Lavender

Levi has been struggling to sleep the last two weeks.  He was teething and I thought we had finished that, but I guess I was wrong.  Both my husband and I along with Levi are so sleep deprived it is getting hard.  I had been using Lavender on him, rubbing it on his feet, neck, wrists, etc and it helped some, but it wasn't enough.  Yesterday was a melt down day.  He cried and cried.  He would ask for milk then throw the sippy cup at me, beg to be held and then scream to get down, ask for a movie and scream when I put one one, etc, etc, etc.  I gave him Tylenol, but that didn't seem to help.  Thankfully he cried himself to sleep right before play group, which happened to be at my house. 
Then after lunch it all began again.  I had a well child check for Daniel late in the day and as the time came close I decided to take Levi too. I had rubbed On Guard on him, Melaleuca on his ears, and Breathe on his chest.  I was desperate for help, and sad the oils didn't seem to be doing much.  At my breaking point I headed to Grandmas.  Grandmas are the best!  At first Levi wouldn't even let Grandma help.  She thought he might be teething even though they didn't look swollen and the two molars that were causing problems last week where up.  She asked me what oil was for teething, I checked and told her to rub lavender on his checks.

Grandma just heard lavender and assumed the best thing was direct application.  I would have never thought of thought as I would think Lavender tastes yucky.  Levi agreed with me, and said Yuck!  But, within 30 seconds he was smiling and looked so relieved.  He sat with Grandma for a couple minutes and then for the first time that day he smiled and took off to play.  Who would have thought that all I needed was the right oil, in the right place.

I had all ready added him on to the doctor appointment with Daniel so we went along to check the ears, which of course where clear.  To bad I hadn't thought to try Lavender on his gums before the hours of melt down.  Two more times that night he pointed at his mouth and waited for me to rub Lavender in, drank down some milk or water right after(after all he did say YUCK) and smiled with relief. 

But, they cost......and I don't know what to do.......

Maybe you have heard of these oils and they seem nice, but first off they seem to cost a lot and secondly how in the world do I know how to use them?  Well, the below photo helps to break down the cost myth.  These oils can help with so much and keep you out of the doctors office saving you tons of money.  I still see the doctor, but not nearly as much as we did a year ago and it is saving me money. 

When someone says, "But doTERRA Essential Oils are sooo expensive," I say, "Hmmmm...earache...Melaleuca two drops...3xs a day...for 2 days = 96 cents. What's your co-pay?"

Posted by Gracious Rain Essentials

 

As for the thought of how in the world do I know what to do???  There are many ways to learn.  First thing for me was to get a book about essential oils  It was $26.00 and full of info. on the oils.  Next I started looking on line.  One of my favorite sites is http://www.everythingessential.me/index.html.  It is full of good advice on treating all kinds of illnesses.  So, check out the oils, use them, improve your health and your families health, and save some money in the long run. 

Peppermint, Lavender, Lemon, and On Guard

So, the kids woke up with fevers yesterday.  Three of the 4 were sick and grumpy.  So I applied Lemon and Peppermint to bring the fever down.  I began using On Guard on us to keep those not sick healthy, and to heal those sick more quickly. I also used Lavender to help them relax and take naps.  Today everyone is much better.  Glad this bug was a quick one and I had extra help from the oils to help my kids feel better. 

Basil, Dill, Spearmint, and Tangerine

I just received these little bottles yesterday.  I can't wait to use them.  I tried the Spearmint last night.  I love its flavor.  It is a lot like peppermint, but milder.  I have always preferred Spearmint over Peppermint flavor.  I love mint, the mixing of the two oils.  I told my husband I had ordered them and he asked me what they do?  I said they are great to cook with, and he said, "No, how do we use them as medicine.  So, this is what I learned:

Basil: Digestive good for treating indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps and flatulence. It provides immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines. Cold: Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from cold, influenza and associated fever. Due to its antispasmodic nature, it is used in case of whooping cough.Infections: it is good for treating a variety of infections such as cuts, wounds, skin infections, bladder infections, etc., due to its antibacterial properties. It is also good for viral infections.Stress disorder:it has a refreshing effect and hence it is used for treating nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines and depression. Due to this calming nature of basil essential oil, it is widely used in aromatherapy. Pain relief: It is analgesic and provides relief from pain. Hence it is used in arthritis, wounds, injuries, burns, bruises, scars, sports injuries, sprains, headaches, etc.

Dill: Antispasmodic: spasms can be pacified with the help of Dill Essential oil. It has a relaxing effect on nerves, muscles, intestines and the respiratory system and pacifies spasmodic attacks, giving quick relief.  Disinfectant: Dill Oil is also known for its disinfectant properties. Added in food stuffs, it protects them from getting spoiled from infection by microbes. Consumed, it cures microbial infection in colon, urinary tract, kidneys, genitals etc. Applied externally, it protects skin and wounds from infections and helps them heal quickly. It can be used in dilution for applying on scalp to protect hair from various infections, lice etc.  Galactogogue: Galactogogue is a substance or an agent that increases formation of milk in the breasts. It also enhances the quality of milk. This property is very helpful for the lactating mothers and the babies. Dill oil is a Galactogogue. Apart from increasing milk, it also helps babies in another way. Babies, who are on mother’s milk, often suffer from flatulence, indigestion and gas. The carminative and digestive properties of Dill oil are also absorbed in the milk and thus indirectly help the baby get rid of such problems.  Sedative: Dill oil has nice sedating and calming effects on nerves and brain, making a person feel relaxed and satisfied. It is useful to get rid of anxiety, tension, anger, depression and even hypertension. It even helps have a good sleep at the end of the day.  Vulnerary: Dill Essential Oil acts as a vulnerary by promoting quick healing of wounds, external or internal, and protecting them from infections.

Tangerine:  Antiseptic: Staphylococcus Aureus.  This is the species of bacteria which is responsible for this dreaded situation of infection called septic. The Essential Oil of Tangerine contains certain components which kill these bacteria and stops its spreading, thereby helping cure septic. It can be externally applied on open wounds as well as taken orally for having a uniform effect on the whole body.  Antispasmodic: Spasm may be a small word but its effects may be widespread and highly damaging. Spasm is not restricted to muscular cramps only. It can happen in respiratory system, digestive system and nervous system also and can cause breathing troubles, asthma, congestion, severe coughs, spasmodic diarrhoea and cholera, nervous afflictions and convulsions. The Essential Oil of Tangerine induces relaxations in the organic systems named above and gives relief from spasm.Depurative: An agent that purifies blood is called a depurative. The Tangerine Essential Oil is one such depurative. It helps in the excretion or removal of the toxic and unwanted substances such as uric acid, pollutants, extra salt and water from the body through sweat, urine and excreta etc. as well as increases the oxygen retaining capacity of the erythrocytes (red blood cells), thereby refreshing or purifying the blood.  Sedative: The Essential Oil of Tangerine soothes. It soothes all types of inflammations and hyperactivity in all the systems functioning in our body, namely, the respiratory system, circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system and the excretory system. It sedates inflammation due to fever, intrusion of poisonous substances in the blood stream from external sources, convulsions, anxiety, stress, hypersensitivity of allergy etc. It also sedates depression, anger and impulsive responses.Stomachic: Being a stomachic, the Essential Oil of Tangerine keeps your stomach in good condition by maintaining proper flow of digestive juices into it, by maintaining the right balance between the acid and bile (so that excess acids are neutralized) and by curing the wounds, if any, in the stomach. It soothes the stomach and gives relief from inflammation. One thing must be understood, if somebody wants to have a trouble free health and a good physique, then he must keep his stomach fine tuned and this is exactly what this oil does. It helps your stomach keep functioning properly.

Spearmint:  Disinfectant: The anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral properties of Essential Oil of Spearmint make it a disinfectant. It can help get rid of internal infections and external infections. It is particularly effective in protecting internal wounds and ulcers, like those in stomach, food pipe, intestines etc. from infections. In ancient Greece, it was used to treat infectious diseases like Scabies, Dermatitis, Athlete’s Foot, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and other infectious and transmittable diseases.
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 using its natural downward passage. This gives a relief from a lot of problems such as uneasiness and restlessness, insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, chest pain, vomiting, cramps and related symptoms.  Cephalic: This oil has a relaxing and cooling effect on brain, taking stress away from it. It helps to concentrate. Being a Cephalic, it helps cure headaches and other stress related neuro-problems. This oil is supposed to be good for the health of brain too.
Emenagogue: Problems with menstruations, such as irregular periods, obstructed menses and early menopause etc. can be sorted out with the help of this essential oil. It promotes secretion of hormones like estrogen which facilitate menstruation and ensure good uterine and sexual health. This also keeps away menopause and also gives relief from certain symptoms associated with menstruations like nausea, fatigue, pain in the lower abdominal region etc.  Insecticide: It is an effective insecticide and keeps away mosquitoes, white ants, ants, flies, moths etc. It can be safely applied on skin to get protection against mosquito bites. The spearmint oil is sometimes used in mosquito repellant creams, mats, fumigants etc.

Clove

 

I have always loved the smell of Cloves.  One reason I love Christmas time is because Cloves are more heavily used to make yummy cookies, cider, and wassail.  I always add a little extra  Clove to my cookies as I love the smell and flavor.  So, I was happy to learn that one of things that can help an under active Thyroid is Clove.  I rub it over my thyroid, on my ears and on my wrists.  It smells great, and improves my thyroid function.

 

*Note, I still take thyroid medication.  This is not meant to replace your medicine.  Talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.  

Digest Zen

 

This is my cute family.  I think they are the greatest.  Out of each of them there is only one that suffers from stomach problems, me.  I have terrible heartburn, and IBS.  Not fun.  So, I started using the Digest Zen.  I put a couple drops in about 1/2 a cup of water and take it once to twice a day.  It is helping a lot.  I still have heartburn at times, but it is getting less frequent and the IBS so far is gone.  So nice. 

Lavender

Lavender Rocks!  I use this all the time.  It is wonderful for so many things, burns, sunburns, bites, stings, cuts, sleeplessness, and on and on.  Today I used it to help the house smell great.  I mixed some Lavender into baking soda and let it sit for 30 minutes.  Then, I sprinkled it all on my carpets, let it sit for 45 minutes and vacuumed it up.  The house smells great. 

Citrus Bliss

I took my boys on a trip to Kansas to see their Grandpa and Grandma, and to visit to the farm.  They loved it and while there I used out my oils.  My sister loved the Citrus Bliss.  I often came in from working in the Milo field to find my sister diffusing Citrus Bliss into the air.  It made the house smell fresh and helped everyone feel uplifted. 

Wild Orange

 

I love things to smell good when I'm done cleaning and while I'm cleaning.  Wild Orange is a great pick me up to give you energy as you smell/diffuse it, and it is great at cleaning.  I love to put a couple drops on my wash cloth as I wipe down the table or counters.  You can also fill a spray bottle (make sure NOT to use plastic) with water, and a few drops of Wild Orange and spray it to clean with, or spray it as a mist through your house and enjoy a fresh smelling house.  

Balance

Do you know that wonderful smell of fresh pine in the mountains?  The air is crisp, cool, clean and lightly scented with pine.  It is one of my most favorite smells.  It helps me feel calm, relaxed, and at peace.  Well, there is an oil that also smells similar and helps me feel the same way, Balance.  This oil is great.  On days I am stressed, tired, anxious, or just plain out of Balance, then I rub on some Balance.  It helps me feel so much better.  I sit for a minute remember my mountains and soon feel better.  Life is balancing act, and Balance helps my life be less out of Balance. 

Peppermint

This one of my most favorite ice creams.  If you haven't tried it, go grab some.  So YUMMY!!!  If you want to change things up a bit then add 2-3 drops of Peppermint oil to your bowl and stir into your ice cream.  My husbands claims it to then to be "perfect." 

Deep Blue

This little set of oils has been used a lot this last week.  It was our 11th anniversary and we try to always head for the mountains for a hike.  Of we went, and as usual our first big hike of the year made me very sore.  So, I have been rubbing the Deep Blue Cream on my legs.  It feels so nice, and soothes the pain.  My mother-in-law likes to mix it with Lemon Grass to change up the smell and to add another oil that helps sooth sore muscles. 

My husband had a headache and this is his favorite oil.  He uses to roller Deep Blue, and spreads it on his forehead, temples, and the back of his neck. 

I pinched the skin on my thumb about an hour ago.  It really hurt and swelled up.  I grabbed the roller Deep Blue and rolled on some oil.  I was immediately felt relief and 5 minutes later the swelling was gone and all the pain.  When I pinched my finger like this two weeks ago camping I didn't do anything and ended up with a painful blood blister. 

Breathe

This is my little (not so little) 3 year old.  Daniel has fought breathing problems since he was a little boy.  He was always sick and coughing, then he got RSV, and from there it just got worse.  He was on asthma medicine, and steroids, then off, then on.  The only reason he went off is because I'm not very good at giving daily medicine, and because I felt that daily steroids, even inhaled ones, where a bad idea.  Over the years he has grown so much and his asthma and breathing problems have become less and less. 

About a year ago I heard of a little thing called Breathe, an essential oil mix my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were using.  We tried it on Daniel when he was sick and I was surprised that it helped.  He has only had to be on steroids once in the last year.  Now when he starts coughing I rub his chest with breath, and put some drops on his hands. He will then sit and breathe it in, and a couple minutes later be ready to play.  Today is one of those days he is struggling, so we us Breathe and off he goes to play with his brothers. 

UPDATE:  He was really bad this weekend.  Just breathing it in wasn't working.  I rubbed it on his feet, chest, and back, and he gets about 4-7 hours of relief, and then needs it again.  When he was this bad before he would need steroids twice a day, and Albuterol to open his lungs every 4 hours night and day.  He slept through the night last night with no problems.  I love this stuff!!!

Citrus Bliss

Citrus Bliss is invigorating, fun, sweet, sassy, and great for lifting my mood.  Today I was feeling stressed out, and felt like my house was smelly.  It isn't really, but you know that shut in, no fresh air, stagnate feeling, that was me today.  I diffused Citrus Bliss into the air and the house quickly smelled yummy, I felt more relaxed, my boys were calmer, and things all around seemed a bit brighter for the day.  Now to take some of this new energy and go clean.  

Lavender

As I mentioned in my previous post I use Lavender a lot.  Here are some of the ways I have used it over the last month:

      * While camping my 21 month old developed a very bad diaper rash/burn.  It was so bad he was bleeding and crying because of pain.  I rubbed Lavender on it twice and it was all cleared up.  Two hours later he was back to normal and you would never have known he had been miserable.

     * My 3 week old nephew was visiting.  Most of the time you don't want to use medicine on babies, but with these oils I know they are safe.  I had mixed Lavender with a carrier oil and then we rubbed it on his diaper rash.  Poor little guy was really sore.  Within a couple minutes he was calmer, and you could see the redness disappearing.

     * Little Levi was having trouble sleeping so I rubbed him with Lavender and he slept through the night.

     * Derek had and earache that was bothering him so I mixed Lavender and Melaleuca with a carrier oil and then rubbed it on around his ear and on the reflex points of his feet.  Two ours later I asked if his ear was still hurting to which he replied, "nope."

     * Burns!  I am always getting burned in the kitchen.  I have used Lavender twice now and I can tell you it works great.  My burns stop hurting and heal way faster then without the Lavender.  I also got sunburned really bad, about a week ago, and I used Lavender and Melaleuca oil on the burns.  They were so soothing, and the burns were healed in two days. 

Lavender

A purple beautiful flower that smells wonderful and I have found to be one of my most used oils.  I use it almost daily.  It calms the boys down when they are cranky and fighting like cats and dogs.  One Sunday morning they were all at each others throats, and Jordan and I were about to go crazy.  Jordan suggested we try some oils out.  I diffused Lavender into the air, and mixed it with a carrier oil and rubbed it on the boys.  They all had coughs so I also used Breath on each of them and few minutes later peace was restored to our house.