Oregano Oil Compound Promising Against Norovirus

Seems like the home daycare has been hit with what appears to be the Norovirus ~ so was researching options for doing some deeper toy cleaning during nap time that does not use the recommended bleach cause well my crew still mouth the toys and that is hard to reconcile adding bleach to the final rinse as recommended since the container has a poison do not ingest sign on it :(

Oregano Oil Compound Promising Against Norovirus (source)

A substance found in oregano oil could be helpful in killing norovirus, according to a study in mice.

Researchers from the University of Arizona found that carvacrol, which is responsible for the aromatic smell and taste of oregano oil, is able to break down the tough protein layer surrounding norovirus, called the virus capsid. This would then enable another antimicrobial to go into the virus and kill it.

So finding this little tidbit of research has helped me feel better about using some Oregano essential oil and adding in a few drops of On Guard Essential Oils with some Castile soap for a nice deep clean and I will spray some oils on and let them air dry!

Definitely going to add some Oregano to the diffusers as well! 

Have an amazing day!

Margaret

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Be Totallyawake4-life

Spotlight on Cassia

Spotlight on Cassia
Cinnamomum cassia

A close relative to Cinnamon, Cassia has a strong, spicy aroma. It’s one of the few essential oils mentioned in the Old Testament, noted for its unmistakable and calming fragrance . Cassia is a “warming” oil which makes it a great oil to diffuse during cold weather.

Properties

•  Promotes a sense of well-being
• Support's healthy immune function* 
• Warming, uplifting aroma

Potential Health Benefits* of Cassia (source)

Antidepressant: The aromatic effect of this essential oil fights depression, uplifts mood and induces warm feelings in the body and mind.

Anti-emetic: This oil can be used to treat nausea and to reduce vomiting. It induces a refreshing feeling and drives away those feelings which bring on nausea and vomiting.

Anti-galactogogue: This oil can reduce the secretion of milk and is therefore not recommended for lactating mothers.

Anti-Rheumatic and Anti-Arthritic: Being a circulatory and a stimulant substance, Cassia essential oil improves the circulation of the blood and brings warmth to the joints and other parts of the body affected by rheumatism and arthritis, thus giving relief from these uncomfortable conditions.

Antimicrobial: The essential oil of Cassia inhibits microbial growth and protects from microbial infections. This property is useful for treating microbial infections in the urethra, colon, kidneys, urinary tracts and other parts of the body including diarrhea.

Astringent: This property of the essential oil of Cassia does a lot of good. It strengthens gums and hair roots, tightens muscles and lifts the skin. It also helps reduce hemorrhaging by contracting blood vessels.

Circulatory: Cassia essential oil improves the circulation of blood and thereby facilitates proper distribution of nutrients and oxygen to all the body parts. This property is also beneficial in fighting rheumatism and arthritis. It can also help relax menstrual cramps and open obstructed menstruation paths. This also gives relief from symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and drowsiness that are commonly associated with menses.

Antiviral: This oil is also effective in countering viral infections and gives sound protection from cough & cold, influenza and other viral diseases. Being an antimicrobial and antiviral agent, Cassia essential oil helps support the body to fight infections causing fever and thus helps lower body temperature. The circulatory property of this oil also helps boost the immune system of the body. The warming effect of this oil gives relief from the fever as well.

Stimulant: It aids in stimulating bodily functions, the metabolism, secretions, discharges, circulation and also the nervous system and the brain, thereby helping to be more active and alert.

Other Benefits: It can be used to help treat uterine hemorrhaging and other internal and external hemorrhaging due to its astringent properties. For those who suffer with the loss of libido and sexual disorders such as frigidity and impotency it can aid in supporting an increase desire as well as aids in healing digestive disorders, flatulence, colic, stomach disorders, headaches and general body pain.

Uses of Cassia

Blending: The essential oils of black pepper, chamomile,  frankincense, ginger, geranium, rosemary and some citrus oils blend well with the essential oil of Cassia.

Falling for Me Aromatic Blend 

•  1 drop each of doTERRA® Cassia and Clove essential oils
•  1-3 drops of doTERRA® Wild Orange

This is lovely either in your diffuser or in an aromatherapy necklaces this time of year ~ if you do not have an aromatherapy necklace they are totally a must have for your Christmas wishlist from Santa. I have sensitive skin so wearing anything directly on my skin is a challenge but this offers an option to 'smell nice' without having it be direct contact plus I get the aroma benefits of wearing the blends! 

Another Favorite combo

Recent research suggests that Cinnamomum cassia oil has potential to be used as a natural antibacterial agent in food industry ... so makes a great addition to homemade cleaning sprays in the kitchen!

Caution:  Cassia can produce irritation and sensitization on the skin and in the mucus membrane for some individuals, so it should be kept out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, lactating, or under the care of a physician you should consult them before using Cassia in your essential oil therapy.

Have an amazing day!

Margaret

Life Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Totallyawake4-life

To Dilute or Not To Dilute

*This article was originally featured in the Fall 2015 LIVING Magazine.

Anyone who has topically applied dōTERRA Deep Blue® Soothing Blend before and after a workout knows how quickly and intensely it works. But the cooling sensation can sometimes be a little strong for small children or people with sensitive skin. Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil before application is an excellent way to reduce sensitive skin reactions to certain essential oils, but will it reduce its effectiveness? The answer may surprise you. Recent research suggests diluting essential oils for topical applications not only does not reduce effectiveness, but may actually have certain advantages.

LIPOPHILICITY

The skin is one of the largest organs in the body, by both surface area and weight. Although it regulates several aspects of physiology and manages sensory reception, it is primarily a protector. The skin acts as a barrier to protect internal organs from variations in temperature, pressure and mechanical impacts. It also acts as a defender against unwanted foreign agents such as viruses and bacteria, and it does so with amazing proficiency. For thousands of years it was thought that the skin was essentially impermeable, but modern research has revealed that it is not particularly effective at keeping out water and lipid soluble substances.(1)

How essential oils permeate the skin when applied topically is a fascinating process, and one of the most important concepts in understanding how essential oils influence our health. Essential oils are lipophilic, meaning they are attracted to and are soluble in fatty substances. Diluting essential oils in a carrier before application accentuates this property, providing a number of benefits.

BENEFITS OF DILUTION 

Dilution is one of the most important aspects of effective topical application; it is also one of the most misunderstood. When used properly, carrier oils have been shown to improve essential oil topical application through several different pathways. Evaporation is the primary issue in topical application, as body heat and the skin present a formidable barrier. One of the most important benefits of dilution is that it slows the flashing off of the volatile aromatic compounds, largely through one of the fundamental laws of fluid dynamics: decreasing the surface area of a substance exposed to air reduces the rate of evaporation. When diluted, essential oil chemical constituents have been shown to pass through the epidermis more efficiently than when applied neat . (2) Furthermore, another study showed that dilution may expedite the process, as varying levels of specific constituents were detected in exhaled air in as quickly as 20 minutes when using a carrier while a neat application resulted in no detection for up to two hours. (3)

Introducing dōTERRA® TOUCH KIT
You can now find dōTERRA’s most popular essential oils in a base of dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for easy-to-use application.

Understanding proper dilution is an important factor in safe and effective essential oil use. Foremost, any substance that has a near-neutral pH, such as dōTERRA® Fractionated Coconut Oil, is incapable of altering the chemical makeup of an essential oil. Proper dilution, with an appropriate carrier, will not change the effectiveness. One of the most common concerns is the use of essential oils on those with sensitivity considerations, especially children. Although sensitivities are rare when proper usage guidelines are followed with neat application, by decreasing the rate of evaporation and therefore further limiting exposure, dilution allows for an even greater margin of safety. Dilution requires you use less oil for the same effect. When trying a new oil or when applying warmer oils such as Oregano or Thyme, dilution can decrease the risk for a hypersensitive reaction, reduce waste, and provide an ideal environment to discover which essential oils work best for your situation.

Along with improving application efficiency, there are also secondary benefits to using dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil as a carrier. It has a light emollient effect and is excellent for your skin. Unlike other vegetable-based oils, it does not leave an unpleasant greasy residue or interfere with the valuable properties of the essential oil it is carrying. dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil is also very stable, so you don’t have to be concerned that it will go rancid. Learning to use dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil appropriately as a carrier will improve the experience for your entire family.

Despite the growing body of evidence regarding the benefits of dilution, both methods of topical application have their place in the developing model of effective essential oil use. Many of the dōTERRA essential oils can be used safely and effectively neat, but proper dilution can be used appropriately at any time and may even offer some advantages.

References
1. Jager W, Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Fritzer M. Journal of Cosmetic Science.1992;43(1):49-54.
2. Bronaugh RL, Wester C, Bucks D, Mailbach HI, Sarason R. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 1990;28(5):369-373.
3. Price S, Price L. Aromatherapy for health professionals. 2012. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier: Edinburgh. 130.

doTERRA® Touch series

Have an amazing day

Margaret

 Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Totallyawake4-life 

Spotlight on Cinnamon and Clove

Another amazing BOGO from over at doTERRA® today ~ buy 1 Cinnamon and get 1 Clove for FREE!

 To help show why these two are also another MUST HAVE in your Essentials Kit here is a little spotlight on the benefits and uses for both!

Spotlight on Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Cinnamon has a long history of culinary uses, adding spice to desserts, entrees, and hot drinks. When diffused, Cinnamon cleanses the air of odours. 

 Uses

• Supports metabloic health
• Maintains a healthy immune system
• Naturally repels insects
• Long used to flavor foods and for its internal health benefits

  

Health Benefits of Cinnamon (source) 

The health benefits of cinnamon can be attributed to its antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent and anticlotting properties. Cinnamon is rich in essential minerals such as manganese, iron and calcium, while also having a high content of fiber.

The health benefits of cinnamon include the following:

How to use Cinnamon Bark

• Brain Function: Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and makes it a good brain tonic. It helps to remove nervous tension and memory loss. Research at the Wheeling Jesuit University in the United States has proved that the scent of cinnamon has the ability to boost brain activity. The team of researchers, led by Dr. P. Zoladz, found that people who were given cinnamon improved their scores on cognitive activities such as attention span, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed.
• Blood purification: Cinnamon can also help to remove blood impurities. This also makes it a great treatment for pimples.
• Blood circulation: Cinnamon helps to improve the circulation of blood due to the presence of a blood thinning compound within cinnamon. This blood circulation helps to significantly reduce pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body’s cells, which leads to higher metabolic activity. You can significantly reduce the chance of suffering from a heart attack by regularly consuming cinnamon.
• Pain Relief: Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory substance, so it helps in removing stiffness of the muscles and joints. Cinnamon is also recommended for arthritis, and it is known to help in removing headaches that are caused by colds.
• Diabetes: Cinnamon has the ability to control blood sugar, so diabetics find it very useful because cinnamon aids them in using less insulin. Research has shown that it is particularly helpful for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes patients are not able to regulate their insulin levels properly. Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland studied the effect of various food substances that include cinnamon on blood sugar levels. They found that a water-soluble polyphenol compound called MHCP, which is abundant in cinnamon, synergistically acted with insulin and helped in the better utilization of that vital component of human health.
• Infections: Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it is effective on treating external as well as internal infections. It helps in destroying germs in the gall bladder and the bacteria present in staph infections.
• Healing: Cinnamon acts as a coagulant and helps to stop excess bleeding. Therefore, it facilitates the healing process.
• Heart diseases: It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon provide protection against heart diseases. By including a little cinnamon in your food, you can help prevent coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
• Colon cancer: It can also improves the health of the colon and thereby reduce the risk of colon cancer.
• Mouth freshener: Cinnamon is often used in chewing gums, as it is a good mouth freshener and removes bad breath.
• Perfumes: It has a refreshing aroma and is extensively used in perfume-making.
• Indigestion: Cinnamon is added in many ethnic recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. Due to its carminative properties, it is very helpful in eliminating excess gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, combats diarrhea and reduces the effects of morning sickness. Cinnamon is therefore often referred to as a digestive tonic.
• Respiratory problems: Cinnamon helps in relieving the symptoms of colds, influenza, sore throat and congestion.
• Menstruation: Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.
• Birth control: Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and thus helps to avoid conception.
• Breastfeeding: It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of healthy breast milk.
• Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in the secretion and discharge of urine. It is also commonly used as an aphrodisiac and is believed to arouse sexual desire in men and women.

Spotlight on Clove

Eugenia caryophyllata

Clove has been used for years in dental preparations, candy, and gum for its flavor. Clove naturally contains eugenol, which gives this essential oil a very sweet, stimulating and energizing aroma.

Health Benefits of Cloves (source)

• Better Digestion: Cloves improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. Cloves are also good for reducing flatulence, gastric irritability, dyspepsia and nausea. Cloves can be roasted, powdered, and taken with honey for relief in digestive disorders.
• Antibacterial Properties: Cloves have been tested for their antibacterial properties against a number of human pathogens. The extracts of cloves were potent enough to kill those pathogens. Clove extracts are also effective against the specific bacteria that spreads cholera.
• Chemo-Preventive Properties: Cloves are of interest to the medical community due to their chemo-preventive or anti-carcinogenic properties. Tests have showed that cloves are helpful in controlling lung cancer in its early stages.
• Liver Protection: Cloves contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are ideal for protecting the organs from the effects of free radicals, especially the liver. Metabolism, in the long run, increases free radical production and lipid profile, while decreasing the antioxidants in the liver. Clove extracts are helpful in counteracting those effects with its hepatoprotective properties.
• Diabetes Control: Cloves have been used in many traditional remedies for a number of diseases. One such disease is diabetes. In patients suffering from diabetes, the amount of insulin produced by the body is not sufficient or insulin is not produced at all. Studies have revealed that extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and help in controlling blood sugar levels.
• Bone Preservation: The hydro-alcoholic extracts of cloves include phenolic compounds such as eugenol and its derivatives, such as flavones, isoflavones and flavonoids. These extracts have been particularly helpful in preserving bone density and the mineral content of bone, as well as increasing tensile strength of bones in cases of osteoporosis.
• Anti-Mutagenic Properties: Mutagens are those chemicals that change the genetic makeup of the DNA by causing mutations. Biochemical compounds found in cloves, like phenylpropanoids, possess anti-mutagenic properties. These were administered on cells treated with mutagens and they were able to control the mutagenic effects to a significant rate.
• Boosts the Immune System: Ayurveda describes certain plants to be effective in developing and protecting the immune system. One such plant is clove. The dried flower bud of clove contains compounds that help in improving the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count, thereby improving delayed type hypersensitivity.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cloves possess anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties. Studies on clove extracts being administered in lab rats suggest that the presence of eugenol reduced the inflammation caused by edema. It was also confirmed that eugenol has the ability to reduce pain by stimulating pain receptors.
• Cure for Oral Diseases: Cloves can be taken for gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Clove bud extracts significantly controlled the growth of oral pathogens, which are responsible for various oral diseases. Cloves can also be used for toothaches due to their pain-killing properties.
• Aphrodisiac Properties: Spices such as clove and nutmeg have been said to possess aphrodisiac properties, according to Unani medicine. Experiments on clove and nutmeg extracts were tested against standard drugs administered for that reason and both clove and nutmeg showed positive results.
• Cure for Headaches: Headaches can be reduced by using cloves. Make a paste of a few cloves and mix it with a dash of rock salt. Add this to a glass of milk. This mixture reduces headaches quickly and effectively.

Have an amazing day

Margaret

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Totallyawake4-life

Spotlight on Cardomom and Basil Essential Oils

 Another awesome BOGO pair today from doTERRA® .... buy 1 Cardamon and get 1 Basil for FREE today only November 18th 2015!

Cardamon Spotlight

Ellettaria cardamomoum

A close relative to Ginger, Cardamom is known as being the most expensive cooking spice and having a variety of benefits. Cardamom is added to traditional Indian sweets and teas for its cool, yet minty aroma and flavor.

Health Benefits* of Cardamom Essential Oil (source)

• Antispasmodic Cardamom oil is highly effective in curing muscular and respiratory spasms, thereby giving relief from muscle pulls and cramps, asthma, and whooping cough.
• Antiseptic and Antimicrobial Cardamom essential oil has very strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which are safe as well. If used as a mouth wash by adding few drops of this oil in water, it disinfects the oral cavity of all germs and eliminates bad breath. It can also be added to drinking water to kill the germs contained there. It can also be used in foods as a flavoring agent, which will also keep them safe from spoiling due to microbial action. A mild solution in water can be used to bathe, while disinfecting the skin and hair.
• Digestive and Stomachic It is the essential oil in cardamom that makes it such a good digestive. This oil boosts digestion by stimulating the whole digestive system. It is also stomachic in nature, which means that it keeps the stomach healthy and functioning properly. It helps maintain the proper secretion of gastric juices, acids and bile in the stomach. It also protects the stomach from infections.
• Stimulant Cardamom essential oil stimulates your entire system. This stimulating effect also boosts your spirits in cases of depression or fatigue. It also stimulates the secretion of various enzymes and hormones, gastric juices, peristaltic motion, circulation, and excretion, thus maintaining proper metabolic action throughout the body.
• Warming: Cardamom oil has a warming effect. This means that it heats up the body, promotes sweating, helps clear congestion and coughs, while also relieving symptoms of the common cold. It also provides relief from headaches that result from illness and can be used to cure diarrhea caused by extreme cold.
• Diuretic It promotes urination, which helps people lose weight, lower blood pressure, remove toxins and clean calcium and urea deposits from the kidneys.
• Aphrodisiac Cardamom oil has an arousing effect that can help cure sexual weakness, erectile dysfunctions, impotence, loss of libido, and frigidity.
• Other BenefitsCardamom oil helps to neutralize the effects of tobacco, insect bites and even the ingestion of mild poisons. Furthermore, it can clear the bowels, cure colic, remove bad breath, heal oral infections, and alleviate the pain of toothaches.

A Few Words of Caution:

No toxic effects have been noticed from consuming cardamom essential oil, but an excessive amount of cardamom essential oil can result in an overdose. This will manifest as unrest and extra heating up of the body and the digestive system, resulting in loose bowels and irritation. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are advised not to ingest cardamom oil, since the irritation or warming effect may harm the baby.

Blending: 

Cardamom Oil blends well with Rose, Orange, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cloves, Caraway and Cedar Wood Oil.

Chai Tea with Essential Oils
Serves 3 cups

Image Source Terra Thrive

 What You Need

• 1 drop cardamom essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
• 1 drop black pepper essential oil
• 2 drops wild orange essential oil
• 12 oz water
• 12 oz milk or milk substitute (I love almond milk myself)
• 2 bags black tea
• Sweetener of Choice to taste

What You Do

•  Boil the water and add the tea bags, allow to steep for 3-4 minutes.
•  In a separate pan, warm the milk over medium heat.  
• If you have a a milk frother, use it at this time to create the foam for the ‘latte’ part, otherwise, just pour the warm milk in to the steeped tea.  
• Then add the essential oils and sweetener of your choice.  
• Mix well
• Serve and enjoy while still hot

Other cooking with Cardamom Ideas

Hearty Molasses Oatmeal Rolls

Cardamom Banana Bread

Spiced Cream Cookies

Strawberry Chai Vegan Milkshake

 Basil Spotlight

Ocimum basilicum

Basil has a warm, spicy, yet herbal aroma that brings a feeling of calm. Basil is commonly used in cooking to add a fresh, herbal flavor to meats, pastas, and entrée dishes, but it is also cooling and soothing to the skin.

  
Health Benefits* Basil Essential oil (source)

•  Cosmetic Applications: Basil essential oil is used topically and massaged into the skin. It enhances the luster of dull-looking skin and hair. As a result, it is extensively used in many skin care supplements that claim to improve the tone of your skin. It is also commonly used to treat the symptoms of acne and other skin infections.
• Digestion: Basil essential oil is also used as a digestive tonic. Since basil oil has carminative properties, it is used for treating indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps and flatulence. It provides immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines. It also has colic qualities and is therefore used to alleviate bowel pain.
• Illness: Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from colds, influenza and associated fevers. Due to its antispasmodic nature, it is frequently used to treat symptoms of whooping cough.
• Respiratory: Along with its function in relieving coughs, it can also be used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
• Infections: Basil oil is good for treating a variety of infections such as cuts, wounds, skin infections, and bladder infections due to its antibacterial properties. It is also good for viral infections that attack the body and can enter the body through other wounds.
• Stress Disorders: Basil essential oil has a refreshing effect when smelled or consumed, so it is used for treating nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines and depression. Due to the calming nature of basil essential oil, it is widely used in aromatherapy.  Regularly using this essential oil provides mental strength and clarity.
• Blood Circulation: Basil essential oil improves blood circulation and helps to increase and optimized various metabolic functions of the body.
• Pain Relief: Basil essential oil is an analgesic and provides relief from pain. That is why this essential oil is often used in the treatment of arthritis, wounds, injuries, burns, bruises, scars, sports injuries, surgical recovery, sprains, and headaches.
• Eye Health: It is ophthalmic and can quickly relieve bloodshot eyes.
• Vomiting and Nausea: Basil essential oil can be used to prevent vomiting, particularly when the source of the nausea is motion sickness, but also from many other causes.
• Itching: Basil essential oil is also a good treatment for itching from bites and stings from honey bees, insects and even snakes.

Word of Caution

• Basil essential oil and basil in any other form should be avoided by pregnant, breastfeeding, or nursing women. On the other hand, some people suggest that it increases milk flow, but more research needs to be done.

Blending

• Basil essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Clary sage, Clove bud,G eranium, Lime, Lemon, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Rosemary, Melissa and Lavender.

Parsley-Basil Steak
 

Image Source ~ Pinterest

More ideas for cooking with DoTerra can be found below
Roasted Marinara Sauce
Herbed Pasta Sauce
Basil Roasted Red Pepper and Cheese Sandwhiches
 Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers




Have an amazing day!

Margaret
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much
Totallyawake4-life

Marvelous Minty Monday

Love me a great BOGO!  Enjoy the invigorating and energizing properties of mint with Spearmint and Peppermint essential oil. For today only, buy 1 Spearmint and get 1 Peppermint FREE! 

Here are just a few reasons to consider why this BOGO is a must shop!

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint Mentha piperita

Not only is peppermint one of the oldest European herbs used for medicinal purposes, other historical accounts date its use to ancient Chinese and Japanese folk medicine. It’s also mentioned in Greek mythology that the nymph Mentha was transformed into an herb by Pluto who had fallen in love with her and wanted people to appreciate her for years to come.

Benefits

Some of the most common peppermint oil benefits according to Dr Axe include:

• Reduces stomach aches
• Soothe digestive issues
• Freshens bad breath
• Relieves headaches
• Antimicrobial properties
• Improves mental focus
• Clears respiratory tract
• Boosts energy
• Releases tight muscles
• Cost-effective natural solution to replace pharmaceutical drugs

Some of my favorite Peppermint Oil Uses

1. Muscle Pain Relief – Peppermint essential oil is a very effective natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. It is especially helpful in soothing an aching back, sore muscles and achy joints, and melting away a tension headache. It is one of the main ingredients in the doTERRA® Deep Blue® blend as a ready made massage aid. Peppermint can also be mixed with Lavender can be used in a bath or foot soak to help improve circulation.
2. Sinus Care and Allergy Relief – Peppermint acts as an expectorant and may provide relief for colds, cough, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis and as it is highly effective a relaxing muscles it is great for opening up nasal passages to allow for the draining of mucus.Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can often times immediately unclog your sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats and colic. As a result it is great for diffusing during both allergy season and cold and flu season as well as combining with Eucalyptus for a chest rub when congested! 
3. Beauty routine  – Love having peppermint as part of my hair care regime ~ great for stimulating the scalp and helps to wake you up! Because it is a powerful antiseptic, peppermint can also help reduce dandruff and chances of getting head lice.Peppermint oil has calming effects on skin inflammation. You can mix peppermint oil into lip balm and body lotion for a nice cooling sensation. Mixing peppermint and lavender essential oils can improve eczema and psoriasis when applied topically. Thanks to anti-microbial properties of peppermint is an excellent ingredient to help cure acne flare ups. Peppermint oil can also hydrate burnt skin and relieve the pain from sunburns. You can mix peppermint oil with a bit of coconut oil and apply it directly to the affected area I love to add some to my nutri-hydrating Mist from Aloette to combine the healing properties of Aloe with the benefits of peppermint!
4. Marvelous Mouth - I have recently started 'oil pulling' and peppermint is one of my favorite things to add along with my doTERRA On Guard blend® . My dental hygienist has commented on the reduction of plaque between my visits which is awesome and well it helps my mouth smell minty fresh without all the worrisome ingredients in store bought mouth wash! I have also noticed that peppermint when mixed with clove works great at reducing the 'sensitive tooth' pain I have had in the past!
5. Better than a RED BULL – feeling a little sluggish in the morning, after a workout or while trying to study? Peppermint is great for awaking the mind, body and spirit ... again diffuse it, apply it topically or take a drop by mouth.
6.  Digestive aid - love using peppermint to sooth nausea either adding a drop or two to water or rubbing behind the ears or diffusing in the air. The muscle relaxing components of peppermint also seem to help with symptoms in my gut after having had a gluten exposure reducing the bloating effects .
7. Reduce Hunger Cravings - seriously I have been having great success with this use ~  using my 'aromatherapy' necklace to hold peppermint for when I find myself craving something 'sweet' or if you do not have a necklace take a few deep breaths direct from the bottle or put a couple drops on temples or even add a drop to your ice water! I alternate between this and the doTERRA Slim and Sassy® blend for my 'tea'

Spearmint Essential Oil

Spearmint Mentha spicata

Spearmint has been used for centuries for its digestive benefits. Its sweet, refreshing aroma is cleansing and uplifting, making it ideal to evoke a sense of focus and positive mood. 

Health Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil ~ source

The various medicinal properties of spearmint essential oil can be found below.

1. Antiseptic: This oil works well as an antiseptic for wounds and ulcers, protecting them from becoming septic or developing other infections, while also helping them to heal faster. These antiseptic properties are due to the presence of components like Menthol, Myrcene and Caryophyllene.
2. Antispasmodic: This property of Essential Oil of Spearmint comes from its menthol content, which has a relaxing and cooling effect on the nerves and muscles, and helps to relax contractions in the case of spasms.  Therefore, it is frequently prescribed to provide effective relief from spasmodic coughs, aches, pulling sensations and aches in the abdominal region and intestines. This includes it ability to soothe muscle strains or cramps, nervous convulsions, and even spasmodic cholera.
3. Disinfectant: The antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties of Essential Oil of Spearmint make it a disinfectant. It can help get rid of both internal and external infections. It is particularly effective in protecting internal wounds and ulcers, like those in the stomach, food pipe, and intestines, from infections. In ancient Greece, it was used to treat infectious diseases like Scabies, Dermatitis, Athlete’s Foot, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and other infectious or transmittable diseases.
4. Carminative: The relaxing properties of Essential Oil of Spearmint induce relaxation in the intestines and muscles of the abdominal region, thereby helping the gases formed in stomach and intestines to pass out of the body naturally. This provides relief from many health concerns, including uneasiness and restlessness, insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, chest pain, vomiting, cramps and other related symptoms.
5. Cephalic: This oil has a relaxing and cooling effect on the brain, which removes stress on our cognitive center. It helps people to concentrate, and since it is a cephalic substance, it helps to cure headaches and other stress related neural problems. This oil is supposed to be good for the overall health and protection of the brain as well.
6. Emenagogue: Problems with menstruation, such as irregular periods, obstructed menses and early menopause can be solved with the help of this essential oil. It promotes the secretion of hormones like estrogen, which facilitates menstruation and ensures good uterine and sexual health. This also delays the onset of menopause and relieves certain symptoms associated with menstruation like nausea, fatigue, and pain in the lower abdominal region.
7. Stimulant: This essential oil stimulates the secretion of hormones and the discharge of enzymes, gastric juices and bile, while also stimulating nerves and brain function, and promoting good blood circulation. This keeps the metabolic activity at a high rate and also boosts the strength of the immune system because stimulating blood circulation boosts immunity and toxin removal.
8. Restorative: The function of a restorative is to restore health and maintain proper functioning of all the organ systems operating in the body. A restorative also helps to repair the damage done to the body and aid in the recovery from injuries and wounds. It also helps people to regain strength after long bouts of illness.
9. Insecticide: Spearmint essential oil is an effective insecticide and keeps away mosquitoes, white ants, ants, flies, and moths. It can also be safely applied on the skin for protection against mosquito bites. Spearmint essential oil is sometimes used in mosquito repellant creams, mats, and fumigants.
10. Other Benefits The Essential Oil of Spearmint can help treat asthma and congestion due to its decongestant properties. It also relieves fevers, excess flatulence, constipation, sinusitis, acne, gum and teeth problems, migraines, stress and depression. Being far lower in menthol content, it can be safely given to children to relieve their various ailments.

These are just a few of the reasons  why I am taking advantage of stocking up on this must haves in any essential oil kit using the doTERRA Thanksgiving BOGO sale today!

Have an amazing day!

Margaret
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much!
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