Check the label on your deodorant.  Most conventional deodorants contain aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, TEA, DEA, FD&C colors, and quaternium 18, among other toxic chemicals.   These chemicals are linked to Alzheimer’s, many types of cancers, headaches, depression, asthma…..you get the idea.  There is something you can do….stop using them!

I don’t know about you, but I tried to stop using them and this is the wrong time of year to stop using deodorant!  So I started looking for an alternative.  Young Living has AromaGuard Deodorant in two fragrances. They retail for around $13.

I also found this recipe for deodorant. It works well and allows me the confidence of knowing there are no harmful chemicals:

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup corn starch
A few drops essential oil of your choice (citrus fresh works well)

Melt the coconut oil over low heat and stir in the other ingredients. Take an empty deodorant stick and screw it back down. Pour in the mixture and let it set up.

Try it!  When you do, please come back and leave your comments….we’d love to know your thoughts on this subject!

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Lavender Lemon Cookies

I was recently asked for a recipe for Lavender cookies, so I started experimenting with my favorite sugar cookie recipe.  Here’s what I came up with…..enjoy!

2 sticks Butter (softened)
1 1/4 Cup Sugar
2 Lg Eggs
1 Tbsp Lemon zest
1 Drop Young Living  Lemon Essential Oil
1 Tbsp Crushed Lavender Buds (optional)
1 Drop Young Living Lavender Essential Oil (can use 2 drops if you don’t have the flowers)
2 2/3 Cups Flour
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1/4 Tsp Sea Salt

Cream butter & sugar, add egg, essential oils, and zest….add dry ingredients.
Roll 1 inch balls into sugar to coat and drop onto cookie sheet.
Flatten with spoon.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 7 minutes.

makes 5 doz

Animal Scents Shampoo is designed to clean all types of animal fur and hair. It has insect-repelling and killing properties and is designed to rid hair of lice, ticks, and other insects. You may want to add more lemongrass to the shampoo when washing your animals.
Animal Scents Shampoo is highly concentrated – a little goes a long way! It contains 5 powerful essential oils:

• Cintronella
• Lavandin
• Lemon
• Geranium
• Spikenard

Oils repel fleas and other external parasites. Wash blankets with
oils added to the wash during the rinse cycle. Also, place 1-2 drops of
lemongrass on the collar to help eliminate fleas.

Purification Blend also repels ticks.

When diffused, it can neutralize mildew, disagreeable pet odors and help cleanse the air. When applied directly to the skin, Purification can be excellent for soothing insect, flea or tick bites and for cleansing cuts and scrapes.

To Remove Ticks:

Apply 1 drop cinnamon or peppermint on a cotton swab and swab on tick.
Then wait for it to release the head before removing from animal’s skin.
I have used oregano, 1 drop on a tick and it backed out of there so
fast that you thought that it was hit with a hot poker and then it died.

How to Use Oils on Animals

Most animals are more sensitive to the effects of essential oil. They
often seem to have a natural affinity to the healing influence of the oils.
Adjust the proportionately, based on body weight. If the protocol for a
human being (at about 160 lbs) calls for 3-5 drops, then a horse (at 1600 lbs
or more) could use as much as 10 times that amount, while a dog (at 16 lbs)
would use as little as one tenth that amount. Generally speaking, if you have
never put oils on an animal before, you should start carefully, applying them
only to the feet, paws, or hooves (on the frog and cornet bands at first.)

In case of cats and small dogs, essential oils should ALWAYS be
diluted before applying, because they are actually MORE sensitive to the
biochemical’ s in the oils than humans. Be careful to avoid high
phenol oils, such as oregano and thyme, on cats because they can be
extremely sensitive to these stronger oils. They should only be used in high
rates of dilution (90%) and the diluted oils should only
be applied to the paws.
(Use Special Caution with Cats:)

Cats metabolize things very differently from dogs and other animals.
Certain oils are potentially toxic to cats and could result in injury or even
death, if applied incorrectly. for example, cats generally have adverse
reactions to citrus products, and citrus oils are sometimes used to deter cats from
frequenting an area. Also, cats are very sensitive to strong odors. A safe
alternative, when in doubt, would be to mist them lightly with floral water.
Consulting with a veterinarian is a good policy before applying oils to cats
for the first time.

General Guidelines:

For small animals: (cats and small dogs) Apply 3-5 drops DILUTED
(80-90%) oil mixture per application.

For Larger animals: (large dogs) Apply 3-5 drops NEAT per application.

For large Animals: (cattle and horses) Apply 20-30 droops NEAT per
application.

Essential 7 Collection was created so that anyone could immediately use and appreciate the benefits of our most popular therapeutic-grade essential oils and blends. The single oils may be used as dietary supplements. All of these oils may be diffused, applied on feet, added to the Bath and Shower Gel Base or Epsom salts to be used in bathwater, applied topically, or used for body massage.

Each bottle contains a full 5 ml. of highly concentrated essential oils -more than enough to help you become thoroughly familiar with the amazing therapeutic properties of the various oils they contain. All of the oils in this kit are 100% pure, unadulterated, therapeutic quality essential oils. Young Living Oil produces nothing less.

Each of the seven different oils and oil blends in the Essential 7 kit can be diffused, applied directly to the body, or even added to the bath water. Here are descriptions of the oils you’ll find in this kit, and their most widely acknowledged therapeutic properties:

Lavender
Known as the “universal” essential oil because of its worldwide use in healing, it is highly touted for its phenomenal ability to heal severe burns, cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. It is also known for its almost instantaneous ability to cure headaches, relieve insomnia, alleviate the symptom of PMS, and reduce stress. The fragrance is calming and relaxing, both physically and emotionally.  It kills staphylococcus, the typhoid bacillus, the diphtheria bacillus, the tuberculosis bacillus, as well as pneumococcus, hemolytic streptococcus and many other dangerous pathogenic microorganisms, and has strong anti-venom properties as well.

Lemon
Known to increase lymphatic function,  boosting the body’s immune system. It kills many forms of bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms on contact.  It also helps purify the air and water, and promotes a sense of well-being when inhaled or applied.  It is full of important vitamins including B, B1, B2, B3, A, C and PP (a factor in protection of the vascular system).  It is also known to be hypotensive (IE., it lowers blood pressure), antiseptic and bactericidal, cardiotonic (normalizes heart function), and a potent antidote for a variety of toxins.

Peppermint
Known to dramatically and rapidly improve mental acuity and alertness, vanquish fatigue, soothe the respiratory system, relieve nausea, fever and vomiting, and quickly put a stop to acid indigestion and heartburn. It also kills intestinal parasites, as well as staphylococcus, the tuberculosis bacillus, and numerous other pathogenic microorganisms. when diffused, it purifies the air and water, and is known to be a mild aphrodisiac, helping to relieve impotence. Peppermint is also often used as an inhalant for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis, and is known for its pain relieving properties.

Purification
This is a blend of 100% pure essential oils including Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavendin, and Melaleuca.  It was specially developed by Dr. Gary Young for the purpose of purifying the air of airborne pathogens and neutralizing mildew, cigarette smoke, and other odors found in homes, offices and confined areas.

• Citronella is known to be highly antiseptic and anti-bacterial It is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory as well.
• Lemongrass is known to be strongly antiseptic and anti-parasitic. It is also very calming, highly beneficial for the digestive system, and anti-inflammatory
• Lavendin is similar to lavender (see above), and has many of the same powerful therapeutic properties.
• Melaleuca is known to be highly anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, decongestant, neurotonic (i.e., it calms jangled nerves) and pain-relieving. This is an extremely powerful and highly therapeutic essential oil blend we feel should be found in every home first aid kit or medicine cabinet

Joy
This is a blend of pure essential oil-~ that includes Ylang ylang, Bergamot, Citrus and Bulgarian Rose oils.It was specially developed by Dr. Gary Young to relax the body and mind, and bring about an enhanced sense of well being and security.

• Ylang ylang is highly antiseptic and widely used to fight intestinal infections. It is also wonderfully hypotensive (i.e., it relieves tension and high blood pressure)…it reduces hyperpnoea (i.e., over-accelerated breathing)…it alleviates tachycardia (i.e., rapid heart beat)…and it is known to work wonders on sexual debilities such as impotence in men and frigidity in women.
• Bergamot has been used in the Middle East for hundreds of years as an effective treatment for infectious diseases, cold sores, insect bites, ulcers, sore throat, thrush, and depression. It is known to have about 300 powerful chemical constituents and has a refreshing, uplifting quality on the human body. Citrus is naturally relaxing and calming, especially for children. It works extremely well as an antiseptic in the air for killing bacteria.
• Bulgarian Rose has the highest electrical frequency of all essential oils at 320 Hz, and because of this, it enhances the electrical frequency of every cell in the body, bringing about heightened immunity and overall good health. It is highly anti-infectious, and known to help alleviate chronic bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis. Best of all it is stimulating and elevating to the mind, and has an intoxicating, aphrodisiac-like fragrance.

Peace and Calming
This is a blend of pure essential oils that include Citrus, Ylang ylang, Blue Tansy and Patchouli. It was specially developed by Dr. Gary Young to help promote relaxation and a sense of calm after a stressful day. Additionally, when diffused in the home it helps gently relax overactive, upset or hard-to-manage children and/or pets.

• Blue Tansy is one of the rarest and most therapeutic of the essential oils. It is known to be highly anti-viral and anti-bacterial. It fights colds, flu and infection.  It aids the body’s nervous system by modulating neurotransmitters, reducing stress and bringing about a general feeling of well being.
• Patchouli is among the top 10 oils used in Aromatherapy. It is known to be powerfully anti-infectious, antiseptic, and bactericidal.  It helps regenerate tissue, and is anti-inflammatory.  It is also used as a general tonic that helps bring about a relaxed state when diffused or applied directly.  If you have any trouble with insomnia or stress, we believe this is one of the most beneficial essential oils blends you could ever use.

We have personally used this blend to great effect for overcoming insomnia and calming anxiety.  Because of the Citrus and Patchouli it contains, it has the ability to rid your home of dangerous airborne pathogens and other potentially harmful debris when diffused.

Pan Away
This is a blend of essential oils that includes Helichrysum, Wintergreen, Clove, and Peppermint.  Pan Away was especially developed to help reduce inflammation, promote healthy circulation and healing, and alleviate pain. It has proven to be highly effective for the relief of arthritis and rheumatic symptoms, sports injuries, sprains, and muscle spasm.

• Helichrysum is an all-around beneficial essential oil that is widely known to help regenerate tissue and reduce tissue pain.  It has also been shown to stimulate liver cell function, improve hearing loss, and reduce scarring and discoloration of the skin.
• Wintergreen contains 99% methyl salicylate, which has a completely natural cortisone-like action that is highly beneficial for muscle, bone and joint discomfort. It is extremely helpful in decreasing pain from arthritis, tendinitis and rheumatism.
• Clove is widely known for its powerful pain-relieving properties. It is also one of the three essential oils in which no known bacteria, virus or fungus can live. It is anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and antiseptic. It is used in European hospitals for viral hepatitis, bacterial colitis, cholera, amoebic dysentery, infectious ache, sinusitis, bronchitis, flu, tuberculosis, hypertension, thyroid dysfunction and fatigue. This essential oil blend is an absolute “must have” if you suffer from aching joints, arthritis or rheumatism, or engage in any kind of work or sports activities that leave you with sore muscles .

Please remember that virtually all essential oils are multi-beneficial and multi-therapeutic, so long as they, are pure, unadulterated first quality essential oils. Even though many of the essential oils described above are historically known for treating very specific symptoms, such as pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, or infection, virtually all of them work to oxygenate the cellular system of the human body, and are packed with vitamins, natural hormones and a wide spectrum of crucial micro-nutrients which are carried directly into the cells and tissues of the body to oxygenate and nourish them. In short, one of the real benefits of high quality essential oils is that almost any of them will help stimulate the human immune system, and help your overall health and well being, regardless of the specific symptom for which you may be using that oil.

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Who doesn’t have some kind of stress in their lives?   Before reaching for prescription medication to help you manage your stress, why not try essential oils?  Essential oils can be helpful for:

• Mood elevation
• Support for the nervous system
• Support Emotional Well-being
• Enhance feelings of strength and protection
• Grounding
• Calming & Soothing
• Uplifting
   

The recipe listed below has assisted hundreds of people and their animals to help them through difficult times.

Here’s how to use them:

 Valor
• 1-5 drops on bottoms of feet, hold for a few moments or
• 1-5 drops on one wrist & hold the wrists together a few moments.
• For grounding, developing strength, courage, and self-esteem.

Harmony
• 1-5 drops on solar plexus area, the soft spot below the separation of the ribs.
• An exquisite blend that calms and balances.

Joy
• 1-5 drops over heart region
• An exotic blend that is refreshing and uplifting.

White Angelica
• 1-5 drops on palms
• Brush the head, face, base of neck, shoulders, chest, arms, Solar Plexus, down the body, over the clothes, as if creating an angelic shield…
• An exquisite blend that is calming, soothing and encourages feelings of protection and security

Frequency:
The more challenging the emotions, the more frequently I recommend using this recipe. People find that if they are particularly stressed, using this combination up to three times a day works well.

Information provided here is for EDUCATION PURPOSES ONLY and is in NO WAY intended to replace proper medical advice.  IT IS NOT for diagnostic or prescriptive use or to be construed as instruction on how to cure or treat any condition, illness or disease. Every individual is different, thus what may work for one may not work for another person. Consult with the professional health authorities of your choice. Remember, taking responsibility for your health is your own personal decision: do your research and choose wisely.  We commend you!

Typically pain and infection are gone after one application. May be done as needed.

DO NOT PUT OILS Directly into ear. Apply to cotton first and place cotton in ear.

Melrose contains Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia), naouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and clove (Syzygium aromaticum).

With all the news of recalled products and the safety of over the counter medications for our children, doesn’t it make you wonder what’s in these medications that we so willingly give them?  Why are we so quick to put these chemicals into their bodies?  I’m guilty of it. I raised three daughters on Tylenol,  Motrin, and Benadryl, because that’s what the pediatrician told me to give them.  What did I know?

If I had been fortunate enough to have my Nana alive, while raising my daughters, she would have had me growing peppermint outside my back door. She knew that peppermint reduces fever.  She also knew that lavender calms a fussy child and help relax stressed mommies, too!  I still wonder what was in that salve that she used to put on all our cuts and scrapes.  In fact, we could learn a lot from all the home herbal remedies that our great-grandmothers used.

Today we still have the ability to use natural remedies to care for our loved ones. Maybe it’s time we all educate ourselves on just how to do that!   I have been blessed with the ability to use and share my knowledge in essential oils.  Essential oils, known as nature’s living energy, are the natural, aromatic liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. The oils are extracted from the plants, steam distilled and are highly concentrated, making them far more potent than dried herbs.

Anything that is applied to the skin is absorbed into the body, so it’s important to know where your oils come from.  Young Living is the world leader in producing therapeutic-grade essential oils and guarantees each Young Living oil contains the optimal level of beneficial plant properties. All of the oils listed in the remedies below, refer to Young Living Essential Oils. Inferior quality oils can actually cause more harm than good.

Children respond very well to essential oils.  When using essential oils for children it is always best to dilute them with a carrier oil or use very little (use 1/3 of what you would use for yourself).  The oils work fast when applied to the bottoms of the feet.

Here are some natural remedies to try for children:

• ADHD and/or Autism: Find a DAN doctor: Defeat Autism now – do not medicate. http://www.defeatautismnow.com/
  Remove milk for 1 month. They are missing an enzyme to digest milk so their bodies make it into an opium like substance. Valor on feet, B-vitamins, Magnesium, mineral essence. Clarity, present time or/and brain power on cotton balls on shirts.
• Anxiety: Joy, Peace & Calming on bottoms of feet and on pulse points.  Introduce Joy for a few weeks first….then try Peace & Calming.
• Asthma: Asthma is an Adrenal Fatigue problem. Need B-vitamins, minerals. Use nutmeg or/and clove on back and foot reflex points. Citrus oils on pillow at night prevents attacks while sleeping. MARJORAM on chest stops wheezing. It is a muscle problem and marjoram is for muscle.
• Blisters — Apply a drop of Purification oil strait to blisters to prevent infection and help them to heal.
• Burns: Lavender
• Constipation: Digize or Fennel on feet reflex for large intestines. Babies are always laying down so gravity can not help BM.
• Croup tents: steamers, steam in bathrooms, cribs, etc use  idaho balsam fir essential oil.  For sinus: breath high. For Lungs: breath deep down.  
• Cuts: Cayanne Pepper clots cuts in 10 seconds. Helichrysum, Melrose, Lavender, (Gary Young says Cistus will close a cut before your eyes). Coat with animal scents ointment and wrap in gauze.
• Dehydration — Add lemon oil to drinking water.  It not only makes the water taste fantastic, but it has a gentle purifying and oxygenating effect in your body.
• Diarrhea — Rub a drop of digize or peppermint oil on abdomen.  Also, you can take add a drop of peppermint oil to your water and drink.  For severe digestive upset, also massage a couple of drops of on the bottoms of the feet.
• Ear Infection: Mostly viral can’t really test and usually leaves in 3 days according to Dr guide. Give systematic relief. Use Diluted oils. 7 drops of Melrose in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and then use 1-2 drops on a cotton ball and place in the ear opening.
  • Amish community puts lavender or melrose diluted on back of throat as this drains Eustation Tubes and child can sleep and avoid true infections.
  • Some use diluted thieves, grapefruit or melrose on cotton ball and place in ear and also on mastoid bone.
  • With running nose?  ½ tsp sea salt in water and 2-3 drop of that in each nostril.
  • Upper lungs: RC, breathe again.  Raven for lower lungs if they are being effected.
  • Remove milk for 1 month.
• Enemas: Great for fevers and congestion. Mucus starts in the intestines.
• Fever: Peppermint for fever, garlic works well also.
  • No Peppermint above bellybutton for children under 2!!  Babies – only on feet. It is too strong for lungs. 
• Insect bites and stings — If you forget to use Purification as your insect repellent, dab it on bites and stings for instant relief in itching, pain and inflammation.  This works for bee stings, chiggers, ticks, mosquito, and other bites and stings.
• Insect repellent — Fill a 4 oz. spray bottle with purified water and 20 drops of Purification.  Spray onto clothing and skin before going outside.  Alternatively, rub a couple of drops into exposed skin.  Safe, effective, and non-toxic for people of all ages.
• Poison ivy/oak: Peppermint
• Rashes:  Caused by acid urine or yeast issue. Try Tender Tush or Melrose diluted just like for ear infections. When you get a rash that just does not go away. Seep black tea 2-3 bags as if making tea. Put tea bags on butt and then diaper.
• Nightmares: Nervous system needs to relax. Minerals needed. Valor on feet and on T1. Dream Catcher, Peace and calming or lavender baths.
• RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus). Use Thieves in steam. Thieves kills RSV in 3 days.
• Skin Abrasions: — Apply a drop of lavender oil directly to cuts, scrapes, and wounds to stop the bleeding, cleanse the wound, promote healing, and prevent scarring.
• Sunburn – For sunburn, dilute our therapeutic-quality lavender oil 50/50 in almond, coconut, or sesame oil and lightly massage into affected area a couple of times per day. 
  •  For a particularly severe burn, pour a teaspoon of the lavender/vegetable oil mixture into a medium-sized bowl of cold water.  Soak a clean wash cloth in the lavender water preparation and hold it over the burned area for a few minutes.  Add ice cubes to the water as needed to keep the temperature low.
•  Sunscreen — Mix 4 oz. avocado oil (available at most health food stores) with 30 drops of our lavender oil, and massage generously into exposed areas.  Reapply after swimming.  (please test this on yourself to see how you respond before spending the entire day in the sun with it.)

Information provided here is for EDUCATION PURPOSES ONLY and is in NO WAY intended to replace proper medical advice.  IT IS NOT for diagnostic or prescriptive use or to be construed as instruction on how to cure or treat any condition, illness or disease. Every individual is different, thus what may work for one may not work for another person. Consult with the professional health authorities of your choice.

Remember, taking responsibility for your health is your own personal decision: do your research and choose wisely.  We commend you!

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• All Natural Benefits of Lavender and Lavender Oil (herbal-properties.suite101.com)

Melaleuca alternifolia is highly regarded for its wide range of uses. It supports the immune system* and is beneficial for the skin. Commonly known as Tea Tree Oil.

*****

Melaleuca oil is helpful for fevers.  Apply the oil (2 drops mixed with a carrier oil) on the back.  This will reduce fever within a few minutes.

*****

For Sinus Infection, try this ‘Nose Blend’:  5 parts Peppermint, 3 parts Eucalyptus radiata, and 1 part Melaleuca alternifolia, then add equal parts V-6 Oil (9). 

Put 1 drop on a Q-tip and apply to the inside both nostrils; it is a bit overwhelming when first trying it, but it clears up sinuses quickly. One to two times daily will do the trick.  

*****

Melaleuca oil is also helpful for athletes foot, toenail fungus, yeast infections, respiratory infections,  rashes, and bug bites.  It’s a  great addition to any first aid kit!