Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and relaxation.
This morning I decided to actively indulge i some self-care. Here's what I did:
I made a DIY Face Mask!
Here's the recipe 2 teaspoons bentonite clay, 2 teaspoons water (I used Young Living's Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood Hydrosol) (Rose Water can be used as well, be creative!), 1-2 drops of a skin loving essential oil (I used Frankincense). Mix together until smooth, apply with fingertips to the face, let dry, wash off with warm water and washcloth, pat skin dry. Skin may be a little red for a few minutes.
I hadn't done this in a while so I did a light application. While my mask was drying I took a relaxing, soothing bath with a with a Lavender Bath Bomb!
After removing the mask, drying off I completed my facial using my favorite Young Living facial products !
I mix all three together and apply to neck and face.
Young Living’s Essential Beauty™ Serum for dry skin contains essential oils like Blue Cypress and Lavender, known for their ability to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance.
ART® Renewal Serum is an intricate blend of exotic orchid extract and essential oils that benefits the most delicate areas of the face. This serum is formulated to deeply nourish, hydrate, and help maintain a youthful appearance.
ART® Intensive Moisturizer, is a deep, ultra-hydrating lotion recaptures the qualities of younger-looking skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helping skin feel smoother and more pliable.
To finish off my morning, a delicious Slique Shake ! Slique Shake is a complete meal replacement shake that provides quick, satisfying, and delicious nutrition. Formulated with Slique Essence Essential Oil Blend. Mind Wise supplement that supports brain health and cardiovascular health. NingXia Red juice which supports energy levels, normal cellular function, and whole-body and normal eye health. MegaCal™ is a wonderful source of calcium, magnesium, manganese, and vitamin C. MegaCal supports normal bone and vascular health as well as normal nerve function. Use Lemon Vitality Instead of zesting or juicing, for a convenient way to use this great flavor. Last but not least fresh greens and strawberries from a local farm.
Essential oils are the aromatic liquids found within shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, resins, and seeds. Some people like to call essential oils “nature’s living energy” because they contain unique constituents that provide a host of benefits. Most essential oils are extracted from plant sources using steam distillation and are highly concentrated, making them far more potent than dried botanicals.
Essential oils are volatile, which means that the scent of the oil rises quickly into the air. They are also versatile, with a wide variety of uses. Some people use essential oils to enliven an environment, support different body systems, or just for their great aroma. If you still don’t know where to start, rest assured that each essential oil is labeled with instructions for use.
WHAT CAN ESSENTIAL OILS DO FOR YOU?
Enhance your physical wellness (support every system in the human body)
Inspire a positive emotional state
Purify your home
Refine you skin
Create a deep spiritual awareness
HOW DO WE USE THEM?
INHALATION
One of my favorite ways to use essential oils is aromatically. Many of us have had a time where a smell triggers a memory—freshly baked bread, pine needles, or spring flowers can easily take you back to positive times in your life. Essential oils are the same!
Place a couple of drops in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, cup your hands over your nose and mouth and inhale deeply.
Diffusion is another great way to use essential oils aromatically. By creating a fine aromatic mist, diffusers allow you to create a spa-like atmosphere and enjoy the benefits of essential oils in any environment. Young Living offers a wide variety of diffusers, and when you enroll as a new member, you will receive a diffuser in your Premium Starter Kit.
TOPICALLY
Essential oils can be applied to the skin by itself or with a carrier oil. If an oil is uncomfortable, add a carrier oil. The safest place to start is on the bottoms of the feet. AVOID the eyes, mucous membranes and private parts !
INGEST
The Vitality Oils are specifically labeled for ingestion. Use Vitality Oils to enhance the aroma and flavor of both savory and sweet foods. Use in a recipe, in a capsule or directly onto the tongue.
WHY YOUNG LIVING
Young Living owns farms all over the world. For more information about our seed to seal process, click here: seed to seal
WHAT IS A PREMIUM STARTER KIT ?
The Premium Starter Kit features 12 essential oils that can be used from day into night. They can support every system in the body. The kit also includes a diffuser, a Thieves Hand Sanitizer, a Thieves Spray, and Samples of our Ningxia Wolfberry juice. Read on to learn more about these products.
CITRUS FRESH
This scent is invigorating, clean, and uplifting. A Drop in your water or seltzer is delicious and gives a nice dose of antioxidants. I use several drops of Citrus Fresh in my DIY dishwasher Powder. Citrus Fresh and Lavender together in your diffuser creates a great uplifting aroma !
DIGIZE
So the smell of this oil is not one of my favorites. However, it is a good reminder that we don’t just use oils for their smell. This works amazingly for any gastrointestinal issues. You can take internally in a capsule or apply topically to your belly.
LEMON
Start your day off with a glass of water with 1 to 2 drops of lemon essential oil. Lemon helps flush the system and is excellent for kidney and bladder support. Lemon is high in antioxidants. Lemon is also great for boosting your immune system. Make a tea with warm water, local honey and 1 drop of lemon and 1 drop of thieves. This tea is great for overall immune support. If you feel under the weather, this is a great beverage to help support your immune system.
PEPPERMINT
This is another one I like to drink with a little warm water. One drop is plenty!! This is great for the digestive system. It is an energizing oil and great to use in your diffuser, it blends well with lemon for focus. If you are someone who tends to get sleepy while you’re driving you can put this in a car diffuser. If you have discomfort in the head and neck area, you can apply peppermint to the back of your neck or on your temples. BUT peppermint is strong, so you would want to dilute with a carrier oil if you feel any discomfort. Peppermint is also part of a “seasonal discomfort” blend. Some people take 3 drops each of Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint and Copaiba and apply it topically or take it internally in an empty gel capsule. You can also diffuse this blend.
THIEVES
The staple of life!! This blend is in all of our cleaning and dental care lines. The oils in this blend have been used for thousands of years. It is highly regarded for its immune supportive and cleaning benefits. A drop a day on the bottom of the feet or running it through your diffuser daily will help boost your immune system! Diffuse this blend to clear the air and you can apply it topically to everyone’s feet just before bed. Try this in your diffuser for immunity: Thieves, Lemon and Frankincense !
FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times and only those who had great wealth possessed it. Mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, frankincense was “used to treat every conceivable ill known to man.”
I cannot say enough about Frankincense. I use it daily for skin care and for emotional support !
LAVENDER
As mentioned this is part of the seasonal discomfort blend of lavender, lemon, Copaiba, and peppermint. This oil is also great for relaxation and sleep support. Great to add a few drops into your children’s baths, or a drop on their pillow to help with sleep. Lavender blends well in the diffuser for relaxation with Cedarwood or stress away. Lavender is also fantastic for skin support.
How about a Lavender Bedtime Spray? 4 ounces of water, 4 ounces of witch hazel, 10 drops of Lavender and 10 drops of Stress Away. Whisk together ingredients and pour into glass spray bottle. Spritz on linens at bedtime.
PANAWAY
This oil is excellent for reducing muscle tension. I love this in the bath with Epsom salts or applied topically to any areas of discomfort with a little coconut oil. You can also apply to the back of the neck to reduce head and neck discomfort.
Sore Muscle Soak
Ingredients
2 cups Epsom salt
1/2 cup baking soda
10 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drop Panaway essential oil
Directions
Draw a warm bath.
In a glass bowl, add the Epsom salt and baking soda and stir gently. Add 10 drops each of Lavender and Panaway essential oils each to the Epsom salt mixture. Stir the Epsom salt-essential oils mixture into the warm water in the bathtub.
Soak for 20 minutes.
PEACE AND CALMING
Be mindful that sometimes this oil can have the reverse effect on a few people. If you apply it and become energized rather than calm, you might be better off using a tree oil, or earthier blend like Valor.
RAVEN
This oil is excellent for respiratory support and clearing the sinuses. Mix a couple of drops with coconut oil and use it as a chest rub. It will help you open up. Another great use is simply putting this in your diffuser either by itself or with a little added lavender.
VALOR
Valor is amazing for emotional balance and meditation. It is often referred to as chiropractor in a bottle. When I apply this oil to my wrists, rub them together and breathe deeply, I feel grounded and relaxed. Its a great way to start my day.
Valor is part of the “have a good day” protocol. This is how I start my day :
Valor
– rubbed on the bottoms of the feet, or a drop put on one wrist, and then rub both wrists together.
Harmony
– a single drop, rubbed over the solar plexus area (above the belly button).
Joy – a single drop rubbed over the heart.
White Angelica
– a single drop in one hand, rub the hands together, and brush over the head (lightly touching the hair, over the face, onto the shoulders, the chest, brushing all the way down the body, lightly touching the body, right over the clothes, as though applying an “angelic shield.”
THIEVES HAND SANITIZER AND THIEVES SPRAY
Don’t forget there’s a bottom portion to your starter kit. It’s includes the Stress Away, Peace and Calming, Thieves Spray, Thieves Sanitizer, and Ningxia Red Juuice..
Thieves sanitizer kills 99.9% of germs and bacterias. It’s easy on your hands thanks to the added aloe and it smells great. Thieves Spray can be sprayed on anything. My favorite uses when traveling by air are to spray my seat and tray table. It dries quickly so I can use it almost anywhere ESPECIALLY public restrooms !
NINGXIA RED JUICE
This beautiful nutritious drink comes in your kit with two samples. This is a whole body nutrient that is high in antioxidants and balances the body‘s pH. Ningxia red is full of super fruits including the wolfberry. Here are a few benefits - Cardiovascular support, immune support, circulation improvement, overall wellness support, and an excellent dose of antioxidants. Most people drink 2 ounces a day.
DIFFUSER INCLUDED !
A diffuser is included in your starter kit and you get to pick which diffuser you'd like. You will LOVE diffusing your oil. It's simple ! You put tap water into the diffuser, add 5 to 8 drops of an oil. Your will soon figure out how many drops you like.
The Premium Starter Kit is $165 for the 12 essential oils, a diffuser and the samples mentioned above. You will get access to our private facebook group, an essential oil pocket reference book to guide you and other sign-up bonuses !
Here are a few tips on how to use Thieves products to help you and your family stay above the wellness line.
- Put a bottle of Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier in your purse, briefcase or lunchbox. Reminder: Use right before you eat lunch or anytime during the day.
- Rub a few drops of Thieves Essential oil on the bottom of your feet before heading out.
- Have a Thieves Lozenge or cough drop with you and use when your throat feels "scratchy" and suck on it as needed. They can be strong so remember, you can put it back in the plastic wrapper and use it again later.
- Use the Thieves Wipes (or make your own, Recipe below) to wipe down desks, keyboards, door handles, etc.
- Use the Thieves Spray to spray door handles, spray in the restroom before entering the stall to clear out the old yuck, and on any surface you feel may need a little cleaning.
- Put some Thieves Mouthwash in a little spray bottle to keep your breath fresh or sooth your throat.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
Let's All Stay Well during this Germy Season !
Every change of season, especially during the colder months germs are everywhere. Don't you wish sometimes you could live in a bubble? We can all take a few measure to take care and support our immune systems.
To name a few:
Wash your hands frequently. Thorough hand washing is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Young Living has a the Thieves product line that is ideal for this. Try Thieves Foaming Hand Soap for an all-natural hand cleaner.
Use hand sanitizers. Germs lurk everywhere and you are not always able to get to a sink. Thieves Hand Sanitizer and Thieves Spray are perfect for anytime you are away from home and in public places. They can be used when you are unable to wash your hands.
Thieves Hand Sanitizer was formulated with the legendary Thieves essential oil blend, combined with all-natural, plant based ingredients in a convenient solution that kills 99.99 percent of common illness-causing germs. Contains aloe vera and vegetable glycerin to lightly moisturize for baby-soft skin. Contains no petrochemicals, mineral oil, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, or toxic ingredients
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Thieves Household Cleaner, Thieves Spray or Thieves Wipes are good natural options to either wipe or spray on germy surfaces.
Examples: Shopping cart handles Door knobs Light switches Phones and headsets Computer keyboards and mouse Pens and office supplies Sinks and counter tops Bathroom doors Public toilet seats and flush handles Hand rails Escalators Elevator buttons Money and credit cards Restaurant buffets and tables Car doors Gas pumps and more.
There may be times when the Thieves Hand Sanitizer or other Thieves products may be out of stock, or, maybe you just love making your own recipes. Here are a few DIY recipes:
DIY Hand Purifier 2 oz clear aloe vera gel 1 oz distilled water or witch hazel 1 capsule of Vitamin E oil 15 drops Young Living Thieves Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a 3-ounce plastic bottle. Apply to hands as desired.
DIY Hand Purifier 2 2-3 oz bottle vodka Aloe vera gel 10 to 15 drops Thieves essential oil blend or (5 drops of Clove Essential Oil, 4 drops of Lemon Essential Oil, 4 drops of Cinnamon Essential Oil, 2 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 2 drop of Rosemary Essential Oil)
Fill bottle 1/4 to 1/3 full with vodka. Add 10 to 15 drops Thieves or other combo of essential oils Fill bottle the rest of the way with aloe vera gel and shake well. Apply to hands as needed.
Spray Sanitizer (for hands and surfaces) 1. In a 3 oz spray bottle, add 10 drops of Thieves essential oil 2. Add 2 TBS witch hazel or vodka. 3. Fill with water and shake well. Another option would be to add 1 TBS Thieves Household Cleaner.
DIY Disinfecting Spray Cleaner 1 1/4 cups water. 1/4 cup white vinegar. 1/4 cup vodka 15 drops Thieves essential oil or (5 drops of Clove Essential Oil, 4 drops of Lemon Essential Oil, 4 drops of Cinnamon Essential Oil, 2 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 2 drop of Rosemary Essential Oil)
DIY Thieves Cleaning Wipes These DIY Thieves cleaning wipes are convenient, great for fast clean-up, require little to no time to make, and do not use any harsh chemicals! All you need is: -Paper towels -Thieves Household Cleaner -Thieves Essential Oil -Water -An air tight container (preferably glass or stainless steel)
Directions: • Cut the paper towel roll in half with a knife and set it inside the container. • In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of water, 2 capfuls of Thieves Household Cleaner, and 10 drops of Thieves essential oil. Pour the mixture over the paper towel roll. • Once the paper towel roll is wet, you will be able to easily lift the cardboard tube out from the middle and you can start pulling the paper towels out, just like store bought cleaning wipes! • Make sure to seal the container with a lid once you are done using them.
TIP: Before mixing the Thieves Household Cleaner and Essential Oils in the water, pour 1/2 cup of the water in center of paper towel so it absorbs into the brown cardboard. Wait about 5-10 minutes, gently remove the cardboard from the center. Mix the THC & EO with the remaining water and pour all over the paper towels. Otherwise a lot of the THC & EO are wasted because they absorbed into the cardboard center. I also add 5 drops of Lemon EO to give it that wonderful lemony scent.
Thieves Household Cleaner - An all-purpose, environmentally friendly cleaner with lemon essential oil for added cleaning power. Keeping surfaces clean is important when defending a healthy immune system.
Thieves Spray - comes in a convenient, 1-ounce, take-anywhere spray bottle. It is ideal to clean surfaces where multiple hands touch. Spritz on countertops, lunch tables, door handles, armrests, mouse and keyboards, toilet seats, and any surface that needs cleansing to protect from undesirable microorganisms.
Thieves Wipes are also wonderful for cleaning surfaces as well. Easy swipe to clean those shooing cart handles and door knobs. Young Living has a full line of Thieves products. Be sure to check out the whole line.
Other Ways To Support A Healthy Immune System
Diffusing oils is a good way to freshen the air in the home. Thieves, Immupower, Christmas Spirit, Tea Tree, Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, Purification, Eucalyptus, Clove are a few choices but there are many more.
Thieves, Immupower, Exodus II - Rub oils on the bottom of the feet, in capsules, in tea
Have a cup of Thieves Tea 1 cup hot water or herbal tea 1 drop Thieves essential oil 3 drops lemon essential oil Honey to taste
Probiotics 70% of your immune system is housed in your intestinal flora. It is a really good idea to support your gut and immune system with a good probiotic. Young Living has Life 9, a proprietary, high-potency probiotic that combines 17 billion live cultures from 9 beneficial bacteria strains to promote healthy digestion, support gut health, and help maintain normal intestinal function for overall support of a healthy immune system.
Life 9 includes 9 probiotics for full-spectrum gut support:
Take your probiotics before bed and at least 2 hours away from taking Inner Defense or other oils in capsules.
Inner Defense Packed with Thieves blend, Inner Defense also contains oregano and thyme for an extra powerful punch. This potent essential oil supplement has been designed to support the body's systems.
NingXia Red
NingXia Red is a wonderful support for the immune system. It is full of healthy ingredients. 1 oz. of NingXia Red has the same amount of antioxidant levels as: 34 large onions or 100 oranges or 814 blueberries or 22 medium carrots or 10.85 pounds of spinach or 55.33 pounds of almonds or 59 broccoli florets or 73 medium strawberries or 93 apples or 130 tomatoes
Raindrop on your feet !
Have you ever done a Raindrop, just on your feet? I apply each one of the oils, in the sequence that I would use in a Raindrop on the back. I appy mostly to the bottoms of the feet, but using what's left on my hands to also rub the tops of the feet. This is so beneficial for tired, painful feet! The sequence is: Valor, oregano, thyme, basil, wintergreen, cypress, marjoram, peppermint, Aroma Siez, and Ortho Ease.
I use about 2 drops of oregano and thyme, and about 3 - 4 drops of each of the other oils, on each foot.
If you have ever wished to have a full raindrop session just reach out to me.
Stay healthy my friends,
Happy OIling, Until Next Time - Irene
Check out my FB Page @ahavahealingarts
If you would like to try out Marketing Scents, 30 days for $1, use my Referral Link: https://irene.marketingscents.com/join
Last Minute Gift Ideas and Seasonal Diffuser Recipes
Are you needing some last minute gift ideas ? Here are a few Holiday Gifts on a Dime
Making bath salts is incredibly easy!
One of my favorite things to make with essential oils is home-made bath salts. These are way more powerful even than the expensive bath salts you’ll find at specialty shops, and when you make them yourself they are way cheaper! What You’ll Need:
1 cup epsom salt
¼ cup sea salt
¼ cup baking soda
8-10 drops of essential oil (see below for ideas)
Depending on the size of your tub, use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of this salt blend per bath. Combine the following ingredients. Once mixed well, store the bath salts in a glass container. Tie a Bow around the container !
For bath salts to help you get in the holiday spirit, try Christmas Spirit (it has orange, cinnamon, and spruce oils). For relaxation, try Lavender or Peace & Calming. To ease muscle aches, Aroma Siez or PanAway. Sacred Mountain is a great blend to promote a mood of contemplation.
Room Sprays
2 oz. Glass Spray Bottle or PET Plastic Spray Bottles
1/2 tsp witch hazel (to help emulsify the essential oils in water)
Distilled Water
10-15 drops of essential oils
Cozy by the Fire Room Spray: 5 drops each of Cinnamon Bark, Orange and Clove Essential Oils. Shake well before spraying into air.
Sugar Scrubs
1/2 cup raw sugar
1/4 cup Virgin Coconut Oil
4 oz. Glass Jar
6-8 drops of essential oils of your choise.
Joyful Sugar Scrub: 4 drops Joy and 3 drops Peppermint Essential Oils
A Few Diffuser Blends For You
Personal Reflection - 5 Drops Lemon, 3 Drops Frankincense
The Best Air Ever - 4 Drops RC, 4 Drops Purification