I Am So Sick of Reading Labels!!!

And I'm so tired of needing a degree in chemistry to understand what I am reading. Add to that it bothers me that I have to bring my reading glasses with me to the store in order to read the labels

My trips to the grocery store are getting increasingly longer and longer and I attribute that to my nutritional studies. The more I learn, the more I scrutinize the label of the food I am purchasing. I do this because the stuff they put in foods today just freaks me out!! In addition, I just don't trust the powerful marketing of the food giants!

How many "natural" products have you bought and the package reads "all Natural"? It kind of gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling buying it right? Yet when you read the ingredient list it contains "Natural Flavors"? Are you aware that this could mean a varied version of MSG or other man made chemicals (learn more about natural flavors by reading Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser)? This stinks huh?

With the little bit of knowledge I have in marketing I do understand a manufacturer's need to make their products appealing to the general public but to downright lie to their customers is just wrong.

Take for example the company Sara Lee, Sara Lee makes a bread which in the food industry is called "nutritionally transitional" bread. To you and me this means bread that is made with white flour and whole grain flour and is produced to appeal to the consumer who is beginning to incorporate more whole grains into thier diet.

The Whole Grain Council say that most transitional bread products contain at least 8 grams of whole grains per slice. Sara Lee is making all the whole grain claims and their product contains only 2 grams of whole grain. Read more about this by clicking here.

So what do we have here? We have people who are trying to make the transition to whole grains, most likely parents buying the product for their white bread eating children, and giving themselves a pat on the back because they are doing right by Jr.

I know that feeling. I get it every time my children eat something healthy. To me there is no greater feeling in the world for a parent. Okay, maybe just me cause I am such a nutrition nut, but really, is it right to deceive consumers like this?

The good news, in this case, is the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is seeking an injunction against Sara Lee for its whole grain claims and they're also seeking a general ban on claims that a product is a good source of whole grains without an enforceable FDA standard for such claims. Go CSPI!!!

On the flip side of label reading, we have to be careful about our own assumptions of products. Sometimes we believe that something isn't good for us when in fact it is and sometimes its even healthier than a product we're currently using. I made this blunder with my children's breakfast waffles.

My children love their frozen waffles in the morning. Occasionally I'll make them homemade and when I do, I sneak so many healthy things into the batter that I don't care if my children eat another healthy thing all day.

We have 3 different kinds of frozen waffles in our house: Shane waffles a.k.a. Eggo Waffles (nutritionally deplete but they're the only waffles Shane will eat), Aidan Waffles a.k.a. Van Varieties (a mother's nutritionally packed waffle dream come true) and "treat waffles" reserved for "special" mornings a.k.a Nature's Path Choco Waffles (filled with yummy melted choc chips when they are cooked).

Being a nutritionally conscious mother, when my children ask for waffles for breakfast I always make the treat waffles the last resort. In my mind, chocolate is not for breakfast and I don't want my children starting their day all sugared up.

One morning my oldest son pulled out all the boxes of waffles and challenged me to find out which was the healthiest. I replied "Aidan, of course yours are the healthiest." Imagine my chagrin when I compared the labels and found the Nature's Path Choco Waffles to have the least amount of sugar, the highest protein content, and the most fiber per serving.

Can you guess what my first offering is when they ask for waffles now? I didn't tell my other children our discovery, I just let them eat the chocolate waffles and they think I am the best Mom in the world. Even Shane eats them which, of course, makes this mom all warm and fuzzy.

So, what's my point today and what does this have to do with Young Living Essential Oils?

My point is this, although we may not like it read and compare your food labels. Sometimes we can be misinformed either by the manufacturer (shame on Sara Lee) or by our own selves and the assumptions we make.

Be informed and purchase products from companies that you can trust. Young Living is a company that I trust to provide me and my family with only the best essential oils and nutritional supplements. Why, because I've read their labels and know their commitment to making a fine product. Read more about the company here.

Check Out all The Young Living Products here.....

If you have any questions regarding Young Living, contact me. I'd be happy to help you!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,


Elizabeth

Mommy, Would You Rub Oils on My Feet Tonight?

These are the words I heard from my two boys the other night before I turned out thier lights for bedtime. My children love to have their feet rubbed with oils. Well, who wouldn't?

When my children request oils I let them choose which essential oil they want. Both my boys chose Lavender this night and their choice didn't surprise me.

You see, both boys were exhausted from a long day at summer camp so sleep shouldn't have been an issue but I knew that thier heads were all a buzz from all the excitement they experienced that day. I was happy with their choice because it showed me that they instinctively knew that Lavender would calm them and enable them to get to sleep.

I love when my children ask for oils; it shows me that they see the benefit of using the oils and that I have given my children a natural tool to help them maintain their health. In this case, good quality sleep.

Here are some quick guidelines to follow when using essential oils with children:

• Always use a reputable, therapeutic grade essential oils such as Young Living Essential Oils with them. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child’s health.


• Keep all essential oils out of the reach of young children; older children can be taught to respect and properly use essential oils, but they should nevertheless be supervised.


• In general, when treating children with essential oils use one-third to one-half the adult dosage and select only nontoxic oils.


• DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT (undiluted ) on children’s skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. Use a carrier oil such as V-6 Massage Oil or Sweet Almond Oil to dilute essential oils. Olive Oil a good choice if you don't have the other oils available.


• If your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a small area before using a new single oil or blend. There are a few exceptions to this rule: it is acceptable to use the nonirritating oils lavender or tea tree undiluted on burns, insect bites, pimples and other skin eruptions-as long as you don't have extremely sensitive skin.


• Keep essential oils away from the eyes.


• When using citrus oils - orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime - do not use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12 hours. These oils are considered 'phototoxic', and can react from the sun's rays.

My Children love their oils and each have thier own favorites. Aside from rubbing the oils on their feet, I use essential oils in thier bath and I diffuse the oils in our home.

I have also given a Terra Cotta Pendant to each of my children. They each have thier own favorite scent they have me put on their pendants. My daughter Cait loves her "sleepy oil" which to you and me is Jasmine. If you've ever had the pleasure of smelling Jasmine oil you would understand my darlings love for it. The scent is dreamy! Shane loves Lemon; it instantly calms him. And Aidan and Shannon love Lavender the best.

If you'd like to learn more about using essential oils with children click here. This is a good article to read.

Of course, if you have any questions about the oils and applying them to children I can help. Contact me and I'd be happy to help.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,

Elizabeth

Homemade Chemical-free Baby Wipes!

Baby Wipes Recipe (these wipes are awesome and are 100% chemical free!)

1 roll of better quality Paper Towels (cut in half)
1 1/2 cups water (boiled)
1 plastic air-tight container (large enough to hold 1 half of the roll above)
2 tsp. Young Living’s KidScents Lotion
2 tsp. Young Living KidScents Bath Gel
2 tsp. Young Living’s V-6 Mixing Oil

Boil 1 1/2 cups water and mix in the Young Living KidScents Lotion, Bath Gel and V-6.

Take one roll of “nice quality” paper towel and cut in half (to make 2 small rolls) take the core out of the middle of one of the small rolls and put into a airtight container.

Mix together with a wire whisk and pour over the paper towels in the container, let sit until it has absorbed the liquid.

When you’re ready to use pull wipes from the center of the roll. Keep in airtight container!

Order Young Living Products Here......

If you need any help ordering any products or if you have any questions, please contact me. I am always happy to help.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,

Elizabeth

Rub a Dub Dub.....Is Cancer in Your Tub?

Do you know what chemicals are in your personal care products? Do you know the effect that these chemicals have on your or your children's body?

To help you understand I am offering a free booklet entitled "Rub a Dub, Dub... Is Cancer in Your Tub" This booklet offers an in-depth view of common ingredients found in shampoos, deodorants, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and other everyday items used in your home that have been scientifically shown to undermine health. This convincing and informative brochure helps you understand the importance of using products made with natural ingredients, such as Young Living's premium products.

To receive your free booklet please e-mail me with "Rub a Dub" in the subject line. Please include your name and shipping address and I'd be happy to mail this right out to you.

Would you like to see how your personal care products rank and how dangerous they are to you and your family? Then head over to The Environmental Working Groups Cosmetic Database I promise you'll be shocked to see what poisons and toxins (such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, DEA, excessive Fluoride, etc.) are hidden in the products you use daily, such as soap, shampoo, rinse, toothpaste, mouthwash, skin cleansers and moisturizers, etc. - that is, unless you are using Young Living Products.

Ask me what Personal Care Products Are Available from Young Living.....

Young Living personal care products and Thieves Household Cleaner contain only natural ingredients. They have no harsh chemicals. None. Never have; never will. They're completely natural, made from only the finest natural ingredients, and enhanced with 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils. You will never find any of the poisons or toxins described in the Rub a Dub, Dub report on the ingredient list of any Young Living product.

These are products that not only work, they're really good for you too!

If you have any questions or need help ordering Young Living products, please contact me. I'd be more than happy to help!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Infants Exposed to Reproductive Toxins from Shampoo, Lotion, and Powder

On February 4, 2008 a study appeared in the journal Pediatrics that showed, for the first time, that infants are exposed to potent reproductive toxins called phthalates from everyday baby products, including shampoo, lotion, and powder. The study found elevated levels of phthalates in the urine of babies who recently had baby products applied to them.

Studies have implicated pthalates as an endocrine disruptor, or chemical that mimics the body's natural hormones, and leads to disruptive effects ranging from cancers to birth defects.

Despite these studies the federal government does not limit their use of pthalates, even though California and some European countries will have restricted their use beginning in 2009. And further, the FDA does not require companies to test thier products for safety; this includes products we use on our babies and children! Often times we blindly trust that if the product is made for children it must be safe.

We must protect our children when we can and replace these toxic products with products that are chemical free. Educate yourself so that you can make wise choices. The Enviornmental Working Group set up a database with vital information on the contents of personal care products. You can check it out here

Young Living's KidScents personal care products are non-toxic and free of the questionable ingredients commonly used in other children's formulations.



KidScents products contain only the highest quality ingredients that contribute to healthier skin and hair along with soothing and calming pure essential oils that help children relax and unwind after a busy day.

Take a look at some of the excellent ingredients in KidScents products:

• MSM -- an organic form of sulfur that is excellent for softening the skin.


• Wheat Germ Oil -- rich, lush oil that is high in vitamins E and B.


• Grape Seed Extract -- one of the strongest antioxidants known.


• Aloe Vera Gel -- has been used to assist healing of the Skin.


• Vitamin E -- protects the skin against oxidative damage.


• Olive Oil -- a moisturizing agent that will not clog pores.

Order Young Living KidScents Products Here....

If you have any questions about the KidScents Product line or if you need assistance placing an order please contact me. I'd be happy to help!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Beach Bag Essentials - Oils that is!

Ahhh, Summer - its officially here!

Despite the debate as to whether the Summer Solstice (the unofficial mark of Summer's start) is the 20th or 21st of June, I know its here because the kids are finally done with school and my thoughts are turning to lazy days and fun times.

If you live in the proximity of the beach then another unofficial mark to the start of summer is the packing of the beach bag.

My beach bag has expanded to more than one bag over these last few years, heck, just needing 6 beach towels will do that! But for the most part my beach bag still includes the basics with a few extras for the little ones. Gotta keep 'em happy!

Here are some suggestions for a well packed beach bag. Some are no-brainers but there are a few "essential" additions that just might make that trip to the shore a bit more enjoyable:

• Beach Bag - of course, can't pack a beach bag without a bag



• Sunscreen - I know you don't need to be reminded of this however, I did want to point you to a report of the best and worst sunscreens with regard to the amount of chemicals they possess and their effectivness. Take a look at the Enviornmental Working Group's Report they released last year and choose wisely. I think you'll be surprised, like me, to find that 85% of 1,074 sunscreen products they tested had inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns.



• Water - goes without saying. Try spiking your water with a couple of drops of Lemon Essential Oil or Peppermint Essential Oil. Both are very refreshing and envigorating. Read how great Lemon water is for you here.



• Snacks - Add some non-perishable high energy snacks in your beach bag and even when the cooler is empty there will be snacks available. I like to keep pouches of NingXia Red, trail mix, or granola bars. I'm going to order the new Manna Bars and add them to my bag. They'd be a good addition as they are loaded with great whole food nutrition and they sound super yummy!



• A Good Read - The beach is a great time to catch up on your reading, so grab something new from the Bestseller List or that book that you've been meaning to read for years. I'm starting my summer reading with Quantum Wellness by Kathy Freston.



• Disposable Camera - capture those precious moments without the worry of having your good camera getting ruined.



• Peppermint Essential Oil - great for helping you cool down! Add a couple of drops to your water, rub on your feet, or you can put a few drops on a bandana to wear around the head for summer cooling. Mixing Peppermint and Lavender oil with water makes a very simple and pleasant Cooling Spritz (see recipe below).



• Lavender Essential Oil - Make a Cooling Spritz and Sunburn soother in portable spray bottles and add to your bag (see recipes below). Feeling a little stinky? Apply a couple of drops of Lavender under your arms to use as a portable deodorant. Lavender will not only cover any unpleasant odor, it also prevents the occurrence of odor-causing bacteria.



• Lavaderm Cooling Mist - if you don't want to make your own Sunburn Soother than you can purchase this pre-made skin soother. It includes Lavender Essential Oil and Aloe Vera. Its great as a first aid spray and for soothing bug bites!




If you purchase an Essential 7 Kit you'd have 3 essential oils mentioned in this post.....




• Horsefly Repellent - to me, nothing can ruin my day at the beach more then when those pesky, biting, flies arrive to nibble on our toes, and legs, and arms and well, you get the picture. You can repell them by making a floral water with Idaho Tansy essential oil (see the recipe below). Bathing on the dock of the bay? Then mosquitos may be your problem. Check out my Mosquitoes Bugging You? post for an insect repelling recipe.



• Cornstarch - easliy removes sand from your feet. If you'd like to make it more refreshing add some essential oils (see the recipe below). Please don't use babypowder. Inhaling baby powder has been linked with respiratory illnesses.



• Garbage Bag - please bring an extra bag with you to stash your trash! While you're at it, do what my family does and get each one in your beach party to pick up their trash and one extra piece of trash. The beach critters and us loyal beach goers would greatly appreciate it!

Order Young Living Essential Oils here.......

Recipes:

Lavender and Peppermint Cooling Spritz

Add 5 drops Lavender and 1 drop Peppermint to 1 cup distilled water. Spritz on arms and legs to help you cool down. Do not spray near face; if you wish to use this mixture near the face, dampen a cloth and lightly apply to the face.

Sunburn Soother

Add 20 drops Lavender to 1 ounce water and 1 ounce Aloe vera. Spray on affected areas as needed.

Horsefly Repellent

Add 10-20 drops of Idaho Tansy Essential Oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Spray generously on exposed skin being careful to avoid the eyes.

Foot Powder
Measure the cornstarch and pour it into a widemouthed glass jar or a spice powder container. Then add the essential oils. Tighten the cap, and let the foot powder sit for a day. Shake before using.

Chamomile: 20 drops
Clove: 5 drops
Cinnamon: 5 drops
Cornstarch: 2 Tbsp

Foot Powder Recipe from 500 Formulas for Aromatherapy: Mixing Essential Oils for Every Use by Carol & David Schiller, ©1994.

Happy Summer! I hope you enjoy it and that you create many special memories with your family and friends!

If you have any questions or need help placing an order please contact me. I'd be more than happy to assist!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Look At All The Great New Products Released at the Young Living 2008 Convention!!

Last week Young Living introduced fabulous new products at the 2008 Convention. There is much buzz about them and when you take a look below you will see why.

Personally, I am very excited about the Essential Oil Roll-Ons (especially Valor), The Kid's Mighty-Vites (I have been waiting for these for my children), and how can I not be excited about the new Ultra Sonic Diffuser? After all I am a diffusing junkie!

Take a look and see what new products spark your excitement...

Essential Oil Roll-Ons
Three new, portable, no-mess roll-on application.

Deep Relief™ (#3534) - a proprietary blend of wintergreen, peppermint, Palo Santo, copal, and other formulated to relieve muscle soreness and tension.

Tranquil™ (#3533) - a proprietary blend of lavender, cedarwood, and Roman chamomile formulated to calm and relax the body and mind.

Valor ®(#3529) - 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.

Supplements

EndoGize (#3090) - is especially formulated to support a healthy and balanced endocrine system in women. How to use: Take 1 capsule twice daily. Use daily for four weeks. Discontinue for two weeks before resuming.

KidScents MightyVites Chewables (#3215) - Using nutrient-dense whole food sources, the new MightyVites contain superfruits, plants and veggies that deliver the full-spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients for children's developing bodies. The new MightyVites chewable tablets feature an enhanced vitamin-mineral source and two new and improved natural flavors: orange cream and mixed berry. Using nutrient-dense whole food sources, the new MightyVites contain superfruits, plants and veggies that deliver the full-spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients for children's developing bodies. The new MightyVites chewable tablets feature an enhanced vitamin-mineral source and two new and improved natural flavors: orange cream and mixed berry.

Balance Complete™ (#3292) - New formula - is a super-food-based meal replacement that is both a powerful nutritive energizer and a cleanser. Offering the benefits of Ningxia wolfberry powder, brown rice bran, barley grass, extra virgin coconut oil, aloe vera, cinnamon powder, and our premium whey protein blend, Balance Complete is high in fiber, high in protein, and contains the good fats, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals needed for a nutritionally dynamic meal. Balance Complete also features Young Living's proprietary V-Fiber™ blend, which supplies an amazing 11 grams of fiber per serving, absorbs toxins, and satisfies the appetite while balancing the body's essential requirements.

Manna Bars

Apple/Cinnamon #3076 & Apricot #3075) - a healthy and delicious snack, Manna Bars are full of natural flavors and nutrient-rich whole foods like juicy apples, wolfberries, crunchy almonds, seven whole grains, pumpkin and sesame seeds, and essential oils.

Power Meal (#6300) - a delicious, satisfying, rice-based meal replacement, Power Meal is rich in calcium, antioxidants and amino acids, and delivers an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving plus a complete vitamin, mineral and enzyme profile.


Order New Young Living Products Here...
Lavender Signature Collection

All-natural personal care products infused our pure, therapeutic-grade lavender oil.

Lavender Lip Balm (#5203) - Repair and moisturize lips with nourishing blend of ingredients such as lavender essential oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.

Lavender Bath Gel (#5202) - relax your body and rejuvenate your mind with a soothing bath of nature's finest lavender essential oil. All-natural ingredients work to refresh and condition your skin as you unwind from your busy day. Pour directly into the water for a luxurious bubble bath, or drop a quarter-sized amount onto a bath sponge and lather.

Lavender Hand & Body Lotion (#5201) - bring life back to your skin with this all-natural lightweight moisturizer infused with skin-loving lavender essential oil. Added nutrients such as wolfberry seed and jojoba oils fortify your skin's natural moisture barrier to maintain long-lasting hydration.

Lavender-Rosewood Bar Soap (#3673) - soothe and soften the skin as you cleanse with a nourishing all-natural formulation of ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, and nature's finest lavender essential oil.

Thieves Dental Floss

Thieves Dental Floss - infused with Thieves® and peppermint essential oil. Available in 3 pack (#4464) or single (#4463).Companion products: Thieves Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste (#3744) and Thieves Mouthwash (#3683) - both are highly recommended!

Diffusers

Travel Fan Diffuser (#4457) - convenience and portability to essential oil diffusing. The Travel Fan is capable of diffusing any essential oil. It diffuses by blowing cool air through the essential oil pad, releasing the therapeutic benefits of the essential oil into the air and allowing the oils to be easily absorbed. The Travel Fan Diffuser uses a quiet but powerful mini fan and all natural high-density essential oil pads, and has output that can fill room as large as 1000 sq. ft. Includes 1 lavender essential oil (5ml).

Ultrasonic Diffuser (#4456) - an essential oil atomizer that can diffuse any essential oil. Using an optimal frequency of 2,400,000 cycles/second, Young Living's Ultrasonic Diffuser atomizes cold water and essential oils, breaking up molecules into a microscopic mist. Capable of diffusing any essential oil, this new model offers a deeper well enabling longer more continuous diffusing without frequent refilling. Other unique features include a timer, with five different cycle option; a soothing light system guaranteed to set a calming mood in any room in your home; and three different diffusion rates for easy saturation control, all of which are unique to Young Living.The Ultrasonic Diffuser includes 1 lavender essential oil (5ml) and 1 Citrus Fresh essential oil (5ml).

Essential Oils

Feelings Kit (#3125) - features six essential oil blends formulated by D. Gary Young to promote emotional clearance and self renewal. This collection includes Valor, Harmony, Forgiveness, Inner Child, Release and Present Time.

RutaVaLa (#3419) - promotes relaxation of the body and mind. It helps ease tension and relieve stress. The blend helps overcome negative feelings while encouraging a positive attitude and comfort.

If you have any questions about all these new wonderful products or if I can assist you in placing an order please contact me. I'd be happy to help!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

The Lighter Side of Lemon

In my previous post Alkalize with Lemon I spoke about the many health benefits of Lemon Essential Oil . But you should know there is a lighter, more practical side to Lemon and if you have children you will find that Lemon Essential Oil is a must have in your bag of tricks!

Did you know that Lemon Essential Oil is great for getting sticky stuff off of things?

It works great for getting stickers off of purchased items, gum out of hair, and sticky stuff from hands like tree sap from playing with pine cones. Simply drip a drop or two on the area, gently spread around and wipe clean.

In the case of gum in hair, drip a drop or two of the oil on the hair and work in and around the gum. You will see it loosen and you can remove it - scissor free!

How about those annoying "temporary tattoos"? You know the ones I am talking about; the ones that really aren't temporary but instead hang around for a week or so as they slowly fade away. Drip a drop or two of Lemon Essential Oil onto the tattoo, spread it around and then see how quickly it wipes off.


Get Young Living Essential Oils here...

Oh, and don't you love that food coloring that surrounds your child's mouth from the ice cream man's ice pops or those wonderful juices the kids love so much? No amount of scrubbing seems to rid those little mouths of the evidence. Lemon Essential Oil does! Put some on your finger, rub onto the affected area and gently wipe off the evidence.

Here's a good one for you, Lemon Essential Oil removes marker from your child's skin - in our case my son's face.

My son attended a "Pirate" birthday party and he proudly came home with a mustache drawn on his face. It wasn't until later in the evening (he wouldn't let me remove it a moment earlier) that I received a phone call from a mother whose child attended the party and she exclaimed "can you believe the mother used marker on their faces?". She went on to inform me how she had her son in the tub and had been scrubbing his face to no avail. She wanted to know if I was able to get the mustache off of my child. I giggled, pulled out my Lemon Essential Oil and was again amazed at the ease of removal. No scrubbing, no screaming, just the beautiful scent of oil.

How about the inevitable trips to the port-o-john? They're fun huh? I think they are for sure a mother's true nightmare!! If you happen to have a bottle of lemon essential oil with you (because you had it for your water ) take advantage of the antiseptic properties of the lemon and use it to clean your little darling's hands. Just a drop or two rubbed on the hands will be sure to kill any germs they picked up!

"When life gives you lemons make lemonade" couldn't be more true for Lemon Essential Oil!!!

If you have any questions or need help placing an order, please contact me. I would be happy to help!

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

R.C.™ To The Rescue

I love when my essential oils alleviate a symptom or heal me or my family without the use of over the counter medicines or prescription drugs.

When my oils bring comfort to my family it brings me great satisfaction and helps reaffirm, for me, that there are natural solutions that can be used to help my family maintain their health and bring us relief when needed.

Last night my essential oils came to the rescue and brought with it great relief and great satisfaction!!

Last night one of my dear children started in with her allergy related croupy cough. It was a threatening cough and I became concerned for our night ahead and the possibility that I would be waking in the middle of the night to administer a nebulizer to my daughter. Even my husband had that "we are in for it tonight" look on his face as my daughter headed for bed.

I have had great success with R.C.™ and Raven essential oils in the past for congestion issues with my children so I decided to pull out the R.C.™ . I mixed it with some sesame oil and rubbed it on my daughter's chest and back. I then gave her some homemade Honey Horehound cough medicine and silently said a little prayer that sleep would be in our lives this evening.

My daughter settled in nicely and I was very hopeful. About 3 hours into my sleep I awoke to her coughing. I knew in my heart that I needed to either get her more cough medicine and/or put some more oil on her chest and if I didn't, for sure, I would be pulling out the nebulizer to help her breath. I dreaded waking her for this ordeal but if I didn't do something I wasn't going to be able to get myself back to sleep due to my fretting over what was to come.

I decided that I would do the least disruptive solution and that was to set up the diffuser in her bedroom.

Read About Diffusing Here

I added about 20 drops of the R.C.™ oil into the diffuser and started it up. Once the oil began circulating in the room my daughter's coughing stopped immediately and she didn't make another sound the entire evening. When she woke in the morning her cough was no longer a croupy cough but sounded more like a cough that was breaking up. Even better, she barely coughed all day!

R.C.™ is an Essential Oil blend created by Young Living and consists of four different eucalyptus oils and other oils that are perfect for supporting the respiratory system. This oil blend is very beneficial in the diffuser to decongest and relieve allergy-type symptoms such as coughs, sore throat, and lung congestion.

Order Young Living Essential Oils Here...

Please contact me if you have any questions or need help placing an order. I'd be happy to assist you.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. This information has not been evaluated by the Federal Food & Drug Administration.

Mosquitoes Bugging You?

It's that time of year when the mosquitoes come calling. For my family it means we have to be ready to fight one of our biggest outdoor challenges so we can enjoy some outdoor fun.

We live in a highly wooded yard and the mosquitoes can get so bad my children will actually fore go outdoor activities rather than be bitten by these loathsome critters. I can't very well blame them especially when I see the welts these pests leave on their delicate skin. More worrisome then the welts are the chance of contracting West Nile virus or the other diseases that mosquitoes carry. Yet we have to get outside!

Aggressive action is needed at our house to win the battle of Us vs. The Mosquitoes; and that is exactly what we do! We use a variety of methods to manage the mosquitoes. We use a propane powered Mosquito Trap, we hang pheromone Mosquito Traps, we use candles with drops of essential oils in them when we dine outside and we have my children's favorite mosquito warfare tactic - shooting them down with water guns. But the one action I won't take is spraying bug spray that contains DEET on my children.

Yes, DEET is the most powerful insect repellent made but I can't bring myself to apply this chemical onto my children and here's why. DEET is known to cause neurological damage, and once it enters the bloodstream, it makes its way to the nervous system, where it is known to cause seizures and even deaths.

DEET can be especially harmful to children, which is why The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one application of DEET per day for children. Okay, great, so one application a day won't cause any damage? But what happens over time when my children's bodies have absorbed years of DEET use? No Thanks, I don't want to know! I'll stick to my homemade bug sprays made with essential oils!!

Essential oils work wonderfully to repel mosquitoes without any neurological damage ;-) and when you use Soybean oil as the base for the lotion you will have a very effective mosquito repellent. An efficacy test at the University of Florida on various types of repellents indicated that a soybean oil-based repellent is as effective as repellents with low concentrations of DEET and when USDA researchers tested the success of a soybean oil repellent, they found that it provided protection from bites between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the species of mosquito they studied.

Essential Oils to Use for Natural Mosquito Repellent:

Single Oils - Peppermint, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon, Lime, Lavender, Tea Tree, Cedarwood, Geranium, Idaho Tansy, Rosemary, Patchouli, Citronella, Lemongrass, Thyme

Young Living Blends - Purification, Thieves, Melrose

The following Blend is found in the Essential Oils Desk Reference (3rd Edition)

Insect Repellent Blend
6 drops Peppermint
6 drops Tea Tree
9 drops Eucalyptus Radiata

Get Young Living Essential Oils here...

How To Use Essential Oils as Mosquito Repellent:

1. Make a lotion using 10 drops of essential oil to 2 Tablespoons Soybean Oil.


2. Make a spray by mixing the essential oils with water in a spray bottle. Shake the mix before using and take care not to spray the eyes.


3. Having a party? Cut some festive fabric into strips and dip into the insect repellent blend or one of the insect-repelling essential oils mixed with water and hang or tie to trees around your yard to make a natural barrier for the mosquitoes.


4. Add a few drops of your choice of insect-repelling essential oils to your shampoo, conditioner, or liquid soap to help counteract the perfumes in these products that attract the mosquitoes.


5. Wear a Terra-Cotta Pendant Simply put a few drops of the insect-repelling essential oils onto the pendant and wear it around your neck. These pendants will diffuse the oils in your space and keep the mosquitoes away.


6. Add a few drops of Cinnamon Oil to standing water such as bird baths and rain barrels. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Cinnamon Oil has been found to be more effective in killing mosquito larvae than DEET.

Please take caution and don't spray or apply any insect repellents over cuts, scratches, rashes, or other open spots in the skin. And note that while these repellents do work, they are certainly not as effective as DEET. You will need to reapply these homemade insect-repellents more often than you do commercial brands but I think you will find the benefits of not absorbing the toxic chemicals far outweighs the reapplication.

Let me know if you try these solutions and how they work for you.

Please contact me if you have any questions or need help ordering any of the oils.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth

Alleviate Hay Fever Symptoms Using Essential Oils

Raise your hand if you suffer from seasonal allergies or what's better known as hay fever....Ahhh, I thought you might. If you read the statistics you would find that you're far from alone in your suffering. According to recent statistics more than 26.1 million people in the United States alone suffer from hay fever every year. That's a crazy number of people walking around sniffling and snuffling. Well, in actuality, some, or a good many, aren't really walking around sniffling and snuffling they are just walking around feeling the side effects of their prescription medicine which can range from dry mouth, drowsiness, and sluggishness to depression or anxiety. Sadly, many of our children are sufferers of hay fever and they too are feeling the effects of their medication. I just read that their prescription medication may even cause them to have trouble functioning in school. Yikes!! Maybe you're experiencing this first hand or your children are. If you're looking for a way to alleviate the suffering but want to do it naturally read on.

There are many causes for hay fever aside from the pollen flying around outside and there are many lifestyle changes that you can do to naturally rid yourself of seasonal allergies but I am going to save that information for another day. For today, I will focus on alleviating your symptoms naturally, using essential oils and without medication.

Here is a list of essential oils that are great for sinus relief:

• Eucalyptus - acts as an antispasmodic, expectorant and decongestant. You can use any of the Eucalyptus oils or use one of Young Living's eucalyptus blends such as RC or Raven.


• Lavender - works as a sedative and antispasmodic and may dull your sensitivity to pollen.


• Frankincense - serves as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant and sedative.


• Roman Chamomile - may reduce the severity of your immune reaction to pollen.


• Harmony Blend - a highly fragrant blend that includes Lavender, Frankincense, and Roman Chamomile. It's like a triple whammy in reducing symptoms.

• Peppermint - serves as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti fungal. It has also been found by researchers to block headache pain. Good to know if you suffer from sinus headaches.

Try the following methods using the essential oils to reduce the hay fever symptoms:

• Diffuse the oils throughout the day in your home or at work. Ideally diffuse the oil 15 mins. every 2 hours as needed. A small appliance timer is great for this purpose. You can find one at Diffuser World.


• Add 5-10 drops of oil to a steam vaporizer and breathe the moist air.


• Apply 5-10 drops of oil to a tissue or handkerchief. Inhaling deeply from the tissue or handkerchief throughout the day may help reduce inflammation and aid with congestion.

• Mix a small amount of oil with Massage Oil Base or V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil and massage into the chest and over the sinuses. Eucalyptus works especially well for this.

• Drop 1-2 drops of oil into the palm of your hand, rub hands together, cup hands over nose and breathe deeply. Peppermint is especially good for this method just be sure to avoid your eyes.

• Place Lavender directly on tip of nose and over sinus area on face to relieve congestion.

• Place Harmony blend on third eye (center of forehead directly above nose), brain stem, and on tops and bottoms of ears for a surprising release of symptoms.

• Use the oils as a gargle to relieve inflammation and itching in the throat. Only use 100% Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils for internal use.

• Use a Neti Pot (neti pot search) - this simple little item helps to keep your sinuses clear of allergens such as pollen or dust and is great when you're experiencing sinus congestion. It cleans out the sinuses like no nose blowing can Initially it's very awkward to use but once you get the hang of it you will be glad you did. My children actually ask for the neti pot when they are feeling the effects of their allergies or have a cold. When using the neti pot be sure to use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon non-iodized sea salt and warm water so you don't experience any burning sensation. For additional relief add a drop or two of lavender or eucalyptus for relief of sinus inflammation.

If you want to see the neti pot in use here is a video for your viewing. Its fun to watch just for the giggle effect I mean, really, who auditions for these kinds of parts?



As always, I hope you find this information useful. You can E-mail this information to a friend who may be in need of some hay fever relief, heck you must know one of those 26 million sufferers! Leave me a comment and let me know how they work for you or if you have any other natural solutions you'd like to share to help alleviate hay fever symptoms.

To order any of these products please visit my Young Living Website.

Yours in Scentsible Wellness,
Elizabeth