Wild Orange Multi-Purpose Cleaner

 Essential Oils are amazing for creating your own household cleaning products.  These oils have naturally occurring antibacterial properties and are free from the chemical agents that plague many household products in our society.  Oils can be added to your laundry routine and to sanitize your bathroom and kitchen.  You will get amazing "clean" scents without the chemical fumes!

 Citrus oils are a huge hit in our household!  We love the fresh clean scents and orange oils are just a "happy" scent.  Like many citrus oils, Wild Orange boasts antiseptic and purifying properties. 

Wild Orange Multi-Purpose Cleaner

10-12 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil

2 oz White Vinegar

16-18 oz Distilled Water

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a spray bottle.

Shake before use.

The details, recipes and blends provided on this site are for information purposes only.   While we are not a healthcare professionals, we are certified aromatherapists (or in training) and/or mothers wanting a natural lifestyle for our families. Please be sure to consult your primary healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your routine.

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Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is another staple among families who use herbal remedies.  The essential oil is cultivated from the highly aromatic perennial herb. The leaf of the peppermint plant is highly used in culinary fields.  Due to the refreshing flavour and the therapeutic benefits, it is often used in herbal teas as well.    The active ingredient in this oil is menthol - which is used in everything from soap to toothpaste.  Unlike many other herbs and essential oils, several health benefits of peppermint and peppermint oil have been formally studied and proved by the scientific community, to the extent that it may be suggestion for use by medical practitioners.

Peppermint essential oil is very beneficial in the treatment of digestive issues and is commonly used to aid in the treatment of indigestion and motion sickness,  Headaches, mental fatigue, nervous stress can also be reduced by using peppermint oil.  It is also widely known that vermin (rats and mice) dislike peppermint, so planting the herb or placing drops of oil around your house will likely deter unwanted critters.

Peppermint is also known as a "hot" oil.  The calm and cooling sensation is often followed by heat.   Take care in the application of this oil; it is generally recommended at a 5% blend rate.  The oil should not be applied near the eyes (of children and adults) or the faces of children and babies.   As with many essential oils, it is commonly recommended that women who are pregnant and/or nursing and individual diagnosed with diabetes should generally avoid using lavender until consulting with a primary health care provider.

The details, recipes and blends provided on this site are for information purposes only.  I am not a healthcare professional, just a mother who is wanting a natural lifestyle for her family. Please be sure to consult your primary healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your routine.

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Lavender Essential Oil

One of the most common essential oils used among families is Lavender due to its many versatile uses.  It is beneficial for assisting in anxiety relief and restful slumber (however if used in excess, it may act as a stimulant).  Lavender is known for it's disinfectant qualities on the scalp and skin, which makes it a perfect oil to use for acne and eczema.   It can also enhance blood circulation and aid in the support of respiratory problems.  The strong scent is also a very effective bug/pest deterrent and is used in many insect repellents.

Lavender oil is mainly extracted from the bright purple flower of the plant, commonly through steam distillation.  The flowers are very fragrant and have been used in potpourris and perfumes for centuries. Due to the fragrant nature of this plant, the oil is very useful in aromatherapy and combines very well with other essential oils and fragrance blends.

It is important to note, lavender essential oil should not be ingested, but rather topically applied or inhaled by means of aromatherapy through a diffuser or other inhalation method.  Ingestion of this oil could cause serious health complications characterized by blurred vision, difficult breathing, burning eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea.

As with many essential oils, it is commonly recommended that women who are pregnant and/or nursing and individual diagnosed with diabetes should generally avoid using lavender until consulting with a primary health care provider.

The details, recipes and blends provided on this site are for information purposes only.  I am not a healthcare professional, just a mother who is wanting a natural lifestyle for her family. Please be sure to consult your primary healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your routine.

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Ingestion of Essential Oils

One question circling around oils is...  Is it safe to ingest them?  I find this is a highly controversial and delicate matter and in the end, it is up to the individual.

My research says this practice is not recommended for the general public.  While there is  a place for ingestion, it should only be done under the supervision and consultation of a trained physician, aromatherapist and/or pharmacist who has a vast knowledge and expertise of essential oils.  

Ingestion of essential oils should be done with caution and only for a short period of time,  as several oils may be toxic to the liver and kidneys.  Always keep in mind the possible interactions between medications that you are prescribed to take by your health care provider.  The chemical breakdown of oils during the digestion process may change the anticipated effects of the oils and may interact with various medications. 

Some essential oils are considered safe by the FDA for oral consumption, among them are basil, bergamot, roman chamomile, cinnamon bark, clary sage, clove, dill, eucalyptus. frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, lime, lavender, myrtle, nutmeg, oregano, spearmint, peppermint, orange, and thyme.

No mater where you search online, you will find conflicting arguments about the ingestion of essential oils.  Oils should be treated like over-the-counter medications and should not be used too often or in excess.  If you feel ingestion is a method for you, always dilute your essential oils prior to taking them.  

A good rule of thumb is, if you are unsure - apply the oils topically or diffuse them into the air. 

The details, recipes and blends provided on this site are for information purposes only.  I am not a healthcare professional, just a mother who is wanting a natural lifestyle for her family. Please be sure to consult your primary healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your routine.

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Lemongrass and Lavender Disinfectant

Essential Oils are amazing for creating your own household cleaning products.  These oils have naturally occurring antibacterial properties and are free from the chemical agents that plague many household products in our society.  Oils can be added to your laundry routine and to sanitize your bathroom and kitchen.  You will get amazing "clean" scents without the chemical fumes!

Lemongrass is a powerful essential oil; it's attributes include antimicrobial, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal, and insecticidal properties.

Lavender is a "go-to" essential oil that seemingly everyone likes to use.  It's properties include disinfectant, antiseptic, and antifungal attributes.

Combining both oils allows for a powerful cleaning product.

Lemongrass and Lavender Disinfectant

In a glass spray bottle, combine:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
10 drops lemongrass essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil

Shake well to mix before use. 

The details, recipes and blends provided on this site are for information purposes only.  I am not a healthcare professional, just a mother who is wanting a natural lifestyle for her family. please be sure to consult your primary healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your routine.

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Essential Oils and Your Feet

Do you apply essential oils to your feet?? If not, you should!!  Here's why this concept is a good idea:

1. Reflexology and the application of essential oils go hand in hand (or foot in foot?!). You may increase the benefits of the essential oils by following a reflexology chart.

2. The skin on the soles of the feet is less sensitive than the rest of the body. This means there is less of a chance for you to have a reaction to the oils.

3. The pores on the feet are thicker than pores elsewhere on the body. This allows the essential oils to be absorbed more quickly and reach the bloodstream faster. In addition, the feet and hands do not have sebaceous glands. Sebum is an oily substance that covers the body and helps waterproof and lubricate the skin. Better absorption is achieved because feet lack this substance.

The details, recipes and blends provided on this site are for information purposes only.  I am not a healthcare professional, just a mother who is wanting a natural lifestyle for her family. please be sure to consult your primary healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your routine.

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Carrier Oils: Coconut Oil (Solid)

:: Coconut Oil ::

Refined Vs Unrefined
Refined Coconut oil is generally odorless and tasteless and can withstand higher temperatures, which is why many people use it for cooking. Refined coconut oils do not offer the same health benefits of a virgin, completely raw coconut oil, but they are still excellent sources of most of the beneficial fatty acids. Most are refined using a chemical distillation process dependent on lye or other harsh solvents and may also be hydrogenated!

Unrefined coconut oil may also be labeled as "virgin". It is made from the first pressing of fresh, raw coconut without the addition of any chemicals. Depending on how the oil is extracted, the flavor can be very intense or very mild. In general, the more heat the oil was exposed to, the more strong the coconut flavor.

The details, recipes and blends provided on this site are for information purposes only.  I am not a healthcare professional, just a mother who is wanting a natural lifestyle for her family. please be sure to consult your primary healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your routine.

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