Marjoram Essential Oil

Marjoram essential oil is a wonderful oil.  It is steam distilled from the leaf.   It's top properties are antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, digestive stimulant, and a sedative.  

Marjoram essential oil can be used aromatically, internally, and topically. Please verify the use of the oil on the bottle that you purchased.  If it is a lower quality oil, it will not be safe for internal use.  

Marjoram essential oil is a versatile oil.  It can be used for digestive issues, muscular issues, respiratory issues, fungal issues and more.  

Common uses for Marjoram essential oil are boils, bronchitis, carpal tunnel, cold sores, colic, constipation, croup, headaches, high blood pressure, migraines, muscle aches & pains, muscular fatigue, muscular spasms, pancreatitis, and ringworm.   

For topical applications, I strongly recommend that you dilute with a carrier oil to increase the area of application, reduce evaporation of the essential oil, and to protect your skin from sensitivity. If it is for a muscular issue, I suggest using a heating pad on the area after you apply the diluted essential oil. It helps penetrate the oils into your muscles.  I like to use Marjoram, Lemongrass and Cinnamon together for muscular issues.  Cinnamon is a hot oil, so you must dilute heavily.    

For internal use, please verify that the essential oil you purchased is safe for ingesting.  To ingest you would put a few drops in a veggie cap. If you are using marjoram to reduce your high blood pressure, I suggest using a veggie cap with 2 drops marjoram and 2 drops lemongrass.   

Safety Precautions:  I strongly recommend diluting marjoram with a carrier oil, particularly for sensitive skin.  If you are pregnant, please consult your physician before using.    

As always, please do your own research!  Please ensure that you are purchasing your oils from a reputable company that does extensive testing to verify the quality and purity of the essential oils.     

Black Pepper Essential Oil

Lets talk about Black Pepper Essential Oil tonight.

It is Steam Distilled from the Berries - Egypt, India, Madagascar

Historically it was used for malaria, cholera, and digestive problems.

It was used in the embalming process in Egypt. At one time it was considered so valuable, that people would trade Gold to get Black Pepper Oil.

Black Pepper Oil may cause skin sensitization, so always dilute with a carrier oil.

Properties: Analgesic, Anticatarrhal, Anti-Inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, expectorant, laxative, rubefacient, stimulant, vasodilator, warming

Blends well with Cardamom, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Marjoram, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Emotionally Black Pepper dissolves spiritual exhaustion, breaks through self doubt, fuels motivation and gives the strength to act; high energy and hastens the healing process

Physically Black Pepper is good for arthritis, circulatory issues, constipation, diarrhea, gas, muscle aches and spasms, and rheumatism.  Black Pepper also provides immune system support during a cold or flu.  It has also assisted people with smoking cessation, by curbing cravings and anxiety.   

As always, do your research and purchase from a reputable company that provides information on their testing process.

Spotlight on Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is steam distilled from the flowers.  Lavender Essential Oil can be used Aromatically, Internally, or Topically.  It is safe for everyone to use from babies to the elderly.  As with any oil, I always suggest that you dilute it, so that your body never develops a sensitivity to the oil. However, many people use Lavender essential oil "neat" on the skin. Always do a spot test.  Lavender essential oil blends well with Black Pepper, Cirus Oils, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Thyme, and Vetiver. Lavender is one of the oils that I carry in my purse for life's little emergencies.  

I have used Lavender essential oil to stop my daughter's nose bleeds, by applying the oil on the outside of her nose.  Lavender essential oil is also great for skin irritations from cuts and scrapes to bug bites and poison ivy. It is a wonderfully soothing oil, so it is perfect to use at bedtime.  Here are a few other great ways to use Lavender.    

Please do your research before you purchase or use essential oils. Make sure you are purchasing high quality oils from a company that is reputable and explains in full detail how they test the oils and what test they use to determine quality and purity.    

Spotlight: Arborvitae Essential Oil

I thought it might be fun to start doing a spotlight on different essential oils.  

Today I am going to focus on Arborvitae.   

Arborvitae is steam distilled from the wood, needles, twigs.  
Country of Origin:  Typically Canada

It is also referred to as Western Red Cedar or the "Tree of Life" . You will see oil companies refer to it as Arborvitae, Thuja, Thuja Plicata, or Western Red Cedar.

Arborvitae has a very woodsy, earthy scent. It is know for repelling insects, so it is a great essential oil to put in your homemade bug sprays.  It is also a wonderful oil to put on bug bites. It helps reduce the itching and swelling.  

Summer is here and so are the BUGS

Summer has finally arrived and I am thrilled to see sunshine and warm weather.  Summer brings camping, swimming, family trips and more.  It is the time of year that sunscreen and bug spray seem to be out on my kitchen table and ready for use every day.  This year we are utilizing more natural products to assist us during these warmer months.  I have created my own bug spray with essential oils. Since our skin is our front line defense against disease and harsh chemicals, I am glad to know that I am making strides at reducing the number of toxins that my skin absorbs everyday.  

Did you know that different essential oils naturally repel certain types of bugs?  Mosquitoes hate cinnamon, lavender, lemongrass and vetiver essential oil, spiders hate peppermint essential oil, gnats hate patchouli and ticks don't like eucalyptus essential oil. Depending on what type of bug you need to repel will determine what essential oils you will use in your bug spray.  I like to start my bug spray with a repellent blend, because it has citronella, cedarwood, eucalyptus, fir needle, and other beneficial essential oils.   

Here is my Bug Spray Recipe:  

4 oz spray bottle 

10 drops Repellent Blend 
10 drops Lemongrass
4 drops Peppermint 
1/4 cup Witch Hazel

Add all of the essential oils and Witch Hazel to the spray bottle. Top off with water.  Shake well before each use.    

If you want or need your bug spray to be stronger, you can use up to 35 drops of essential oil in your spray bottle.  

Happy Oiling! 

Seasonal Threats are in Bloom

It is that time of year again....the flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, and the wind is spreading the pollen everywhere.  Many of you LOVE this time of year. For those of us with seasonal issues,  we DREAD this time of year. Our bodies are under attack from all of the pollen, grass, trees, and flowers that are in bloom.

Before Essential Oils, my head was always full of gunk and liquid that made me foggy and exhausted.  Now with Essential Oils I have a way to address these issues naturally with three amazing essential oils:   Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint.

Lemon essential oils primary therapeutic properties are antidepressant, antiseptic, detoxifier, and an immune enhancer.   I use the Lemon oil to to help my body get rid of the environmental threat and to boost my immune system.  

Lavender essential oils primary therapeutic properties are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, and a sedative. I use it to relieve the pain and pressure in my sinus cavities and temples as well as to reduce the inflammation.    

Peppermint essential oils primary therapeutic properties are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, expectorant, and a fever reducer.  I use Peppermint oil to relieve the pain and pressure, promote clear breathing and to aid with any stomach upset that might occur with sinus drainage.  

When I am faced with a seasonal threat, I like to put two drops each of lemon, lavender, and peppermint in my diffuser to help me breathe. If I need added support, I will use a carrier oil, like fractionated coconut oil (FCO), and apply a drop of peppermint on my chest to assist with respiratory function.  I will also put a drop of lemon and lavender oil in my palm mixed with FCO and then dab my finger in it and massage my cheeks and temples to relieve any muscle tension in my face and head. This always provides me with immediate relief from the pain and pressure.  After you have used your essential oils, please make sure that you wash your hands to remove the essential oils.

If you are suffering from severe congestion, you can put a drop of peppermint oil in your palm and then cup your hand over your nose to breathe in the oil.  Please make sure you close your eyes. Peppermint oil can make your eyes water. Wishing you a blessed Spring.    

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.   

Spring Cleaning with Essential Oils

It is that time of year again.  The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and everyone is ready to get outside and enjoy the season. After the long winter hibernation, it is time to get moving and do our Spring Cleaning!

As part of my journey to better health, I am incorporating essential oils into my cleaning regimen. It has only been in the past few years that I have really started paying attention to the fact the majority of the cleaning supplies we bring into our home are increasing our toxic load.  Most products can be toxic and harmful to your health due to the chemicals and artificial scents used. An easy way to save money and reduce the amount of chemicals in your home is to make your own cleaning supplies!  

Did you know that many essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties.  So not only are they all natural and have no harmful chemicals, they are also able to kills germs!   Here are few recipes to get you started.  

All Purpose Cleaner                               

Recipe #1                                       Recipe #2

24-32 oz Spray Bottle                    24-32 oz Spray Bottle 

1 ½ cups white vinegar                  1 cup distilled water

2 cups hydrogen peroxide              1 tsp unscented castile soap

10 drops Melaleuca                        1/3 cup white vinegar

10 drops Lemon                              5 drops of Lemon 

Distilled Water                                5 drops of Cleansing Blend 

Add all ingredients to spray bottle.  Shake Well and spray on surfaces.   Wipe clean. 

Glass Cleaner 

16 oz. Spray Bottle

1 1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup distilled water

15 drops of any citrus oil of your choice (could use Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, or a combination)

Add all ingredients to spray bottle.  Shake Well and spray                                               on glass.  Wipe clean.   

Wood Polish 

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup vinegar

10 drops essential oils (try Orange or Lemon)

8 oz. glass spray bottle 

Vacuum Freshener

Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place in your vacuum bag.   Lemon, Lime, Cleansing Blend, White Fir, or any other essential oil you love to smell.   

Air Freshener Spray 

8-ounce glass spray bottle

1/2 cup distilled water

20 drops essential oil of your choice

Recommended Essential Oils:  Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lavender, Cleansing Blend or any other oil that you love to smell!  

Add all ingredients to spray bottle.  Shake well and spray

Here is a great list of essential oils that can be used for cleaning. 

ANTIBACTERIAL OILS

Thyme, Melaleuca, Geranium, Oregano, Cinnamon, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lime and Lemongrass

ANTIBACTERIAL & ANTIVIRAL

Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Marjoram, Melaleuca, Oregano, Thyme

DEGREASING

Lemon, Orange, Bergamot

FRESHENING

Lemon, Bergamot, Orange, Grapefruit, Basil, Peppermint

MOLD

Cinnamon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Clove, Thyme, Rosemary 

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