using essential oils

Cranberry Tangerine Scones

/ embracingspirit / 1 Comment

I am a sucker for a good scone. One of my favorite afternoon treats is a delicious coffee and a scone. I like to make these into small size scones so I don’t ruin my appetite or my exercise efforts. The little treat is so worth it, though.

These tangerine cranberry scones are super delicious pretty much any time of day. Not just for afternoon coffee time. You could have them for breakfast, brunch or dessert.

Health Benefits of Cranberries:

As far as healthy foods go, cranberries are at the top of the list due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content and are often referred to as a “super food.” Not to mention, half a cup of cranberries contains only 25 calories! The possible health benefits of consuming cranberries include lowered risk of urinary tract infections, prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, decreased blood pressure and more.

Ingredients:

Scones

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold salted butter, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon grated tangerine or orange zest
  • 1 cup chopped dried cranberries
  • ¾ cup plus 4 tablespoons heavy cream

Glaze

Directions:

For the scones:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large glass bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut the butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the tangerine zest and dried cranberries.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add ¾ cup of the heavy cream. Mix the dough together. It should have a slightly dry texture, but not crumbly. Add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream if the dough seems too dry.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 1 minute. Form the dough into a round 1-inch thick, and use a knife or a pizza 4. cutter to cut the round into 8 equal wedges. Arrange the wedges in a round, but about 1 inch apart, on the baking sheet. Brush the wedges with 4 tablespoons heavy cream and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the scones are golden and the edges are lightly toasted.

For the glaze:

  1. In a glass bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, tangerine zest, orange juice, and tangerine essential oil. Drizzle the glaze on top of the warm scones.

Serve the scones warm or cold. Either way they will be delicious!

*Note: It is important to be sure you are using an essential oil that is safe for consumption. Many so called ‘essential oils’ from drugstores and grocery stores are quite toxic if taken internally. I choose to use only Certified Pure Therapuetic Grade doTERRA Essential oils. I recommended working closely with someone who can mentor you on the use of essential oils. You can also downloaded this free ebook that is a perfect guide for using essential oils.

I would love to hear what you think! Comment below and let me know if you loved these!

Follow me for more goodness!

Floral Essential Oils

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

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.

Jasmine Essential Oil

/ embracingspirit / 1 Comment

I cannot seem to get enough of jasmine essential oil lately. I find wearing it along my wrists, behind my ears, under my nose makes for a super calm, feminine feeling sassiness all day long. 

About Jasmine

Although native to the tropics, jasmine is cultivated in gardens around the world, thanks to its beautiful blossoms and exquisite fragrance. The aroma of Jasmine essential oil has an almost universal appeal. Intensely floral, it is warm, sweet, musky, and exotic. 

Due to the delicate nature of the blossoms, Jasmine cannot be distilled like other flowers. Instead, a precious, highly concentrated absolute is made from the flowers. It takes thousands of freshly picked petals to produce a 5 mL bottle of Jasmine absolute. There are over 200 varieties of Jasmine, most of which are native to warm climates in Northern Africa and Southern Asia. doTERRA Jasmine essential oil is sourced in Egypt from Royal Jasmine flower petals (Jasminum grandiflorum). Royal Jasmine is the most sought-after fragrance in the perfume and aromatherapy industries, thanks to its superior aroma. Of course, doTERRA’s standard takes that to the next level with added health benefits. 

Is Jasmine Oil Good For Skin?

Jasmine essential oil provides several skin benefits. It promotes healthy-looking, glowing skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can also be applied to the scalp to nourish and protect the skin. When used in skincare, jasmine essential oil acts as an effective antibacterial, soothing dry skin and eczema and increasing cell turnover to lighten the appearance of scars. 

Is Jasmine Effective for Mood?

There is evidence that aromatherapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms. A study that looked at jasmine essential oil found that when compared to a placebo, jasmine oil increased behavioral arousal. 

This included significant increases in blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The participants in the jasmine oil group also reported feeling more alert. The researchers concluded that the stimulating and activating effect of jasmine oil could be useful for relieving depression and improving mood. 

Jasmine oil used in aromatherapy massage was found to be particularly effective.

Another study published in the Journal of Health Research examined the effects of jasmine oil inhalation on the central nervous system and mood. When inhaled, jasmine oil affected brain activity and mood states and the participants reported feeling more positive, energetic, and romantic. 

You can reap the mental benefits of jasmine oil aromatherapy by using it in massage oil or in a diffuser, or by inhaling it directly from the bottle.

Is Jasmine an Aphrodisiac?

Jasmine’s romantic scent has long been believed to have an aphrodisiac effect. It’s been worn as a fragrance, and in parts of India, jasmine flowers are often included as décor at weddings in the newlyweds’ bedroom to set the mood for romance.

There is little scientific evidence to back its effects as an aphrodisiac. We do know that inhaling jasmine or using it in aromatherapy massage improves mood and has been reported to increase romantic and positive feelings, as well as energy levels. 

These things could, in theory, prime someone for romance and sex. Also, its stimulant effect on brain waves may make a person more alert to sexual cues, possibly increasing blood flow to the penis, according to a small study that looked at the association between odors and sexual response.

If you’re hoping to spice things up in the bedroom with jasmine oil, try dabbing some of the oil on your neck. Your body heat will enhance the scent. You can also add a few drops on bedding, to a warm bath, or to a diffuser in the bedroom.

Where Do You Apply Jasmine Oil?

Jasmine essential oil can be applied to pulse points for a calming aroma that uplifts mood and promotes a positive outlook. It evokes feelings of joy, peace, and self-confidence. In addition, Jasmine essential oil provides a myriad of benefits to the mind and body.When worn as a personal fragrance on the wrists and neck, Jasmine essential oil helps balance mood throughout the month and is highly sought-after for its ability to stir feelings of euphoria and romance. I love to apply Jasmine across my lower belly from hip to hip and behind my ears.

Are you ready to get Jasmine in your collection? You can grab one here. Check out this amazing ebook, too. It is packed with information to get you inspired to use essential oils for many uses in your home. 

The Top Ten Essential Oils

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

The Immune System and the Lymphatic System work synergistically to protect the body from harmful pathogens and disease. 

What are these systems?

These systems include many aspects to our body; white blood cells, bone marrow, the spleen, tonsils, adenoids, appendix, thymus, lymph, and lymph nodes. When our immune system is working properly, it is able to identify a threat and engage in a series of responses designed to eliminate the pathogen from entering targeted cells and tissues.

Lifestyle choices can either strengthen or weaken the immune response.

Nutrition is an important factor in having a healthy immune system because cells need vital nutrients to safeguard the body. 

Did you know  your essential oils have a chemical footprint similar to the human body, therefore, they have the unique ability to help the immune system bring itself to balance? Essential oils are fat-soluble (lipophilic) so they are able to penetrate the cell membrane and back up your immune system when you are feeling a bit run down.

There are so many uses for just these ten essential oils! And the great news is these come in two of my favorite starter bundles. Plus, when you get started with me, I hook you up with some awesome education and mentoring so that you know exactly how to use them, a free wellness coaching session, and a welcome package to get your started! You will also be part of a great community of people striving for wholeness.

Glowing Face Serum

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

Let’s face it aging is something that must be embraced but I think it can be done with a little help along the way, too. I have noticed as my skin ages, it has lost some elasticity. I have even found some fine lines. I have experimented with a bunch of serums, creams, masks over the years.

I always return to this serum because it is natural, smells amazing and gives my face a glorious glow,

We know that florals are going to be the best essential oils for the skin and this combo does not disappoint. I find it to be just what my skin is looking for. The neat thing is if you do not have all these oils, no worries, just use the ones you do have until you get the others.

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

Apply at least a nickel size amount to your face and neck. For an even better response, try a gua sha method or rose quartz facial roller.

To learn more about the many uses of essential oils beyond skin care, check out this free gorgeous ebook.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

DIY Lip Sugar Scrub

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

Oh my goodness winter weather is here and it is playing havoc on my otherwise soft lips! After some trial and error I think I have crafted the best version of a lip scrub with simple ingredients. Plus, when you use a DIY lip scrub, it removes the dead tissue from the skin and it will leave them feeling softer and smoother. It helps to neutralize lip discoloration, moisturize and help your lips look fuller.

This lip scrub also makes a fun activity for a spa birthday party or a great Valentine’s Day gift for friends. Because the ingredients are natural, you can feel good about whipping up a batch to gift to teachers, neighbors, and anyone that might enjoy some softer skin this winter.

It is super easy and you can customize it to your own aroma liking….although lemon, wild orange or eucalyptus are all pretty amazing! And for extra fun and plumping action, try peppermint or spearmint!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 10-14 drops of essential oil
  • 1/2 tsp grapeseed oil


INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine ingredients and stir until blended.
  • Store in an airtight container. I really like these cute little jars.
Photo by Polina Kovaleva on Pexels.com

Why You Should Always Use a Carrier Oil with Essential Oils

/ embracingspirit / Leave a comment

Why You Should Always Use a Carrier Oil with Essential Oils

Essential oils are powerful, concentrated plant extracts that can offer incredible benefits for your body and mind. But did you know that applying them directly to your skin—without diluting them—can often do more harm than good? This is where carrier oils come in.

Carrier oils, like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, are gentle plant-based oils that “carry” essential oils safely onto your skin. They help dilute the potency of essential oils, reducing the risk of irritation, while also making it easier for your skin to absorb their nourishing properties. Using a carrier oil isn’t just about safety—it’s also about enhancing your aromatherapy experience and getting the most from your favorite blends.

In this post, we’ll explore why carrier oils are essential, how to choose the right one for your needs, and the best dilution ratios for safe and effective use

When using essential oils topically, I prefer to blend with fractionated coconut oil. FCO is odorless, non-greasy, absorbs easily and doesn’t go rancid quickly. I use roller bottles for essential oils I use often; this gives me oils with a carrier and helps to stretch out my oils over time.

Why use a carrier?

Although essential oils are readily absorbed, there are many ways to increase absorption. Using a light massage will increase the blood flow to the area of application, in turn improving distribution throughout the body. Also, use of a carrier oil can also increase absorption, especially in skin that is dry or flaky as it helps moisturize the skin and slow evaporation of the oil. Giving the essential oil a carrier to “grab” onto will also prevent the molecules of the EO to evaporate before going deep into the skin for benefit.

To decrease the likelihood of developing a skin sensitivity, especially on young or sensitive skin, it is advisable to use a carrier oil to dilute more potent oils and when trying an oil for the first time. The recommend dilution ratio is typically one drop of essential oil to three drops of carrier oil.It’s always advisable to use several small doses throughout the day rather than a single large dose. Start with the lowest possible dose (1–2 drops). A topical dose can be repeated every 4–6 hours as needed. Because every individual is unique, the dose will vary for each individual based on size, age, and overall health status.

Beneficial Areas You Can Apply Essential Oils:

•Neck
•Forehead and temples
•Chest and abdomen
•Arms, legs, bottom of feet.

Be cautious and avoid some facial areas, such as the skin around the eyes, and broken, damaged, or otherwise injured skin.

Interested in learning more? Check out this handy guide.

22279772_10156739262752995_4256084855163433499_n.jpg

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.