Young Living Essential Oils » Around the Home

Non-Toxic Air Freshener

Melissa Boice — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:42:47 +0000

Diffusing is a great way to reap the benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oils and make your home smell nice, too.

Here’s a simple blend that will make your home a haven of healthy relaxation:

20 drops lavender
10 drops lemon
6 drops bergamot
5 drops tangerine
5 drops grapefruit

Diffuse neat, or mix with 2 cup of distilled water in a spray bottle; shake well before spraying.

Other Ways to Diffuse Oils:

Add essential oils to cedar chips to make your own potpourri.
Put scented cedar chips in closets or drawers to deodorize them.
Place any conifer essential oil such as spruce, fir (all varieties), cedar, or pine onto each log in the fireplace. As they burn, they will disperse an evergreen smell. This method has no therapeutic benefit, however.
Put essential oil on cotton balls and place in your car or home air vents.
Place a bowl of water with a few drops of oil on a wood stove.
Dampen a cloth, apply essential oils to it, and place near the intake duct of your heating and cooling system.
Add oils to your humidifier and vaporizer.

Let’s Get Cooking with Essential Oils!

Melissa Boice — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:56:44 +0000

OK. Like me, you probably love the way you feel when breathing in the delightful aromas of quality essential oils. You probably have benefited from regularly applying them to your feet, sore muscles, or aching joints. Have you ever considered using essential oils in your favorite recipes? When I add therapeutic-grade essential oils to my cooking, it not only perks up the flavor but adds nutritional value as well. You, too, will want to experiment and find different ways to enjoy your essential oils.

Here are a few tips for using essential oils in your favorite recipes:

Many essential oils make excellent food flavorings. They are so concentrated that only 1-2 drops of an essential oil is equivalent to a full bottle (1 – 2 oz size) of dried herbs.

As a general rule, spice oils impart a far stronger flavor than citrus oils do. For strong spice oils (such as oregano, nutmeg, cinnamon, marjoram, tarragon, wintergreen, thyme, or basil), you can dip a toothpick into the oils and stir food (after cooking) with the toothpick. This controls the amount of essential oil that is put into the food.

Some oils that can be used as spices are: basil, cinnamon, clove, fennel, ginger, lemon, marjoram, sage, spearmint, tarragon, coriander, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, wintergreen, black pepper, and thyme.

For recipes that serve 6 – 10 people, add 1 – 2 drops of an oil and stir in after cooking and just before serving, so the oil does not evaporate.

So what oils do I add? Whatever sounds good! Any essential oils that are Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) can be a fun and healthy addition to your recipes.

Following are a few ways I add essential oils to my cooking:

I wash and stem green and red grapes and put them in a bowl and toss with a few drops of tangerine oil.

Lemon, orange, or tangerine oil can be added to a regular cake recipe. The same principle applies to sugar cookies.

Peppermint or orange oil is delicious when added to chocolate cake, brownie or frosting recipes.

Nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, or ginger oil can be used in pumpkin pie, spice cake recipes, gingersnap cookies, pumpkin/butternut squash soup, even smoothies.

Lemon or orange oils are delicious added to whipped cream or cheesecake.

With a toothpick, I add oregano, marjoram, basil to Italian type tomato sauce recipes.

For tabouli, I add spearmint oil with the toothpick method.

Dill oil is a great addition to potato salad.

I could go on and on, but you get the drift. Since Young Living’s oils are therapeutic-grade, adding them to favorite recipes is not only FUN, it is also HEALTHY!

Tomato Cucumber Salad

* 1/2 c. cider vinegar
* 1 tsp. Blue Agave
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1 drop dill essential oil
* 1 drop black pepper essential oil
* 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil
* 4 cucumbers sliced
* 2 c. red onion chopped
* 4 ripe tomatoes cut into wedges

In a large bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, salt, dill essential oil, black pepper essential oil, and vegetable oil. Add cucumbers, onion, and tomatoes. Toss and chill in refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.

My references in the article exclusively refer to therapeutic-grade essential oils. When you care about purity and quality, choose Young Living, period.

The Difference between Lavender and Lavandin

Melissa Boice — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:13:22 +0000

For thousands of years, one of the many uses for lavender has been for purification. In fact, the word lavender literally means “to be washed” or “to wash”. During World War I lavender was widely used as an antiseptic. It was also used to treat wounds and burns. Like with many plants, there are many different species of lavender. Some are more suited for certain applications than others. (Kind of like people!) For example, three of the most common species of lavender are Lavandula angustifolia (“true lavender”), Lavandula latifolia (“spike lavender”), and lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida). Lavandin is a hybrid plant developed by crossing true lavender with spike lavender. Lavender, in general, is antiseptic. Lavandin, however, has a higher percentage of the molecule camphor which makes it a stronger antiseptic than the others. It has been used to sterilize animal cages in veterinary clinics and hospitals throughout Europe.

A side note is because of the higher level of camphor, lavandin is NOT suited for treating burns. Frequently, lavender essential oil sold in the United States is actually distilled from the hybrid lavandin. The 5 – 12% camphor content in lavandin would actually irritate a burn instead of take the pain away and assisting healing as would Lavender angustifolia. The reason why I mention this is that sometimes well intentioned people have heard that lavender is good for burns, so they get some at their local healthfood store. When applied to the burn, it actually made it worse. What happened?! The lavender in the bottle was likely the hybrid lavandin!

Lavandin has its good points. It is in a blend that I love called Purification. This antiseptic blend is great for cleaning and deodorizing. I have even eradicated a few pimples by using Purification on location. I would never consider Purification for a burn. It is also in the blend Release. Young Living does not sell Lavandin as a single oil. The lavender that we carry is from the Lavandula angustifolia species.

Antiseptic Essential Oils:

Single Oils: Thyme, clove, oregano, rosemary, tea tree, mountain savory, eucalyptus (all types), lavandin, cinnamon, cassia, ravensara

Blends: Purification, Melrose, Christmas Spirit, Thieves, ImmuPower, Raven, RC

Peppermint, an “Everyday Oil”

Melissa Boice — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:27:42 +0000

Peppermint oil is one of the essential oils I use almost every day. Its envigorating aroma wakes me up, opens my sinuses, and makes a delicious, zero calorie addition to a glass of ice water.

Inhaling peppermint oil helps trigger a sense of fullness after meals, so it is an excellent tool to have available when you are cutting back on calories or portion sizes. Plus, putting a drop of peppermint oil in your mouth may satisfy your need for something else.

Here are a few quick and easy ways to incorporate peppermint into your daily routine:

Massage several drops of peppermint oil on the abdomen, place a drop on the tip of the tongue or wrists, or inhale to soothe the minor stomach discomfort associated with travel.
Rub one drop of peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (careful to avoid contact with the eyes), and on the back of the neck to help relieve headache.
Place two drops of peppermint oil on the tongue and rub another drop oil under the nose to improve concentration and alertness.
Apply peppermint oil to the back of the neck and shoulders throughut the day to keep energy levels up.
To deter ants and other bugs, sprinkle several drops of peppermint oil across the door jamb or other point of entry.
Rub peppermint oil on joints to relieve arthritis or tendonitis pain.
Apply a few drops to feet to bring down a fever.
Add two drops to your next batch of brownies or cookies, or add one drop to a cup of hot chocolate.
Add a drop of peppermint oil to herbal tea to help aid in digestion.
Add a few drops to a foot bath to soothe aching feet.

Young Living’s peppermint essential oil comes from the most potent plants around the globe – some is even grown on Young Living Farms – and is tested to ensure proper levels of menthol and menthone are in every bottle.

But there’s more to Young Living Therapeutic Grade peppermint than just finding the best plants. The secret is in expert harvesting practices. Peppermint is harvested when the field’s overall appearance goes from light to dark green. The growers make sure the plant has just started to bloom before the peppermint is cut, and then water is carefully measured prior to distillation to ensure the most potent constituents are steam extracted.

An important concept to remember is that if we are going to get results from essential oils, and especially if we are going to ingest them, we need to be certain of their therapeutic value. Stay away from those little clear bottles of “oil” or flavoring at the drug store. Some products that are labeled as essential oils may actually be synthetic, may be diluted with a cheaper carrier oil or adulterated with solvents. Young Living tests all oils that they distill or source to be certain that they meet the stringent Young Living Therapeutic Grade standards. That’s one of the many reasons why I choose Young Living.

Peppermint is just one of the nine oils in the Everyday Oils Collection. This kit is available as a Distributor enrollment kit (Start Living with Everyday Oils #3700) or on its own. (#3695)

Read the Everyday Oils booklet!

Peppermint oil data sheet

Natural Bug Repellents

Melissa Boice — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:00:18 +0000

Summertime is here! What does that mean to you? For me, it means spending more time outdoors, walking in the woods that surround my house, and working in the garden. Unfortunately, along with outdoor activities come BUGS! To me, getting chomped on by a deer fly can ruin an otherwise enjoyable evening in the garden or hike through the woods.

This has happened to me a couple of times this spring. It was a biting reminder that I need to use the tools I have. I quickly went inside and got my oils out. First, I put a drop of Purification on the bite to neutralize the poisons from the bug bite and relieve itching. Then I grabbed a spray bottle, filled it with water, added 15 drops of Purification and a bit of Lavender Conditioner as an emlusifier and shook it up. I sprayed myself all over with it and went back to the garden. The insects checked me out then headed the other direction!

There are actually a lot of essential oils that will work as insect repellents. Instead of poisoning yourself with the toxic commercially available insect repellents, make your own Bug-Be-Gone sprays. Here are a few recipes sure to send those bugs ‘a-packin’:

Combine 5 drops lavender, 5 drops lemongrass, 3 drops peppermint and 1 drop thyme. Put on feet or add to a little spray bottle filled with water, shake well, and spray on.
Put 5 drops lemon and 5 drops Purification in a little spray bottle of water and mist on your skin to protect yourself against insects, flies, and mosquitoes.

Tick Bites: Mix thyme or oregano in a 50:50 dilution (with carrier oil) and apply 1 or 2 drops over the bite area and the tick. The phenols in these oils will usually cause them to let go to get away from the oil. After the tick is off, treat the bite topically with a drop of tea tree, peppermint, lavender, rosemary or Thieves a couple of times a day.

Have a Happy Summer!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Melissa Boice — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:00:00 +0000

This time of year, I get a taste for pumpkin, especially pumpkin pie. In my efforts to make healthier choices, I googled “crustless pumpkin pie” and found several recipes; I picked the simplest one and it was delicious. Not having the crust to mess with, it was also very easy to make.

The problem was that it was too good! I made the mistake of wandering into my kitchen this morning and having a slice of that yummy pumpkin pie. So NOW what? I wanted something else to eat and really wanted another piece of that pie. HMM…

Here’s what I came up with to knock out that craving:

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
1 cup organic almond milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 scoops Young Living’s Pure Protein Complete
1 drop of cinnamon oil
1 drop of clove oil
1 drop of ginger oil
1 drop of nutmeg oil
5 drops Stevia Extract
3 or 4 ice cubes

Blend until the ice cubes are completely crushed. Enjoy!

The essential oils really load the smoothie with flavor. Plus, these essential oils are excellent for overall well-being. Cinnamon and clove are antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic. Clove is also the highest scoring single ingredient ever tested for its antioxidant capacity on the ORAC scale. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and an excellent digestive aid. Last, but certainly not least, nutmeg is also anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and supports the adrenal glands for increased energy.

Caution: Cinnamon, clove, ginger and nutmeg are all anticoagulant, so if you are taking blood thinning medication, please check with your physician before enjoying this taste treat.

Now a bit about Pure Protein Complete: Each serving (2 scoops) provides a whopping 20 grams of top quality, New Zealand whey protein, certified to be free of hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics. It also has a blend of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, has no artifical sweeteners and is very low on the glycemic index. With only 162 calories per serving, it is an excellent choice to support a weight loss program! Try my Pumpkin Pie Smoothie…I think you will enjoy it and feel good!

How To Use Thieves Essential Oil Blend

Melissa Boice — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:14:00 +0000

The individual oils in Thieves essential oil blend – clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary – all have amazing properties in their own right; Young Living’s synergistic blend of these oils provides powerful protection from disease causing bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Because it is made up of 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils that meet Young Living’s high quality standards, Thieves is a non-toxic solution for a healthy home. Diffusing Thieves essential oil blend is a safe and simple way to protect your home and work environment.

Diffuse 15 – 30 minutes in your home or office to help eliminate airborne bacteria.
Diffusing Thieves for 24 hours straight can kill mold spores in the walls of your home!
Add several drops of oil onto a tissue and place in home, office, or hotel air vents to mask odor and purify the air.

Take Thieves internally:

Add 2 – 3 drops of Thieves into a capsule and take daily.
Add 1 – 2 drops into a spoonful of Young Living’s Blue Agave.
Put 1 – 2 drops onto a piece of bread.
Add 1 – 2 drops to a glass of rice or almond milk.
Drop 1 – 2 drops directly onto your tongue.

Topical Application:

Put directly on the soles of your feet for protection from colds and flu.
Apply undiluted to the toes and feet to combat fungus.
Dilute with V-6 or a good carrier oil and apply to cuts or open wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.

Around The House:

Add 4 – 5 drops in your dishwater or dishwasher to thoroughly clean dishes and eliminate bacteria and odor.
Drop 4 – 5 drops onto a dryer sheet to freshen laundry.
Dilute in a spray bottle and spritz inside trash cans to eliminate orders and kill bacteria.
Mix with water in a spray bottle to repel insects on your flowers and plants.
Use to dissolve the gummy adhesive on price labels.
Put a few drops in your carpet steamer/cleaner to disinfect the carpet.
Apply a drop of Thieves onto toothbrush to sanitize.

The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.