DEC
05

Cleaning Out and Replacing - Medicine Cabinet Purge

When was the last time you purged your medicine cabinet? By purging, I mean that all items are not out of date, that what you do use is stocked and the unused medication are disposed of. I try to do a massive check once a year and go through in sweeps a few times a year. With six kids, it is important that I do not encounter a situation that I need something and be out. BUT!! This is also an excellent opportunity to begin incorporating something different into your cabinet essential. What I mean is essential oils.

I am passionate about my children's health as well as my own, I believe that western medicine and holistic medicines can co-exist. Even before I delved into Young Living, medicines were only given when absolutely necessary. Normal fevers are actually good for you. You don't want to squash them. So, it wasn't too much of a leap for me to begin adding essential oils to keep us healthy. 

It all began with my starter kit. But, like all new things that assist with health, some reading and a learning curve were included in my medicine cabinet purge. Having a community of people that were long time users of oils helped me tons, I cannot even lie. Besides some very basic things, the fact that I work with integrative veterinarians didn't hurt either. They are a constant source of information and it's even better now that I have a dog to consider too. 

Anyway, as I was saying.... medicine cabinet purging. Did you know that aspirin was developed from willow bark? It is rich in salicylate. You can also find methyl salicylate in Wintergreen essential oil. Although Wintergreen is not suggested for anyone that has a history of seizures, but this is just one alternative. If you have a salicylate sensitivity, please do research before using anything. Always research, learn, and ask someone when introducing anything new. 

Bengay® contains menthol, methyl salicylate, and camphor. This product was introduced to American in 1898. It contains methyl salicylate but people do not think twice about using it. This happens but even something that we have used, seen or heard of all of our lives can be dangerous. This is why I stress research and understanding. I do use Wintergreen around my children because I am now comfortable doing so. Camphor, another ingredient in this common medicine cabinet item, can be also found in Rosemary, Sage, and Juniper. 

In a starter kit, which is what I began with, there are eleven essential oils. Wow can that small of a number be overwhelming. But I broke it down into systems and placed each oil into whatever system category that it helped with. This little list then evolved into a constant reference guide. It's about starting slow, referring to something that will help you and using the essential oils. 

My biggest issues was skin and respiratory issues. The amount of times I have a child skin a knee, run into something (with their head), getting a cut, getting bruises, and forehead contact with corners of walls while running is frightening. My go to oils are Lavender and Frankincense. For occasional headaches, we reach for Peppermint. For those infrequent stomach issues, Peppermint or DiGize are a common go-to. This simple list, with those overwhelming 11 essential oils, made using them easier and seem less daunting. I strongly suggest that you read on how to use your essential oils and their applications. Such as any citrus is photosensitive and you should not apply to areas of the skin and then go into the sun for any prolonged time. 

I have included the little list of the essential oils that began my journey. Now, not only do I enjoy learning about new oils, but I enjoy learning how others use them. It is my hope that you will too enjoy learning about essential oils, add them to your cleaned out cabinet, and add a holistic method to your current stash. ENJOY!!  

 

Promoting healthy systems with the PSK essential oils are:

Integumentary: Frankincense, Lavender and Purification

Musculoskeletal: Frankincense, Pan Away, Stress Away and Copaiba

Emotional/Mental: Frankincense, Lavender, Copaiba and Stress Away

Endocrine: Frankincense, Lavender, Stress Away, Thieves, Pan Away and Lemon

Respiratory: Frankincense, Lavender, Peppermint, Thieves, Lemon, Purification and Stress Away

Digestive: Lavender, Peppermint, DiGize, Lemon, Copaiba and RC

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27014 Hits
NOV
30

Moral Character is the Foundation

 

When a company like Young Living has continual growth, a strong, committed community, and authentic quality essential oils, there will always be scrutiny. This comes from within as well as from competitors. The way that Young Living has addressed each claim is with a moral character that has been the continuing foundation of the type of company Young Living is.

Thinking of morals, I relate it to loyalty, courage, honesty, empathy, and good actions. Not a single one of these traits can be removed from what type of business Young Living represents. The commitment to bettering the world, to manufacturing of the best possible products, to ensuring that any issues are dealt with properly, timely, and implementing new policies for the future, and not succumbing to the negativity that some try to throw at them.

Seed to Seal allows for Young Living to be there from start to finish. The process is overseen and given the commitment that represents the foundation that began so many years ago. So when a question of a products authenticity arises; mainly the essential oils; all hands on deck is the way it is handled. Thorough testing is done. Combing through the process of how the oil was made and breaking down each step as to pin point any variances. 

If there are any questions of quality, then it is immediately investigated, tested, and examined for any and all possible reasons why. This is how they run the growing business. If there is an issue, it is faced head-on. There is no "passing the buck" to someone else and there certainly are no blame games. As in the past and will continue on into the future, the pride in their moral character is steadfast. They want the best as much as you do. There is on deception as there is no need for it. Hiding is not the way professionals conduct themselves. It is not a company that I would stand behind. 

Good thing for us, Young Living is great all around! So be assured that if there is ever an issue they are on top of it to ensure that we have the best possible products to use. ENJOY!!

 

 

 

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2959 Hits
NOV
13

Essential Oils - To Defend or Not To Defend

In the scheme of things, I am still fairly new to the essential oil movement. I became an avid user about two and a half years ago. There are people I know that have been using oils in their lives for over twenty years, I am both intimidated and exhilarated by this. Intimidating is the wealth of knowledge that they have about each oil, how it potentially affects someone/something and what each oil is comprised of. The exhilarating feeling comes from the fact that if I am ever in doubt, I have people that are there for me to share their experiences.

No matter if it's intimidation or excitement, I share a passion with them. This bond of passion keeps me on the path of learning, of experiencing, of venturing into the unknown (to me), and sharing with others. When I smile and say "Sharing IS Caring", I'm not just trying to be cute with a catch-phrase, I am being sincere. 

If you are interacting with me and think that it's some kind of ploy, then you don't know me well. I am not the type of person to lie or fabricate something to make it sound better than what it is. This just is NOT who I am fundamentally. When I share, it is rooted in passion. 

Some are receptive to my experiences and listen to what I say about the oils, about Young Living as a company. But when does having to defend the use of essential oils become too much? Well, there is only one answer: Never. 

Now you are probably asking yourself why is it never too much to deal with? Well, because if it something you believe in, something that you trust in, and something that you benefit in, why would it ever be too daunting to share? No, not every person that you talk to will be receptive. Not everyone will want to take the time to listen and learn. Often there will be people that are completely closed off about this, but then you take their cues and let it go. 

Let them make silly remarks, rude comments, or even show contempt for essential oils. I have seen it, heard it and even though I don't get it, what can I do? I cannot convince someone to try if they are not ready to receive the information. I cannot force someone to believe as I do. I will not carry with me their apprehension or skepticism. I know what I know and always enjoy learning more. This is what gets me through those harder moments. 

Defending a greener and more natural lifestyle is like trying to defend why you use Lysol (R) and use Tylenol (R) over Advil(R). The point is, it's personal preference. Simple. Lots of my friends don't use Young Living, but I still talk about it. Some even use other brands.... we are still friends. There are some even that do not subscribe to the benefits of essential oils. But I do and that is just fine. 

In the beginning, I tried so hard to defend my choice to incorporate Young Living into my household, but those that know me understand. They know that I didn't use lots of western medicines, they know that I am earthy and it is a concern of mine; the future for my children. So in all honesty, it wasn't that much of a stretch to begin this journey. 

So, as it stands today, I don't feel like I have to defend Young Living and why I think it's beneficial. I have learned that some people aren't being mean, they just don't either a. care or b. understand. My passion is the same and I am not going to change.

With that, I say stick with your passion and waste not energy trying to convince others, but in sharing what is important to you. Others that are open to it will ask more questions. Most importantly, ENJOY sharing no matter who is listening. :)

 

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3504 Hits
OCT
13

Natural vs. Synthetic - Why There is a Difference

I recently listened to a web lecture pertaining to the differences between natural and synthetic essential oils. The lecture was easy to follow and even easier to understand. It was focused solely on the differences and why it is actually in an essential oil users benefit to use something that is natural and not synthetic. This is important enough to me that I wanted to share what I learned. 

So, in my own words, I am going to share what I learned. Here I go ...

 

Each essential oil contains constituents that make up the whole oil itself. These are important ingredients that equal efficacy. This result is done through synergistic methods. One constituent activating the pathway for another constituent to enter, thus producing an outcome. 

 

 

If you only have constituent A, there is no reaction. If constituent B is present, this allows for A to enter and do the job. But, within an average essential oil, there are 100 constituents. Please note that this is the average amount, some contain less or more depending upon the oil. I am just using the average. With these 100 items working together, they produce a cascade effect that work together, performing what they are intended. 

Often times, when something is made synthetically, the top constituents are replicated producing an item that is not the same, only similar. For example, there are five constituents that comprise 95% of the oil. There are then ninety-five constituents that compose the 5% remaining. The focus is on those five items that makeup 95% and that should be good enough, right?! Well it is not. This can cause adverse reactions, negative outcomes, or be completely ineffective. This is why:

Take a cell, pictured below. There is a cellular interaction network that needs even those trace 5% elements important. They all work together, interacting naturally within the cell producing the intended effect.  

When only the top five constituents are the focus, even if they are made perfectly, you are faced with negative results such as a toxicity in vitro or on animals during testing. This isn't because those constituents are harmful within the essential oil themselves, but singled out is another story. So remember that when you are buying a product such as essential oils. Are they authentic? 

d-Limonene may be in commercial cleaners and air fresheners, but I do not want to put those products on my skin, in my lungs or in my tea. I do however put Young Living Lemon essential oil in my diffuser, in my tea, in baking and into sprays to freshen the house up. Again, please know that this is just an example of one constituent within one essential oil, I am not telling you what you should or shouldn't do, this is for informational purposes only. 

The summary of what I am saying is that all parts of an essential oil are important for it to function as it is intended. All constituents work together to produce whole product that is then used for a desired outcome. If one or more of those important elements are removed from the essential oil, it alters the whole composition rendering it a different product. The whole is how nature intended.

 

I am not a doctor and not here to diagnosis, treat, cure or prescribe. If you have a health concern, please contact your physician. This is for informational purposes only.   

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3553 Hits
SEP
26

Gatsby's Yard Spray

It has been many years since I have last had a pet, of any kind, to look after. With having multiple children, someone having allergies, going to school, working and all of the daily living activities, a pet just did not fit into the dynamics. 

Then one day, my daughter, two littles and myself walked into a pet store. Normally we can go in, look with awe at how cute every creature is and then leave. On one occasion it didn't work out that way. We came across a breed that normally isn't seen by us at least. It was love. This fuzzy little cutie had a huge price tag as well. Way too much for my pocketbook, no matter how much I really wanted to have him. 

I looked the breed up, went down the check list and told my daughter that he fits all our needs with the exception of the cost. She was absolutely heartbroken which just made me cry. Like seriously, I cried real tears and everything. We enlisted the help of Grandma and Grandpa, who found us the perfect pup for us. He is known as Gatsby, The Great Gatsby to me. He is an Old English Sheepdog and has become an important member of our family.

We have had him about a 15 months. Unfortunately he receives most of his interactions from the family, all eight of us, all the friends that come in and out, the two neighbors have dogs and he plays with them. But he doesn't go to dog parks or woodsy walks, although I really need to get him out to the parks but the thought of having to clean him up after going into a pond/lake or through mud seems daunting with all of his hair.

So when I was petting him the other day, seeing a flea sent me through the roof! I did not expect to see that, was angry I saw it, and couldn't understand WHY I had seen it on him. He hadn't received a haircut in a while, he was getting very cute fuzzy, but nope, to try and de-bug him with all of that would be impossible so off it came. I did it myself and it took just under 2.5 hours in the back yard. While cutting I found two more fleas but no more than that. Whew! I felt relieved but not convinced that he was free and clear.

I set out to research and read up on what I could do, without loading him or the house up with a bunch of chemicals, to rid him of those pesky buggers. As a natural minded person, I try to have chemicals as a last resort. Essential oils are my first choice. I decided upon a mixture of Rosemary, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Citronella and Lavender. I added these to his AnimalScents shampoo and brought him in for a wash in the tub. He needed a good washing anyway so I guess it worked out well. I also added these oils to a glass spray bottle with some distilled water and witch hazel (this helps to keep the oils blended). After his bath I sprayed him down and let him air dry. 

The only thing that I can figure is that he got them from the yard. I read up on this too. With the raccoons, skunks, chipmunks, squirrels and other wildlife, they probably hopped into the yard via one or more of those creatures. I don't care much for fleas, lice or the like, but I didn't freak out either. I am not stressed about it but I am taking precautions now. Once a day, I take that spray bottle and spritz him down, rub it in, and let him go about his business. It's been about a week now and so far so go; no pesky buggers seen. I am sure that it's a combination of everything, but it never hurts to try all options! 

RECIPE: 

20 drops of Tea Tree

15 drops of Rosemary

15 drops of Citronella

10 drops of Peppermint

10 drops of Lavender 

Added to an 8oz amber glass bottle, filled 4/5 full of distilled water and about 1/5 of witch hazel. Shake before each application and store away from heat and sunlight. 

*Adjust the amounts of essential oils used. Note that this was for my very hairy (even after a shave down) 80 pound Old English Sheepdog. Questions or concerns - please consult your veterinarian*

 

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3429 Hits
MAR
29

Cleaning Your Kitchen with Thieves Products

For most of us, ringing in a new year usually includes a resolution for better health. Why not enhance your overall well-being by improving the cleanliness of your home with Young Living’s Thieves® products?

This blog post is the first in a series focusing on deep cleaning your home with Thieves. With check lists, helpful hints, and cleaning recipes, you will achieve a clean home in no time. By adding an additional 30 minutes to your usual cleaning regimen, you will experience the Thieves difference in just a week.

Today’s post will focus on how to clean your kitchen with Young Living’s Thieves Household Cleaner.

DAY ONE: REFRIGERATOR

Cleaning Recipe: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 2 cups of water (use gloves and hot water for best results).

  • Remove all items from refrigerator.
  • Check all labels and toss expired items.
  • Throw away all items that are rarely used; waiting until they are expired or are inedible wastes space and compromises cleanliness.
  • Remove all magnets and papers from doors.
  • Clean top and outside of fridge, including exterior water/ice compartments.
  • Clean inside, including door compartments, shelves, and produce drawers.
  • Wipe down all sticky and soiled items that will go back inside fridge.
  • Clean handles.

HINT: When clean, place paper towels or shelf liners in the fridge to make your next clean-up easy—just remove, wipe, and replace.

DAY TWO: STOVETOP, OVEN, MICROWAVE

Cleaning Recipe: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 1 cup of water (use gloves and hot water for best results).

  • Remove any leftover food or debris from stovetop, oven, and microwave.
  • Clean stovetop, oven, fan, vent filters, hood, and microwave with mixture.

HINT: Fill a microwavable container with 3 cups of hot water. Place in microwave and heat on high for 10 minutes. The steam will loosen any cooked-on food, making it easy to wipe clean.

DAY THREE: DRAWERS, CUPBOARDS, PANTRY

Cleaning Recipe: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 2 cups of water (use gloves and hot water for best results).

  • Remove all items.
  • Check all labels and toss items that are expired.
  • Toss items that are rarely used; waiting until they are expired or inedible wastes space and compromises cleanliness.
  • Throw away all items that are broken, missing parts, or almost empty.
  • Clean all drawers and shelf organizers.
  • Wipe down shelves and inside of drawers.
  • Wipe down all sticky and soiled items that will go back inside cupboards, pantry, and drawers.
  • Clean all knobs.

HINT: When clean, place paper towels or shelf liners inside drawers and on top of shelves to make your next clean-up easy—just remove, wipe, and replace.

DAY FOUR: CEILING, LIGHT FIXTURE BOWLS, UNDER SINK

Cleaning Recipe: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 3 ½ cups of water (use gloves and hot water for best results).

  • Remove all cobwebs from ceiling, corners, and light fixtures with broom or duster.
  • Remove light fixture bowls.
  • Clean ceiling, corners, and light fixture bowls.
  • Replace burned-out bulbs.
  • Remove all items from under the sink.
    • Check all labels and toss items that are expired.
    • Get rid of items that are rarely used.
    • Throw away all items that are broken, missing parts, or almost empty.
    • Wipe inside with the same ratio of Thieves Household Cleaner and water.
    • Wipe off all sticky and soiled items that will go back under the sink.

HINT: Put 5 drops of Thieves Essential Oil on a cotton ball or open a Thieves Essential Oil Sample and place underneath your sink to keep it smelling clean and fresh.

DAY FIVE: SINK, COUNTERTOPS, BACKSPLASH, CABINET FRONTS

Cleaning Recipe: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 3 ½ cups of water (use gloves and hot water for best results).

Cabinet Front Recipe: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 1 cup olive oil. To enhance the aroma, you may also add 10 drops of Citrus Fresh™ essential oil blend.

  • Remove all countertop appliances, canisters, knick-knacks, and clutter.
  • Clean sink, countertops, backsplash, knick-knacks, canisters, and counter appliances with suggested recipe.
  • Wipe down cabinet fronts with suggested recipe.

HINT: To keep your kitchen looking clean and clutter-free, display only countertop appliances, canisters, and knick-knacks that are used daily or are important.

 DAY SIX: INTERIOR WINDOWS, WINDOW SILLS, PET DISHES, PLANT DISHES

Cleaning Recipe: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 5 quarts of water (use gloves and hot water for best results).

  • Wipe loose debris and dust off window sills, pet dishes, and plant dishes.
  • Clean window sills and plant and pet dishes.
  • Clean interior windows.

HINT: To naturally freshen the air in your home, diffuse Thieves Essential Oil Blend for 15–30 minutes.

DAY SEVEN: WALLS, OUTLETS, SWITCH PLATES, HEATING VENTS

Cleaning Recipe: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 3 ½ cups of water (use gloves and hot water for best results).

  • Remove all cobwebs and dust from kitchen walls and heat vents.
  • Clean walls, outlets, switch plates, and heating vents.
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2965 Hits
MAR
29

Young Living Opportunity

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