Staying Cool Naturally with Peppermint Essential Oil

The heatwaves we’re having this year are unbelievable! Staying cool both physically and mentally are challenging under these hot conditions. Below are some of my favorite tips on ways to use Young Living peppermint essential oil. Therapeutic-grade Peppermint essential oil is very well known for the ‘cooling’ effects that it has on the body.

But before I go any further please take note… Peppermint essential oil is extremely potent, it’s estimated that ‘one’ drop of your Young Living Peppermint oil is the equivalent of  28 cups of Peppermint tea! So… always use peppermint mindfully and sparingly!

And… do NOT use other brands of peppermint oil the same way we use the Young Living brand. These are superior quality essential oils, and they are beyond organic standards. About 98 percent of all essential oils sold in the world are adulterated, Young Living makes up that tiny 2 percent that is premium, so don’t be fooled by 100% Pure, Organic, Wild-crafted on labels – anyone can take a plant that’s been raised organically and ruin the compounds in essential oils, and that sadly happens way too often.

With that said, here are some cooling tips to help you feel more comfortable when the mercury hits numbers that are challenging…

Peppermint Spray
Take a 4oz. spray bottle and fill it with pure water, then add 2 drops of Peppermint essential oil (I only use and recommend the Young Living brand of essential oils because they are from sustainable farms and are superior quality.) Give the back of your neck and your back, legs and feet a spritz every so often.

Get Cool and be ‘Green’ Too!
What if you want to be living more consciously and don’t want to buy or use a spray bottle, simple… take a bowl, fill it half way with water, add a drop of Young Living’s Peppermint essential oil and dunk a wash cloth in it, wring it out, then dab the wash cloth on the back of your neck, your legs, and the bottoms of your feet.

Refreshing Peppermint Flavored Water
Take a cool glass of pure water and add “one” drop of Young Living Peppermint essential oil to a glass of water. Note: do NOT do this with other brands as they are adulterated and not pure enough for ingesting.

Peppermint Ice Cubes
Fill up ice cube tray with pure water, dip a toothpick into your bottle of peppermint, then swirl the toothpick in the sections of the ice cube tray, freeze.
This is known as the “toothpick method” and it is applied when a full drop of a YL essential oil would flavor the food or beverage too much.
As the ice cube melts in your beverage it gently infuses into your drink. Peppermint ice cubes can be used in plain pure water or with your other favorite summertime beverages.

More on how to cook with essential oils at our new website.

Buy Here

If you enjoyed these tips subscribe to my “Oil Tip of the Day” – this link is to a new website I just created, check it out there’s a lot of good information there and a new blog too!

Free Webinar: Emotions (Shadow Side) and Aromatherapy

Working with Emotions: The Shadow Side and Aromatherapy – a free webinar with Evelyn Vincent and David Zarza, C.Ht.

On the path towards your Light, you will always encounter your Shadow. Find out what a blessing this really is!

The Shadow Side is an essential part of all of us and as natural as our memory or our emotions. Within our Shadow, we store away those parts of us – whether emotions, thoughts, beliefs, experiences or characteristics – because we and others may judge them as bad, unacceptable, shameful or dark.

Fortunately, the Shadow isn’t all bad, in fact it’s quite good as it is one of the easiest routes for us to reach our goodness; our Light. David Zarza C.Ht. has had the pleasure of many years assisting clients to uncover and integrate their Shadow parts. In that time, he has noticed that the Shadow has an amazing impetus, like a drive towards wholeness and health; very much like Young Living Essential Oils support and enhance our health and well-being.

Evelyn Vincent has been using essential oils for over twenty years and has been teaching the benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy to those who choose a more natural and conscious lifestyle. The reason we are able to make instantaneous associations resides in the limbic region of the brain. The limbic system, known as the ‘seat of emotions’, is the place where ‘scent’ begins and where our responses or reactions start. Aromatherapy can play a role in helping shift emotional states and patterns.

In this webinar Evelyn and David will instruct attendee’s how to use essential oils when working with Shadow. In a safe and gentle way, you will be led through a process of uncovering some of what may be in your Shadow; to appreciate it in a new light and perhaps even embrace your Shadow side.

Generally speaking, we rarely explore our darker nature with excitement and a smile. However, Evelyn and David will show you how rewarding and fulfilling exploring your Shadow with Young Living Essential Oils can be!

When: Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Time: 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT

Where: in the comfort of your own home on your computer

Cost: Free!

Register Here!

Adulteration of Essential Oils: myths and facts

Adulterating and extending of essential oils to increase profits is common practice in the essential oil and aromatherapy industries, yet few consumers of these products are aware. While at first glance this may seem somewhat insignificant I can assure you that it means the difference between you knowing what you’re spending your money, being misled, and being unaware that the product you’re buying is likely adding toxic chemicals to your body, your families bodies, your pet(s), and to the environment.

If you’re the type of person who tries to live consciously, more Green, natural, and if you’re trying to stay healthy and reduce eventual diseases and health costs caused by toxins; this is very significant news you certainly do want to know.

In this economy, I don’t want to waste my money, I’m sure you don’t either. And I certainly do NOT want to be compromising the quality of my life or health. It only makes sense to buy and use the things that actually have benefit and contribute to staying healthy. Here’s what you need to know about aromatherapy and essential oils so your finances and health are not compromised…

Have you seen any of these printed on labels of essential oils?

• “100% essential oil”
• “Pure”
• “Organic”
• “Wild crafted”
• “100% Pure”
• “Genuine”

Do you know that any of those words is not a guarantee of true purity, that in fact you may believe you’re buying a high quality essential oil when in fact you are not?

The fact is, there are hundreds of ways the essential oil, even if it has an organic label, is adulterated and extended. Most people aren’t aware of this and honestly believe they are getting something that’s high quality.

Definition of Adulteration

To render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one: from Latin adulterated- ‘corrupted.’

Effects Adulteration has on an Essential Oil

When an essential oil is adulterated its naturally occurring constituents and synergistic components destroy the essential oils therapeutic benefits.

Organically raised plants are terrific and desired, but… just because the plant is grown and/or certified organic never means that once the plant has been harvested that it has not been adulterated. Thus, the words “organic” is absolutely worthless on an essential oil label. Who cares if it was grown organically if the essential oil was ruined in the distillation process, or just prior to being bottled. The term “organic” is meaningless.

During any point, after the plant is harvested, any number of human interventions that destroy the delicate beneficial molecules contained within an essential oil can and commonly do occur. Primarily because of the perfume and food industries. Both the perfume and food industries require consistency in ingredients; that consistency they require never happens in nature.

Things such as: the amount of rainfall, temperature, the time of day the plant was harvested, where and how the plant was grown, how long the harvested plant material sat in a truck in the blazing summer sun; all of these things have an impact on the essential oil, long before the plant material reaches the distillery. All of these things also have an effect on the smell and flavor of the plant that particular year. The food and perfume industries can’t have such a thing happening! So what do they do? They either add the chemical constituents that aren’t so high so that there is consistency, or they formulate in a lab (using chemicals) the ‘scent’ that a particular plant is known to and expected to possess.

At the Distillery

Once the harvested plant material arrives at the distillery other undesirable things can occur. Like,

• Toxic chemicals can be used to extract the most essential oil possible out of the plant material
• Extreme heat can be applied to extract the largest possible amount of essential oil from the plant material
• Extreme pressure can be applied to extract the largest possible amount of essential oil from the plant material
• Profits are maximized when the distiller extracts the greatest amount of essential oil using the least amount of time and energy

All of these severely degrade the quality and benefit of the essential oil. As a matter of fact, the quality is degraded so much that there is very little, if any, therapeutic benefit remaining. Sure, these oils may smell ok to the untrained nose; but the fact remains, they have most or all of their life-force energy and synergistic components stripped.

Adulteration at the Hand of the Distiller

Some distillers will actually add a chemical to their distilled essential oils, which also includes plants raised organically, so that when the essential oils are tested for purity the essential oil appears to be of a higher quality than it actually is. Higher quality essential oils are expensive, as such it’s common practice for chemicals to be added to make the essential oil appear better than it is; most companies do not have the proper equipment to analyze and test an essential oil brought in by a vendor to determine if it has been corrupted or not.

Most simply take the word of the vendor, or send the essential oil out for testing, such as Gas Chromatography (GS), Mass Spectroscopy (MS). Yet are unaware that these two tests fall way short and can easily be tricked, they are no guarantee of purity.

Do you see where this is going? Scary, isnt it!?

Every single inch of the way the essential oil is in different hands being handled differently. Even the farmer who has spent the season raising the plants organically can give no assurance that the product he intended to provide you with is in fact anywhere near organic… and we’re not even at the point yet where the essential oil is on the store shelf yet!

In the Hands of the Vendor

This can be, but isn’t necessarily, the next set of hands the essential oil falls into. The vendor, also wanting to make more profit can add chemicals to make the essential oil appear better than it is, or they can simply fudge the test GS and MS results. And once again, the aromatherapy company or other type of business who needs an essential oil can easily be tricked… oh, and they are, all the time.

This is where the value of what Young Living does makes a huge difference. First, they grow a lot of their own plants (organically); the distillers actually sit in the fields so the plant material is in the distillers within 30 minutes after being harvested. There’s no going through other hands.

Additionally, each and every different type of plant has been studied to determine what is the optimal amount of heat, pressure and length of time necessary to produce an essential oil so that all of its beneficial properties remain in tact. There’s no rushing the process! If a particular plant requires 18 hours in the distiller at X pressure and heat, it’s stays in there for that length of time. Young Living is far more interested in producing the best, rather than producing the most within the shortest period of time.

This is where it gets even more interesting…

Even though Young Living has over 4,000 acres of farms / land and grows the plants, they still have to work with and buy from farmers and vendors the plants they don’t grow. When a vendor brings in an essential oil, it goes through a battery of tests on state of the art equipment that is not seen at competitors.

Guess what happens to the essential oils Young Living rejects because the quality isn’t there, or when it has been detected that a distiller or vendor has adulterated? It goes onto the open market where other essential oil and aromatherapy companies can purchase them. It is those essential oils that you find in stores, with labels containing print like the list I began this article with. I think it’s interesting how those rejected essential oils are good enough for those terms but they’re not good enough for Young Living and its customers.

In the hands of Companies

Now, the essential oil has moved even closer to the consumer. This is the last stage before it gets bottled and put onto store shelves. Consider this…

Have you ever bought and used an essential oil and found that you use a lot of it?

Have you ever bought an essential oil and found that it turned bad within 6 to 12 months?

Have the essential oils you bought felt greasy and/or left greasy type stains on your fabrics?

There’s a reason why that happens. It’s because still more profits need to be made. What happens is this, in a 15ml bottle there’s probably between 10-20 drops of essential oil, the rest is a cheap carrier oil.

Using the example of Lavender essential oil let’s see what you’re getting…

Let’s say, XYZ company has their essential oil on shelves at your local health food store and the price for a 15ml bottle is $10… first, if the label also says “Not for Internal Use” you can be 100% certain they are NOT using real lavender but in fact they are using an essential oil that is far less expensive, called Lavadin; which by the way has a high camphor level and if you were to use it on a first degree burn you will more than likely end up in the hospital with a third degree burn because camphor burns the skin.

Real lavender, Landula angustifolia, does not contain any camphor because it’s a different plant species. Also, Lavendula angustifolia is an edible plant; therefore I ‘should’ be able to use that lavender in cooking and as a dietary supplement. Thus, if the label states it’s “For External Use Only” I know right away that the essential oil is very low quality!

But that aside, let’s assume the company is using a lavender which Young Living rejected. Now they’re adding a carrier oil to it, known as an extender. If you’re paying $10 for a 15ml bottle, you are paying an extremely high price, many more times higher than you’d pay for a Young Living lavender. You’re using that essential oil by the handful because it is primarily a cheap carrier oil and doesn’t even contain 15ml of  lavender.

Whereas if you were to buy at wholesale a 15ml bottle of Young Living lavender you would be buying 15ml of Lavendula angustifolia for about $20, no carrier oil included. And you would be using it by the drop, not by the handful!

The savings is enormous! Not to mention you are buying a superior quality essential oil that actually is beneficial.

Did you know that only 2 percent of all essential oils sold to consumers in the entire world are superior quality, and that Young Living makes up most of that 2 percent?

Did you know that France, the largest exporter of lavender oil, exports 100 times more lavender essential oil than they distill?

That means there is a lot of junk being sold and used in products that have very little real lavender in it, if it has any at all.

There is a reason why Young Living sets the world standard in essential oil quality… they are super picky. Which is perfect for me, I don’t like spending my money on junk or on anything that’s not what it should be, it’s wasteful and expensive in the long run. I also do not like to use products that have been corrupted, adulterated, extended, or that fall short of my personal standard of what truly organic and all-natural.

Trillium: a terrific spring flowering plant for natural woodland gardens

As you may already know my background in plants started when I was 4 years old, the plant world amazed me and that amazment continues to this day. My studies and appreciation of native plants, herbalism and essential oils has influenced the course of my life.

Recently, I got a friends newsletter (a friend from my landscaping days), Barry Glick of Sunshine Farm & Gardens, that I couldn’t resist sharing with you. It’s about one of my favorite native plants, Trillium: see image to the right, it’s it the most beautiful foliage and flower you’ve seen!? I love it! Perfect for the native woodland garden!

While this plant is not one most gardeners would start from seed since it requires very specific conditions that most home gardeners cannot produce, I thought you would like to know more about it and where it can be purchased for your natural woodland garden.

Here’s what Barry has to say about this incredible plant…

Sunshine Farm & Gardens Newsletter: April 2010

Despite their exotic, magical, mystical appearance, most Trilliums are quite easy to grow and Trillium cuneatum is no exception. There are at least one or more Trillium species native to every state in the US but four – http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TRILL I’ve been growing and propagating many species of Trillium over the last 38 years and the only one that I wouldn’t recommend for the average gardener is the lovely Trillium undulatum – http://sunfarm.com/images/tundu.bmp as you would really need specific acidic and moisture conditions for this particular species.

You can grow Trilliums from seed, but they take 4-6 years to flower. Another simple way to build up your Trillium collection rapidly is by rhizome division. I plan to put up a “Propagation Information Section” on my web site sometime in the near future.

Anyway, as far as growing conditions go, most Trillium species prefer woodland conditions, which basically translates as light to medium shade with moisture retentive, but well drained soil. If these conditions don’t exist naturally in your garden, it’s not much of a chore to create them.

Over the past 12 years I’ve been building quite a good stock of my personal favorite Trillium species, Trillium cuneatum, by rhizome division and now have more stock plants than I require. So, I’m offering you the opportunity to grow them in your garden. We’ve taken off our regular 3-5 year divisions and replanted our stock plants in 5″ deep Anderson Treeband ® Pots last Autumn and they are reestablishing themselves nicely.

Trillium cuneatum is native to 11 Mid Atlantic and Southeastern states, but is hardy just about anywhere. Here’s a plant that you will instantly fall in love with as its deep burgundy flowers bloom for an extremely long period of time in early to mid Spring. With the most exciting marbled foliage and with no two plants alike, their silvery leaves electrically light up even the shadiest of gardens.

I wish I could say that Trilliums are fully deerproof, however this just isn’t the case. But… I can honestly say that it’s not their first choice to munch on and in some years they completely ignore them.

Again, they are very easy to grow and will give you and your garden visitors pleasure and enjoyment for many, many years to come.

What you’ll receive this time of year are 5″ deep pots of flowering size, 5 to 7 year old plants in full active growth that have just finished flowering.

I almost always offer free shipping on all bareroot plants, but these plants are just too precious to take a chance with and I recommend that you get them in the pots.

3 for $ 25.00 plus 7.50 for INSURED PRIORITY MAIL

7 for $ 50.00 plus 10.00 for INSURED PRIORITY MAIL OR UPS

12 for $ 75.00 plus 15.00 for INSURED PRIORITY MAIL OR UPS

20 for $100.00 plus 20.00 for INSURED PRIORITY MAIL OR UPS

I usually offer even lower prices for larger quantities here, but must limit purchases to 20 per person on this particular plant.

Ordering couldn’t be easier! Just fill out the order form at http://www.sunfarm.com/orderform.pdf

Most of our previous weekly specials are still available. Go to – http://sunfarm.com/specials/ to browse the archives.

This is a retail mailing. If you’re a nursery, garden center, landscape architect or garden designer etc, please make sure that you are also on my wholesale mailing list by emailing me at my personal email address – barry@sunfarm.com – with the words WHOLESALE LIST in all caps in the subject line.

By the way, if you haven’t read the story in GQ magazine about me, you can read it on line at – http://sunfarm.com/images/GVQ08-2.pdf

And… our Hellebores were featured in a 6 page article in the January issue of Southern Living magazine – http://www.sunfarm.com/images/sliv10.pdf

You can also follow SF & G on TWITTER – http://twitter.com/Sunfarmtweets and become a fan of SF & G on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Farm-Gardens/71330111595

Happy Gardening,

Barry

Barry Glick aka Glicksterus maximus aka The Cyber-Plantsman

Sunshine Farm & Gardens

HC 67 Box 539 B

Renick, WV 24966 USA

304-497-2208

EMAIL – barry@sunfarm.com

Soil Biology: do you know where your beneficial buddies are?

There’s so much more to garden fertility than the 10-10-10 (or what have you) on a bag you buy at the store. Don Chapman of Bio-Organics writes the most informational monthly newsletter on the topic of soil fertility and beneficial soil organisms I’ve seen. What I enjoy most about reading his newsletter is his passion and knowledge on the tiny creatures living in our garden soils that most are oblivious to. I love sharing his newsletters and helping him to spread the word about how and why we’re going about our gardening all wrong. I know as a landscaper, long before I knew about Bio-Organics, I would cringe when I saw certain gardening practices occurring, something like someone working on and walking back and forth across super wet garden soil, or taking the rotor-tiller out to till every year… it all makes me cringe, thinking about the delicate layers that lay beneath, apparently silent… still… as if nobody lived in there, that their importance was going unnoticed.

I praise Don for his excellent work and for his passion to help gardeners learn more about the very thing, or things, that directly impact our gardening successes or failures. I hope you enjoy Mays newsletter as much as I have…

Who’s Up For Soil Biology? May 2010

On occasion, usually after a long hot day and a cold Margarita or two, I think about what is happening today with soil problems and the role of Biological Science in agriculture, plant nurseries, landscaping and home gardening. (I know, I could be spending that time pondering far more exciting things but I am, after all, in the business.)

It’s pretty clear that the Chemistry majors have prevailed in nearly all areas of growing plants, supported by big ad budgets and industry research sponsorship. You gotta hand it to the Dows, duPonts, Bayers, Orthos, and Monsantos of the world – they’ve successfully developed countless pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and even altered plant genetics to match their chemical products – all to “solve growers’ problems.” Kill, control, sterilize, fertilize, immunize – got it right here, pal.

However, when it comes to the science of soil biology I’m reminded of the teacher who asked the class clown to explain the difference between ignorance and apathy, and he responded, “I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

Ignorance, or the absence of knowledge about soil organisms and their functions, is probably the most common condition. I’m guessing that most folks are not even aware that there are beneficial microbes in soil. Much more is known about harmful organisms – like lawn grubs – and the chemicals designed to kill them. I wonder what the results would be of a survey question that asked, “Would you rather try to grow plants in completely sterile soil or in soil loaded with fungi and bacteria?” How many people know that healthy soils are filled with microbial life, let alone that the great majority of soil organisms are helpful to plants?

Wine grape growers, landscape architects, soil restoration services, and some sophisticated plant nurseries are probably the most knowledgeable groups as far as strategically using soil biology, although in recent years I have received orders from a wide variety of customer types – with crops ranging from pastureland to fruit orchards to bonsai nurseries. So, awareness is increasing, both among commercial growers and home gardeners – largely due to magazine articles on the subject. I’m even seeing some some passing mentions of mycorrhizal fungi in chemistry-oriented ag journals, which is encouraging.

Apathy, on the other hand, reflects more a sense of contentment with current practices – sort of, “Yeah, I know there are some good soil bugs, but who cares as long as the 10-10-10 is working fine.” This attitude is almost impossible to overcome, because you really can’t argue that turning to bio-enhancement techniques will be more profitable, at least in the short run, and unsustainability is one of those off-in-the-future-maybe concepts for those blessed with deep, rich soils. Let’s face it, if someone doesn’t want to change what they’re doing, it’s a waste of time to argue with them. (This, of course, is true for any number of unhealthy habits, political stances, and other dug-in positions.)

My overall measured conclusion on the subject is that growers who know and care about the biological heath of their soil represent my best customer prospects, followed by those who are beginning to have issues with the use of synthetic fertilizers for whatever reasons – cost, water contamination, newly restrictive laws, soil compaction, salt buildups, or other problems. And lastly, I deal with lots of experimenters – those who enjoy trying different ideas in their laboratories, greenhouses, farm fields, orchards, vineyards, yards, and gardens. These are some of my most fun customers.

Of course, the fact that you are reading this means that you have subscribed to my newsletters, so I’m probably mostly “preaching to the choir,” but why not? – many among you are leading the way to better soil practices, and I hope I can encourage more of that.

By the way, the several responses I received from last month’s newsletter where I asked about our customer’s experience last season with tomato diseases were all favorable about plants inoculated with our products, but there really weren’t any that had what I would consider solid comparisons – like perhaps to a neighbor with the same varieties who didn’t inoculate. Thanks to you who responded.

Good growing, my friends,

Don Chapman

President, BioOrganics

More Articles on Gardening:

Trillium: a terrific spring flowering native plant for the natural woodland garden

Tips for Growing Good Plants in Bad Soil

When did “Flavor” fall out of favor?

Safe Weed Killer’s: studies with Vinegar against weeds

Diet and Eating: choose your foods like your life depends on them

Keeping insects out of your food pantry

Young Living Essential Oils for Pet Care

My dog is a Young Living Essential Oil lover, and yes he does have his favorites and knows how to pick them out of my Aroma Complete case. Before I tell you his favorites I need to say first, the only essential oils that I would ever use on my dog and recommend are Young Living, the rest are just not good enough quality for us, lower quality absolutely does equate to causing problems and is a horrible idea and you’re looking for problems. In short, using other brands of essential oils on pets is irresponsible. I would never even consider using another brand for myself or my dog Bandit. Learn more: How to Become a Savvy Essential Oil Consumer

Bandit

With that said, there are a few things one must know when using your Yong Living essential oils with dogs:

They’re smaller than us (usually) and as such require smaller amounts of essential oils. To dilute the essential oil I recommend using V-6 Massage Oil (just like I recommend for people).

1. My dog is about 75 pounds, I mix about 4-7 drops of our chosen Young Living (YL) oil with one teaspoon of V-6.
2. Some YL oils we use neat (meaning without V-6 as a carrier oil) those are: Lavender, Geranium, Deep Relief, Palo Santo (to kill and repel ticks), and Release.

Bandit doesn’t have any fear or anxiety issues so we have never used Peace & Calming. Most of the people I know who are YL oil lover’s and who have dog’s with fear and anxiety issues say Peace & Calming works wonders. Remember to use small amounts, usually 1-2 drops is plenty!

Remember, YL oils are NOT like the oils sold in stores, there are the real deal and they are extremely potent, as such 1-4 drops of any YL essential oil is usualy plenty depending upon the dogs size.

Veterinarian Dr. Mary Hess Pet First Aid Kit Recommendations

Veterinarian Dr. Mary Hess of Madison, Wisconsin, recommends that every pet owner carry an essential oil emergency kit for pets. Based on her experience as a veterinarian, Dr. Hess suggests these ten Young Living Essential Oil blends to keep pets feeling their best.

• Purification®: This blend is useful for external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
• Thieves®: Perfect for attending to minor wounds, abrasions, and lacerations, Thieves is also utilized for addressing dental concerns. This blend is safe for kittens and puppies.
• Melrose™: When used in conjunction with R.C. and Raven, Melrose provides respiratory support. It can also be used on minor wounds, abrasions, and lacerations if Thieves cannot be tolerated.
• R.C.™: Ideal for respiratory and urinary tract support, R.C is practical for cats that require bladder fortification, which does not respond to conventional therapy. (It can be paired with Raven for added support.)
• Raven™: Also utilized for respiratory and urinary tract support, Raven is more powerful than R.C. and features essentials oils not found in the latter. Combined, the two oils are highly effective.
• Di-Gize™: The gastrointestinal system responds well to this blend. Nutmeg and ginger can be added for additional support.
• M-Grain™: Provides relief from head discomfort resulting from sinus pressure.
• PanAway®: With osteoarthritis common in older pets, PanAway is valuable for relieving discomfort and relaxing the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This oil blend can be used alone or in addition to other essential oils that aid in general discomfort. Using a moist towel over the area increases the effectiveness of the oils.
• Relieve It™: Especially beneficial for relieving discomfort, Relieve It can be alternated with PanAway for a wider spectrum of relief.
• Peace & Calming®: If stress, fear, anxiety, or other similar conditions are present, Peace & Calming can be used to calm a pet. If the pet is injured, Peace & Calming can relax the animal enough to administer other treatments. This blend can also been used on cats who are resistant to other forms of treatment for urinary problems or excessive grooming resulting from stress.

Tip: You would want in your Pet First Aid Kit the following YL products:

• Animal Scents Ointment
• Animal Scents Shampoo
• V-6 Massage Oil
• Bandages, scissors, tweazers, cotton guaze pads, cotton balls, and any other supplies for the special needs of your pet

Using YL Essential Oils on Animals

(excerpts from the Essential Oils Desk Reference)

Young Living essential oils have been used very successfully on many different kinds of animals from kittens to 2,000- pound draft horses. Animals generally respond to essential oils in much the same way as humans do.

Where to Apply Essential Oils to Animals

For non-ungulate animals (not having hooves) such as dogs or cats, oils (neat or diluted) can be applied to paws for faster absorption. For hoofed animals, sprinkle a few drops on the spine or flanks and massage them in. Also apply on the gums, tongue, or underneath the top lip; also apply on the frog and cornet bands of hooves. These are all good locations for oils to be applied to cows, horses, etc. (all animals with hooves). Oils can also be applied to auricular points of the ears.

When treating large animals for viral or bacterial infection, arthritis, or bone injury, generally use the same oils and protocol recommended for humans.

How Much Should I Use?

Most animals are even more sensitive to the effects of the oils than humans. They often seem to have a natural affinity to the healing influence of the oils. Adjust dosage proportionately, based on body weight. If the protocol for a human being ( at about 160 lbs.) calls for 3-5 drops, then a horse (at 1600 lbs. or more) could use as much as 10 times that amount, while a dog (at 16 lbs.) would need as little as one tenth that amount.

Generally speaking, if you have never put oils on an animal before, you should start carefully, applying them only to the feet, paws, or hooves (on the frog and cornet bands) at first. In the case of cats and small dogs, YL essential oils should ALWAYS be diluted before applying, because they are actually MORE sensitive to the biochemicals in the oils than humans.

Be careful to avoid high phenol oils, such as oregano and thyme, on cats because they can be extremely sensitive to these stronger oils. Citrus oils are another you might want to avoid around cats too). They should only be used in high rates of dilution (90%) and the diluted oil should only be applied to the paws (Note: one drop in your palm for medium to large dogs and rub your palms on paws is usually plenty).

General Guidelines:

• For small animals: (cats and small dogs) Apply 3-5 drops DILUTED (80-90%) oil mixture per application.

• For larger animals: (large dogs) Apply 3-5 drops NEAT (dilute if using oils high in phenol) per application.

• For large animals: (cattle and horses) Apply 20-30 drops NEAT (dilute if using oils high in phenol) per application.

Testimonail on Using YL Oils with Dog

Dog with Severe Arthritis

Kim Bloomer, co-author of Whole Health for Happy Dogs shares what she did to help her dog, Shadrach (a 125 pound Neo Mastiff), after he was diagnosed with severe arthritis in his hips and elbows:

“I was told by both my dog’s vets (holistic and traditional) that he would never run again and that the best I could do is alleviate his pain…So I put together a protocol I have used diligently for two months now and my dog is running, playing and acting like a puppy again!”

• Raw meat & bones twice a day with one drop Longevity oil blend added in the morning, and one drop Di-Gize oil blend added with the evening meal (both blends from Young Living).
• One ounce of Ningxia Red Juice (from Young Living) per day.
• One MultiGreen capsule (from Young Living) per day.
• Fish oil daily, Omega Blue (from Young Living).
• One Traumeel tablet (homeopathic/herbal remedy from Shadrach’s vet) per day (for pain)
• Two BLM capsules (from Young Living) per day
• One serving of Sulfurzyme Powder (from Young Living) per day.
• Weekly Raindrop Technique Therapy (kit available through Young Living).

“I also use a variety of essential oils on his hips and elbows which include (I switch them around) Panaway blend, Aroma Siez blend, Valor blend (essential oil blends from Young Living Essential Oils), cypress essential oil, clove essential oil, wintergreen essential oil, and pine essential oil.”

“But the crowning glories that have brought me back my youthful puppy though are these two (and if I had to give all the others up, I’d keep these two…and the Ningxia Red):”

• ImmuPro (capsule from Young Living)  “One day of giving Shadrach this tablet and he was bouncing around like a puppy the very next day. Prior to that he was maintaining but not youthful.”

ImmuPower (essential oil blend from Young Living) “…this most wonderful smelling essential oil blend I apply along his spine and hips twice a day. I don’t use as much of the other oils now that I have this one…”

Dog with Pain and Arthritis

“My 14 year old dog ( shepherd / lab mix) was having a hard time walking down the stairs and just getting around (due to arthritis). She was not as lively and even her bark was diminishing. She is arthritic in her hind legs but she is not on any medicine. I had a holistic vet give her acupuncture treatments as well as herbs and vitamins for dogs. It made a small difference but not enough to see her energetic spirit come back. I started to use the Young Living essential oils only and she now has a very strong “life force” and much more energy as well as no problem walking down the stairs! She is the spunky dog she always was and although she is 14 she is happy and has a spring to her step!! The oils I use on her are: PanAway, Spruce, Balsam Fir, Lavender, and Lemongrass. I apply them on her hind legs, upper back and the pads of her back feet. She loves them and looks forward to me applying them!!! Generally I apply them 2X a day.” ~ Maria

Cat with Liver Cancer

In 2001, my 10 year old cat Kodiak was displaying the same symptoms his sister had displayed before dying from liver cancer two months earlier. His symptoms consisted of losing 7 lbs. (half of his weight), very lethargic – vs. usually playing throughout the day, and his fur lost all shine. Needlesstosay, I was very distraught and decided to try natural methods vs. traditional veterinary methods.

I added 1 Tbsp. of Young Livings’s Berry Young Juice (now called NingXia Red) per day to Kodiak’s organic cat food. In addition, I applied the oil blend Di-Gize to his paws mixed with a small amount of olive oil three times per week to help cleanse and detoxify chemicals out of his colon and liver.

Within one month Kodiak’s fur had regained its shine, his energy level was incredibly high, and he also regained all 7 lbs. of his weight. His health has been wonderful ever since with absolutely no sign of disease.

As a part of weekly maintenence, I give both of my cats 1 tsp. of BYJ 2 times per week added to their organic food along with applying Di-tone two-three times per week to their paws. I have found Young Living oils and supplements to greatly support my cats health.” ~ Connie J.

Tips on Performing Raindrop Technique on Horses

Although many veterinarians have developed their own variations on this technique, the simplicity of this procedure is what makes it effective. Raindrop Technique for horses is similar to that for humans except that there must be practical modifications because of the difference in size and shape of the patient.

Trying to exactly duplicate the human-version of Raindrop Technique on animals is not advised.

Starting Point:

Apply 6 drops of Valor to the tailbone (the base of the tail where it connects with the spine). Then place one hand on the withers and the other on the tailbone and hold for 5 minutes. There is no difference energetically, whether you use your right or left hand in these spots. Once the horse relaxes (i.e., drops its head and eyelids droop) the procedure can start.

DON’TS:

• Do not spend too much time stroking the horse’s spine. Usually three repetitions is sufficient
• Avoid dripping oils on the hair of the horse’s spine and stroking them in. You will be stroking against the grain of the hair and oil will be flicked off the spine rather than rubbed in. (This is not so important with animals with fine hair).
• Once you make contact with the animal you are applying oils, never break it.
• Don’t work on the animal with multiple partners.
• Raindrop Technique is more effective when only one pair of hands makes continuous contact with the animal because: 1) The energy stays the same. 2) Animals get skittish when two or more people touch them at the same time.

How To Apply the Raindrop Technique on Horses

• Where feasible, shave the spine area for direct application of the oil (you will use less oil).
• If shaving is not feasible, stand the hair up and part it; then drip the oil down through the hair so the oil contacts the spine. Hold the oil six inches above the spine as you drop it in.
• For coarse-haired animals stroke in the oils using small, circular motions, working from the base of the tail to the shoulders of the spine.
• For fine-haired animals, stroke in oils using regular Raindrop Technique straight-strokes
• Spend enough time massaging to get oils down into the skin and not sitting on top of the hair

When dripping the oils on spine, use:

• 12 drops on a draft horse
• 6 drops on a saddle horse
• 3-4 drops on a miniature horse, Shetland or Welch pony

Additional Tips for Raindrop with Horses

Carefully use your fingertips and thumb tips to perform Vita Flex along the auricular points of the ear. Be gentle. If you inflict a little discomfort, the horse will distrust you and pull away. Stretching the spine is problematic in horses, so instead place one hand over the tail, the other hand on the withers and focus moving the energy along the spine. Rubbing oils around the coronet band will allow them to reach the bloodstream and travel through the nerves in the legs to the spine.

Drip Marjoram and Aroma Siez into the hair of the outside muscles away from the spine and rub in with a larger circular motion massages. (Idaho tansy, Bay Laurel or Melrose–which are anti-inflammatory, anaesthetic, insect-repelling, relaxing and healing– can also be used). This is important because horses used for packing, riding, or working have extra stress to the spine and muscles in the back.

Avoid having two people working on opposite sides of the horse at the same time. No two people’s energy are the same and this produces an energetic imbalance.

Use a stool (mounting block) to reach both sides of the spine without having to break contact, potentially creating tension in the animal.

Some people mistakenly believe that if they don’t have all the oils in the Raindrop kit, they can’t do a raindrop. One does not need to apply every single oil to have an effective treatment. You can perform an excellent, beneficial Raindrop procedure with one oil, if that’s all you have. Using just oregano and thyme or even Idaho tansy can produce excellent results. Similarly, Melrose, tea tree, mountain savory, or bay laurel can also be used.

Q: Is it OK to stroke oils down off the hips and down the legs?

A: Yes

Q: Is it OK to put a hot towel on the spine?

A: Yes, it is recommended. Following a raindrop, you can apply a saddle blanket then a horse blanket and leave the animal standing in the stall. Usually after about 10 minutes they will lie down and go to sleep.

Testimonials with Horses

Calming Horses

“We had to load 9 un-brocken stubborn horses onto a truck on the weekend. I used Lavender, Valor and Aroma Seiz on the inner lips, forehead and back. It settled them down, sometimes to the point of going to sleep. The horse trainer was amazed!” ~ Iain C.

Horse with Colic

After I got home from Ecuador my husband Blaine and I went riding and during the ride I noticed my horse starting to sweat and I thought that was funny as they usually don’t do that unless we have traveled a good distance and we hadn’t.  She tried to turn around and go back but I just thought she was being lazy.  Soon she laid down in trail with me on her.  I got off right away and we checked to see if the cinch was to tight and it wasn’t so we knew right away it was colic.

We had a hard time in getting her up and the she would just lay back down. I have had horses with colic before and they would want to lay down but we could keep them up, not her.  By the time we got back to the horse trailer she had laid down 4 times.  As soon as we got her in the trailer she laid down and tried to roll.  There was just no way to keep her up she was in so much pain.

When we got home Di-Gize to the recue as soon as we could get her out of the trailer.  I put 20 drop of Di-Gize in her bottom lip.  Blaine walked her around but she would not stay up .  She would only go a few feet and down she would go.  I gave her some more Di-Gize and she passed gas and had two bowel movements but she would still lay down.  I had never seen a horse so sick as she was.

We would not have given two cent for her then because we thought for sure she wouldn’t make it, she was so bad.  We kept making a circle in our driveway with her and again she got another dose of Di-Gize. I took over and she laid down with me and rolled I could not stop her and then she rolled back and just laid there with her eyes closed.  After about 10 minutes she jumped up and started eating like nothing had happened to her.

I could not believe it.  Her Pluse was 60 then.  I didn’t check it before but it kept coming down and she drank two and half gallons of water.  Later she drank all the five gallons we gave and went on eating.  We put her out to pasture and watched her the rest of the night.  She never had anymore problems.

So yes, thank God for the Essential oils.  Again this is the 7th time they have saved one of my horses life. When checking the pluse on a horse it’s normal around 30 and a little above so you will know they are stressed if it higher then that.” ~ Nancy S.

Get Young Living Essential Oils Here

Other articles of interest:

Peppermint Oil as a Squirrel and Rodent Repellant

Essential Oils that Control Garden Insect Pests

Study – DEET and Terpenoids Smell Bad to Mosquitoes

67 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Beginner’s

Savvy Consumer Tip on Distinguishing if Your Essential Oil is Actually the Best

It is important to know that all essential oils and aromatherapy oils are not created equal. Fact is, only 2 percent of all essential oils produced in the world are superior quality, Young Living Essential Oils make up most of that 2 percent. This means that all other brands of essential oils are inferior quality, it’s simply a matter of how inferior.

You might be thinking right now, “so how are we suppose to know the difference!?” That’s why I wrote this article, so you know what goes on and I’ll provide you with my super easy way of determining if an essential oil is junk, or if it’s the best.

Become Essential Oil Savvy

Fact: he following essential oils come from edible plants: Lavender, Thyme, Oregano, Orange, Lemon, Frankincense, and Geranium – there are plenty of others but this list is all you need to know to become “instantly savvy”.

When an essential oil comes from an edible plant or tree it also means that the essential oil ‘should’ also be able to be taken internally for use as a dietary supplement, and/or used to flavor foods in cooking. That ‘should’ is the big keyword here.

Why this is key: inferior quality essential oils (all of them) contain very harmful chemicals that you will absorb through your skin and your nose/lungs. What happens after your body is exposed to chemicals is the chemicals become trapped in your liver, brain, and fat – no ones body knows how to process chemicals. This is precisely why we have such an epidemic of certain diseases today. Minimizing our exposure to chemicals will greatly improve the quality of our lives and save us many thousands of dollars in healthcare expenses.

This also explains why some say you should never take an essential oil internally… no one wants you to ingest an essential oil that will cause you harm!

What to look for…

The next time you see a bottle of any of these essential oils take a look at the label… does the label state “Not For Internal Use” or “For Aromatic or Topical Use Only” – if you see that statement know that it is a warning. If it is on any of these listed essential oils you can be 100 percent positive that the essential oil is in fact low quality. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about this and it does not matter who the brand comes from.

With that in mind, your bottles of Lavender, Thyme, Oregano, Orange, Lemon, Frankincense, and Geranium SHOULD state on the label “How” to use them as dietary supplements.

The image to the right clearly provides instructions on how to use this Young Living Essential Oil as a dietary supplement.

If you’re like me and have trouble reading labels at the store and have forgotten to bring your reading glasses there’s another thing on the label that you will be able to see without reading glasses. It’s the “Supplements Facts” box – you’ve seen it before, it’s on ALL products that CAN be ingested safely. See the image on the left. The white colored box in the format shown is only on things that can be used internally.

These images are of actual bottles of Young Living Essential Oils.

In short, if you can’t eat it you don’t want to be putting it on your body or breathing it!

Additionally, and I know I’m going to sound like a kill-joy here, for the very same reason it’s best to always avoid scented and aromatherapy products, none of them use a superior quality essential oil. They do not contain superior quality essential oils because manufacturers are concerned with price points, not necessarily your health and well-being.

Other Terms That Mean Absolutely Nothing in Regards to Quality

• Pure
• Organic
• All-Natural
• Wildcrafted

The above terms mean absolutely nothing because there are a million ways to ruin, adulterated, dilute, and fabricate in a lab (which means there is no real essential oil of any quality present at all) an essential oil. All of these are and can be inferior quality.

Myth: If an essential oil label or website states “pure” or “organic” or “wildcrafted” or “all-natural” you’re getting a high quality oil. The truth is, when those terms are on a label it ONLY means that there is a very remote possibility that their definition of the original meaning of those terms might once have been true. today those terms are so abused that when I see them I roll my eyes in disgust and think to myself, “yeah, we’ll see about that. I know how to tell the difference.”

It seems a shame that a plant that someone went to lengths to grow organically or wildcrafted gets completely ruined after being harvested. But it happens day-in and day-out, it’s just the nature of the industry.

I know it’s hard to believe, but keep in mind that we are conditioned to think that when a label says something is “pure” or “organic” we’re getting something that’s the best. It’s not true, not even close to being true.

7 Ways an Essential Oil Can be Made Inferior, Ruined and Toxic

1. After the plant is harvested it sits in the back of a tractor trailer for hours, days, or weeks in the blazing hot sun = ruined.
2. The plant is not put into the distiller within 30 minutes of being harvested = ruined.
3. Chemical solvents are used to extract the essential oil from the plant material in the distiller = ruined + toxic.
4. High heat is used to extract the essential oil faster and more thoroughly = ruined.
5. High pressure used during distilling to extract more essential oil out of the plant = ruined.
6. After being distilled chemicals are used to “enhance” the essential oil so it “appears” to be of a higher quality than it is = ruined + very toxic.
7. Companies “extend” a few drops of essential oil in extremely cheap quality carrier oils = ruined + toxic.

The above represents 98 percent of all essential oils sold in the world.

You must turn the bottle around and look at the back of the label and practice my little tip above if you want to be assured you are buying the best and that you’re not paying a fortune for something that’s junk quality.

Therapeutic-grade Essential Oils

I see now that even the term “therapeutic-grade” is being abused. Young Living trademarked the term therapeutic-grade to make it easier for the consumer to distinguish the superior from bad. I can assure you that the other brands using the term “therapeutic-grade” are not selling therapeutic-grade essential oils… they are in fact buying and rebottling the essential oils that Young Living rejects from vendors. Young Living rejects something like 80 percent of all essential oils that come in from vendors because when they’re put through the battery of tests they fail miserably, there are plenty of vendors out there adding chemicals to falsely spike the analysis, Young Living’s testing equipment can detect when that has occurred.

That’s why I like Young Living so much, they do not mess around at all when it comes to quality.

Young Living has and continues to set the world standard in quality for essential oils. They are the benchmark in superior quality. You don’t get to be the best by cutting corners.

When you see claims of other essential oils are as good or better than Young Living you can rest assured they’re not. Young Living analyses all other brands of essential oils and aromatherapy oils being sold, they are not as good or better. Those claims are a fabrication to convince the unknowing consumer to buy their oils and aromatherapy products. If their Lavender or Frankincense was as good or better, there would be directions on how to use them internally.

This is why I only use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils.

So, next time you have a few minutes and you’re at the health food store or you’re thinking of ordering some pure essential oils from a beautiful website, remember this article and practice my simple tip.

Immune Protection Throughout the Year with Essential Oils

The Golden Touch 1™ essential oil collection, from Young Living Essential Oils, provides immune protection all throughout the year.* The seven essential oil blends (5ml bottles) in this collection have been specifically created to take advantage of essential oil constituents that support many functions of the body. A growing number of today’s professionals consider essential oils to be the missing link in health care. Refer to individual oil blends for specific benefits. Includes the “Essential Oils: The Missing Link” cassette.

Golden Touch 1 Essential Oil Collection

The Golden Touch 1 collection of essential oils is one of my personal favorites; it contains all of the essential oils I have and recommend for all-natural First Aid kits. I consider this collection to pretty much cover all bases in wellness, the versatility of the oils is amazing.

On April 6, 2010 at 9pm ET, I am having a free webinar, “Emergency Preparedness: Your Essential Oils First Aid Kit” – I will discuss these essential oils and others; what they’re for, how to use them, and how to put together your own all-natural First Aid Kit. Register here for the webinar.

Ways to use the essential oils in the Golden Touch 1 collection:

Di-Gize™ Essential Oil

Di-Gize™: For dietary or topical use. When using as a supplement, dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid such as goat’s or rice milk. Di-Gize can help digestive problems including indigestion, heartburn, gas, and bloating. Helps combat candida and parasite infestation.

How to Use Di-Gize™ Essential Oil

• Full Body Massage: Dilute 1 drop Di-Gize with 1-2 teaspoons V-6 Massage Oil. Massage or place as a compress on the stomach.
• Apply to Vita Flex points on feet/ankles for stomach and intestines.
• Dietary Supplement (adults): In a capsule, place 1-3 drops Di-Gize and fill the remainder of the capsule with Olive Oil or V-6, take one before each meal or as desired.
• Special Notes: Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age. Dilution is not generally required for topical application; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin.

EndoFlex Essential Oil

EndoFlex™: For dietary or topical use. Amplifies metabolism and vitality, and creates hormonal balance. EndoFlex™ can help maintain overall vitality with a proprietary blend of essential oils that support the endocrine system.*

How to Use EndoFlex Essential Oil

• Diffuse for up to 30 minutes three times daily, or directly inhale from the bottle, or place a drop in palm, rub together and cup palms over nose and inhale several times (avoiding eye area).
• Topical: Dilute 1 drop of EndoFlex with 1 drop of V-6 or olive oil. Apply to affected area. Use as needed.
• Bath: Add 2-4 drops to 1 cup Epsom Salt or Sea Salt, add to bath water and soak for 20 minutes.
• Specific Areas: Apply a couple drops of EndoFlex™ over lower back, thyroid, kidneys, liver, feet, glandular areas, and foot Vita Flex points for these organs.
• Internal Use / Dietary Supplement (adults): In a capsule place 1-3 drops 1-2 drops of EndoFlex and fill the remainder of the capsule with Olive Oil or V-6, take up to 3 times per day or as needed.
• Food Flavoring: Use 1-2 drops in your favorite Potato Salad recipe for flavoring!
• Dietary Supplement: When using as a supplement, dilute one drop of EndoFlex in 4 fl. oz. of liquid such as goat’s or rice milk.
• Special Notes: Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.

JuvaFlex™ Essential Oil

JuvaFlex™: For dietary, aromatic, or topical use. JuvaFlex helps support liver and lymphatic detoxification. Anger and hate are stored in the liver creating toxicity, leading to sickness and disease. JuvaFlex can help break addictions to coffee, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.

How to Use JuvaFlex™ Essential Oil

• Diffuse in living areas and workplace, 15-30 minutes 3 times daily.
• Dietary Supplement (adults): Dilute one drop of JuvaFlex in 4 fl. oz. of goat’s or rice milk.
• Topical: Apply topically over liver area, foot Vita Flex points, raindrop-style along spine, or use in a compress. Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face (avoid eye area!), neck, genital area, etc.
• Special Notes: Avoid using on infants and very small children. JuvaFlex already contains a carrier oil so dilution is not necessary unless you’re doing a full body massage and then you can extend your JuvaFlex by combining 3-7 drops of JuvaFlex to one teaspoon of V-6 Massage Oil.

How to Use Melrose™ Essential Oil

• Diffuse for 30 minutes up to 3 times daily, or directly inhale from the bottle, or place a drop in palm, rub together and cup palms over nose and inhale several times (avoiding eye area).
• Topical: Apply to cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes and infections. Dilution with a carrier oil, such as V-6, is recommended and/or followed by applying Young Living Rose Ointment to keep the wound and oils sealed in.
• Ear Ache: Put 1 to 2 drops on a piece of cotton and place in the ear for earache. Do NOT put drops of essential oil into the ear!
• Bath: Add 2-4 drops Melrose to one cup Epsom Salts or Sea Salt, add to running bath water, soak for 20 minutes.
• Dryer Sheet: Add 2-3 drops to a wet cloth and put in clothes dryer.
• Special Notes: Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very small children. Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.

Raven™ Essential Oil

Raven™: For aromatic and topical use. Good choice for respiratory conditions and infections such as tuberculosis, influenza, and pneumonia. Raven is highly antiviral and antiseptic.

How to Use Raven™ Essential Oil

• Diffuse in living areas, bedroom, or workplace up to 15 minutes every 1-2 hours.
• Chest Rub: Apply topically on chest 2-5 drops Raven to 1 teaspoon V-6, apply over lungs and throat, or put a drop on pillow at night for easier breathing.
• Tip: Alternate Raven with the blend R.C.™ as an added boost for tough congestion.
• Special Notes: Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. Do not use on children under age 6.

R.C.™ Essential Oil

R.C.™: For topical or aromatic use. R.C. can provide relief from colds, bronchitis, sore throats, sinusitis, coughs and respiratory congestion. R.C. is useful to decongest sinus passages, combats lung infections, and helps relieve allergy symptoms.

How to Use R.C.™ Essential Oil

• Diffuse in living areas and workplace, 15-30 minutes, 3 times daily.
• Topically: Apply R.C. on chest, neck, throat, or over sinus area (avoid eye area!). Use as a hot compress or with Raindrop Technique.
• Full Body Massage: Dilute 1-2 drops R.C. with 1-2 teaspoons V-6 for body massage. Apply on chest, neck, ears and bottoms of feet.
• Tips: Alternate with Raven™. Combine with Raven (alternating morning and night) and Thieves to enhance effects.
• Air Freshening Away From Home: Put 4-8 drops on cotton ball and locate on vents in car or hotel rooms to clean the air and provide aromatherapy benefits.
• Steam Inhaling: For Sinus / Lung Congestion – Add R.C., Raven or Wintergreen to bowl of hot, steaming water. Place a towel over your head and water bowl mixture, inhale the steam with eyes closed. Combine with Raven (alternating morning and night) and Thieves to enhance effects.
• Dryer Sheet: Add 2-3 drops to a wet cloth and put in clothes dryer.
• Special Notes: Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Dilution with carrier oil, such as V-6, recommended for topical use. Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very small children. Do not use near fire, flame, heat or spark.

Thieves® Essential Oil

Thieves®: For dietary, aromatic, or topical use. Thieves is a blend of highly antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-infectious essential oils. Thieves was created from research of a group of 15th-century thieves who rubbed oils on themselves to avoid contracting the plague while they robbed the bodies of the dead and dying. When apprehended, these thieves disclosed the formula of herbs, spices, and oils they used to protect themselves in exchange for more lenient punishment. Studies conducted at Weber State University (Ogden, UT) during 1997 demonstrated its killing power against airborne microorganisms. One analysis showed a 90 percent reduction in the number of gram positive Micrococcus luteus organisms after diffusing for 12 minutes. After 20 minutes of diffusing, the kill rate jumped to 99.3 percent. Another study against the gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a kill rate of 99.96 percent after just 12 minutes of diffusion.

How to Use Thieves Essential Oil

• Diffuse 15-25 minutes in the workplace or home to kill airborne microorganisms (a cold-air nebulizer diffuser is recommended).
• Dietary Supplement (adults): Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid such as goat’s or rice milk. Or, place 2-4 drops in a 00 capsule and add a little Olive Oil or V-6, take 1-3 times daily at onset of cold or flu.
• Topical: Apply a couple drops to the soles of the feet. Or, mix 1 drop of Thieves with 1 teaspoon V-6 and apply over thymus.
• Full Body Massage: Mix 2-4 drops Thieves essential oil with 2 tablespoons V-6 Massage Oil.
• Dryer Sheet: Add 2-3 drops to a wet cloth and put in clothes dryer.
• Air Freshening Away From Home: Put 4-8 drops on cotton ball and locate on vents in car or hotel rooms to clean the air and provide aromatherapy benefits.
• Special Notes: Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Always dilute with a carrier oil, such as V-6, before applying to the skin or taking internally. Keep out of reach of children.

Buy the Golden Touch 1 collection here

Learn about wholesale pricing here

The Therapeutic-grrade Essential Oils In: Di-Gize™, EndoFlex™, JuvaFlex™, Melrose™, Raven™, R.C.™, and Thieves®.

Di-Gize™: Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), ginger (Zingiber officinale), peppermint (Mentha piperita), juniper (Juniperus osteosperma and J. scopulorum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), anise (Pimpinella anisum), and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin).

EndoFlex™: A base of sesame seed oil, spearmint (Mentha spicata), sage (Salvia officinalis), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), myrtle (Myrtus communis), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), and German chamomile (Matriciaria recutita).

JuvaFlex™: Sesame seed oil, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol), Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum), and helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum).

Melrose™: Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia), naouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and clove (Syzygium aromaticum).

Raven™: Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), lemon (Citrus limon), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Eucalyptus radiata.

R.C.™: Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, myrtus communis oil, pinus sylvestris (pine) leaf oil, origanum majorana (marjoram) leaf oil, eucalyptus radiata leaf oil, eucalyptus citriodora leaf oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, cupressus sempervirens oil, tsuga canadensis leaf oil, and mentha piperita (peppermint) oil.

Thieves®: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), lemon (Citrus limon), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Eucalyptus radiata and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol).

Other Wellness Articles:

Teach Your Children to Kill Germs, the ‘Smart’ Way

Essentialzyme to Promote Digestion and Assimilation of Nutrients

Anti-aging: how we live longer

Diffusing for Winter Wellness (for all seasons)

Free Vitamin D May Reduce Cancer Mortality by 75 Percent

MRSA (Staph Infection) and Young Living Essential Oils

Belly Fat and Omega 3s

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Teach Your Children to Kill Germs, the ‘Smart’ Way

Children swap toys, books, games, and even germs. Then, they come home from school or daycare and they bring more than just artwork for the refrigerator—oftentimes they bring home unwanted colds and germs.

Teaching children the ABCs of hand hygiene with Young Living hand soaps can help keep those bugs at bay while keeping your kids safe from harmful and disease causing chemicals found in soap products.

Studies have shown the importance of encouraging children to wash their hands.

At Trombley Elementary School in Gross Pointe Park, Michigan, a group of first- through fifth-grade students washed their hands a minimum of four scheduled times daily: when they arrived at school, before lunch, at recess time, and before leaving school for the day. The control group continued hand-washing practices as usual. After one month, the kids who washed their hands at least four times had 24 percent fewer missed days from cold and flu, and an astounding 51 percent fewer sick days due to gastrointestinal symptoms.1

It is not advisable to use antibacterial handsoaps, microorganisms will grow a resistance to the antibiotics and this contributes to organisms mutating into forms that are much more difficult to fight. We have seen this occur in medicine, resistant strains of bacteria and organisms to antibiotics. This little critters are fairly sophisticated and what we have been doing does not outwit them, learn more about how they communicate between species and resist antibiotics, and how a common house fly can spread antibiotic resistant bacteria.

So, what can parents, grandparents, and caregivers do?

Teach good hand hygiene habits at home so your children know what to do at school. And set an example by doing it yourself, you too will have fewer sick days!

Three Young Living Products Kids Love to Use

• Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer (PDF fact sheet)
• Thieves Foaming Hand Soap (PDF fact sheet)
• Lavender Foaming Hand Soap (PDF on lavender essential oil)
  

  Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier and Foaming Hand Soap.

Kids especially love Young Living’s Thieves® and Lavender Foaming Hand Soaps, which can be used often without drying or stripping the skin. One suggestion is to pump a handful of foam into their hands and then have them sing a song such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” while they wash to make sure they take enough time to kill the germs. When they learn these good habits at home they will be more likely to apply them at school – particularly if they’re using Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer.

Therapeutic-grade essential oils are naturally antibacterial, aromatic plants make and use essential oils to protect them from bacteria and fungi; as such the essential oils are extremely complex compounds. A therapeutic-grade essential oil will have all of its beneficial compounds in tact, whereas a lower quality essential oil may only smell nice but not be able to address any beneficial properties you’re desiring.

Lavender Foaming Hand Soap

Because essential oils are extremely complex bacteria and microorganisms have not and cannot grow any resistance to the essential oils. The difference between chemical anitbiotics and essential oils is that antibiotics are extremely simple compounds, which makes it super easy for little creatures to communicate back and forth and within a few generations become entirely resistant to drug treatments.

Be mindful though that all essential oils are NOT created equal. I have yet to find a high quality essential oil in any store, health food stores included. This makes sense though because only 2 percent of all essential oils produced in the entire world are high quality. Young Living Essential Oils is the majority of that 2 percent.

Thus, do not think when a store bought product lists essential oil as an ingredient that you will get a high quality essential oil in that product. As a matter of fact, you CAN assume there is a 100 percent chance that an aromatherapy product has the poorest quality essential oil in it; they’re concerned with price point, people want products at a cheap cost, the comppany will NOT put a god quality essential oil in their product as it will eat away at their profits.

For this reason, I never buy any kind of aromatherapy product (unless it’s from Young Living). I don’t even buy scented candles, they too use low quality essential oils; the last thing I need is to be putting more chemicals into my indoor air by burning a candle that has cheap essential oils that contain hazardous chemicals! Instead I buy bees wax candles and for scent in the air I simply turn on my diffuser which contain my Young Living essential oils. Doing this gives me the ambiance I’m looking for and the scent I desire without putting chemicals into my air.

I’ve gotten off track here a bit but its important to me to provide information that helps my readers learn more about what’s in the products they’re using so they can make educated choices that are right for them and their families. Besides, I hate it when companies lie directly or through ommission; both result in ‘us’ paying for it in the longrun through health issues and healthcare costs.

Yes, you and your kids can get the same germ killing benefits by using a plain, all-natural, unscented bar soap (remember to sing Twinkle-Twinkle so you’re doing it long enough to be effective though). I personally prefer to use my Young Living soaps and Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer because there is a ‘lasting’ benefit; the essential oils will linger on my hands, thus between washings it’s as if I have a protective barrier or protective glove on my hands. That is why I choose my Young Living hand products over all others.

You can find Young Living Essential Oils and Products Here

1. Master D, Hess Longe SH, Dickson H, “Scheduled hand washing in an elementary school population,” Fam Med. 1997 May;29(5):336-9.

Essentialzyme to Promote Digestion and Assimilation of Nutrients

Essentialzyme™ is an advanced multi-enzyme complex that promotes digestion and assists in the assimilation of nutrients.* Essentialzyme contains enzymes that support healthy pancreatic function.*

As a high-quality enzyme complex, Essentialzyme may improve and aid digestion and the elimination of toxic waste from the body. Essentialzyme was formulated to help supply enzymes to those who have difficulty digesting or assimilating food. Essentialzyme helps reestablish proper enzyme balance in the digestive system and throughout the body and helps improve intestinal flora. It may also help retard the aging process.

Enzyme supplementation is particularly important for people suffering chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or in any condition where the pancreas duct or common bile duct is blocked, thereby preventing enzymes from reaching the intestine.

What’s in Essentialzyme?

• Pancrelipase a powerful complex of fat, protein, and starch-dissolving enzymes derived from pork.
• Trypsin is an animal product that has amino acid precursor action, helps with carbohydrate conversion, and food/nutrient assimilation.
• Carrot root powder has the second highest concen tration of natural enzymes in vegetables.
• Alfalfa sprouts are a source of natural amylase.
• Pancreatin 4X is a protein-digesting enzyme complex that has been used to treat cancer. It is a natural full-spectrum enzyme complex containing proteases, amylases, and lipases.
• Papain is a vegetable enzyme derived from unripe papayas and an excellent carbohydrate digester.
• Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme from pineapple stems, and is a natural enzyme and carbohydrate digester.
• Betaine HCl helps digest protein.
• Cumin seed has been used for centuries in the Middle East to help promote digestion and stimulate enzyme activity.
• Magnesium stearate
• Di-Calcium phosphate
• Stearic acid
• Thymus leaf

Therapeutic-grade Essential Oils of:

• Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It also helps prevent fermentation in the intestinal tract.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) improves digestion and intestinal health.
• Anise (Pimpinella anisum) improves digestion and intestinal health. Also known to ease intestinal cramps and inflammation.
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has been used for centuries for proper digestion.
• Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is beneficial for its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiinfectious, and antiparasitic properties.

Buy Young Living Supplements

How to Use Essentialzyme

Take 3 tablets, three times daily prior to or with meal. Take Essentialzyme with meals, especially high-protein meals, after 3 p.m., as it will help lessen the burden on the digestive system. Young Living Companion Products: Polyzyme, Carbozyme, and DiGize.

Articles on anti-aging and health

Dental Care: Warning Labels on Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Scent and the Brain: aromatherapy and its effects on emotions

Free Vitamin D May Reduce Cancer Mortality by 75 Percent

Belly Fat and Omega 3s

Dandelion – useful weed for cancer

Destressing the Stressful Home

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Natural Skin Care and Hair Care

A Troubling Trend, the most troubling indication that the synthetic chemicals in cosmetics and shampoos may be leaching into our bodies was provided by the government-funded Human Adipose Tissue Survey (Bock, 1996). According to this study, almost every person tested showed measurable levels of petroleum-based, carcinogenic chemicals, such as toluene, benzene, and styrene, in their fatty tissues.

This is why increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending personal care formulas that are completely natural and free of synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients–which is nearly impossible to find, even in brands that claim to be all-natural.

“To stay healthy, people have to do more than just exercise and eat healthy,” states Denver physician Terry Friedmann, M.D. “Consumer should also avoid personal care products that contain toxic synthetic ingredients that can penetrate the skin and accumulate in their tissues. In some cases, these products can have a greater impact on health than either diet or exercise.”

Young Living skin care products contain wolfberry seed oil, a costly and unusual ingredient that makes important contributions to healthy skin (see box). Along with wolfberry seed oil they contain MSM, an essential nutrient that has an unsurpassed ability to strengthen the skin.

“MSM is absolutely dynamite for the skin,” says international fashion model Teri Williams, who was a cover model for Vogue Magazine. “In my experience, it is the single most important nutrient to support healthy skin and hair.”†Ronald Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. agrees. “The importance of MSM for healthy skin and hair cannot be overemphasized. In my clinical practice, I have seen the difference that MSM makes. It is outstanding whether applied topically or taken as dietary supplement.”

In addition to wolfberry seed oil and MSM, the Young Living skin care products also contain therapeutic-grade essential oils that have a long history of use in skin care. Pure myrrh, sandalwood, geranium, rosewood, frankincense, and Roman chamomile essential oils have been used to preserve the health of the skin throughout recorded history. The Young Living skin care line of products also include a proprietary blend of antioxidant herbal extracts, such as Ginkgo biloba, orange blossom, witch hazel, cucumber, horse chestnut, and aloe vera gel, as well as special blends of pure vegetable oils such as almond, jojoba, avocado, and rose hip seed oils.

“They feel fabulous on my skin,” raves Kay Cansler, a former Director of Educational Diagnostics. “Without question, these are products for the new millennium. I’ve been using them for six months, and I can feel and see a huge difference. I am very, very impressed.”

Young Living Skin Care Products

Regenolone™ –  is a moisturizing Cream that contains herbal extracts known for their nourishing skin benefits along with pregnenolone, a precursor for progesterone. Wild yam, progesterone, and black and blue cohosh are added, along with a special blend of therapeutic-grade essential oils, to enhance skin penetration and overall effectiveness.

Orange Blossom Facial Wash™ – is a gentle, nonabrasive, free-rinsing cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without stripping skin of natural oils. It contains MSM to promote healthier and clearer skin, wolfberry seed oil to hydrate, and essential oils to soothe with aromatic benefits. Added botanicals protect skin from free radical damage.

Lavender Hand & Body Lotion – Bring life back to your skin with this all-natural lightweight moisturizer infused with skin-loving lavender essential oil. Added nutrients such as wolfberry seed and jojoba oils fortify your skin’s natural moisture barrier to maintain long-lasting hydration.

A·R·T® Skin Care System – Age Refining Technology – is a superior concept in skin restoration that combines the advanced technology of DNA recovery enzymes with a proprietary anti-aging Peptide Complex to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish age spots, even skin tone, and increase the elasticity and density of skin. Recognizing the incredible power of essential oils, Young Living added frankincense and sandalwood to this unique formula to reinforce DNA renewal. Add the legendary wolfberry seed oil, known for its superior moisturizing and skin conditioning properties, and you have the formula for a truly unique and effective skin care system.

A·R·T Skin Care System includes Day Activator (30 ml), Night Reconstructor (30 ml), Gentle Foaming Cleanser (100 ml), and an instructional booklet.

Buy Young Living Skin Care Products

Young Living Hair Care Products

Lavender Volume Shampoo™ – gently cleanses and volumizes fine hair while nourishing and restoring balance. Long known for its ability to improve the appearance of hair and skin, lavender oil works its fragrant magic to enhance the natural beauty of your hair. Added botanical extracts, vitamins, and essential oils remove buildup that comes from commercially sold hair products while maximizing body. Renewing and invigorating, Lavender Volume Shampoo contains MSM, a sulfur compound that is known for strengthening hair.

Lavender Volume Conditioner™ – gently conditions and volumizes fine hair. A fabulous follow-up to Lavender Volume Shampoo, it is formulated with MSM, milk protein, and vitamins to strengthen limp and weak hair. Essential oils are added to ensure that nutrients penetrate the hair follicle and leave the hair clean and perfumed.

Lemon Sage Clarifying Shampoo™ – is designed for all hair types, but is especially beneficial for oily hair. It is fortified with botanical extracts, vitamins, and essential oils to remove the harsh effects of hard water, chlorine, trace metals, medications, environmental pollutants, and product buildup, leaving hair shiny, healthy, and manageable.

Lemon Sage Clarifying Conditioner™ – nourishes without weighing down the hair. This rich, creamy conditioner provides proprietary vitamin complexes and proteins and is great for oily hair. Use Lemon Sage Clarifying Shampoo with Lemon Sage Clarifying Conditioner for clean, fortified hair.

Rosewood Moisturizing Shampoo™ – gently cleanses dry or damaged hair. The botanical herbal extracts, vitamins, and essential oils remove buildup from commercial hair products while maximizing body and supplementing moisture.

Rosewood Moisturizing Conditioner™ – deeply moisturizes, protects, and de-frizzes hair with natural vegetable fatty acids, MSM, and milk protein. Designed specifically to complement Rosewood Moisturizing Shampoo, this rinse nourishes damaged and over-processed hair.

“What I enjoy most about the Young Living shampoos and conditioners is that over the past 10 years they are the only shampoos and conditioners I’ve had to buy. Unlike in the past when I had to change brands every single month because of build-up on my hair. Since using the Young Living shampoos and conditioners my hair is in lovely condition and I never even have to consider switching brands – I think that’s because of the better quality ingredients and the non-toxic formula.” ~ Evelyn Vincent

Get Young Living Hair Care Products

Anti-aging: how we live longer

As you grow older and desire to live younger longer, you may begin to wonder what it is that makes many people suffer from ailments due to aging, while others enjoy their longevity. An American scientist did some wondering of his own and managed to figure out the science behind the process of aging. Dr. Denham Harman read a 1945 Russian study that purported to show that cells are immortal. Thinking it was nonsense, he asked himself, “What kills us?” He began to look for the single cause responsible for aging. Why just a single cause? “I knew that when Mother Nature finds something that works, she uses it over and over,” Harman said.[1]

As a result, Dr. Harman began to study free radicals, atoms or molecules that contain one or more unpaired electrons. These unpaired or “free” electrons are compelled to steal an electron from the nearest cell. This act, much like a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store, causes damage to the cell.

Dr. Harman suddenly understood that free radical reactions cause the deterioration of cells and accelerate aging with all its attendant ills. Can stopping free-radical damage make one immortal? Unfortunately not. But the body can remain healthy far longer if these electron-grabbing atoms are contained or neutralized.

Which Young Living Products are High in Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are the key to containing and neutralizing these free radicals. Eating foods high in antioxidants will get you far.

NingXia Red Antioxidant Energy Juice

This is the highest antioxidant liquid dietary supplement from whole food sources. Rich in ellagic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. It is unlike any other red antioxidant energy drink on the market, far superior in quality and nutrition. NingXia Red fact sheet (PDF)

Drinking NingXia Red® will really help  put you on the right track to longevity.

Some Essential Oils Contain Antioxidants too!

Some essential oils are extremely high in antioxidants too. This is one of the reasons why I like that Young Living Essential Oils are pure enough to be used as dietary supplements. It’s like my supplements have an added kick.

Inner Defense Softgels

Containing antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral essential oils, Inner Defense is designed to eliminate the maximum spectrum of pathogenic organisms, reduce the risk of infectious disease, and act as an antioxidant. A specially formulated blend of high-powered aldehydes and phenolics, Inner Defense essential oil formula is encapsulated in an uncoated fast-release vegetarian soft gel to provide immediate and maximum effects. For best results, use Life 5(tm) probiotic 8 hours after use.

Omega Blue Softgels

These softgels provide a clinically proven dose of Omega-3 (EPA + DHA) fatty acids blended with a proprietary Omega Enhance essential oil blend, to synergize and protect the Omega 3 ingredients. Research shows nutrients in Omega Blue are important to support heart, eye, brain, and joint health. The fish oil used in Omega Blue is harvested from small fish grown wild in pristine waters and then gently refined to insure it is completely free of heavy metals, PCBs and dioxins, yet still maintains natural Omega-3 ratios. Omega Blue softgels are enteric coated so they release their contents in the intestines without being compromised by stomach acid. This yields up to three times the absorption rate of Omega 3s and eliminates the risk of ‘fishy’ aftertaste.

Which essential oils in Omega Blue provide antioxidants?

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) — a powerful antioxidant, this oil protects the stability of the Omega 3 fatty acids and prevents unhealthy inflammation.

Clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) — has the highest antioxidant levels of any essential oil and enhances Omega 3 nutritive support.

Longevity Softgels

A potent, proprietary blend of fat-soluble antioxidants, Longevity softgels are as essential as a multivitamin and should be taken daily to prevent the damaging effects of our modern lifestyle. One of the most powerful antioxidant supplements available, with an ORAC score of 150,000, this formula provides 700 times the antioxidant power of carrots. Longevity contains essential oils of: Thyme, Orange, Clove Bud, and Frankincense.

Super B

Super B is a comprehensive source of the B vitamins essential for good health, including, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), vitamin B12, biotin, folic acid, and PABA. It also includes minerals that aid the assimilation and metabolism of B vitamins.

B vitamins are particularly important during times of stress when reserves are depleted. Although research has shown that megadoses of B vitamins are not healthy, it has been known that the diets of many Americans do not provide the recommended amount of B vitamins essential for normal functions of immune response.

When many B vitamins are combined at once in the stomach, it can cause a fermentation resulting in stomach upset. To avoid this, Super B uses a synergistic suspension isolation process to isolate the various vitamins so they are released at different times.

One of the ingredients in Super B responsible for its antioxidant powers is Selenium, which  has been extensively researched for its anticancer and antioxidant properties.

Super C Chewable

The only vitamin C chewable vitamin in the world to combine citrus essential oils, citrus bioflavonoids, and whole-food natural vitamin C in one tablet.

According to Dr. Victor Herbert, professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, synthetic vitamin C as a supplement “is not an antioxidant. It’s a redox agent–an antioxidant in some circumstances and a prooxidant in others.”

In other words, synthetic ascorbic acid can actually be a free-radical in some cases. Only natural vitamin C that occurs naturally in foods has no oxidizing effects.

Scientists are also discovering that Vitamin C needs be combined with citrus bioflavonoids to fully unlock its therapeutic antioxidant effects. Bioflavonoids are known to have a vitamin P-type action that improves microcirculatory and blood vessel integrity.

Super C Chewable is so delicious. The flavor and texture reminds me of those Smartie candies I enjoyed as a kid.

Ultra Young +

Ultra Young + is a revolutionary spray supplement that supports healthy pituitary and growth hormone secretion. It contains Vicia Faba, which contains Ldopa. In 1976 a National Insitute of Aging study found that administration of L-dopa to patients over 60 years of age resulted in an increase in growth hormone levels. A study conducted by Dr. George Cotzias showed that mice, fed small doses of L-dopa, lived twice as long as the control group not receiving L-dopa. The ingredients in Ultra Young + that provide antioxidants are the NingXia  Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum), and Selenium – both well studied and known for their antioxidant properties.

Buy Young Living Supplements

1. Interview by Franklin Cameron, September 1998, Healthwell.

Hair Care: Then and Today

James Cook Ayer began selling pills and potions in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1843. By the early 1870′s he was a multimillionaire. One of his most popular products, though not exactly promoted as a medication, was “Ayer’s Hair Vigor.”

Ayer’s Hair Vigor was first bottled in 1867, sold in a beautiful cobalt blue bottle with a glass stopper. The accompanying literature, while not making direct claims of restoring hair or preventing grey, broadly hinted at such benefits while throwing in an occasional disclaimer.

An interesting feature of the descriptive literature is that it not only names the ingredients, (required in 1906) it also gives a brief rundown of the “possible” benefits of each, while encouraging the user to review the information with his own personal medical practitioner. The particulars are printed in English, French and Spanish (indicating this hair product was sold widely).

By the time that “Hair Vigor” was being widely advertised, people had just begun to learn of the “germ theory of disease” established by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch in 1870. Though the theory was not yet well accepted or understood, it seems that many medicine promoters were quick to use this new scientific discovery to promote their wares, by attributing almost any symptom to “germs.”

For instance, Hair Vigor included:

• Sulphur – “destroys the dandruff germ and the germ which causes falling hair”. (Though sulphur is sometimes used in dandruff medications today, it is not specified for the “falling hair germ”).
• Glycerin – “for soothing and healing and a positive and distinct food value aiding nature in producing abundant luxuriant hair – food to the hairbulbs – destroys germ life.”
• Quinine – (Benefit not specified, but was most often used to treat. Malaria)
• Sodium Chloride – “for cleansing and healing” (table salt)
• Cantharides – “Arouses into full activity all the glands of the scalp.” (Formerly used as a counter-irritant for skinblisters, a diuretic and and an aphrodisiac. It is now an illegal substance in most countries)
• Alcohol – “preservative and valuable antiseptic” (and in this case, not meant to be ingested)
• Water / Perfume – “lavender, lemon and nerol.” (this must be some form of diluted down essential oil or possibly the hydosol from distillation of the essential oils)

This product’s promoters had an interesting way of proclaiming wonderful benefits to it’s customers without making any actual promises. The informational insert says it:

“Makes hair grow because it increases circulation of blood in the scalp and directly nourishes hair bulbs. But it will not do impossible things. It will not work contrary to any law of nature. We wish we could honestly say that Ayer’s Hair Vigor will grow hair on a bald head. But we cannot so state. No power in the world can make hair grow on an old thin shiny scalp. But if there is any life left in the hair bulbs it will stimulate them to do all they possibly can. Therefore we can only say that Ayer’s Hair Vigor will sometimes, but not always, make hair grow on bald heads. The only way to know is to try.”

Having covered the problem of balding, the pamphlet goes on to address graying hair and if not improving the condition, it at least makes you feel better about it, saying:

“While it prevents premature gray, it certainly will not prevent the gray and white hair which nature has declared should be a crown of beauty and dignity for ripe old age.”

The Ayer’s Co. had several other products including Cherry Pectoral, The Ague Cure, and Sarsaparilla which appeared around the mid 1800′s. Like many such companies the Ayer’s Co. promoted itself with almanacs that were filled with handy hints and profuse advertisements for it’s line of items.

Hair Care: What We Are Faced With “Today”

Unlike days a century ago, the average woman today can wear on her body over 500 chemicals every single day according to a recent study in the UK.

Even though today’s hair products do not contain Cantharides and Quinine we are still faced with ingredients that are very harmful to our health.

The UK study showed that of the 2,016 women polled, more than 70 percent said they were not concerned about the number of chemicals they put on their skin and only 1 in 10 opted for chemical-free products.

Additionally, more than 1/3 of the women in the study were unaware of the ingredients in their personal care products. And, only 9 percent were aware of most of the ingredients.

Baby Steps???

Although the study covered all kinds of personal care products (from deodorant to make-up, and lotions to hair products) I want to focus on hair care in this weeks newsletter so it’s more manageable. Hey, we all have to start somewhere, right!?

While we will never be able to completely eliminate every toxic chemical from our lives we can certainly ‘minimize’ them and their negative impacts to our health.

Moms will most likely want to be aware of this… the EWG (Environmental Working Group) tested 10 newborn babies for 413 chemicals, pollutants and pesticides (The Pollution in Newborns) and learned that the newborns were born polluted with hundreds of chemicals. This means that ‘we’ are carrying these toxic compounds in our bodies, whether we’re pregnant or not, female or male (men actually carry more in their bodies because of the types of work that are most associated with men).

The good news is that we do NOT have to have some of these toxins in our bodies at all, if we are conscious of what we’re doing and using – and – our exposure to others can be severely minimized with a little conscious effort.

The Challenge

I want to give you some homework this week, I want you to go into your bathroom and read the ingredients on the label. I know, it sounds like a drag and like I’m being a pain, especially if you think you know that your brand is natural and good for you… you’ll be shocked.

Have Hair Care Products Really Gotten Much Better? The Ingredients List…

• Parabens (Methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyl-parabens)
• Coal Tar Colors (FC&C Blue 1, Green 3, Yellow 5 & 6, D&C Red 33)
• Diethanolamine (cocamide DEA, TEA and MEA are related ingredients that can be contaminated with DEA)
• Nonoxynol or nonylphenol ethoxylate, phthalates (can be listed as DEHP, DHP, or DBP5 or hidden in “fragrance” Red 33)
• Diethanolamine (cocamide DEA, TEA and MEA are related ingredients that can be contaminated with DEA)
• Nonoxynol or nonylphenol ethoxylate
• Phthalates (can be listed as DEHP, DHP, or DBP5 or hidden in “fragrance”)(Phthalates are carcinogenic and hormone disruptors. Their purpose in products is to help lotions penetrate and soften the skin and are essential to scented products, and help fragrances last longer)
• DMDM hydantoin
• Triclosan
• Sodum lauryl and laureth sulfates (in toothpaste too, yup, even all-natural ones – just look at the label!)
• Toluene
• Formaldehyde (considered a probable carcinogen by the U.S. EPA)
• PEGs
• Fragrance / Perfume (these consist mostly of chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs) (Calvin Klein’s Eternity by an independent lab, commissioned by Environmental Health Network (EHN), revealed that the perfume contained over 800 compounds)
• Anything with “glycol” or “methyl” as part of the name

Hidden Chemicals – Buyer Beware!

Just like companies are hiding MSG in processed foods (yes, even in natural and organics), personal care product companies are hiding their chemicals now too. For instance, Phthalates are rarely listed on labels, but when the EWG tested 72 products which did not list Phthalates it was discovered that almost 75 percent DID contain Phthalates.

What’s in the personal care products you’re buying?

Learn what’s in the personal care products you’re buying

Phthlate Exposure Impairs Testicular Function (feminization of boys)

Aggregate Exposures to Phthalates in Humans (PDF Report) (there’s little doubt in my mind that phthalates are the likely cause of reproductive problems in birds, reptiles, frogs and fish too. I suspect the only reason this chemical is not banned is because of the industry, it’s a very popular and commonly used ingredient)

As you may already know, we have tons of super easy recipes at our team blog on how to make all of your own household cleaning and personal care products using common kitchen ingredients and your essential oils – it is incredibly easy to make your own… not to mention EMPOWERING!

The Best Solution for Hair and Build-up on Hair, my testimonial

“By far the best shampoo and conditioner I have found is Young Living’s. My entire life I had to switch shampoo and conditioner brands every single month due to the residue and build-up they left n my hair.

It wasn’t until I tried Young Living’s Lavender Shampoo and Lavender Conditioner over 10 years ago that my switching brands monthly came to an end. That’s right, I went from an entire lifetime of switching brands every month to using the exact same shampoo and conditioner for over 10 years!” ~ Evelyn Vincent

The Benefit to Us

• NO undesired chemicals to ruin our health!
• NO synthetic fragrances – only Young Living Essential Oils scent these
• NO MORE switching brands every month – YAY!
• So concentrated that I have to add a little water to them
• Extremely economical – I have long hair and I have never used any other brand of shampoo or conditioner that lasted so long. I go through one bottle of shampoo about every 2 months – and – the conditioner, I buy 2-3 bottles a YEAR! I cannot tell you how much money I save by using the Young Living shampoo and conditioner – it adds up to a small fortune! if you’re not yet a wholesale customer I highly recommend that too, learn the facts about the advantages.

Young Living Shampoo and Conditioner for healthy hair care.

If you haven’t tried the Young Living shampoo and conditioner I highly recommend trying them now – you will be one step closer to getting some of those chemicals out of your life, a step closer to saving a small fortune, and a step closer to having really beautiful hair! You have no idea what you’ve been missing out on if you aren’t using these.

Lavender Volume Shampoo

Lavender Volume Conditioner

Lemon Sage Clarifying Shamoo

Lemon Sage Clarifying Conditioner

Rosewood Moisturizing Shampoo

Rosewood Moisturizing Conditioner

Get Young Living oils and products at: https://www.youngliving.org/theveryessence

Dental Care: Warning Labels on Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Have you ever taken the time to notice the typical toothpaste warning printed on the label/box:

“Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.”

Typical mouthwash caution printed on the label:

“In case of accidental ingestion, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately. Do not use in children under six years of age. Supervise children over six.”

These warnings ARE on every brand of toothpaste and mouthwash I have seen!

When a warning is on a product it does mean it is and can be fatal.

In the case of oral care products, the most toxic ingredients are:

Alcohol, SD Alcohol

Artificial flavoring

Artificial food dyes & colors

- D&C Yellow #10

- FD&C Green #3

- FD&C Blue #1

- FD&C Yellow #5

Aspartame

Carrageenin

Chlorhexidine

Dispersants (unnatural)

- Poloxmer 403

- Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)

- Synthetic Glycerine

Fluoride

PEG-32

Pentasodium triphosphate

Preservatives

- Benzoic Acid

- Polysorbate 80

Propylene glycol

Saccharin

Silica

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

Sodium monofluorophosphate

Sucralose® (Splenda®)

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate

Titanium dioxide

Triclosan (read more about Triclosan)

One tube of ordinary toothpaste can literally kill two children if ingested. One tube can kill an adult if ingested. This is serious stuff!

The ingredients highlighted in “red” are the ingredients that would be responsible for fatalities. The other ingredients would be a slower accumulation of poisons becoming lodged in tissues, organs and fat cells.

Visit the EWG (Environmental Working Group) website, type in any of the above ingredients or ingredients in your personal care products that you have at home right now to find out just how toxic the products are – this is a very useful database for those who care about products they buy and use!

Researchers in the US found that the chlorine added to water in Britain reacted with triclosan to produce chloroform-gas. They found that it was possible for the chloroform produced when soap containing the chemical mixes with chlorinated water to be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. This means it’s a very good idea to read the labels on soaps you buy too, this stuff is not only in dental care products, it’s all over the place. Read more…

Fluoride’s Neurological Effects: studies show there may be grave implications for Alzheimers, Dementia, Attention Deficit Disorder, reduced IQ in children, read more…

Parents of Fluoride Poisoned Children (PFPC)

Thieves™ dental hygiene and personal care products never have and never will contain triclosan!

If you want to get up to speed on fluoride you can check out these: Fluoride Action Network, and the Fluoride Deception with Christopher Bryson an excellent and historical informative video (below) and book!

Dollar store toothpastes may contain up to 10 times the fluoride – an extreme health hazard!

It only makes sense to not use toxic dental care products, especially when it comes to our kids.

Young Living has KidScents Toothpaste which has no poisons or chemicals – yes, it is edible and also has the benefits of our fabulous essential oils!

Young Living also has 3 different toothpastes for adults (and perfectly suitable for kids, some kids prefer the adult toothpaste) the Thieves Ultra Toothpaste I think is the best – all of which have the amazing benefits of our Thieves essential oil and all are free of poisons and chemicals too – yes, it’s edible!

Buy them here!

Free Webinar: Get Ready for Gardening Season

I will focus on sharing my easy garden tips on what you can do in your backyard and in containers this year to have bountiful success and delicious fresh produce and how to use essential oils for pest control and minor wounds.

When: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Time: 9pm – 10pm ET

Where: on your computer in the comfort of your own home

Cost: none

Register Here