It was really funny, but also really painful.
You can find out how much of the carrier oil you need to use on the back of your oil's bottle. Some oil's only require a 1:1 ratio, while some require a 1:4 ratio.
So in summary: Use your carrier oils! Always check the dilution instructions on the back of the oil bottle and make sure it is an actual oil and not a lotion.
Now what types of things count as carrier oils? Vegetable oil (though I would not recommend this, you can use this), Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, plus more. Many people tend to stick between EVOO and Coconut Oil. I personally use organic but that's up to you.
Now you may be wondering: can I just use lotion? That's a totally valid question. I'm going to save you the trouble of finding that out on your own: no. The reason carrier oils are used is because some oils are hot oils. Have you ever played the cinnamon game where you have to put a spoonful of cinnamon into your mouth? Your tongue burns and gets irritated. Well with some oils it is as if you are putting a pound of cinnamon onto one little tiny spot on your skin. It burns. These are hot oils. Lemon is a hot oil (notice how in real life lemon is sour?) Thieves is a hot oil because it has lemon, cinnamon bark and eucalyptus in it. These are all hot. You know how when you suck on a strong mint it may burn a bit? Peppermint essential oil can irritate your skin without a carrier oil.
Lotion, even if it has some oil in it, does not have enough oil to dilute the essential oil. You need to use a pure oil. I learned this the hard way.
I use lemongrass as deodorant. Noticing I no longer had any EVOO left in the bathroom I thought I would just use my lotion to dilute the lemongrass, a hot oil. Well, as I put it on I felt an intense burning. The longer I stood there the more intense the burning became. Next thing I know I'm running through my house to my kitchen trying to open my jar of coconut oil. Once I open it I'm standing over my stove shoveling coconut oil onto my armpits. It was really funny, but also really painful.
You can find out how much of the carrier oil you need to use on the back of your oil's bottle. Some oil's only require a 1:1 ratio, while some require a 1:4 ratio.
So in summary: Use your carrier oils! Always check the dilution instructions on the back of the oil bottle and make sure it is an actual oil and not a lotion.
Purification
Do you live with smokers? Dogs? Dirty roommates? Children? A husband? A bad cook?
Do you have acne? Or an infection? A UTI?
You may want to try Purification.
Purification is made of Lemongrass, Tea Tree/ Melaleuca alternifolia, Rosemary, Myrtle, Lavandin, and Citronella Essential oils. This oil is great to diffuse. It is very good at purifying the air and taking out bad smells because of its antibacterial nature. We personally use this to liven up a stale room, or to help with the smell of owning two dogs. It is great to spray onto carpets. You can add it to your favorite cleaner to help make the house fresher, or add it to your laundry.
Another use for purification is clearing acne. Purification also sterilizes cuts and wounds and can be used to help with bug bites and stings.
One other great use for purification is that it can be used on dogs to repel bugs. Ticks are repelled by purification as well, making it a vital part of a home-made flea and tick spray. Also, using harsh chemicals on skin to clean the wound is bad for an animal and does not promote healing, so peroxide or alcohol can be replaced with this oil.
When using purification the best way is to use a carrier oil. The oil can be used topically or it can be diffused. This oil has so many uses AND it smells good.
Purification is one of the oils that comes in the Premium Starter Kit. I warn you though, you'll go through it fast.
Do you have acne? Or an infection? A UTI?
You may want to try Purification.
Purification is made of Lemongrass, Tea Tree/ Melaleuca alternifolia, Rosemary, Myrtle, Lavandin, and Citronella Essential oils. This oil is great to diffuse. It is very good at purifying the air and taking out bad smells because of its antibacterial nature. We personally use this to liven up a stale room, or to help with the smell of owning two dogs. It is great to spray onto carpets. You can add it to your favorite cleaner to help make the house fresher, or add it to your laundry.
Another use for purification is clearing acne. Purification also sterilizes cuts and wounds and can be used to help with bug bites and stings.
One other great use for purification is that it can be used on dogs to repel bugs. Ticks are repelled by purification as well, making it a vital part of a home-made flea and tick spray. Also, using harsh chemicals on skin to clean the wound is bad for an animal and does not promote healing, so peroxide or alcohol can be replaced with this oil.
When using purification the best way is to use a carrier oil. The oil can be used topically or it can be diffused. This oil has so many uses AND it smells good.
Purification is one of the oils that comes in the Premium Starter Kit. I warn you though, you'll go through it fast.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Essential Rewards Explained
If you are a wholesale member of Young Living then this is for you. Yesterday, I talked about the Premium Starter Kit and all of its benefits. If you want to get involved with essential oils but are not sure where to start, I highly suggest heading there. If you are not yet sure if you even want to get involved with essential oils then checking out my page, "I want oils! Where do I start?" may be a good resource for you. There it goes through all the things you may want to consider before taking the plunge, including but not limited to the scientific studies on essential oils, the use of essential oils in hospitals, and why Young Living may be a good company for you.
Now you are already in. You've bought your starter kit and you do not know what to do next. Looking at the Virtual Office, or when you bought your oils, or even when your oils came, you've seen the term "Essential Rewards." Essential Rewards are great for two types of people: those who love their oils and those who are considering doing the business.
Essential Rewards is a once-a-month order where you get reduced shipping and a certain percentage of what you buy gets returned back to you in ER points. If you have been with the company 1-6 months you earn back 10%; 7-12 months you earn back 15%; and 13+ months 20%.
Now this sounds great! And it is. However, you must spend at least fifty dollars for your ER to go out. Also, essential rewards is an auto-ship. This means that you cannot just go and place it, but you pick a date for it to ship. However, you can change this date and what you order as many times as you want. You are given one month to miss, but if you miss two your ER is cancelled and you are unable to redeem your points. If you are going to miss another month know that you can cancel at any time and as long as you call before you cancel you should be able to redeem your points.
You can use your essential rewards points as soon as you get them or save them for more expensive items. Also, if your ER orders are big enough you can get monthly promotions from Young Living for free items.
Now, if you plan on doing the business side of Young Living you need to participate in essential rewards in order to get commission.
Now you are already in. You've bought your starter kit and you do not know what to do next. Looking at the Virtual Office, or when you bought your oils, or even when your oils came, you've seen the term "Essential Rewards." Essential Rewards are great for two types of people: those who love their oils and those who are considering doing the business.
Essential Rewards is a once-a-month order where you get reduced shipping and a certain percentage of what you buy gets returned back to you in ER points. If you have been with the company 1-6 months you earn back 10%; 7-12 months you earn back 15%; and 13+ months 20%.
Now this sounds great! And it is. However, you must spend at least fifty dollars for your ER to go out. Also, essential rewards is an auto-ship. This means that you cannot just go and place it, but you pick a date for it to ship. However, you can change this date and what you order as many times as you want. You are given one month to miss, but if you miss two your ER is cancelled and you are unable to redeem your points. If you are going to miss another month know that you can cancel at any time and as long as you call before you cancel you should be able to redeem your points.
You can use your essential rewards points as soon as you get them or save them for more expensive items. Also, if your ER orders are big enough you can get monthly promotions from Young Living for free items.
Now, if you plan on doing the business side of Young Living you need to participate in essential rewards in order to get commission.
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