Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Seasonal Allergies, Bug Repellent, and Anti-itch Cream

Summer is coming and in Minnesota that means allergies, mosquitos, and bug bites. Have you tried prescription allergy medicine but would prefer a natural alternative? Would you prefer to make your own repellent without harsh chemicals and is also safe for your family and pets? Do you want to make a DIY cream for those itchy bites that you can use on even a young child? Here are some of my favorite recipes for these seasonal concerns.


Seasonal Allergies:


Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint make a natural anti-histamine. This is great for those seasonal allergies that pop up as soon as the spring flowers do. You can diffuse the 3 oils in your home to rid of those dust mites and it also cleans the air (3-4 drops of each in your diffuser). You can also use these oils topically on your feet or the back of your neck for the sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal issues. If you have a rollerball, you can also mix the oils with grapeseed or almond oil (or another carrier oil). This makes using the oils topically quick and easy when you're getting ready in the morning. I do 10 drops of each oil along with 1/2 a teaspoon of the carrier oil in the rollerball. Roll on your feet or behind your ears and you're good to go.


Mosquito Repellent:


Anyone that lives near me (or anywhere in the Midwest really) knows that Mosquitos are annoying pests that we'd like to avoid in the summer. Here is an easy repellent that you can use on anyone in the family:


-16 oz spray bottle
-15 drops lavender oil
-3-4 Tbsp of vanilla extract
-1/4 cup lemon juice
-Fill the remaining with water


Shake and it's ready to use! Citronella and tea tree oil can also be used if you have those oils.


Spider Repellent:


Did you know that spider's hate peppermint? All you need is a spray bottle with water and add 10-15 drops (make sure it smells minty before using). Then you just need to spray in the cracks and gaps that spiders can sneak into your home. This will keep them away!


Ticks:


Ticks are common in wooded areas around us and we certainly want to keep them off our children and pets. Any of these oils mixed with vodka (Yes, vodka! You can actually use it in any bug repellent you make) and water will work in a spray bottle:


-Rose geranium
-Juniper
-Rosewood
-Thyme
-Grapefruit
-Oregano


I would use at least 15-20 drops of each oil and then shake.


Anti-itch Cream:


Getting bug bites during summer is somewhat unavoidable, so here is a great cream that can relieve the itchiness and inflamed skin:


-1 Tbsp of baking soda (soothes skin)
-1 Tspn of high quality sea salt (reduces inflammation)
-2 Tbsp of fractionated coconut oil (moisturizes irritated skin)
-3-5 drops lavender oil (disinfectant)
-3-5 drops lemon oil (reduces heat and inflammation)
-3-5 drops peppermint oil (cools and soothes itching)


Mix ingredients in glass bowl until it's smooth. Then apply to any areas with bug bites/irritated skin.



Happy Oiling!
Amanda

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Spring Cleaning

Now that spring is officially here in Minnesota, it's a great time to clean your home. Would you prefer to use non-toxic chemicals when cleaning your home? Young Living has a great line of cleaning products including Thieves Household Cleaner. You can dilute in water or add lemon for a fresh smell. You can also make your own cleaner using Lemon and Citrus Fresh in water. Purification is great to diffuse in your home to get rid of those stinky smells.

Here are some easy DIY using Thieves Household Cleaner:






Happy Oiling!
Amanda

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Monday, April 13, 2015

Everyday Oils Collection

I wanted to take a moment to just briefly go over the 10 oils included in the Everyday Oils Collection.

*Frankincense - I love this oil for the amazing skin care benefits. It can reduce wrinkles and blemishes. It can also improve your spiritual connection.

*Lemon - This is a powerful antioxidant. I like to add a few drops to my water for a refreshing taste and it aids in detoxifying your body. You can also add it to any cleaner in your home, it's a sanitizer and will add a fresh scent.

*Lavender - This is my favorite oil! It can aid in sleep and relaxation. It's also great in helping to heal minor cuts, burns, and bruises. Lavender is one of the most versatile oils that has endless uses which is why this is a must have in your oil collection.

*Melaleuca Alternifolia - Also known as Tea Tree oil, this one is great for cleansing and refreshing your skin. This oil is used very often in spa products and cleansers. It's great for reducing acne and other skin irritations.

*Peppermint - This oil is best known for aiding in digestion or upset stomachs. It can also be used on your forehead or temples to reduce headaches. I love diffusing peppermint in the morning to perk me up and get my energy going for the day.

*Joy - This oil is a blend of several oils including Bergamot, Ylang ylang, Geranium, and Lemon. It has a refreshing fragrance to it and many people like wearing it as a perfume. Joy has an uplifting power and can also inspire romance.

*Purification - This blend is great for diffusing in your home to rid of those stinky smells or unwanted odors. Put a couple drops in the washer to refresh your laundry or in your favorite pair of shoes to neutralize odors. Great for pet smells, too.

*PanAway - This blend is great for muscle relaxation and relieving pain. The wintergreen oil has a warming effect, like you'd get from Icy Hot or similar products. This can be used during massage to get deep relief.

*Thieves - This is the ultimate oil blend for boosting your immunity. I diffuse this oil constantly during cold and flu season to protect my family from germs. Young Living has a variety of great products that include thieves oil for extra protection.

*Stress Away - Have a tough day at work? A couple drops of stress away will help you relax and unwind at home. You can also add this oil to your water to lighten your mood throughout the day.

*BONUS! When you sign up for Young Living today and get the Premium Starter Kit, you also receive Citrus Fresh! Similar to lemon, this oil blend is a powerful antioxidant and also supports your immune system. It has a light, floral smell which is great for diffusing in your home and creating a fresh scent.

I also love this chart I found with tons of uses for these oils:


Happy Oiling!
Amanda

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***Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Please consult your physician before you begin the use of essential oils.

Friday, April 10, 2015

April Promotions

Spring is in the air! Get Lavender, Thieves Spray and Wintergreen FREE this month if you are an Essential Rewards member. Click HERE to read all the details!

Speaking of spring, here are some awesome refreshing blends for the warmer weather:




Happy Oiling!

Amanda


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Thursday, April 9, 2015

Welcome!

I want to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Amanda and I am a wife, mother, and live in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota. I was first introduced to essential oils by my sister-in-law. I was skeptical at first, but after testing them I was hooked. I love using the natural oils for everyday things and there are basically endless uses for them. From balancing mood, to shortening or eliminating illness, as well as household cleaners there are so many possibilities. I noticed a difference almost immediately in my mood and energy. I started with lavender, which helped me sleep better at night and in turn gave me more energy, as well as made me happier throughout the day. As I try more oils, I find more and more that are becoming my favorites. I also like to try oil blends to replace medication and chemicals in my home. The purpose of this blog is to introduce oils, their uses, and also demonstrate easy ways to use them yourself. I welcome you to ask questions and if you are interested in signing up, you can start using oils today!



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