This month, I’m diving into a topic that affects us all, and one I’m particularly acquainted with!
Hormones!! ??????? I had a complete hysterectomy at age 30 and learned in an instant just how important hormones are. Not having ovaries has been a huge challenge. I finally found some things that work!
The journey hasn’t always been easy… and that’s why I’m excited to share a whole months worth of education, tips, practices and products that will help you in your own journey with YOUR hormones!!
Did you know that humans possess 50 hormones? 50!
From adrenal health and blood sugar to fertility and thyroid function, hormones are the root of, well, everything!
•Hormones control or regulate many biological processes and are often produced in very low amounts within the body. •Hormones regulate our blood sugar. Thanks, Insulin! •Growth and energy production (Growth Hormone and Thyroid Hormone) Differentiation, growth, and reproduction hormones (Testosterone and Estrogen)
The Endocrine System is made up of all the hormones in the body. This system supports brain and nervous system development, reproduction, metabolism, and blood sugar.
I plan to break down what hormones do for our bodies (male and female) through our life cycle, how to keep them balanced and supported, and living a non-toxic lifestyle to keep the hormone disruptors at bay.
Stay tuned and follow me for a deeper understanding of how hormones influence so much of our life!
On those hot summer days, when hunger gives way to thirst, there’s nothing that tastes better than a refreshing drink. Smoothies and lemonades are a great way to quench your thirst, plus they help to incorporate more fruits into your diet! Adding a few drops of essential oil will bring an extra twist to the flavour. Here are some simple and tasty ideas to juice up your family’s summer!
Lemon Berry Smoothie
A great start to the day and the perfect breakfast on the go. Berries have countless anti-oxidant properties — plus nutrients and fibre — which help protect your body against seasonal threats.
A great start to the day and the perfect breakfast on the go. Berries have countless anti-oxidant properties — plus nutrients and fibre — which help protect your body against seasonal threats.
Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend on high speed until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Serve immediately.
Honey Ginger Lemonade
A twist on classic lemonade, Honey Ginger lemonade is the perfect refreshing drink to help lift your mood. The juiced ginger helps add a little spicy kick, while both lemon juice and Lemon oil keep the recipe light and cool.
Combine all ingredients, except the ice, into a jug. Mix well.
Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Serve with some ice cubes.
Raspberry “Lime-onade”
If you are having friends over, then surprise them with a very bright pink “lime-onade”. With only three ingredients, this combination of raspberries and lime is definitely a crowd pleaser.
Add the raspberries to a blender, and blend until smooth.
Press through a fine strainer into a jug, and discard the seeds and pulp. (TIP: You can also put the seeds and pulp in a small jar, cover with vinegar—like white wine or rice wine vinegar—and store mixture in the fridge. Strain later for salad dressings or for marinades).
Add the lime juice, essential oil and water. Stir to combine.
Stir in the honey until combined.
Pour into glasses, and top with ice cubes. Serve and enjoy!
Tropical Smoothie with Tangerine Essential Oil
This tropical smoothie is just like a dessert (a healthy one!) that will make you forget your sweet cravings. Omega-3, fibre and potassium are just a few of the benefits you will pour in your glass.
Ingredients
1 cup (230ml) of organic coconut milk
4 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 banana
1 tbsp of ground flaxseed, sunflower and pumpkin seed
Summer time is in full swing and not only is it hot out there, but all the great berries and produce are in full abundance! It’s so fun to eat fresh, sweet and amazing fruits and veggies.
I love summer, but the heat is not my friend. I get easily cranky on hot days and am always looking for a healthy way to cool down. This little snack is a go to for me…I can swipe a piece mid afternoon or as a dessert and not feel guilty at all.
It’s simple to make and tastes amazing. You’ll see I add a few drops of lemon essential oil. Be sure the brand you choose to use in recipes is safe to ingest. Most aren’t and you have to be safe. The lemon oil gives a pop of summertime flavor but is also has amazing health benefits. Peek at this gorgeous ebook to learn more.
HERE IS WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• Yogurt: Use a full fat yogurt for the best texture and flavor. Vanilla yogurt is a great base to use, but you can use any flavor you like.
• Fruit: Fresh strawberries and blueberries add a great pop of color and it’s a tasty way to get some fruit into your family’s diet. You can make this bark with other fresh fruits like mango, raspberries or kiwi fruit.
HOW TO MAKE YOGURT BARK
1. Before you spread the yogurt evenly over a lined baking sheet, add two drops of lemon essential oil and stir. 2. Top with chopped strawberries. 3. Top with blueberries or any other fruits. I love kiwi! 4. Option to finish with granola and freeze until firm. I usually skip the granola but it does give it a great crunch. 5. Once it is fully frozen, slam on counter and remove pieces. You can also cut into bark shapes if it doesn’t make its own by slamming it. I store in a Tupperware up to three months, but it also never lasts that long.
TIPS FOR MAKING FROZEN BARK
1. Use full fat yogurt. Using yogurt with full fat means that the texture will less likely get icy when frozen. It will also have a better taste that’s more creamy. I have used Greek Style Coconut milk yogurt too and it’s fabulous for the dairy free people. 2. Chop everything small. Small fruits like blueberries work very well here and chopping larger fruits to be about the size of blueberries helps with cutting the bark. Make sure the fruits are not too bulky either so the bark looks flat. 3. Line your baking sheet. This will help to remove the bark easily from the tray, if you don’t line it, the yogurt will freeze to it and it will be really tough to remove. Use parchment or wax paper to line the entire surface of your sheet pan. 4. Allow time for the bark to set. It will take around 3 hours for the bark to fully set in the freezer. Make it the night before to enjoy the next day.
Enjoy!
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Mmmm!!! This is one of my all time favorite essential oil blends and my easy diffuser “go-to”. I reach for Citrus Bliss in the mornings more than any other. I love to share this blend with my students because it is an instant smile generator.
When I share this one, I like to have people close their eyes and imagine being a little kid and hearing the sound of the ice cream truck and then as they inhale this blend, I ask them to think of something on the truck that it smells like and 99% of the time I get an excited “creamsicle!” answer.
Citrus Bliss is also known as the Invigorating Blend.
This blend expertly combines the powerful scents of Wild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, Tangerine, and Clementine with a hint of Vanilla Absolute. This unique and harmonious blend is uplifting and an instant mood changer. If you have a case of the grumps, this is a great choice.
While it smells like creamsicle…Citrus Bliss has incredibly potent yet natural cleansing properties. All those citrus oils in one bottle make for a great surface spray cleaner. Diffuse for an uplifting aroma that cleanses the air, or add it to a spray bottle of water to wipe down countertops and sinks.
Would you love to add this to your collection? To learn the basics of using oils, check out this awesome ebook, too!
Feeling a little crazed? Need a bit more grounding in your life? Balance essential oil blend is one that every single person should have at their fingertips for daily use (in my humble opinion).
What is Balance Essential Oil Blend?
The combination of Spruce, Ho Wood, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile and Osmanthus will keep you feeling grounded all day long. I like to share this one and as we breathe into the palms of our hands imagine that we are deep in the forest. It is amazing how aromas can transport us into memories and adjust our mood.
Diffusing this blend is one of my favorite ways to use it. I love the calm, forest like smells that fill my space. I especially like to use this one after a long day while I am chilling in the evening. Try this diffuser blend for a zen-like atmosphere:
Zen Diffuser Blend
3 drops Balance
3 drops Serenity
Also, before your feet even touch the floor, ground yourself first thing in the morning by applying Balance to the bottoms of your feet. Use throughout the day as needed. I double-up and use this as an all-natural pure-fume! I love to add a few drops to my unscented lotion. The woodsy, grounding aroma of this blend is an instant calmer.
And my best tip… if you struggle with natural deodorants, try a drop of Balance directly on your armpit! It’s amazing!
Would you love to use Balance? Easy! Also, check out this amazing ebook for the basics of using essential oils!
Breathe essential oil blend makes it easy to take simple respiratory support on the go when seasonal threats are high (just swipe on the bottoms of your feet or over your chest with a bit of carrier oil. Rub on neck, chest, back, or bottom of feet for a restful sleep.
Breathe essential oil blend is my go to when I feeling stuffy or have any sort of breathing discomfort. It is also amazing for those who sleep with a snorer. Just have that person apply a little on their mustache area or pop in your diffuser*!
This blend is safe for all ages too, with proper dilution of course. I like to apply this one to the bottoms of feet and not only do the feet feel amazing but breathing gets a little easier! Perfect for little ones!
Breathe Essential Oil Blend includes:
Laurel Leaf
Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Tea Tree*
Lemon
Cardamom
Ravintsara
Ravensara
* be mindful using this around dogs and cats. Never apply to animals directly and make sure if diffusing the animals have a way to leave the room.
Feeling all the stress of life? Me too. I am grateful that I have some awesome tools to help me during stressful time, including aromatherapy. This blend in particular is one of my most used both in my home and in my work. How aromatherapy influences the brain and emotions is fascinating and truly remarkable. This blog post explains how.
Adaptiv essential oil blend is perfect for relaxing the mind and body. Use it for your most stressful moments – a big day at work, PTA meetings, potty training – or other big events! Adaptiv is perfect for studying to increase focus, and to calm any nerves. I love diffusing this one in the morning to get the mood around the house to be positive and hopeful.
Adaptiv offers a soothing and calming aroma. This blend is made up of:
Wild Orange-Invigorating & sweet
Lavender-Calming & soothing
Copaiba- Calm & steady
Spearmint-Relieving & uplifting
Magnolia-Opening & heavenly
Rosemary-Refreshing & clearing
Neroli-Rejuvenating & tranquil
Sweetgum-Floral & spicy
In clinical research done by doTERRA, participants repeatedly commented feelings of calm, content, positive, and happy. “Participants self-reported having lower levels of stress and anxious feelings…”
“A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses” Chinese Proverb
It is mentioned many times in ancient scripture and holy writings that rose essential oil is the most divine. Rose has been used since the beginning of time for its therapeutic and medicinal value…as well as enjoyed for its glorious fragrance and beauty.
Did you know that rose essential oil is known as the “Queen of Flowers” and it takes about 12,000 rose blossoms to make a single 5ml bottle of pure essential oil?
Why is Rose so special?
Researchers in Washington State, using Tainio Technology measured the vibrational frequency of essential oils and found them to be the highest of any natural substance known to man. And ROSE oil tops that list!
In fact, their technology showed the following vibrational frequencies:
Dead Foods: Hamburger/Chicken: 3-5MHz Raw Almonds 50MHz Greens Like Broccoli & Wheatgrass – 70MHz Healthy Human – 62-70MHz Colds or Flu Present – 58MHz Candida Yeast Overgrowth Present – 55MHz Epstein-Barr Virus Present – 52MHz Cancer Present – 42MHz Death Process Begins – 20MHz Lavender – 118MHz Sandalwood – 96MHz
That being said…guess what Rose Essential Oil measured in at? A Whopping 320MHz!!!
That fact alone makes me pull out rose essential oils and use it every day!
I also use it on challenging skin issues that need extra attention! From an Emotional Standpoint…the vibrational information alone makes it the #1 Emotional GO TO oil!
Essential oils and emotions
Emotions also have vibrational frequencies and you guessed it, the low MHz vibrational frequencies include Shame, Guilt, Apathy, Grief, Fear, Anger…etc…. and higher frequencies include Courage, Acceptance, Contentment, Love, Joy, Peace.
Rose is the Oil of Divine Love…of which there IS NO HIGHER LOVE.
This oil helps us let go of any and all lower vibrational frequency emotions such as grief, sadness, anxiety, apathy and a host of others. Rose oil allows us to exchange those low vibration emotions for higher, emotions that flow from Divine alignment and love…such as Contentment, Bliss, Joy, Gratitude, Peace and Love.
This oil is amazing when used in prayer, meditation or any time you desire to open your heart and receive an outpouring of Divine Grace & Love into your soul!
How To Use Rose:
Topically on area of concern, or on area of body where emotional congestion feels tight…ie…forehead, temples, behind ears, chest, gut area, neck…also applying it to wrists and elbow creases, bottoms of feet, inner ankles and bottom of big toe are also super amazing places to apply. I apply directly under my nose….for aromatic benefits too.
Aromatically – This is the MOST recommended way to use Rose, especially for Emotions. Inhaling rose deeply 3-4-5 or six times will shift the chemical messages to the Limbic Brain and shift your emotions, memories, stress responses, and even your hormones.
Internally – This is fine to take internally, although doTERRA’s only offering of Rose is in a diluted roller bottle, so it makes the process of taking a drop or two internally…more tricky. I personally stick to aromatic and topical just for the sake of ease.
Ready to get one of these precious oils into your life? Just order here. I can’t wait for you to start using it. You’ll love it!
Are you feeling under the weather? Did you know some simple spices that you probably have in your cabinet can give you the perfect potion for wellness. This yummy clove wellness tea will warm you from the inside and its powerful ingredients can help support the immune system.
Whenever I feel a little sniffle coming on, I pour myself some of this and take in the benefits. I especially love to use clove essential oil in place of the clove spice. I only use pure essential oils that are safe for internal use. You can learn more about the brand that hospitals and I use here.
Check out these interesting facts about clove oil:
In a study from 2012, researchers found that clove oil had the ability to kill staph bacteria cells in liquid culture and in biofilm. A biofilm is a community of bacteria that lives together, shielded by a protective, slimy film.
Most antibiotics aren’t effective at penetrating the biofilm and killing staph bacteria but, according to this study, clove oil seems to be able to.
A 2017 studyTrusted Source looked at the antifungal activity of several essential oils. Of the oils tested, clove oil was the most effective at stopping the growth of a range of fungi with environmental origins.
In a 2005 studyTrusted Source, researchers investigated the effect of eugenol, a major component of clove oil, on the yeast Candida albicans. This yeast can cause fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, oral thrush, and vaginal yeast infections.
According to the authors of the study, eugenol had the ability to kill the yeast, both in culture and in a rat model.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source looked at the effect of essential oils on a variety of bacteria that cause respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and influenza.
Although the effects were lower than the antibiotics tested, clove oil did have antibacterial activity when added to liquid culture or introduced as a vapor.
Pretty amazing, eh? If you’d like to have a sample of clove oil or talk about your own health and wellness needs, send me a message.
I have never been a huge floral essential oil fan. Somehow the essential oils in this category are growing on me more and more. It is interesting that the primary benefit of all floral essential oils are calming and soothing, so maybe that explains it.
Florals are calming for skin, joints and mood. Sounds like a perfect solution for many things, right?
Clary Sage,Geranium, Helichrysum, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, and Ylang Ylang are all considered some of the doTERRA floral oils. Frequently used in perfumes, these oils come from the flower of their plant of origin, whether it be an herb or tree. This is with the exception of Geranium that comes from the flower as well as the rest of the plant.
About Floral Essential Oils
The common properties that the floral oils share include emotional benefits as well as benefits to the skin and hair. Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Clary Sage have calming properties when you need stress-relief. To smooth or improve the appearance of skin, all you need is Geranium, Helichrysum, or Roman Chamomile. Clary Sage, Geranium, Roman Chamomile, or Ylang Ylang can all be added shampoo or conditioner (or massaged directly onto your scalp) to give your hair and scalp a healthy appearance.
A few of the best floral essential oils:
Clary Sage
During your menstrual cycle, apply two to four drops to abdomen for a soothing abdominal massage
Apply one to two drops to the bottom of your feet or on pulse points to take advantage of the powerfully soothing aroma
Apply one to two drops to your pillow for a restful night’s sleep
Geranium
Combine with Fractionated Coconut Oil to give your partner a sensual massage
Apply under your arms after a sweaty workout or a day in the sun
Place one drop in the palm of your hands, rub hands together, and cup over nose and mouth and breathe slowly for a grounding effect
Add to your next DIY potpourri
Put a few drops on a cotton ball and place around your home to naturally repel insects
Helichrysum
Apply topically to reduce the appearance of blemishes
Apply to the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to promote a glowing, youthful complexion
Use Helichrysum in conjunction with a full body massage to promote vitality and energy
Massage into the temples and back of neck for a soothing sensation
Take two drops in a veggie capsule, as it may help promote a healthy metabolism*
Lavender
Use directly on skin to soothe the occasional skin irritation, or to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections
Take in water or a veggie capsule to reduce anxious feelings and help ease feelings of tension
Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet for a restful night’s sleep
Refresh your mattress, car, or even the air with a light mist of a few drops Lavender combined with water in a spray bottle
Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts
Take one to two drops internally in a veggie capsule for a peaceful sleep
Roman Chamomile
Take one to two drops in water to soothe the systems of the body
Has a calming effect on the mind and body when taken internally
Taking one to two drops in a veggie capsule may help to support healthy immune system function
Set the stage for sleep by diffusing one to two drops, or apply to the bottom of your feet at bedtime
Diffuse to soothe away feelings of anger and irritability
Apply to wrists and neck for a peaceful evening at home
Apply to chest over heart for feelings of well-being
Ylang Ylang
Add to doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a deep hair conditioner and beat the damaging summer heat
Diffuse two to four drops to promote a positive outlook
Take one to two drops internally for antioxidant support
Create relaxing atmosphere by adding it to an Epsom salt bath to help you unwind
How to get floral essential oils in your home
If you are curious how to use essential oils and need to basics, check out this gorgeous ebook and then reach out to me for some guidance and samples.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Known for their bright, summery scents, citrus oils are among the most common essential oils that cause photosensitivity. That’s because compounds found in citrus oils – known as furanocoumarins – greatly increase UV sensitivity. While most photosensitive oils are citrus that have the same harmful effects with sun exposure.
SAFETY FIRST
When we use certain oils topically where the sun is exposed to our skin, our skin can get a bit red and tender. However, for some people the effect are much worse.
Almost all citrus oils are photosensitive. Meaning they should be avoided topically before direct sunlight or artificial UV rays (think tanning beds or booths).
If you will be heading out in the sun, be sure any rollers or sprays you apply that contain citrus oils are applied “where the sun don’t shine” (AKA the bottoms of your feet, under your clothes, etc).
The following oils and blends have been labeled as photosensitive by doTERRA:
AromaTouch®
Bergamot
doTERRA Breathe®
doTERRA Cheer®
Citrus Bliss®
Clementine
Cumin
doTERRA Forgive®
Grapefruit
InTune®
Kumquat
Lemon
Lime
doTERRA Motivate®
doTERRA On Guard®
Purify
Slim & Sassy®
Sunny Citrus
Tangerine
Wild Orangw
Zendocrine.
To learn the basics of using pure essential oils, grab this free ebook!
3 drops Balance
