Rose Essential Oil

You may not realize this, I know I didn’t at first…but now I know that Rose essential oil is a POWERHOUSE and a must for my daily regimen.

This powerful oil is the total package: Skin support, mood support, and hormone support.

?

 Rose has been known to promote a calm and relaxed state of mind. Roll this incredible oil on your abdomen for menstrual discomfort, hormone support, and libido support.

I did a little digging and found that according to Health Line Rose oil has had quite a few studies done and the results are promising.

Check out all that Rose oil supports:

Anxious Feelings and Stress

Rose oil has a relaxing effect on many people. 

In one studyTrusted Source, researchers applied rose oil to the skin of each participant, and then measured its effects on the most common symptoms of anxiety. Blood pressure, heart rates, breathing rates, cortisol levels, and blood oxygen levels all decreased. The subjects also reported feeling much more relaxed after the oil treatment. 

Another studyTrusted Source involving over 100 women who were giving birth found that rose oil lowered their anxiety levels during delivery. 

Antibacterial, antifungal properties

Researchers have found that essential oil distilled from roses can be effective against a wide range of microbes that cause infections. This includes E. coli, as well as some strains of the bacteria that can cause staph infections (Staphylococcus) and strep throat (Streptococcus). 

Additionally, the study found that rose oil was effective against Candida albicans, which can cause fungal infections in the mouth, gut, and vagina.

Stimulates sex drive

Two studies have found that inhaling rose oil increased sexual desire and sexual satisfaction among men and, to a lesser extent, women. One studyTrusted Source involved male participants with a major depressive disorder who were taking antidepressants, and the other studyTrusted Source involved female participants with the same disorder and also on antidepressants. 

Researchers believe that the release of dopamine in the brain, a known motivator, may be what spurs the increase in sexual desire, while simultaneously alleviating symptoms of depression.

Eases depressive symptoms

A number of clinical studies have found that rose oil helps to improve the symptoms of depression. In a 2012 studyTrusted Source, a small group of postpartum women underwent treatment for depression.

One group received aromatherapy in addition to conventional medical treatments. The women who used aromatherapy improved significantly more than women who used conventional medicine alone. 

Studies have also found that rose oil stimulates the release of the chemical dopamine. Researchers believe this chemical plays a pivotal role in helping to relieve the symptoms of depression. 

I love the emotional side of Rose oil as well. I love to apply it to my heart when I am feeling a need for some extra compassion either for myself or for others.

Where will you be keeping Rose now? ?

Me? 
? my desk
?my nightstand
?my purse/on the go

Ready to get your hands on some Rose? It is pricey but SO worth it! You won’t be disappointed.

Why Supplement?

Ok, be honest. How is your nutrition? ?

I know if you are anything like me, nutrition can be put on the back burner especially when we are always so busy.

Today, the standard diet is not what it used to be. There are many factors in play when it comes to food’s depletion of nutrients in the soil to the increase in consumption of highly processed foods.

Proper nutrition supports your body’s natural hormones and keeps them balanced. We are in luck because d?TERRA has us covered with their supplements, the Lifelong Vitality Pack.

LLV, the foundation to your health and wellness, consists of Alpha CRS®+, Microplex VMz®, and xEO Mega®. The ingredients in these 3 products are designed to ensure you are supporting your cells, getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs as well as supplying the fatty acids and other nutrients that are necessary to look and feel your best.

? Sleep better
???? Have more energy
?? Feel more balanced

It is no wonder this is one of d?TERRA’s most popular products! Hormone and total body support at its finest.

By the way, a good friend who lost a good amount of weight, grew back her healthy hair and is feeling better than ever after a divorce last year, said one of her biggest changes was splitting her LLV and taking her morning and afternoon doses separately! I’m starting that tip RIGHT AWAY!

?Do you take LLV every day? Ready to? Did I mention it has a 30 day moneyback guarantee? It’s on day 29 or 30 you don’t feel amazingly better, you can simply return them and get your money back. I’m pretty sure you’re going to love how you feel though. Also, I would like to gift you with a free wellness consultation just for getting started.

Follow me for more goodness.

August is Abundance

According to the Cambridge dictionary, abundance is defined as an amount that is more than enough.

Have any of you noticed how much nature reminds us of that same bounty that is available? The constantly changing and growing plants tell me that the same extraordinary potential exists within me. I see how the animals gather and forage what they need and this reminds me that everything I need is right here. I am grateful for the rain and the amazing colors that surround me. My garden is a perfect example to me of “more than enough”– the green beans and cucumbers this year may just feed the neighborhood! Oh, and I made my first ever batch of chokecherry jelly and it is amazing.

For years I have focused on creating a more abundant life and the ways in which that has all happened marvels me on a daily basis. Some may think of abundance as simply financial bounty, but I have come to see it as so much more.

For me abundance shows up in the random acts of kindness I receive, the support I consistently have for my classes, my friendships, the magnitude of joy in my life, colors everywhere, laughter that fills a room, a belly full of food, and enough money for me to live happily and generously.

As we come into the long, and usually hot month of August, I encourage you to look for the bounty in your own life that exist all around you….Simple things like lemonade, lazy afternoons in the hammock, delicious ice cream, sunflowers, sweet watermelon, a basket of veggies, the feel of a breeze against our cheek, the laughter of children chasing the ice cream truck and much more.

When we recognize all that truly IS, we can shed the notion that there is not enough.

Follow me for more goodness!

Five Ways to Balance Hormones

SAVE THIS POST

I believe that big changes start with small steps practiced consistently!

If you are ready to jumpstart your hormone balancing journey, here are 5 Simple Ways to Balance your Hormones Naturally.

Eat enough protein-protein provides essential amino acids that your body needs for cell turnover and repair

Get physical–-movement that is. Exercise has been known to increase levels of hormones that decrease with age

Take care of your gut health–your gut biome regulates ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and has been known to moderate insulin resistance

Reduce your stress levels–lower to fight or flight response and give those adrenals a much-needed break

Get quality sleep each night–lowers your cortisol levels and increases your HGH

Along with reducing sugar intake, adding fiber, and eating a good amount of healthy fats you are on your way to a better, healthier, balanced body.

What are you tackling first?

Follow me for more goodness.

Grilled Garden Veggies

I honestly can’t wait until this time of year despite my often endless complaints about the heat. I balance out my intolerance for long summer days of high temperatures with plenty of time to play in my garden and marvel at the bounty of goodness that comes with a little time and patience.

Usually by this time of year I am also getting a little bored with variations of salads so it is always a thrill to find the first few summer squashes or yellow crook neck zucchini’s because one of my favorite summer foods is grilled vegetables. I also love to grill peaches, drizzle with honey and top with fresh ice cream!

I usually pair grilled vegetables with a juicy steak or a grilled chicken breast but these are also delicious just on their own. Simple, fresh and super tasty.

Here is how easy it is:

Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat. (I have also been known to use my indoor grill if I am in a hurry or it is the middle of winter and I am craving some summer flavors). Cut three zucchini or crook neck into thin lengthwise planks. Brush with one tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. I also love to use garlic salt instead of plain salt. Arrange on the grate with plenty of space between. Grill until tender, lightly charred or about 3-4 minutes per side (unless you’re using an indoor grill that closes it would be just 3-4 minutes total). Transfer to a plate. In a bowl mix together cherry tomatoes and one tablespoon olive oil, apple cider or balsamic vinegar and I love to add some fresh chopped mint or rosemary. Stir up the tomatoes, smash a few for a splash of juice and pour over the grilled veggies.

Delicious!

Follow me for more goodness!

Daily Thyroid Support

This must have is in my daily regimen! This blend for Thyroid Support sits on my kitchen counter so I can roll it on, morning and night.

20 drops Frankincense
15 drops Myrrh
10 drops Lemongrass
15 drops Clove

In a 10 mL roller ball, add oils and top with carrier oil of choice.

Do you need thyroid support?

Let me ask it this way… do you have a history of holding back your voice out of fear, nervousness or trauma? Or would you like to speak your truth and use your voice more confidently and more often?

Did you know that issue is often the emotional root of thyroid issues? ?????

You can grab everything you need to make this blend HERE.

I know it is pricey, but if you used these oils only for this blend it would make about twenty thyroid blends! Oh, and each roller I make lasts me about 3 months. So we are talking YEARS of use but I guarantee you will find many other uses for these four oils. Lemongrass is my go to for cleaning surfaces, diffusing for a fresh aroma and insect repellent. Clove is great for oral health—I add a drop to my toothpaste to support my gums! It also smells like fall when you diffuse it! Frankincense is a daily for me—I take a drop internally everyday day for healthy cellular support and immune system, I roll it on my spine to calm my overactive nervous system and I use myrrh in my skin care. I’m telling you the uses are endless!

Th investment is so worth it! You’ll even get wholesale pricing for a year for free! I will also plug you into my education and community support and send you a personalized gift to get you started using them. Check out this gorgeous ebook to learn more!

Follow me for more goodness!

Thyroid Basics

In a nutshell, the Thyroid is our metabolism driver.

When your Thyroid hormones are unbalanced, this can lead to:

Underactive thyroid
Overactive thyroid

A healthy thyroid is supported by:

Clean whole foods
Getting your H20
Quality sleep each night
Movement
Ditching hormone disruptors (stop spraying perfume on your throat)

Each of these little steps creates consistent payoffs for a healthier thyroid and a healthier you.

Check out my favorite thyroid blend of essential oils is found here. It’s a stabilizer for the thyroid and helps support it’s function.

On a scale of 1-10, how healthy is your thyroid?

Follow me for more goodness!

The Endocrine System

Did you know that there are ten (eleven when pregnant) glands that make up the Endocrine System?

Our endocrine system and hormones support our bodies from conception through old age.

From conception, the placenta acts as an endocrine organ and produces several important hormones through pregnancy.

Here are some more big hitters:

The Hypothalamus: This is the gland that drives the whole endocrine system by linking our endocrine system with our nervous system.

The Thyroid: This gland is crucial to healthy development and regulates your metabolism.

The Adrenals: This gland is actually made up of two glands: the cortex and medulla. These glands produce hormones in response to stress (cortisol) and regulate blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and the body’s salt and water balance.

The Pancreas – The pancreas is responsible for producing glucagon and insulin. These hormones help regulate sugar (glucose) in the blood.

The Gonads: Ovaries and Testes both produce steroids that affect growth and development and also regulate reproductive cycles and behaviors.

Follow me for more goodness.

Imbalanced Hormones

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

Weight Gain
Irregular Periods
Low Libido
Acne
Hair Loss
Mood Swings

Hormones are the root of everything. While we love to overcomplicate what we need to do with our bodies to get healthy, we can overlook the basics.

We try to sprint, when we’re actually in a marathon and wonder why we feel so exhausted before we get to the finish line. ????

Are you ready to get back to the basics when it comes to your hormone (and specifically thyroid) health?

Here’s what I’m talking about:

  • Throwing the candles and scented air fresheners in the garbage and switching to diffusers
  • Eating enough clean, whole foods to regulate your blood sugar, and not using coffee to replace meals and water.
  • Supporting your natural circadian rhythm (think natural vitamin D on your belly in the morning!)
  • Avoiding hormone-disrupting lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and deodorants because they “smell good”

Follow me for more goodness.

Essential Oils & Hormones

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!

Follow me for more goodness!

Summertime Drinks

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.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup (230ml) of plain yogurt
  • 3/4 cup (130g) of frozen mixed berries
  • 2 drops of Lemon essential oil

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.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup (230ml) of plain yogurt
  • 3/4 cup (130g) of frozen mixed berries
  • 2 drops of Lemon essential oil

Instructions 

  1. Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend on high speed until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
  2. 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.

Ingredients

  • 1–2 tablespoons of ginger juice
  • 3 lemons, juiced
  • 3–5 drops of Lemon essential oil
  • 1 cup (230ml) of water
  • 3 tablespoons of raw honey
  • 1 cup of ice

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients, except the ice, into a jug. Mix well.
  2. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
  3. 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. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) of raspberries
  • 3 cups (720ml) of water
  • 1 drop of Lime essential oil
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 cup of ice
  • 3 tablespoons of raw honey

Instructions 

  1. Add the raspberries to a blender, and blend until smooth.
  2. 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).
  3. Add the lime juice, essential oil and water. Stir to combine.
  4. Stir in the honey until combined.
  5. 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
  • 120g of frozen mango chunks
  • 1 drop of Tangerine or essential oil
  • 1 passion fruit, to finish

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour into two glasses.
  3. Cut the passion fruit in half and scrape the seeds on top.
  4. Serve immediately.

Follow me for more goodness! Also check out this gorgeous ebook to learn the basics of essential oils!

When I Am Among the Trees

This morning’s schedule change allowed me to have a long walk along a tree lined creek. I am certainly most grateful on these unexpected days where I have time to connect and be with myself and nature. Days like today are just one of the many benefits of being self employed. There certainly are some downsides to being your own boss, but time to get outside is a huge bonus! As I spent time watching hawks fly and bunnies hop, I found myself reciting this favorite poem of mine. Trees and time to commune with them often is something that is a must for me. I feel more connected, more energized and way more alive.

When I Am Among the Trees

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust,

equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,

in which I have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine.”

~Mary Oliver

Follow me for more goodness.