Spiced Apple Cider Diffuser recipe

When my 18 year old asked permission to lay on my bed so they could just inhale the amazing orange spiced cider aroma, I knew this was a keeper. My first Autumn blend while I await my order of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and Christmas spirit that is in transit.  More yummy recipes to follow but for now, try this one!

Apple Spice Diffuser recipe
4 drops Orange
2 drops Thieves
4 drops Cedar wood

This blog post written by Deidra

DIY Deodorant w Essential oils

As I continue my journey of getting all the toxic chemicals out of my home, I am especially concerned with finding alternative products that I use on my body. Recent research suggests that aluminum in deodorants could be a cause for breast cancer. (CBSNews) Others also suggest it may be a cause for several other illnesses like Alzheimer’s, birth defects, allergies, and hormonal imbalances. So why would I want to rub crazy chemicals that I can't even pronounce under my arms?
But then again... I work outside and without deodorant, well, let's just say, you don't want to stand down wind of me on a hot August day in Orlando. So in search of answers I went, looking for recipes for DIY deodorant. I tried a few, made some adjustments, and came up with the perfect consistency and aroma for my tastes. My favorite shower gel is Lemongrass and Rosemary so I decided to use those oils in my deodorant but you can use which ever aroma pleases you or goes best with your body wash/soap. Some good ones to use for this are: lavender, rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, and/or Frankincense.
What I learned was that deodorants basically kill the odor-causing bacterial in my armpits, but they often kill the good bacteria too (like antibiotics do in my gut). In addition to killing off the good bacteria, many deodorants leach nasty chemicals into my body through the skin and lymphatic system. So why not replace the bad chemicals with quality healthy ingredients and essential oils that increase my wellness levels? Since I know that one drop of essential oil applied to my skin may be in every cell of my body within 20 minutes, it is especially important that I use 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils like the ones I get from Young Living. If you need more information about Young Living oils, click here: https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/start?site=US&sponsorid=3703800&enrollerid=3703800

This recipe for a natural deodorant harnesses the natural anti-bacterial properties of the essential oils I used, the healing powers of coconut oil, and the odor-eliminating properties of baking soda.
DIY Natural Deodorant Essential Oils Recipe
2 TBL baking soda
4-5 TBL Arrowroot (or Cornstarch)
4 - 6 TBL Coconut Oil
15 drops of Essential Oil - Your choice. Some good ones to use are: lavender, rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, and Frankincense.

Instructions
Mix baking soda and arrowroot or together in a bowl.
Mash 1/2 coconut oil into dry mixture with a fork
Add desired essential oils
Continue adding remaining coconut oil, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency, thick and creamy.
Store in a glass jar (no plastic or metal).

Chill in refrigerator for an hour or more to finish setting up.
This blog post written by Deidra

Essential oils for scared dogs!

First things first, it is very important to calm yourself down before attempting to do the same with your dog. You can start by adjusting your environment. Lowering light levels, listening to some chill music, enjoying a nice beverage and nestling into a cozy comfortable spot will help set the mood. Then try diffusing or rubbing a few drops of lavender, Stress Away or other favorite essential oils into your palms and breathing deeply to help it enter your bloodstream through your lungs and skin simultaneously. I like to rub a drop of Lavender on my temples and the back of my neck too. For sensitive skin and for later use on your dog, make sure you mix the essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut or grapeseed oil.

Now that you are in a calm state and a comfortable place, invite your dog to come and snuggle with you. Begin by petting and slowly introducing some of the diluted lavender oil or a specific blend like T-Away* on the tail and top of the spine. Eventually, cup your hands and let the dog sniff and inhale repeatedly. As the animal breathes in, it will become calmer and more relaxed.

You can also rub the oil on the neckline of your dog, behind the ears and on the bottom of their paws. NEVER rub oil inside the ears or directly on the muzzle, nose, mouth or genital areas.

This is a good time to softly brush and pet your dog, giving it lots of praise. Finish off with a treat and your dog will happily come back for further aromatherapy chills-out sessions. Suggested recipes using essential oils are below.

When a storm is approaching, like Hurricane Mathew is currently doing here in Florida, we often get so caught up in the rash and scurried activities of storm preparation that we unintentionally stress out our four legged friends. But there are other times that essential oils can be used effectively to uplift their spirits, like during festivities, fireworks, moving to a new home and while traveling. So once you've settled in from your storm or event, hunker down, do some nice self-care and then put some oily lovin' on your pooch.

WARNING Please be mindful when purchasing essential oils, especially for your pets since they can not tell you if there is a problem. Never use an oil you have not tested on yourself and always purchase 100% therapeutic grade essential oils like those from Young Living which offers the seed to seal guarantee.
ALSO, these oil recommendations should not be used for cats who are very sensitive to citrus and other essential oils. Please research this as I am not a cat owner and I make no recommendations on their care.

The Oily Life!

My road to discovery in regard to essential oils began in the 90s when I began making henna paste for body art using clove, Tea tree and other essential oils that would effect the color left on the skin after the paste was removed.  Through research I began to learn more about this ancient science that modern day
man seems to have forgotten and pushed aside in the quest for instant healing and alleviation of symptoms.

Today, I am a distributor of Young Living essential oils and I believe that they are wonderful additions to my life in regards to sustaining good health and wellness along with food, exercise, sleep and water.  I am creating this blog to immortalize my discoveries and help me to have a central place that I can retrieve previous recipes, articles and thoughts about essential oils plus share with my friends and family. Did I mention, I love oils!!!

This blog post written by Deidra