I wanted to do a post on the Top 10 oils but then I thought….everyone has their own ideas about what their top 10 would be, so here is one that everyone can use as it is just about the oils that retail for $20 or less. Please realize that there are probably a lot of oil companies that promote oils under $20 but I only use a pure therapeutic quality oil which means it does have a higher price tag than those you can get in the health food store.

Let’s work our way down the list with benefits and how to use.

Cedarwood – well besides the smell reminding me of my grandmothers cedar chest, this is a wonderful oil for pest control. There is a reason they used to store wool blankets and sweaters with cedar and line closets. Other uses, get a more restful sleep, promotes healthy skin and breathing functions, very relaxing and calming and has a soothing effect on the mind and emotions. This oil may be used aromatically in a diffuser or topically diluted on the skin.

Invigorating Blend – This is one of my favorites for it’s uplifting aroma. It is a blend of Wild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, Tangerine and Clementine essential oils as well as Vanilla Absolute. It cleans and purifies the air and I think is especially good after cooking fish to get rid of the smell. It is very uplifting to your mood, energizing and helps reduce stress. Use this oil aromatically or topically. Use caution if using topically and you plan to be out in direct sunlight. Highly dilute or wait 24-48 hours.

Clove – I remember as a child my mom’s favorite flavor of candy was Clove. This as a spice has been used in cooking and candy/treat making. It has also been used for it’s numbing effects in dentistry. It has powerful antioxidant properties, supports cardiovascular health and promotes healthy teeth and gums. This oil may be used internally, aromatically or topically diluted. Remember a little goes a long way.

Eucalyptus -  I use this oil a lot to support my respiratory function but it also is good for soothing tired and sore muscles. It also assists with clear breathing. I like to make a natural vapor rub when cold season is upon us and this oil is one of the main ingredients. This oil can be used aromatically or topically. Always dilute for sensitive skin or small children.

Fennel – I left this oil off my graphic but thought I would include it here as it does have a lot of really good benefits. It has been used for centuries as a tonic and has a licorice scent and flavor. Relieves occasional indigestion and digestive troubles, eases monthly menstrual cycles, support a healthy lymphatic system and calms skin irritations. This oil can be used internally, aromatically or topically.

Lemon – This oil has a multitude of uses …more than we want to put here. I use it for just about everything from cleaning the air and solid surfaces, gets gummy gunk from labels off bottles, uplifts your mood and helps improve focus. I also like this with a bit of honey to ease coughs. Use internally, aromatically and topically. Use caution if using topically if you plan to be out in the direct sunlight. Highly dilute or wait 24-48 hours.

Lemongrass – This is my newest favorite as I love the scent. I didn’t use to but all of a sudden I crave the smell. The taste is wonderful also. This has been used in Asian and Caribbean cooking for its flavor and aroma. It support a healthy digestion, soothes aching muscles and helps tone the skin. Use internally, aromatically or topically. Dilute for sensitive skin.

Lime – Everytime I smell this oil whether it is from the bottle or in the diffuser it reminds me of summer and the limeades we would get at the drive-in eatery. This oil is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, has a refreshing aroma and stimulates the mood. Promotes emotional balance and well-being. I also like this in some of my homemade cleaners. Use internally, aromatically or topically. Use caution if using topically if you plan to be out in the direct sunlight. Highly dilute or wait 24-48 hours.

Rosemary – We tend to use a lot of the herb and I’m looking forward to trying this oil in my cooking more as it is wonderfully aromatic. This oil also supports healthy digestion and soothes muscles aches and pains. I have also found that massage therapists use this oil frequently in their massage oils. Use internally, aromatically or topically.

Repellent Blend (most brands have this) –Have you ever been camping and bit by tons of mosquitoes? Used one of those name brand repellents and reeked and coughed from the smell. Did you know you were spraying chemicals on your body and inhaling that into your lungs. I guarantee you won’t go back to that store bought stuff after you try this. It really smells good and more importantly it does repel those insects and can be used safely for the whole family including pets. Use this blend aromatically or topically. No need to dilute as it already is in a base of coconut oil.

Wild Orange – My husband’s favorite oil by far. It has a wonderful citrus aroma that is very uplifting. Wild Orange can be used in any household cleaners to make them more effective. It protects against environmental and seasonal threats. Energizing to the mind and body. We especially like a drop in hot cocoa or in a fruit dip…yumm. Use this internally, aromatically or topically. Use caution if using topically if you plan to be out in the direct sunlight. Highly dilute or wait 24-48 hours.

Just as a note: I only recommend essential oils that I know and trust are pure and have been put through the rigorous 3rd party testing to ensure there are no pesticides, contaminants and no alterations such as added solvents or other oils that are not the pure essential oil as noted on the bottle. This is not to say there aren’t good oils on the market, this is just my recommendation.

Please use all safety precautions with essential oils as they are highly concentrated and less is more, so only a drop will provide you the benefit you desire. 

Disclaimer:
Please note that any statements I make here on this blog have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as these are my own opinions. Essential oil products are not intended to treat, cure or prevent disease. Pregnant or lactating women and persons with known medical conditions should consult a doctor prior to the use of any essential oil or food supplement product.

What is a hobby anyway? A hobby is really just an activity we do for pleasure in our leisure or free time. Sometimes it is collecting and other times it is in a creative or artistic endeavor. Now I have had lots of hobbies...yes, I have tried everything probably at least once. I do collect a lot of things. I don't consider that a hobby but my husband does as it costs us money.. LOL. My artistic and creative endeavors have ranged from quilting and sewing, crochet to beads, jewelry making, painting, art journaling, rubber stamping, doll making, scrapbooking, you name it. If it has to do with paper, fiber, metal or rocks, I have probably tried it. Are there other hobbies I would like to try...you bet and hopefully will get to them some day but not today as I just can't seem to find my craft/hobby room under all the current hobbies. 

I just thought I would throw this picture of me in here with one of my various hobbies. I made and competed with gem trees at the National level. I got my "Masters" designation and wrote a book so why not do this as a business? Now, I do know some of  us try to make our hobbies into businesses..yes, I did that too and still do. I make and design jewelry...love to make jewelry and thought I would make it into a business to try to cover the costs of the materials....ha, yeah like that was going to happen. Do you know how many jewelry designers are out there? Good ones at that. Do you know how long it takes to complete a piece of jewelry from scratch or a gem tree from just some wire and beads? Yes, like you will ever get paid for your time. After years and I mean years of trying to make that hobby a business, I still spend more on materials and time than what I sell. Am I going to give it up, heck no, it is an enjoyable outlet and stress reliever. Just imagine, beating the tar out of a piece of metal and have it turn into a beautiful pendant. Nope, not going to give it up.

My point that I want to make in this post is to distinguish other hobbies with my current obsession of Essential Oils. Was it a hobby at one time? Yes...I love to share and give samples and products the same as my jewelry. Gifts for family and friends for birthdays and holidays was great and something other than jewelry that I could give. I didn't think of it as a business. I was using all the oils and they weren't accumulating around my house like all my other hobbies (don't tell my husband but I have a secret stash of oils). Is it okay that it was a hobby...YES. This hobby can pay for itself and your time.

I took the plunge and mentally decided that I wanted to treat it like a business. What did that mean? Well it meant that I would share with others. Okay, I was already doing that but now I would get money and enough money to pay for my oils. Well that was more than what my other "hobbies" had done. Wow, how did that happen and guess what, it is really happening.

What is this hobby business that didn't cost me an arm and a leg (like so many other hobbies), benefited me and my families health, allowed me to share with others products that I knew would help them and create some income. Yep, essential oils. Why couldn't I have found this hobby business sooner? <head slap>

Want to know more, like the cost or how you can make it your new HOBBY? Contact me and I'll tell you all the things you have to buy in the way of tools, materials, equipment, etc. Okay you don't need equipment or tools (I was thinking about those other hobbies), but I will give you information on how to get started.

or

Stay tuned for Part 2 of This Hobby Business.

Don't we wish we could fall asleep on a dime like our pets? This is our dog Buddy sleeping on the dash of the motorhome. You would think he would be interested in all the stuff going on outside but nope....just flat out sleeping. 

There are times I have trouble sleeping and when I do I always try to adjust my nightly routine to see if that helps. 

We all know that most people don't get enough sleep and for some people that can be detrimental to their overall well-being in their daily life. Well we don't want it to rule our lives, we want a good night's sleep.

Sleeplessness can cause all kinds of issues with our physical, mental and emotional health. In some cases it is our health that may be causing the insomnia or the prescription drugs we are on. Even a few days a week of sleeplessness can be dramatic in someone's life. Talk to your doctor if this is a persistent issue. In our busy hectic lives sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. The good news is that you can have a good nights sleep by just doing these 3 simple things:

1. Eat at least 3 hours prior to going to bed. I know this sound odd but a lot of people have gastrointestonal issues that keep them up at night. Eating your evening meal earlier can help. A small snack (not sugar) with a hot beverage like herbal tea would be okay and recommended.
2. Give up the electronic devices at least an hour before bed. I know this is a hard one as we live in the electronic age where are books, movies, music and communication with others is on these devices but if you are having trouble sleeping there are other things you can do before bed. Sit and talk or cuddle with a loved one or even a pet, take a relaxing bath with Epsom salts and Lavender essential oil, read a real book not one on an electronic device, meditate or write in a journal. I'm sure you can come up with a lot of things you can do to help you relax and unwind from the day.
3. Reduce your STRESS. You first need to recognize you are under stress and then find out the cause. Eliminate the cause. If that is not possible, realize that there is nothing you can do to change the situation and being stressed or worried over it, will not help. Obviously, there are drugs you can take that will help (not make the stress go away) and I don't recommend them but you can use some more natural alternatives to help reduce the stress.
4. Exercise regularly. Even just walking 30 minutes a day can help. Set a routine and maybe walk during lunch break or take the stairs daily vs. the elevator, check out the local gym or try yoga in your own home. Exercise will help release the stress hormone cortisol which goes back to number 3 in reducing our stress.

I personally use essential oils to help me get the rest I need. Lavender by itself calming but for those of you that need that little extra boost here are some that have worked for me.

1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Lemon essential oil mixed with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil and rubbed on the bottom of the feet at night before bed. Not only is this a relaxing blend but will also be beneficial as a moisturizer for your feet.

3 drops Lavender and 1 drop Vetiver mixed with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil. Apply on pulse points or bottom of the feet.

Other essential oils that are relaxing:

• Roman Chamomile
  
• Ylang Ylang
  
• Marjoram
  
• Calming Blend
  
• Grounding Blend
  

Sometimes I mix a couple together and other times I just use them alone. Any of these would be wonderful in a bath or added to an unscented lotion.

For those of you interested, I do have a super duper blend that my hubby uses and works each and every night. Contact me and indicate you are interested in learning more about essential oils and sleeping and I'll send you a sample with the recipe for that blend.

I was reading a post awhile ago that clarified what healthy was and steps to get there. I know I'm my worst enemy when it comes to healthy eating but I do try, and exercise is a nightmare just waiting to happen, but I will do it.  Why? Because it will bring me closer to my goals and teach me something about myself and how to help others. 

I do have a strong support network and I think that is important. A support network isn't someone who nags and complains when you are eating that bagel because it will put 5 lbs on you, but is someone who will suggest an alternative next time that would serve that purpose or craving. They cheer you on when you have reached a goal and encourage you to take that next step.

My challenge for you is to try something simple (start small) and achievable. How about walking for 1 mile 3 times this week. Then the next week add something else like eating a salad with vinaigrette dressing for dinner 2 nights that week along with the walking. Maybe cutting snacks out after dinner or changing the snack to something healthier like a handful of peanuts or raw veggies. Maybe your challenge isn't diet but is health related such as working to lower your blood pressure. Achievable goal setting will take you on the road to success.

Some of my action steps have been to drink a green smoothie each morning for breakfast, eat smaller portions at each meal, drink at least 8 cups of water a day, eat more raw fruits and veggies and walking or exercising daily. 

Do you need a support network, someone to help you with your health goals or someone to just be there for you? I would love to help. 

I have a healthy growing team of individuals that love to use essential oils and work at improving their health daily by taking those small steps that will lead them to success, whether they have chosen health or a financial success. We come from across the U.S. and encompass all age groups but we have one thing in common and that is the ability to enhance our health and wellness with essential oils and the drive to want to learn more. Some like myself have chosen to go further and to teach and share this knowledge with others.

I would love for you to join my team, challenge you to improve your health and support you while you achieve your goals.

Contact me and let's get started today.

First, what is an essential oil. An essential oil is the pure aromatic compound that is either cold pressed or steam distilled from the tree or plant. This oil can come from the leaves, bark, root, flower, seed, stem or fruit. Essential oils have been around for centuries. On a trip to Italy, we were visiting an Etruscan Museum and saw these tiny little bottles that had been buried with the dead. It is believed that these held oils and were used for perfumes and as beauty care and when the person died as a preservative and an embalming oil. The Etruscan's lived from 700 BC to the 1st Century.

So how do we use essential oils?

There are three ways that are recommended. Lets look at each one separately.

Topically: This means we can apply the essential oil directly to our skin to either the affected area, bottom of the feet where we have the largest pores so that they are absorbed quickly, back of the neck, along the spine or on reflex points on the feet, hands or ears. Massage is also a good way to stimulate the muscles and tissue to help healing. In a warm bath and on a wet compress is also a great way to get benefits. Only 1 or 2 drops are necessary as essential oils are highly concentrated and some oils may need to be diluted prior to using.

When applying essential oils topically you may want to dilute and there are several carrier oils that work well. I like fractionated coconut oil as it applies easily and absorbs fast. Other oils such as virgin coconut oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil or any good food grade oil will work in a pinch. Please note that if you are using essential oils on children you should dilute until you know if your child is sensitive to that oil. At any sign of redness or burning, you need to dilute further or discontinue use. 

I like to use this as a guild line when I make blends:
Therapeutic: 28 drops to 1/2 ounce
Massage: 50 drops to 4 ounces

Aromatically: This involves the direct inhalation of the oils or a vapor of the oil particles. Diffusion in a diffuser with a cool mist is best as heat will cause the oils to change and possibly not be as effective therapeutically. You can also just inhale directly from the bottle or apply a drop to a cloth or tissue. Essential oils can also be used as a perfume and still maintain their healing benefits.

I also like the benefit of using essential oils in my household cleaning such as Lemon in olive oil for polishing wood furniture, lavender in my laundry wash and on a rag in the dryer instead of a dryer sheet, I also disinfect with Melaleuca in a spray bottle just a few drops with water. Cleaning surfaces, lemon essential oil with vinegar and water mix in a spray bottle. Love this for cleaning my stainless steel appliances, windows and mirrors.

Internally: Please note that not all essential oils are safe to take internally. Be sure that your oils have a nutritional supplement label on the bottle prior to using internally. I personally use a couple drops in my water such as lemon or peppermint or any other beverage you like such as tea or almond milk. Essential oils can be used in cooking and added at the end of the cooking period. To add just use a toothpick to get some of the oil and add it to your food or try it a drop at a time to taste.

One of the best reference books on essential oils is the Modern Essentials, A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils. Another book I have enjoyed is The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Worwood. Both of these books can be found on Amazon.com

The oils will work for everyone but not every oil will work the same for each person. You do have to find the oil that fits with what your body needs at that time.