Creamy Orange & Honey BodyWash

I have been trying my hand at making Body wash, this is one of my first attempts. I really like it, it it very moisturizing and has a nice lather to it. And it smells amazing :)

 Creamy Orange Honey Body Wash 

1/2c. Sweet Almond Oil
1/4c. Raw Honey
1/4c. liquid castile soap
10 drops DoTerra Wild Orange EO

Gently stir altogether, pour into a bottle and store tightly capped. This not only makes an amazing body wash, it can be added to the water while you are filling it to make a lovely. luxurious bath to soak in.

Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

Who else out there has a love/hate relationship with hand sanitizer? When I pick up my kiddos from school or sports practice I feel the need to sanitize the germiest thing they are bringing home with them, their hands,  as quickly as possible. I have always kept a good size container of hand sanitizer in my van for that purpose. I love that it gets rid of the nasties, but I hate how it smells/burns/stings and that it is full of chemicals and alcohol. Did you know that a 2 oz bottle of hand sanitizer may contain as much alcohol as four shots of vodka?!? Just what I need on my hands, NOT!
    A few month ago I cleaned out that bottle that I had in the car and made my own hand sanitizer, it kills germs, moisturizes my hands AND smells delicious :)  I am never going back to the store bought kind, NEVER EVER  :)

Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer 

1/2c. Pure Aloe Vera Gel
1/2t. Vit. E Oil
8 drops doTerra OnGuard Oil
1 drop doTerra Oregano Oil

Put all into your container, shake well.

I just finished up making a few of these to add to Christmas
 Gifts this year.
 The reasons that I add those two particular oils-

Activity of all the oils in the Protective Blend On Guard are: Antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-viral, mood lifters, anti-carcinogen, anti-parasitic, blood cleansers, immune system booster, and digestive disorders.  And it smells like Fall :)

Oregano is a very effective essential oil that knocks out
common intestinal, skin and lung infections, including-
staph, whooping cough, strep and pneumonia. Oregano may be helpful with colds, asthma, bacterial and viral pneumonia, bronchitis (chronic), pulmonary tuberculosis, and skin parasites.

Super Moisturizing Hand Cream

I have been experimenting with making my own hand cream, in the winter my poor hands get so dry and sore. Here is the recipe from my 5th batch, it's the one that I will be repeating, I love the consistency, the ingredients and how it much it soothes my super dry hands.

Super Moisturizing Hand Cream 
1/4c. Avocado Oil- (could use any that you already have- jojoba, sweet almond or grapeseed)
1/4c. Coconut Oil
1T. Beeswax pellets
1T. Raw Honey
1/2c. Rolled Oats
1/4c. Cool Water
10 drops Essential Oil, (I use a blend of Melalueca, Lavender and Frankincense for their healing properties.)

    In a glass Pyrex cup I heat my Coconut Oil and beeswax Pellets for 2- 30 sec intervals, until the beeswax is melted. Stir in the Avocado Oil and Honey- while that is cooling combine your oats and water in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the oat mixture saving the liquid. Add your essential oils to your oil mixture, add this mixture to your blender and began blending. After it begins to get creamy slowly drizzle in your oatmeal water. Continue to blend for another minute. Store in an airtight container after it is completely cooled.

The ratio of Essential Oils I use is -

Melalueca- 4 drops
Lavender- 4 drops
Frankincense- 2 drops

The reasons I add these EO's are-

Melalueca- It is anti-inflammatory, helps with allergic rashes, acne and eczema.

Lavender- Has
Positive Effect on Skin in these areas: Acne, Blemished Skin, Burns,
Chapped Skin, Dry Skin, General Skin Rehabilitation, Great astringent for all skin
types, old scars reduced, old sunburn lines reduced, Abscesses, Acne & Acne
wounds, and Itching.

Frankincense- It is beneficial for various skin conditions, it can be used for dermatitis, acne, reducing wrinkles and scars. It helps to diminish fine lines and tighten the skin.

It's that time of year-

The time of year when colds, coughs and flu bugs are flying around. Here are a few tips to treating them the natural way. 

  
      My Mommer had a persistent cough that she has had for months, it wouldn't go away, I think she should have bought stock in a cough drop company because she was using so many of them! So when she ordered the OnGuard throat drops, which I have yet to try, I wasn't surprised. A few weeks later though when we were chatting on the phone she told me that her cough was gone, the only thing she has done differently was the OnGuard Throat drops and OnGuard hand soap. Needless to say I think those will be the only cough drops she will be buying again  :) 

 One of our favorite ways to deal with an oncoming, or sore, scratchy throat is a hot cup of our "sore throat" Tea. That is what my Kiddos ask for when they wake up with a sore throat. Here is a recipe for that- 

Sore Throat Tea

1.  Pour hot water into a mug with a chamomile tea bag, after that is done steeping add 2 drops of  OnGuard Essential Oil.  

2.  Add 1 drop of Lemon EO for flavor and additional anti-bacterial properties.

3.  Add a teaspoon of raw honey to help soothe (don't use raw honey for kids under 2.) 

 This tea with OnGuard, honey and lemon is a gentle, soothing remedy that really helps to sooth sore throats.

Another great essential oil  that acts as a cough suppressant is Lime, it's excellent to use at night when you need your sleep.  Add 2 drops to a glass of water before bedtime.

Coconut ColdCare Rub

1)  1 drop ea. Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Melaleuca

2)  1 drop ea. Eucalyptus, Clove, Lemon
3)  2 drops Breathe, 1 drop Lime

4)  2 drops Myrrh or Rosemary (to reduce mucous)
       

        Mix a group of oils from the list above with 3-4 T. of coconut oil and apply every 2 hours to your chest, back or on the bottom of feet and cover with socks. 

Gargle Recipe
1 drop of Oregano

1 drop Lemon

1 drop Peppermint

Add to a shot glass of water and gargle for 1 to 2 minutes and swallow, do this as needed.

We have had one very minor bought of stomach flu this year, not of us was sicker than 12 hours. At the first hint of Nausea DigestZen was rubbed onto the stomach, and I put OnGuard and Lemon EO's in my diffuser.  I also used a disinfecting spray for cleaning to kill of any lingering germs. 

Disinfecting Cleaning Spray

2c. distilled, or boiled and cooled water

10 drops OnGuard EO blend

4  drops Lemon EO

Put in a cleaning spray bottle, shake each time before using. 

Chest Cold Rub 
1/8c. Avocado Oil
1T. BeesWax
1/2t. Vitamin E oil
15 drops Cypress EO
12 drops Eucalyptus EO
8 drops Lime EO
5 drops Peppermint EO

   Heat Avocado Oil and Beeswax in a class container in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir, heat for 30 seconds more. Stir until beeswaxis melted, add in vitamin E. Let cool until it starts to get cloudy, stir in the Eo's. Store tightly covered. Rub onto chest and back over lungs. 

Some Great EO's to diffuse are-  Breathe, Eucalyptus, or OnGuard.

I hope this info will be of help to others I know it has 

been for my family : )

Homemade Chest Cold Rub

Did you know the leading chest rub for colds on the market contains petroleum and turpentine oil?? Yuck! 

Petroleum in products can clog the pores and creating a build-up of toxins. They have also been implicated in causing cancer and disrupting hormones. Turpentine is a paint stripper, need I say more....

So, why not make your own cold vaporizing chest rub using organic, natural ingredients? It’s cheaper and your family will be safe and toxin-free.

This is what you need:

1/4c. Coconut Oil (make sure you choose a quality oil that is raw, organic and virgin.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Lemon Essential Oil

Or you could use doTerra's blend- Breathe-for all 50 drops

* Use good quality essential oils like doTerra to get the best benefits.

This is how you do it:

* Melt your coconut oil by placing the jar in a bowl of hot water

* Pour the coconut oil into a glass jar or container. 

* Add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil, 20 drops of peppermint oil and 10 drops of lemon oil or use the 50 drops of Breathe oil.

* Shake well

* Let it re-solidify for easier use (pop it in the fridge in summer time)

    Just a quick shout out to one of my favorite oils- Melalueca you are amazing :) Two days ago my 9 year olds big toe had a spot next to the nail that was badly swollen. We weren't sure if it was an ingrown toenail, or something fungal, when I tried to touch anywhere near the swollen area she erupted into shrieks and tears because of the pain.  Since it was the day before Thanksgiving and the kids Dr was not in I called to schedule an app. for next week, it seemed serious enough that we figured they would need to do something about it. In the meantime I thought I would put a drop of Melalueca on it to see if it would help, so on Wed. I applied a drop on her toe 4 times throughout the day. Then on Thursday I applied it once in the morning. This morning when I looked at the swelling is gone and she has NO pain at all! I'm not really sure what was going on with it and am going to apply it 2 times a day for the next couple days to make sure it doesn't come back. So I called and canceled the Dr app. saving her a trip there and probably a lot of pain from their poking and prodding. And who knows if they would have had any ideas as to what it was either! 

     So I am adding this experience to my list of things to be Grateful for this week, and alls well that ends well! 

Using Essential Oils Safely

    When using essential oils you need to keep in mind that they are to be used cautiously, like with any prescription or otc drug you should not overdo it. If you are using more than one EO and are unsure whether they should be blended together before applying, to be safest you should layer them one by one, either on your feet or in the area of application. I found some info on the safe usage of EO's on one of doTerra's web sites and wanted to share it here. 

Is there anything I should know to use dōTERRA essential oils safely?

dōTERRA’s Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils can be used safely by your family for a variety of wellness applications. However, there are several safety guidelines that you should follow when using essential oils and essential oil products.

1. Be sure to use only 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils and follow all label warnings and instructions.

2. If redness or irritation occurs when using essential oils topically, apply a vegetable oil such as fractionated coconut oil or olive oil to the affected area

3. Essential oils should not be used in the eyes, inside the ear canal, or in open wounds. In the event of accidental contact with the eye, dilute with vegetable oil NOT water.

4. Do NOT consume an essential oil internally unless labeled with a Supplement Facts box with specific dietary supplement use instructions and warnings.

5. Discontinue the use of an essential oil if you experience severe skin, stomach, or respiratory irritation or discomfort.

6. When using on children, apply a very small amount of oil to test skin or other sensitivity. Do not use oil on a child’s hand as they may transfer to their eyes or mouth.

7. Consult your physician before using essential oils if you are pregnant or under a doctor’s care or have other safety questions regarding essential oils.

It is important to remember that therapeutic-grade essential oils are highly-concentrated plant extracts and should be used with reasonable care. Consulting with someone who has experience with essential oils will make your first experience with essential oils more enjoyable and rewarding. As you learn how to use essential oils through personal experience, share your knowledge with others in a safe and responsible way and encourage others to do the same.

For dōTERRA product technical support, please call (801) 615-7200, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.

PRODUCT SUPPORT E-MAIL (For product use questions.)

If you have questions or concerns with your use of dōTERRA products, please contact dōTERRA by e-mailing your comments to productsupport@doterra.com. We will try to respond within 24 hours after receiving your e-mail.

Product Support Services does not provide diagnosis or treatment for diseases. For health emergencies for which you believe a dōTERRA product is a contributing factor, please discontinue the use of the product immediately. If symptoms persist, contact a medical professional. If you or a child has consumed a large quantity (more than 5 ml) of an essential oil not labeled for internal use, contact your local poison control center (see http://www.aapcc.org for a national listing). Please follow all label usage instructions and safety warnings.

Rosemary Hair Rinse

I am enjoying my Rosemary Essential Oil right now :) 

It's a favorite for me in the diffuser, I use 2-4 drops Rosemary and 3-5 drops Lemon EO almost every morning. I want the kiddos to head off to school invigorated with their brains all prepped for learning. It helps me get going too, my head feels clearer and I'm able to get my morning off to a good start. 

When I ordered my Rosemary EO it was to help with dry itchy scalps and my lovely thinning hair.

4 kids= thinning hair 

I think it's all the stress, I have 2 teenagers you know!  :) 

My preteen has gorgeous, long thick hair. She also has very sensitive skin and it gets dried out easily. Her scalp especially. We have tried every over the counter shampoo, cond. , cream rinses, expensive hair oils, we could find for dry scalps.  She has even used a couple of prescription ointments. None of those have made much of a difference.  So when I saw a pin on Pinterest and it lead me here- Camp Wander. I quickly made up a batch of Rosemary Hair Rinse, I tweaked her recipe a bit using what I had and adding in a couple other EO's I thought would benefit my daughter and I.  When I get some more lavender EO I will definitely add a few drops to my rinse. We have both been using this for the last couple of weeks and LOVE it.  If you follow the link to Camp Wander's blog she has a wonderful post on this and I am so grateful she does because it has helped us greatly :) 

Rosemary Hair Rinse

2 c. cool water 

4 drops Rosemary EO 

4 drops Melalueca EO 

2 drops Peppermint EO 

1/2t. borax

2 T. Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar

I put all the ingred. in a clean, empty condiment bottle and shake it up good. (Shake each time before using) After washing and conditioning, cover scalp thoroughly with the rinse (don't get it in your eyes!) Massage it in and let set a couple minutes. Rinse it out, dry and style hair as usual.
This amount lasts us for 4-5 washings.