Mary's Essentials
  • Store
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Upcoming Events
  • FAQs
  • Store
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Upcoming Events
  • FAQs
Search

Blog

Spring Clean your Mattress with Essential Oils!

3/28/2015

1 Comment

 

The Problem-How Can I Sanitize My Mattress?

Picture
Well it's Spring and along with the sunshine and warm weather comes the deep cleaning of your home. Not long ago, I stripped the flannel sheets off the bed and washed the mattress pad. It is my routine to flip the mattress twice a year giving me the opportunity to vacuum the mattress as I do this.
After we repositioned the mattress I questioned myself if the mattress was as clean as I could get it. Vacuuming is works well as it removes dust and skin cells that are lost and collected in the mattress but vacuuming doesn't sanitize the mattress.  Then I had a thought..... 

The Solution-Essential Oils for Sanitation 

I use EOs to kill germs either topically or by diffusing in the air, why not make a disinfectant spray that I could use on the items that can't be washed such as mattresses and carpets? After a little research I came up with a mixture that I felt would sanitize and freshen my mattress. I dropped the oils in small 4 oz spray bottle and filled it with distilled water. I sprayed both sides of the mattress with the mixture making sure to get the seams as well. I then let it sit for 30 minutes while I went on to other things. Upon returning, I took a handheld steamer and steamed the mattress (again making sure to get the seams). What I did was slowly run the steamer over the mattress, this produced a high temperature on the mattress without distributing too much water vapor to saturate the mattress.  It was dry within minutes but I left the sheets off for a few hours just to make sure.

The Recipe

10 drops of Thieves blend EO
10 drops of Purification blend EO
10 drops of Peppermint EO
3 drops of Lavender EO

Place in a 2-4 oz spray bottle and top off wit distilled water.  This is a DIY antibacterial spray that can be used on most surfaces.

The Results!

The results were amazing! Not only did the mattress smell great but I felt very comfortable that our mattress was sanitized and fresh. 

Interested in the Spray?

If you are interested in the spray and would like to save the time of not mixing this yourself just contact me for a custom blend and we can get you all fixed up!

Contact Me
If you are a DIYer and need to purchase the oils feel free to explore the "Young Living" tab on this website and it will take you right to the Young Living website where you can purchase your oils. There is no obligation for being a retail customer, help yourself and explore the world of essential oils!
Young Living
1 Comment

Activated Charcoal & Bentonite Clay Facial Mask

3/15/2015

2 Comments

 

Blackhead Buster!

Picture
I know it seems strange to put charcoal on your face but this mask has amazing benefits for your skin. If you have read my other blogs you will know that my son has acne that we have been treating with an essential oil blend that I call Complexion Enhancement because it is not work well for acne but for most skin issues. The Complexion Enhancement works great for acne and preventing new blackheads but it did not extract the blackheads that were already there prior to us starting our treatment.  So I starting researching high and low for blackhead removal therapies and let me tell you there are a lot of so called "treatments" out there. We tried many things but what I'm about to tell you works wonders for your skin and I'm so excited to be able to share this with you.  As you may know, I also make soap and one of the soaps I make is for acne prone skin.  I started thinking what if I could make a mask with some of the same acne fighting ingredients that are in the soap?  I experimented a little and came up with a Charcoal & Bentonite Clay mask with Lavender and Tea Tree essentials oils.  Well it looks strange I have to admit, it was very thick to begin with but I thinned it with Rose Water to make it more spreadable for the face. My son was very hesitant to say the least but we tested the mask on my hand for 15 minutes to prove to him that it would not discolor his face.  He finally consented to the mask and 15 minutes later we washed it off. OH MY GOODNESS, to my surprise it removed a large number of the smaller blackheads and for the really stubborn blackheads it raised them more to the surface to allow for a much easier manual extraction process. He would only allow me so much "face" time so we repeated the process the next week again with amazing results.  My daughter and I joined him in the masking adventure and we loved the results too.  It left our skin feeling amazingly soft, so soft that I can't articulate it in written words.

My Recipe

Picture
1 Tbsp. of Bentonite Clay

1 tsp. of Activate Charcoal

Rose water to thin to your desired consistency

2 drops of Tea Tree EO

2 drops of Lavender EO
Mix ingredients well and incorporate the EOs at the end.  Apply the mask with your fingers or with a brush.  This is very important, do not leave the mask on longer than 15 minutes! These ingredients are very powerful and if you leave the mask on longer it could make your skin very sensitive.  To remove the mask, apply a warm washcloth to a small area at a time and gently wash it away. It is very thick so this process takes a little time.  Once you have it mostly removed, gently wash your face and pat dry. Do not exfoliate or wash your face vigorously for 2 days after using the mask.  Use the mask no more than once a week.  

Why does this mask work?

Both Activated Charcoal and Bentonite Clay removes toxins from your body so the mixture naturally "pulls" the blackheads to the surface.  Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils are great for you skin as they have natural antibiotic properties which helps prevent blackhead/acne formation and also softens skin.

How can you get this mask?

You can purchase the needed ingredients and make the mask yourself or you can contact me for a custom blending of your own Activated Charcoal & Bentonite Clay mask @ holistic@marysessentials.com. For information on the Complexion Enhancement or Acne Soap follow this link www.marysessentials.com/store. 
2 Comments

The Health Benefits to Oil Pulling

2/24/2015

0 Comments

 

What is Oil Pulling?

Picture
This oral therapy is a type of Ayurvedic medicine (a traditional Indian system) that dates back 3,000 years. It involves swishing approximately 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes then spitting it out. You can use any edible oil, however coconut oil is preferred. Unlike some so-called natural home remedies, oil pulling is not a practice that is based on pseudo-science.  Recent studies show that oil pulling helps against gingivitis, plaque and microorganisms that cause bad breath. How does this work? Most microorganisms inhibiting the mouth consist of a single cell. Cells are covered with a lipid, or fatty, membrane which is the cell's skin. When these cells come into contact with oil they naturally adhere to each other. If you do your research, you will find that oil pulling benefits your health in many ways by helping with sinus and allergy issues, along with inflammatory type disease processes.   

Steps in Oil Pulling

Picture

My Oil Pulling Recipe

2 tablespoons of coconut oil +
5 drops Thieves Oil +
5 drops Orange Essential Oil

I use the Thieves Oil because it has antibacterial properties and will help improve your immune system and also jump start the pulling process.  
Orange Essential Oil naturally whitens your teeth so this is a perfect time to give your teeth extra attention. 

Melt coconut oil and allow to cool off a bit, then mix Essential Oils until well blended. Coconut Oil solidifies at 76* F so if your house is like mine, it will not stay in its liquid form for long. Keep this mixture in a dark, class container and spoon in your bathroom for easy access.

Important Oil Pulling Tips!

  • Even though the directions above indicate that you use a Tablespoon of oil, I find that is way too much oil to start with for a 20 minute swish. I suggest using 1 teaspoon instead.
  • When you first place the coconut oil in your mouth it feels a little funny because it will most probably be in solid form, no worries, this quickly dissolves into a liquid form.
  • Swish gently and take breaks so that your mouth does not get tired. I know 20 minutes seems like a LONG TIME. If you find this difficult, start out with a 5 minute swish and gradually increase your time. 
  • I try to multitask with my normal morning activity, so I start the swish then go through my normal "getting ready for the day" activities. In no time at all 20 minutes has passed.
  • Remember that you need to spit out the mixture and do not swallow it! The reason behind this, is that the mixture will be full of bacteria that is being drawn from your body and you do not want to introduce that bacteria back into your body. Also I need to alert you that remember if you use coconut oil that it will go back to its solid form, so please do not spit the mixture into your drains. Use a trashcan or paper towels to dispose of the waste. 
  • Use this in combination to your normal oral care, Oil Pulling should not be used to replace brushing, flossing or any dental treatment needed for advanced periodontal disease. 
  • Stay healthy and HAPPY PULLING! 
0 Comments

Increase your passion and make every night special!

2/8/2015

2 Comments

 
Picture
Intimacy, passion, excitement, sex! Are these items only on your wish list? Are you ever fully in the mood for love these days? Life is busy let's face it. Are you just not in "the mood"? Do you have a lot of "headaches"? Are you a busy mom taking care of the family? Do you work full time? If you have kids in school there is carpooling, after school activities and homework not to mention laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping and the list goes on and on. Does this leave time for anything but fatigue? Is there anything that can help? Read more to find out about Sensation and how it can help increase your passion and make every night special!

What is Sensation Essential Oil?

Sensation is a wonderfully fragrant, powerfully romantic blend that is extremely uplifting and arousing. It has an alluring scent and should definitely be used as a perfume. It is formulated to enhance the enjoyment of those special romantic moments. This intoxicating scent enhances the excitement of experiencing new heights of self-expression and awareness.
This romantic blend not only has a seductive scent but is also very nourishing and hydrating for the skin and is beneficial for various skin problems. It is also available as a massage oil! Use it to energize and enhance your evening with your partner or spouse.

What is in Sensation Essential Oil Blend?

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Cananga odorata) has a long history in skin and hair care products, particularly in Asia, where it is used to promote luxuriant hair. It is also used as a hormone regulator as it restores confidence and equilibrium.

Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum officinale) has a wonderful aroma that relieves stress and uplifts the mind and body. It is also beneficial for the skin and supportive of women's hormones. It has been used throughout history for romance and attraction and for balancing the feminine energy of the body.

Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens) helps you relax and beatify your skin. Used traditionally to support the circulatory and nervous systems, a great deal of its strength lies in its ability to revitalize body tissues.

Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia) includes soothing digestion and combating stress. The essential oil has a calming aroma which relaxes the mind and body.

Coriander Essential Oil (Coriandrum sativum L) has been used since Ancient Egypt. It may support healthy digestive and circulatory system functions and has been studied for the support it may offer to a healthy pancreas.

Helpful Insights

Picture
What are the Documented Uses for Sensation Essential Oil?

Aphrodisiac, enhancing relationships, loss, love, personal growth, romantic intimacy, promotes sexual energy (men and women), skin and wrinkles associated with aging and promotes sexual vigor and performance (emotional).

What Healthy Body Systems are Supported?
Nervous system and skin.



What is the Aromatic Affect on the Mind?
Emotionally calming and balancing.

What is the Spiritual Influence?
Sensation promotes the emotions of love, intimacy and confidence. It helps us release emotional blocks to love, self-love and sharing love. If we are experiencing low libido or infertility, this oil may help you unblock the physical and emotional issues preventing you from moving forward. May help with self expression and spiritual awareness.

What Chakra is Affected?
Opens the sacral and heart chakras.

How is Sensation Used?

Apply 2-3 drops directly to skin (on shoulders, pulse points or soles of feet).
Add it to your favorite lotion and enjoy a massage from your sweetie.
Add 2-3 mixed with a tsp of carrier oil to your bath water.
Use a diffuser in your bedroom
Inhale the oil directly from the bottle or wear it on an aromatherapy necklace.
"This year for Valentine's Day give him the gift he really wants, the gift of YOU."
Picture
2 Comments

Copaiba the Alternative to Ibuprofen

1/15/2015

0 Comments

 

Copaiba Oil Eases Physical Discomforts

Picture
Copaiba Oil is one of my favorite EOs. Hmmm, (I'm pretty sure that I have said that about all of the EOs I have
written about) but seriously, I use this oil everyday. If you go back and read my blog on arthritis you will understand why. Copaiba is a wonderful essential oil that reduces the body's natural response to injury or irritation and supports healthy digestion. It also will minimize discomfort related to occasional muscle stiffness.
From the oleoresin of the Copaiba Tree, it is harvested similarly to how we collect maple syrup! It is taken right from the tree through a pipe drilled into the tree! The essential oil is then produced by steam distilling the copal (oleoresin collected from the tree).
Did you know that copaiba oil known to have some of the highest levels of beta-caryophyllene in the world? Yes it has been documented to contain 50 percent beta-caryophyllene.


What is Beta-Caryophyllene?

Beta-caryophyllene has been extensively studied for its ability to modulate the body's response to irritation. The significance is that it is approved by the FDA as a dietary cannabinoid (substance that naturally occurs in the nervous and immune systems).
Picture
"Do you have muscle or joint pain? Then this EO is for you!"

How can Copaiba Oil be used?

Use diluted - 50:50 dilution (one part essential oil: one part of carrier oil). Then,
  • Apply several drops (2-4) on location of pain or discomfort
  • Apply to vitaflex points
  • Directly inhale
  • Diffuse
  • May be used as a dietary supplement

Featured Product- Muscle and Joint Pain Be Gone!

Picture
I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this cream. If you have any kind of arthritis, muscle or sciatica pain you have to try this. 
Copaiba does not have a strong scent, I would say that it is very light and when I mix it with a carrier oil, I usually can only obtain the scent of the carrier. Copaiba is one of the main ingredient EOs that I use in the Muscle & Joint Pain Be Gone. I like the cream because it is very light and spreads easily, the base is designed to melt right into your skin. I not only use Copaiba in the cream form but also just mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the soles of my feet every morning to help with joint stiffness. This is hands down my best seller and I need to start a testimonial page so that other people can tell you how this oil has helped them (putting that on my to-do list now). I have not ingested this oil yet but I plan to, I've read testimonials from others that have had wonderful results with arthritis pain. I'm also in the process of testing a new product for pain that includes Copaiba, it is much more concentrated than the cream and hopefully if testing goes well, it will be released soon. It is a mixture that will be used for more severe or acute pain. Oh as an FYI, I apply the cream directly to the area where I have pain but as a preventive you can apply Copaiba to the soles of your heat. Also remember when applying cream or mixtures for pain that the origin of pain may not be where the pain is felt. For example, your wrist my be hurting but the origin of your pain may be generating from higher up on your arm. So when you apply cream make sure to cover the area that is giving you pain and also the surrounding area.  I will keep you updated and please post a reply and let's keep the conversation going.

  

0 Comments

The Power of the Thieves Oil

1/7/2015

0 Comments

 

This blend has endless options

Picture
Thieves Oil is great! If you could only have one oil in your collection, Thieves would be a great place to start. Thieves Oil is a mixture of 5 different EOs that are mostly used for their antibacterial and antiviral properties. Thieves Oil comes premixed for your convinenience or you can blend your own. I have personally used this to ward off the flu in our house this year. Every night I put a drop or two on the soles of my kids feet before bed, this acts as an immune booster. Whenever someone gets congested or starts to get a little cough, I have them drink hot tea with 2-3 drops of thieves added. This seems to help them quickly get over whatever little germ they contracted. I have used this mixture on the outside of my neck when I have a sore throat which usually takes care of the soreness by the next morning. Also, I've used this for years on any little bumps or cuts to keep them from getting infected, especially with MRSA being such an issue these days. 


The Blend

Picture
The recipe for this blend is believed to have originated from thieves during the 15th century. According to popular theory, the concoction was created by a group of four thieves and grave robbers to protect themselves from contracting the plague while robbing the bodies of the gravely ill and deceased. When apprehended, the thieves admitted to using the formula and disclosed the recipe in order to receive a less severe punishment for their crimes.

This is a classic recipe, but you can customize it by adjusting the quantities or adding other antibacterial essential oils such as Tea Tree, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Ravensara, Lavender, Juniper Berry, Hyssop, Bay Laurel, or Scotch Pine.

Ingredients:
  • 40 drops organic clove essential oil
  • 35 drops organic lemon essential oil
  • 20 drops organic cinnamon bark essential oil 
  • 15 drops organic eucalyptus essential oil
  • 10 drops organic rosemary essential oil
Mix all essential oils together in a dark glass bottle.

CLOVE oil, nature’s richest source of eugenol, is the highest-scoring single ingredient tested for its antioxidant capacity on the ORAC scale. Clove is also known for its immune-enhancing properties.

With 68% d-limonene, LEMON oil is a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to act as a natural solvent and cleanser.

High in antioxidants, CINNAMON BARK has a reputation for relieving discomfort during the winter season and supporting the digestive system.

As one of the most versatile of the eucalyptus oils, EUCALYPTUS RADIATA has many health-promoting properties. This powerful essential oil contains eucalyptol as one if its major elements, which in laboratory tests has been reported as being effective against bacteria in topical applications.

ROSEMARY oil is naturally energizing and may be beneficial for helping restore mental alertness when experiencing fatigue.


Featured Product

I like this mixture so well that I use it when I make the Beeswax Lotion Bars. I love this product because it is great for the guys or the ladies. The lotion Bars are exactly as  titled, they are in a solid form and use them on your hands, feet, elbows and knees to soften and protect your skin. Because I incorporate Thieves in the mixture the lotion bars not only protect your hands from getting chapped but also help sanitize them. These are designed for folks that wash their hands often or work outside in the cold weather. As the title alludes to, they are made with Beeswax which does not leave your hands feeling oily or greasy after use. 
" I have personally used this to ward off the flu in our house this year"

50 Ways To Use Thieves Essential Oil

  1. Apply 1-3 drops to cuts or open wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.
  2. Mix with a tablespoon of water, gargle and swallow for a sore throat.
  3. Apply to upper chest and throat with V-6 Massage Oil for bronchitis. 
  4. Put a drop on your thumb and apply to the roof of your mouth for a headache.
  5. Put 4-8 drops in a capsule with olive oil and swallow daily for longevity.
  6. For acne, take internally and apply to the skin diluted with V-6 Massage Oil.
  7. Put a couple drops directly on the soles of your feet to protect you from colds and flu.
  8. Diffuse in your home to keep the germ count down.
  9. Breathe in the vapors when you have lung congestion.
  10. Use to clean pet cages, creating a healthier environment for them.
  11. Add a few drops to your dishwasher for cleaner dishes.
  12. Add to your laundry cycle for cleaner clothes.
  13. Add several drops to your mop water for cleaner floors.
  14. Mix 8-12 drops with water in a 4 oz. spray bottle to repel insects on your flowers and plants.
  15. Use to dissolve the gummy adhesive on price labels.
  16. Apply to bee and wasp stings to neutralize the toxin and relieve the pain.
  17. Apply to gums to prevent and treat gum disease.
  18. Apply orally to maintain healthy teeth and reduce cavities.
  19. Apply a drop or two to gums and teeth for pain relief from toothaches.
  20. Diffuse 15-30 minutes daily in homes or business to solve mold problems.
  21. Add 1 drop to orange juice and drink to reduce phlegm and congestion.
  22. Apply to broken bones or joints with V-6 for pain relief and to hasten healing.
  23. Put a drop in your cup of tea for flavor and to maintain health.
  24. Put on the tip of your tongue to help you stop smoking.
  25. Put on cold sores and cancer sores with V-6 to make them disappear.
  26. For warts: apply topically, inhale and take 2-3 drops in a capsule to make them disappear.
  27. Rub on sore joints with V-6 Massage Oil to relieve arthritis pain.
  28. Drink a few drops in water or juice every three hours to stop a cold.
  29. Place a drop in a glass of water every day for herpes.
  30. Rub a 2 drops on the bottoms of children’s feet for protection before school every day.
  31. Diffuse in the house as your children come home from school every day.
  32. Mix 2-4 drops with V-6 Massage Oil and rub on daily for relief of shingles.
  33. Apply a drop on a wound of a cat or dog to clear it up.
  34. Diffuse in the home or office to stimulate a cheerful mood.
  35. Diffuse in the office to increase concentration and work efficiency.
  36. Diffuse in your place of business to ward off the germs.
  37. Diffuse in the classroom to reduce student sickness and absenteeism.
  38. Put a few drops in your carpet steamer to disinfect carpet.
  39. Mix 1-2 drops with honey or Blue Agave in a teaspoon for cough relief.
  40. Breathe and apply for sinus headaches.
  41. Put a drop on a pimple to make it shrink and disappear.
  42. For laryngitis, put a drop under your tongue with V-6 to restore your voice.
  43. Inhale for relief of allergy symptoms.
  44. Take a capsule full every day for relief of Lyme disease symptoms.

  45. Carry a bottle on every flight to protect you from germs on the plane.
  46. Put a few drops on a tissue, place near the heat/AC vents of a hotel to rid it of airborne germs.
  47. Apply one drop on an infected wound of a cat or dog to clear it up.
  48. Mix several drops with baking soda to clean bathtubs.
  49. Apply to the toes and feet to combat foot  fungus.
  50. Apply with V-6 Massage Oil to poison ivy rashes to relieve the itch.
Picture
0 Comments

Start 2015 out fresh by detoxing

1/1/2015

1 Comment

 

Detox your body, mind and spirit

Picture
Well the Holidays are over and everyone is preparing for the new year. For many of us, we have made new year resolutions, made our to-do lists and reflected on this past year.  For some of us 2014 was a great year, for others it was not so great. One thing is for certain, life is life and we all experience the bad with the good. We all deserve to start the new year right by getting rid of the "toxins" that are in our systems left from 2014.  I'm not just speaking of detoxing our bodies (that is easy), but to include our minds and spirits in this detox process. Adding a detoxifying cleanse to your annual routine can help increase your energy flow and help with your overall well-being.

Forgiveness is Critical to Detoxifying your mind and spirit which will benefit your body.

Believe me, I know it isn't easy to forgive and I'm not here to tell you how to accomplish this.  It's hard to forgive others when they hurt or disappoint us.  Like most of us, I've been on both sides of the coin where I've had to ask for forgiveness and had to extend forgiveness to others. There has been times that I've forgiven others not because they have asked or because it is the Christian thing to do but to free myself from the power of the bitterness that comes with not forgiving. Bitterness is a toxin, that left unattended will grow and destroy your happiness and ultimately your life.
Picture

Find YOUR Mountaintop!

Picture
Most of us have probably not climbed a mountain but I'm sure we all have been at a higher elevation where you look down and realize the smallness of the world. In that moment you are not trying to make everyone happy or multitasking your life away, YOU are just simply enjoying the view from "your mountaintop" happy and content with life.
Why does it take a mountaintop experience to make us set back and just be in the moment? Let's all try to find our mountaintop (regardless of what that is) in 2015 and spend as much time there as we can, just living in the moment being happy and content.

Detox with Essential Oils

If you are interested in removing the toxins from yourself and starting out 2015 with a fresh start please read about what these EOs can do.  Using EOs to help with detox is a safe and natural way to achieve your detox goals. I personally drink water with 2 drops each of  lemon and grapefruit EOs added every morning.  I feel that this energizes and prepares me for my day. I do stress that if you ingest any EOs please make sure that they are truly graded as therapeutic. I researched long and hard before going with a company that I felt comfortable with. I use Young Living EOs but there are a few more companies that provide therapeutic grade EOs, just do your research first if you plan to take EOs internally. If you have questions please post them here, or you can contact me.
Picture
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can be used in the bath, can be consumed, and can be applied topically. If you want to drink it, you only need a few drops of it for it to be effective. You can add it to a detox smoothie or simply add it to water. Peppermint oil can also help you regain or maintain your concentration, and can soothe the digestive system. Peppermint oil is taken from the peppermint plant, which itself has been used medicinally for thousands of years. You’ll often find peppermint oil mixed with other 
essential oils in a detoxifying blend.

2. Juniper Oil
Juniper oil comes from juniper berries, Juniper berries themselves are good for the body thanks to their antioxidants. They can also be used to aid in the digestive system, and can be used as a diuretic. When you use essential oils you are capturing the essence of their source without actually having to use the source plant itself. Juniper oil can help relax the mind and get you to stop stressing out, and can help alleviate pain. As a diuretic it can help flush out toxins and excess water weight, including excessive amounts of sodium.

3. Grapefruit Oil
Perhaps you’re used to eating grapefruit, but didn’t know that an oil can be extracted from it that can help the body in numerous ways, not least of which is detoxing? It may be one of the most helpful oils you’re not using, and you don’t have to limit its use to a one-off detox program, you can use it daily to help keep yourself as healthy as can be. It’s been noted for helping to kill viruses within the body, as well as microbes within the body that can cause problems. It is also a diuretic, helping the body flush out waste and toxins.

4. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary may be in your herb collection in the kitchen, but the oil derived from this plant can help in your detox efforts, as well as your overall health and wellbeing. By taking the properties of rosemary and putting into an essential oil you’re able to get benefits like improved digestion, improved circulation, anti-inflammatory benefits, and diuretic properties. It can even make you feel better, and has been shown to be a way to ward off cancer and memory loss. You can inhale the oil as a form of aromatherapy, or take a bath with it, or even use it in combination with a massage oil during a massage.

5. Laurel Oil
Laurel oil comes from laurel leaves, which have been shown to have large amount of antioxidants that will help the body in numerous ways. Rather than trying to consume or use laurel leaves you can use the essential oil instead, and still derive the benefits. The number one aspect of any detox process is getting the digestive system to function at its best. Laurel essential oil can improve digestion, and only a small amount is needed to get this benefit. You can also use it in a diffuser which helps it to enter the body through respiration.

6. Mandarin Oil
Mandarin oil is derived from mandarin oranges and has been shown to help with relaxing the nervous system, one of the best things you can do to get the body into a better state and prepare it for detoxification. It can also help to purify the blood and improve the circulatory system. Because it comes from mandarin oranges it has a nice citrusy aroma to it as well, and using it as part of an aromatherapy program. It helps the liver function, and the liver is the most important organ when it comes to detoxing the body. A liver that is not performing at its best has a domino effect on the rest of the body, and should get top priority with any detox plan.

7. Lemon Oil
Lemons have long been known as having astringent properties, and there is even the Master Cleanse which relies on a sort of lemonade concoction that is designed to clear out the body. You’ll often see lemon oil added to cleaning products for the fresh scent it provides and the feeling of clean it produces. Some of the purported benefits of using lemon oil are that it can prevent cancer, free up the lymphatic system and respiratory system, and can be used to reduce inflammation in the body. You can start using lemon oil in baths or using it in a detox shake to add this to your lifestyle.

8. Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil comes from the patchouli plant which has been shown to help improve the mood, and can even improve your sex drive. It’s one of the essential oils that doesn’t get put into the spotlight too often, but has great benefits to it nonetheless. You can use it to detoxify both the body and the mind by taking a bath that has drops of patchouli oil added to it. If you want to benefit from its diuretic properties you’ll need to ingest it, which is easy enough by drinking a few drops in water or making a tea from it.

9. Hyssop Oil
Hyssop oil is a lesser-known essential oil but one that will likely grow in popularity as its benefits become clear. It is often given to help treat digestive issues, and an improved digestion is what we’re going for when we start to detox the body. The digestive system is the most important part of the process because that’s what helps to eliminate the most toxins. If it grows sluggish then the body is at risk for many different diseases and conditions. Using an oil like hyssop oil to gently and gradually improve the digestion is a great way to take a step forward towards improved health.

10. Helichrysum Oil
You’d probably have a hard time trying to figure out how to get more helichrysum into your daily life, which is what it’s a good thing that you can simply buy helichrysum oil. Helichrysum is made up of the sunflower family, and it has plenty of benefits. Many of these benefits are for the skin, and since the skin is the largest organ of the body it only makes sense to help it out and keep it as healthy as possible. It can help lower the amount of inflammation in the body, and can even help regenerate cells.



1 Comment

Will Your Skincare Products Block Your Pores?

12/30/2014

0 Comments

 

Comedogenic Ratings

Picture
The term "comedogenic" is almost always paired with the term "noncomedogenic."  This pair of words is used to discuss the degree to which a substance may block the pores. Blocked pores can result in an increase of acne in certain people, and for this reason, people may look for ingredients in skin treatments that are noncomedogenic and less likely to occlude the pores. Those who don’t have acne can usually safely pick products that may occasionally block the pores.

The order of ingredients can tell people a lot about how much of a comedogen is in a product. If the last ingredient on a list of ingredients can block pores, this means that the ingredient is present in the lowest percentage of all ingredients in a product. Of course, it is also possible for products to contain more than one such product.

For those people who need to strictly avoid these ingredients, most cosmetics and other skincare treatments will usually labeled as noncomedogenic if they don't include pore-blocking ingredients. Looking for the noncomedogenic label is a way of avoiding skin products that might result in more skin breakouts.

Levels of comedogenicity are rated on a scale of 0 - 5, 0 being noncomedogenic, 5 being highly comedogenic. 


Green is good

Highly Comedogenic Oils:
     Cocoa Butter      
     Linseed Oil
     Olive Oil    
     Peach Kernel Oil
     Soybean Oil
     Wheat Germ Oil -


Mildly Comedogenic:
​     Avocado Oil
     Castor Oil
     Hazelnut Oil
     Rosehip Oil
     Safflower Oil
     Sunflower Oil
Moderately Comedogenic:
​     Almond Oil
​     Coconut Oil
      Grapeseed Oil
     Sesame Oil
     Tocopherol



Non-Comedogenic!
​     Argan Oil
     Glycerin
      Hemp Seed Oil
     Jojoba Oil
     Shea Butter


The search for the perfect acne mixture continues



If you read my story you know that I have been treating my son's acne with EOs.  His face was much improved before Christmas break then suddenly he developed a breakout. I was thinking of what could have caused this, did my oils fail me?  It turns out that he has "taken a break" from his personal hygiene routine because sleeping late and playing video games is so much more important than clear skin (Oh, that boy!). 
As we discussed the situation he told me that he really didn't like the way the oils felt on his face (remember that the EOs need to be mixed with a carrier oil). In my first attempt I used Hemp Oil and Jojoba Oil as the base and added the EOs to that mixture. This made for an all liquid mixture and I loved the way it felt on my skin but regardless, if he doesn't like it he will not use it. So onto round 2 and I believe we may have a winner!  I incorporated Shea Butter into the equation of Hemp and Jojoba and was able to form a thick compound that once you begin spreading it on your face, it  spreads easily.  He LOVES the new mixture because it quickly absorbs and doesn't leave an oily residue. All of the base oils I use are noncomedogenic which is one less thing to worry about. Now don't let the green of the Hemp Seed Oil scare you, it        will not turn your skin green! Actually, mixed with the Shea Butter, the mixture is more of a light beige color.  Hemp Oil is one of my favorite of the carrier oils I would use on my face because it acts as a natural sunscreen. I will update this blog and let you know how the Complexion Enhancer (as I call it) is working.

Contact me for more info on EOs for Acne
0 Comments

What are Carrier Oils?

12/26/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually the seeds, kernels or the nuts. Carrier oils are useful when working with essential oils because it is sometimes necessary to dilute an essential oil. One example is when applying to the skin.  Powerful, highly concentrated essential oils may cause skin irritations.  Another use for carrier oils blended with essential oils is that they are often applied during massage, acting as a needed lubricating agent when working larger areas and muscles.  One advantage of carrier oils is that they do not evaporate like essential oils that tend to evaporate quicker when applied neat.  Carrier oils actually aid in absorption. Essential oils can be added to carrier oils or a carrier oil can be applied first to an area, followed by an essential oil, this process is referred to as dilution.  It is usually specified in terms of either a percentage or a number of drops to be added to an amount of carrier oil.  Listed below are some examples of carrier oils.  My youngest daughter has a peanut allergy so I don't use Peanut Oil in any of our mixtures.

Almond, Sweet Oil                            Evening Primrose Oil                Pecan Oil   
Apricot Kernel Oil                             Grapeseed Oil                             Rose Hip Oil
Avocado Oil                                        Hazelnut Oil                               Sesame Oil 
Borage Oil                                           Jojoba Oil                                    Shea Butter
Calendula Oil                                      Macadamia Nut Oil                   Sunflower Oil
Cocoa Butter                                      Olive Oil                                       Walnut Oil
Coconut Oil                                         Peanut Oil                                   Wheatgerm Oil

Carrier oils are available in two different forms, liquid and solid. My favorite solids are Coconut Oil and Shea Butter.  I use these two along with different liquid carrier oils to form the bases for most of our products.  

Cocoa Butter
Coconut Oil
Shea Butter
I will use other blog forums to discuss different essential oils and carrier oils in detail, this post is to give you a generalized understanding of what carrier oils are.  Let's keep the conversation going, let me know your thoughts...
0 Comments

    Author
    Mary New
    MSN, RN

    Let's use this blog to talk about different health topics.

    Archives

    March 2018
    March 2016
    February 2016
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014

    Categories

    All
    Essential Oil Info
    Life
    Soap
    Your Health

    RSS Feed

  • Store
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Upcoming Events
  • FAQs