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Category: Essential Oils

Frankincense oil has a rich historical significance

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In ancient Egypt, Frankincense was used in religious ceremonies, embalming practices, and as a perfume. The Greeks and Romans also highly valued Frankincense, using it in their religious rituals and as a key ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes. Additionally, Frankincense played a prominent role in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, where it was believed to promote overall well-being and balance the body’s energy. These cultural uses highlight the enduring reverence for Frankincense oil throughout history and its integral role in natural healing – and also why it’s so highly coveted today.

Here are some uses:

1. Arthritis & Pain Reliever

Frankincense oil contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds, such as the terpene boswellic acid, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. It has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Scientific studies have been conducted that show that frankincense led to reduced cartilage loss, less joint inflammation and relieved symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Skin Health & Anti-Aging

Frankincense oil can help reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and is widely regarding amongst anti-aging circles for its ability to diminish wrinkles. Additionally, it has antiseptic qualities that can support healthy skin and may be used to address skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dryness. Frankincense oil is also a powerful astringent, meaning it helps protect skin cells. It can be used to help reduce acne blemishes, mask the appearance of large pores, prevent wrinkles, and it even helps lift and tighten skin to naturally slow signs of aging.

3. Respiratory Support

Inhalation of frankincense oil vapor or using it in a diffuser can provide respiratory benefits. Frankincense oil has expectorant properties, which means it can help loosen and expel mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. This can ease congestion, relieve coughs, and promote clearer breathing. Its antimicrobial properties also help combat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

4. Stress And Anxiety Relief

The calming and grounding properties of frankincense oil make it an effective natural remedy for reducing stress and anxiety. Its aroma promotes relaxation, deep breathing, and a sense of tranquility, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and meditation practices. One study identified that frankincense oil showed to reduce stress and anxiety-related behavior in rats, showing promise of its effectiveness on humans.

5. Sleep Aid

Frankincense oil’s calming effects extend to improving sleep quality. It can help soothe the mind, promote relaxation, and create an environment conducive to restful sleep. Diffusing frankincense oil in the bedroom or applying it topically before bedtime may aid in achieving a more peaceful night’s sleep. Many people who battle insomnia have found Frankincense to be a useful tool to sleep longer and harder through the night.

Frankincense Oil 

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I’m indebted to Frankincense Oil. When my RA was active and Russ was recovering from cancer, this was one of our health strategies. I would either diffuse it bedside or combine it with a carrier oil, like Almond or Coconut, and apply directly to my joints. Used in aromatherapy, Frankincense works as an expectorant to clear the nasal passageway, promote the relief of congestion, and encourage easy breathing. It’s sweet, woody aroma is sedative and enhances mood by diminishing feelings of stress and anxiety while improving concentration and memory. I like to either diffuse it bedside or combine it with a carrier oil, like Almond or Coconut, and apply directly to my joints.

Frankincense comes from the Boswellia tree, which produces specific compounds that have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-cancer effects. (Boswellia is an ingredient in my joint collagen supplement I take). But there are other benefits to Frankincense such as…..

  1. Help reduce stress and negative emotions
  2. Help boost the immune system and prevent illness
  3. Help fight cancer and deal with chemo side effects
  4. Act as an astringent and kill bacteria and germs
  5. Protect skin against the signs of aging
  6. Improve memory
  7. Ease digestion
  8. Balance hormones
  9. Act as a sleep aid
  10. improves inflammation and pain

You can add it to your bath, your cleaning products, your skin care…. it’s truly amazing because of its versatility. This is why it’s in my Top 5 Essential Oils!

Essential Oil Blends 

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One of the fun aspects about Essential oils is that you can use individual oils, like Peppermint or Lavendar OR you can use blends. Blends are where different individual oils are combined.

One of my personal favorites is Drive. It contains a minty and citrusy combination of orange, peppermint, bergamot, rosemary, and more to awaken the senses.

You can blend aromas on your own, but I just buy mine. If you use oils, what is your favorite blend?

Lavender Oil 

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Lavender Oil is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. Because of its many uses, we consider this a must-have oil to keep at home. From encouraging peaceful sleep to soothing troubled skin and easing feelings of tension, Lavender’s calming properties can enhance every aspect of your life. Even in you aren’t immersed in the world of Aromatherapy, it’s worth keeping a bottle of Lavender Oil by your bedside. Here’s why:

  • It eases symptoms of anxiety
  • It helps you fall asleep easier and faster
  • It promotes wound healing

The neurological benefits of lavender oil include treating depression and boosting moods. Research shows that it has the potential to treat Alzheimers disease, as well as reduce oxidative stress and improve cognitive impairment.

Pure Lavender has a Sweet, floral, and herbaceous aroma that inspires feelings of calm and relaxation. Originating in France & Bulgaria, Lavender has been an important ingredient in cleansing and calming rituals for centuries! The Romans even named the plant after its use in their bathing routines (“lava” means “to wash” in Latin). In Elizabethan times, when bathing was uncommon, lavender was used to perfume clothes and bed linens. 

Some Usage Ideas: 

  • Evening Wind-Down: Add 3–5 drops of Pure Lavender to a warm bath or to your pillows and bedding at night. 
  • Healthy Skin & Hair Blend: Mix 3 drops of Lavender with a quarter-sized amount of lotion and shampoo or conditioner to promote healthy-looking skin and hair.
  • Sweet Lavender Perfume Blend: Apply 2–3 drops of Lavender to your pulse points as a natural perfume.
  • Relax & Moisturize Blend: Dilute 1–3 drops in your favorite lotion (such as Renew®) or add Lavender to Pure Sweet Almond Oil or Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil and apply to skin.
  • Lavender Tension Release: Massage 2–5 drops of Lavender on temples, forehead, and bottoms of the feet to ease feelings of tension.
  • Diffuse & Be Calm: Diffuse 3–5 drops of Lavender for a light, luxurious, and calming aromatic experience.

I pamper myself by putting a few drops of lavender oil in my bath. I love to put in on the soles of my feet as I climb into bed. I also have a lavender oil spray so I can mist on my pillows. It makes me feel like I’m in a spa!

Essential Oil Blends 

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One of the fun aspects about Essential oils is that you can use individual oils, like Peppermint or Lavendar OR you can use blends. Blends are where different individual oils are combined.

One of my personal favorites is Drive. It contains a minty and citrusy combination of orange, peppermint, bergamot, rosemary, and more to awaken the senses.

I also love the “Peace and Calming” blend. It’s a blend of orange, tangerine, patchouli, and blue tansy. It is used to relax and soothe, along with promoting a calm focus. I used to defuse it in my classroom when I was teaching. Makes a world of difference!

You can blend aromas on your own, but I just buy mine. If you use oils, what is your favorite blend?

TEA TREE OIL/MELALEUCA OIL

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There are over 90 Essential Oils, each one with a unique menu of benefits. Over the next few days, I’ll review some of my favorites. But one I can’t live without is Tea Tree Oil, or what is known as Melaleuca Oil. It grows in Australia on the Melaleuca alternafolia bush. It has a very pungent scent, so you can either love it or hate that aspect…. but you’ll love the benefits.

Melaleuca Oil Benefits

  • Natural insect repellent
  • Antifugicidal (gets rid of nail fungus)
  • Antiseptic for cuts and scrapes
  • Treats Athletes Foot
  • Helps with your household cleaners (santizes surfaces)
  • Great for skin inflammations (acne, psoriasis) 

and the list goes on and on and on.

It’s so great, I even travel with it!

What’s the Difference?

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My shopping club is now offering two great options for tooth polish. Depending on your needs, one may suit you better than the other.

Classic Tooth Polish is the lower-foaming option with a higher concentration of T40-C3 Melaleuca Oil (which gives it a more herbal flavor). It also has a textured consistency that leaves a polished feel.

Exceed Tooth Polish is the higher-foaming option that is better for sensitive teeth. It has a lower concentration of T40-C3 Melaleuca Oil (for a less herbal flavor). It features ProRadiant Technology that is powered by natural ingredients like xylitol and coconut-based cleansers to give you a radiant smile.

It’s Tick Season!

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Be aware and stay proactive now that tick season has arrived.

It’s warmer weather! Beginning time for camping, hiking and getting outside to play. Don’t let those pesky annoying ticks stop you.

Did you know ticks hate the smell of lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, rose geranium, cedarwood, and thyme? They hate it so much that they avoid latching on to anything that smells of those items. Any of these, or a combination thereof, can be used in do-it-yourself sprays or added to an almond oil base and rubbed onto your skin.

Here’s one DIY recipe that has proven successful for my family:

• 1 oz any carrier oil such as Witch Hazel or Almond oil.
• 7 drops Geranium.
• 4 drops Peppermint.
• 4 drops Thyme.
• 4 drops Cedarwood or Lavender.

The above is safe for almost every one. Please note that I don’t recommend Eucalyptus Oil. if you have dogs or cats. Although eucalyptus oil is a tick killer, it is also effective repellent as well, and it’s naturally safe and effective on ones body when mixed with a carrier oil like Almond oil. Eucalyptus is toxic for dogs and cats. Always remember to use caution when using any essential oil around pets.

For you and your family

In a spray bottle, mix two cups of distilled white vinegar and one cup of water. To make a scented solution , add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil to the bottle so you do not smell like bitter vinegar all day,.

As we said before eucalyptus oil is a calm, soothing scent that also works as a tick repellent, while peppermint and citrus oils give off a strong crisp scent that also repel ticks. be careful using any mixture containing eucalyptus around your pets.

After mixing the solution, spray onto clothing, skin, and hair before going outdoors. Reapply every four hours to keep ticks at bay, and examine your skin and hair when back inside to make sure no ticks are on the body.

For your pets

If you have pets, a homemade spray solution of one cup of water to a spray bottle, followed by two cups of distilled white vinegar. Ticks hate the smell and taste of vinegar, and will be easily be repelled by this ingredient alone. Then, add two spoonfuls of vegetable or almond oil, which both contain sulfur (another natural tick repellent). Spray directly onto your pets, but be careful not to get it in their eyes. Or use the wonderful organic spray I get from my online shopping club. My dogs seem to love being sprayed with it before going out.

To make a repellent that will also deter fleas, mix in a few spoonfuls of lemon juice, citrus oil, or any other safe essence oil that may also repel ticks and fleas, while creating a nicely scented repellent but not be toxic for your dog. Spray onto the pet’s dry coat, staying away from sensitive areas including eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. When outdoors for an extended period, spray this solution on two to three times per day.

This could be the most important thing that you see me post! These things are as lethal as a venomous snake in the wrong scenerio! Also note the nymph can spread the disease and it’s about the size of a poppy seed:. Here’s a link to learn more about transmission of disease caused by ticks. Please not only read it, but share it! Make sure we get the word out about these tics and the disease they carry!

If you have ever shared anything, please click share on this! We must get the word spread about the dangers of Ticks and how to avoid them!

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/transmission/index.html

Shopping Stress

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Definitely not enough staff in the stores these days, but the managers tell me that they cannot find people to hire so……who knows? I shop at three different stores for what is on sale, so I often make three trips, I can do that because I have a car.  If another store offers a special price on one of my staple items, I may need to make a fourth store visit. 

But when I shop for my cleaners, personal care items, vitamins supplements), I head to my online wholesale shopping club  as it has the best quality and  prices and I don’t have to drive. Plus, I now get my beef from this club too!  I order online and it is delivered right to my door.  

What do I get?
I get hormone-free, antibiotic-free, grass-fed, premium beef.. 
Non-toxic, safe, effective cleaners and high-quality personal care items.
Effective high-absorption supplements, snacks and superfoods.
All with amazing customer service.
Am I grateful? YES! YES! YES!

Do you want to join me? 

Clean your bathroom without compromise!

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Here’s a reality check: a 20-year independent study found that using common household cleaners, including chlorine bleach, as little as once a week damaged lung capacity as much as smoking a pack of cigarettes every day for 20 years!

There’s a safer way to clean. Tub & Tile melts away soap scum and hard water spots with safer ingredients such as citric acid, like that found in lemons. No harsh fumes or abrasives, so you can clean without compromise!