I was twenty two years old and felt like 90. Everyday I would get out of bed not knowing if I could make it to my 4th year classes. Some days I would shower and by the time I finished I felt dizzy, sleepy, and my muscles felt like lead. I would be so weak I had to crawl on all fours back to my bedroom to lay down again. I would get 12-14 hours of restless sleep that would leave me feeling like a truck hit me. I ached all over and my head felt like it would burst with the pounding pain. It was like having the flu... for months... and then years. Some days were better. I could accomplish simple goals like writing a paper, reading for class work, walking to school to attend classes. But other days I would arrive to a meeting with my thesis advisor and she could tell by the dark circles under my eyes and the droop of my shoulders that I wasn't well enough to converse about the poetry of John Donne. I always say I finished my undergrad degree by grace. My English profs knew me and were very understanding about allowing me extra time to finish assignments. I just never knew if I could keep a schedule. Some of my notes were crazy to read because I'd make it to class, but then half way through the lecture, my brain would fog over and my hand would just slide down my page before I had to stop writing to put my head down. Great friends allowed me to borrow notes to catch things my mind missed. After my final year of course work was completed I went to a Dr. Mildon in Toronto who diagnosed me with CFIDS - Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. After taking many vials of blood to examine, Dr. Mildon said I had a virus that my body was not fighting off. My immune system was not working well and I was deficient in many vitamins.
I walked out of her office with a diagnosis and a list of supplements to buy. I started taking handfuls of vitamins each morning - Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin B6, B12, Zinc and others my mind can't recall - the year was 1992. I read a little more about Chronic Fatigue and found that little was understood about it except that people didn't generally regain health. My adult life was just beginning and I'd been handed a life sentence of flu symptoms.
I got married that fall to a very supportive and understanding husband. He and I talked about taking a year off - no schedule - to allow my body to recover. I was granted a deferral on an offer to Teacher's College and began married life with a sinus infection. The first time I signed my new name was at an Emergency room on my Honeymoon. I was handed one more anti-biotic. This was a regular winter routine for me. For all my teenage life, I would need anti-biotics two or three times a winter to treat a sinus or bronchial infection after a cold lodged deep in my respiratory system aggravating an asthma condition. I recall with perfect clarity trying to clear mucous from my sinuses and chest making the terrible orchestration involved and Lance calling from the other room - "I love you! I still love you!" Wonderful words for a moment when I really didn't feel at all attractive.
For many years, exercise was impossible. My muscles ached enough to keep me awake just from tapping my toe to music at a concert. I was on a downward spiral and had no answers about how to turn it around. Changing eating habits was impossible when I could hardly get off the couch most days. I did a lot of hand embroidery and knitting to feel like I could still contribute some beauty to the world. But my world shrunk - fast. I didn't have energy for going out - calling friends - joining activities. Lance's involvements with youth ministry brought some community into our home. I had some friends who faithfully reached out to me even when I didn't return phone calls or took a long time to respond. Lance and this community were a lifeline.
I stopped playing guitar because my arm hurt when I strummed the strings. I stopped singing because my throat often hurt and I felt too weak to exert the effort. But as my outward world shrunk, I was determined to grow my inner world through reading, prayer, and writing. I knew the sentence I'd been given wasn't the end of the story. I felt sure that God had plans for me that didn't involve lounging on a couch for the rest of my years. The diagnosis didn't write my future - God did. I trusted that I'd find the steps needed to heal.
The first step came from a book by William Crook: "Chronic Fatigue and the Yeast Connection." He explained that after years of antibiotic use, eating refined sugars and grains, and exposure to environmental toxins, our body's cleansing systems get overloaded. Antibiotics kill off protective bacteria along with pathogens. Our digestive tract is naturally home to a whole world of micro-organisms that help break down our food and work effectively to assist our bodies to clear out waste and maintain emotional and overall wellness. Yeasts co-exist with other microflora that keep them in balance. But when antibiotics kill off good bacteria with the bad, yeasts are left to overgrow to fill the space. They attack the intestinal walls to create a permeable cell structure that allows toxins and food particles to leave the gut and circulate through the body (often called 'leaky gut'). Food allergies and sensitivities become part of the result and the body is open to auto-immune responses - where it may begin to attack toxins in healthy cells in an effort to clean up the mess. The virus that entered my system at this stage was the last straw that broke the camel's back... or caused a health breakdown.
About this time, a friend sent me a letter explaining a Cleansing and Rebuilding Program designed by a master herbalist with a family herbal lineage from the Mediterranean. I had nothing to lose. It was a bit of an investment for us as a young couple living on one church salary, but Lance stood firmly behind any steps I wanted to make to regain health. After a few days on the digestive cleanse I felt like my body was drawing poisons out of my tissues before elimination. I would feel nauseous and dizzy before a trip to the bathroom where it was like I was unloading illness. I felt lighter each time. The program came with a parasite cleanse that was to be added only after elimination was happening very regularly so that any die off wouldn't stay long in the body. A cell rebuilder was taken with the digestive and parasite cleanse to ensure that new cells would be healthy and free of toxins. After about six months on the cleanse and rebuild, I felt like I had a turn around. I could now take another step.
Part of my journey to restore health included working through emotional trauma and learning healthy boundaries. Reading, journaling, prayer and the companionship of some insightful, supportive friends provided the framework I needed to find peace.
After eight years of digging for root causes of Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, I began to experience real change. Emotional, spiritual and physical growth created new resilience in body and soul. The moment that stands out as a marker of how far I'd come in regaining strength was when I could paddle on our yearly Leadership Camp canoe trip and not ache afterwards. At the end of my twenties, we decided we could start a family. I could leave behind the mental picture of being the sick Mom who parents from the couch. Fast forward twenty years and we have three healthy boys who I was able to homeschool throughout their elementary years. My oldest has almost completed his first year at university in a double degree program and I still enjoy spending my days with my grade 10 and grade 6 sons learning about the world and our place in it. My energy is probably about 80-90% of normal most days. I'm not running any marathons, but I get some nice long walks everyday with my boys and our new toy poodle. I find gentle yoga stretches and resistance moves have been a complementary active routine we all do together on our school mornings. Stretches are key to reducing neck and back tension and retaining core strength. But I wouldn't be able to do my moderate activity without some real healing in all the body systems. I use Young Living's essential oils - Deep Relief and Panaway with Copaiba and Peppermint regularly for muscle support and pain relief.
Sleep is key! Solving the sleep issues has been so important in regaining wellness. Medically, I was put on a low dose of anti-depressant to help with sleep, but I found little benefit and after 6 months decided to stop. Much more helpful have been essential oils like Stress Away, Lavender, Orange, Rosemary, Thieves, Cedarwood, Valor, Bergamot that I rotate through or blend in a diffuser for nightly sleep support. I fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Part of solving sleep issues was adding in hormone support with Progessence Plus and Clary Sage. These have helped my body regulate temperature and sleep rhythms, and have been invaluable in avoiding night sweats, waking through the night, waking too early and helping my mind relax to sleep.
Food is powerful. I had been handed a basic North American diet of meat and potatoes, corn, pizza pops, chicken nuggets, with a carrot stick or two and an apple with my bologna sandwich to round out a healthy plate. Sugary cereals in milk or toast and peanut butter with apple juice were the start to my everydays. Over the last twenty five years, I have learned to track down food sensitivities and eliminate them, while shifting my emphasis in food choices to a variety of vegetables, moderate levels of protein and abundant use of healthy fats from coconut milk, olive oil salad dressings, butter on my veggies to improve taste and satisfaction. To combat yeast, it was imperative to cut out all sugar and grains for a few months. I still feel best when I eat this way in general. When my Young Living upline arranged coaching to do a Whole 30 reset program in January 2018, I loved adding lots of new recipes from that program to help us satisfy our palate as well as our health needs. It was a great guide for reducing inflammatory foods and eating what makes my body happiest. I've loosened the reins a bit to include stevia and small amounts of dark chocolate to satisfy my sweet tooth. Lifewatchers and Janet Jacks book "Discover the Power of Food" has been a great resource to re-educate our thinking about food. I've been seeing a Naturopath and Chiropractor for alternative health care while loving the regular health checks and support from my General Practitioner. Thankfully, I haven't had many needs for medication beyond a regular preventative asthma inhaler. I haven't needed an anti-biotic for secondary infections for twelve years. Essential oils and the right diet have been excellent ways to heal and maintain good preventative care.
Staying hydrated has been important, too. I like adding a drop of Lemon, Lime, Orange, or Slique Essential oil to my water in the morning to support cleansing systems. I use herbal teas like Peppermint and Licorice to reduce after dinner cravings and support digestion. Ningxia Red has also been really helpful in supporting energy, immune health, and a feeling of vitality. Some Young Living Essential oils have been approved by Health Canada for ingestion. I don't add any other brand of essential oils to my food and drinks due to the amount of chemical extenders, synthetic fragrances and unclear sourcing I am finding when I research products. Young Living's Seed to Seal commitment has earned my confidence and passed Health Canada's scientific verification process.
Since being introduced to Young Living a year ago, I've enjoyed supporting my digestive system daily with applying Digize and Peppermint Essential oil topically (diluted with coconut oil in a roller). They keep yeast in check and nourish and tone the bowel. Having suffered chronic constipation for most of my life, these essential oils have made a huge difference. When the digestive system can heal and the cell walls repair, allergies and auto-immune responses can begin to change and even reverse. Emotional wellness and brain health are also linked to digestive health. The gut has often been referred to as the second brain because the brain and gut pass messages back and forth constantly. Health in the gut can make great change in mental wellness. My team will be offering a Facebook class on Auto-Immune Healing soon. I can email a transcript if you are not on Facebook.
Reducing chemicals and toxins in our personal care and cleaning products to unburden the body has also been a shift in my household. As the gate keeper of my home, I am getting educated about how to keep hormone disrupters, carcinogens and harmful substances from coming in my door. The 'Think Dirty - Shop Clean' app has been a valuable tool in scanning and summarizing ingredients that are given a rating from 1-10 on the dirty scale. Young Living has formulated many products for household cleaning, supplements, personal care, mineral make up, and baby products to make it easy to ditch chemicals and make the switch for wellness. A monthly Essential Rewards shopping program allows me to earn up to 25% of my orders back in points to redeem for free products. This monthly wellness program allows me to gradually shift products to healthier choices while deciding ahead what I will budget for these changes. Each box is fully customizable, gets reduced shipping costs, and often contains free oils from Young Living based on order size. This has been a great way to continue to invest in wellness month by month at a minimum of around $50 US.
I'm so thankful for the well timed gifts of resources and products that continue to restore and lead me to new levels of wellness. Adding support from a Naturopath and the gift of Essential oils from Young Living this past year has brought me to better health than I have had since I was twenty. Day by day, one investment at a time have been the steps that have led to healing. Western medicine is great at diagnosis, pharmaceutical direction and surgical treatments. But all practitioners would encourage us to take charge of our own preventative care. That is now where I like to focus. I love to do things I know are good for restoring and supporting wellness in all the systems of the body and catch issues before they become medically significant. Often symptoms disappear as I focus on overall health, responding quickly with support when my body lets me know it needs it. Essential oils have been a significant help in restoring balance and cleaning body and home effectively with great scents that support emotional well being as well.
To start your own Essential oil journey to support wellness, I'd love to talk with you and invite you into a vibrant learning community to help you become your own health advocate. A great place to start with essential oils is Young Living's Starter Kits that are designed to give a great foundation from which to learn and grow. The Premium Starter Kit has easy to use most common oils and blends to support every system of the body. We have Facebook groups, newsletters , online classes and of course personal service from me to help you gain confidence in integrating oils into everyday. To contact me, email at: pegthrive@gmail.com
To order essential oils, Ningxia, or Thieves Cleaning line, starter kits are a great value. Browse this site for more details on how to get started. We have text classes, a Facebook learning community, Facebook Class albums and a wonderful team ready to cheer you on as you take healthy steps!
Let's learn and thrive - together!
Orientation to Essential Oils
Essential oils are the life-blood of plants full of therapeutic compounds that communicate naturally with human body cells. Plant essential oils are gentle on the body allowing good bacteria to thrive, yet powerful enough to support the body as it fights invaders. Young Living Essential Oils support the body to come back into balance without harmful side effects
There are three main ways to get oils into your system:
Topically - Most essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba and applied to skin where they pass into the bloodstream
Ingestion - Often less than a drop is added to spice up a sauce or flavour baking while providing health support at the same time. A toothpick dipped in the oil and swirled in a sauce is often the perfect flavour boost.
Inhalation - Diffusing and inhaling oils allows them to enter the large blood vessels in the lungs or the olfactory system in the nose to circulate to where they are needed in the body. This method is where aromatherapy gets its name. Aromatherapy is not just a pretty scent: The olfactory nerves at the top of the nose are connected directly to the limbic centre of the brain that controls emotions and hormone secretions. This means inhaling essential oils works fast to impact emotional health or send a signal to calm an adrenaline rush or assist the body in balancing hormones.
There are about 300 therapeutic essential oils on the earth, but you only need ten to twenty of them to build a good kit.
Why Young Living?
Not all essential oils are created equal. Many companies increase profits by spraying crops with pesticides to get a higher yield or use chemical solvents to extract the oils and then dilute them with a cheaper 2nd and 3rd distillations or carrier oils. Most essential oils are sold more cheaply because companies cut corners.
When shopping for oils, I landed with Young Living because of their seed to seal commitment. Young Living owns farms around the world and oversees every step to ensure the soil, seeds, distillation process and final product are beyond organic and contain all the therapeutic compounds necessary for wellness support.
So, here’s what a typical day with essential oils might look like.
Skin and Hair Care - Did you know the average woman applies over 300 chemicals a day to her body just through soaps, makeup, shampoo, and hair care products. Eighty of those products are applied before breakfast!
Shower time
I was stunned when I realized my 'Sulfate Free' Shampoo and Conditioner received a dirty rating of 9 on the Healthy Living App. It may have been free of SLS but it had many other hormone disrupters and carcinogens in the ingredient list. I love that I can trust Young Living to have only the safest and purest of ingredients. YL sells a Lavender Mint Shampoo and Conditioner for all hair types and a Copaiba Vanilla for nourishing and volumizing. Our family loves the Copaiba Vanilla Shampoo, and I use the Conditioner daily to keep my hair soft and healthy!
Why Lavender and Peppermint in body wash and shampoo?
Over 1000 medical studies have been published on Peppermint. It effectively cleanses, promotes clarity and concentration, eases stress, reduces joint and muscle pain, relieves headaches and sinus issues and can support gastrointestinal health. Useful for cold sores, scalp and skin conditions as well as respiratory support. The aroma and tingly scalp sensation is an energy boost. Great start to the day.
Lavender is one of the top skin oils - reduces stress and promotes relaxation, calms skin irritations and lifts mood. This is also a great first aid oil and can be used topically without dilution (called ‘neat’) in some cases on adults. Works great on itchy bug bites, cuts and burns.
Mirah Shave Oil - Since I started using this in place of shaving cream, I've noticed the hair growth is finer. The oil creates a close moisturizing shave with a supportive aroma that leaves skin nourished. It can also be applied as a body care oil
Moisturizer
Shea butter/ coconut oil in equal parts make a great base for body lotion to nourish skin. This time I added Lavender, Frankincense (Elemi - cheap man’s Frank), Clary sage for hormonal support for body temperature, mood balance, deeper rest. Ylang Ylang for balancing, energy and fragrance.
**When making up creams with essential oils for safety, be aware that Citrus oils and some others should not be applied to skin that will be exposed to sun. If applied to skin, avoid sun for 12-24 hours. Photosentsitizing oils are labelled to help keep you safe. Put them where the ‘sun don’t shine’ or save it for moisturizing when sun exposure isn’t a risk.
Frankincense - 10 000 uses - more valued in Bible times than gold. Ancient Egyptians used Frank to promote younger, healthy, even skin tone. Powerful anti-inflammatory - so many health issues linked to inflammation from head to toe. Diffuse to help calm an anxious mind and bring tranquil energy. Supports colon and lung health. Topically can be used neat.
Not into DIYs?
Young Living has a Lavender Hand & Body Lotion as well as a more intense moisturizing Coconut Lime Replenishing Body Butter. This coconut oil body butter is fragranced with the natural scent of coconut oil and Lime oil to create a warm, tropical aroma.
Hair Care
I love using 4-5 drops of Argan oil after a shower to hydrate ends of hair and nourish the scalp. (I get mine from Kynk Naturals – a company owned and run by a friend of mine with organic fair trade shea butter products and argan oil – look her up at http://www.kynk.ca/ ). I added Rosemary - thickens hair as it stimulates hair growth. Clary sage naturally balances hormones and promotes healthy hair – Frankincense, Tea Tree & Lavender for scalp health and Peppermint for stimulating scent.
Deodorant - ¼ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup shea butter, ¼ cup baking soda, ¼ cup arrowroot powder, 20-30 drops tea tree (germ killer, skin helper), lavender (soothes razor burn), thieves (kills germs that create odor), 20 drops peppermint (deodorizer). Thieves Aromabright toothpaste also works well as a deoderant! Just a small pea sized amount used like a lotion for the arm pits. :)
Thieves Toothpaste: I also find the toothpaste extra good at cleaning power. Tartar was chipping off after the first week of use. My friend’s daughter had a cavity heal and another friend had gum disease reverse. Potent stuff.
Immune Support:
Prevention: Swipe of Thieves on feet before moving into the day. A NHP Oil blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils for an aromatic blend that fills any space with a rich, spicy aroma. (Normally I dilute oils for topical use, but Thieves I use on my feet ‘neat’ for maximum protection. The skin on the feet is thicker, so doesn’t seem irritated by the ‘hot’ oils in the blend. For use anywhere else on the body, dilution recommendations are 20:80 or 4x as much carrier as essential oil.) Inhale and apply topically to help prevent and relieve symptoms of cough and cold. Diffusing at night seems to help airway passages to stay clearer and offers a bit of humidity to the air.
Breakfast
Supplements:
Ningxia Red- It incorporates the benefits of Ningxia wolfberry puree; a super blend of blueberry, aronia, cherry, pomegranate, and plum juices; natural stevia, grape seed, and pure vanilla extracts; and orange, yuzu, lemon, and tangerine essential oils. NingXia Red provides a whole-body nutrient infusion. *Helps breakdown abdominal fat, sustains healthy blood sugar levels, immune and liver support.
Life 9 Probiotic
Omegagize - Omega 3, Vit.D, Ubiquinol - my naturopath put me on these three to help my body heal
Slique Essence - Grapefruit essential oil, Tangerine essential oil, Spearmint essential oil, Lemon essential oil, Cinnamon essential oil, Reb A (Stevia leaf extract) While stevia adds an all-natural sweetener that provides a pleasant taste with no added calories, it may help control sugar cravings, making it easier to stay on track with your health and fitness goals.
Work
Clarity for mental fog - Lemon, Peppermint, Lavender (+ allergy support)
Relaxing to bring down stress to focus - Stress Away
Immune Support when fighting colds, Adrenal and Mood support - Thieves, Lemon OR Thieves, Orange, Rosemary
Lunch
Digize - This is an oil blend of Tarragon, Ginger and Peppermint. Top Oil for supporting the digestive system. I usually mix it with peppermint in a roller bottle to apply topically over the abdomen to support the digestive system or inhale by diffusing with lemon.
Story - A. rose from his bed after bedtime calling for help. He was clammy and his stomach was churning. I rushed with him to the bathroom expecting the nausea to erupt into more. I left him with Lance while I ran downstairs to where I keep my pre-made rollers filled with combinations of essential oils in proper dilution for topical use. This one was my "Tummy Troubles" roller. I rubbed the roller filled with Digize/Peppermint in Coconut Oil (as a carrier) combo on his abdomen. Then I grabbed my Peppermint roller and put it at the base of the skull where he was so clammy and hot - to cool him down. I also gave him a teaspoon of honey to calm his irritated stomach. He responded immediately. Within twenty seconds, he was already feeling better. We stayed in the bathroom as I rubbed his back and watched him closely. His breathing and churning stomach calmed. After five minutes he returned to bed and slept soundly until morning and never did throw up. He is now a firm believer in the power of essential oils to benefit the body safely and effectively.
Mid-Afternoon Lag
Peppermint - car vent diffuser kept me awake on a long drive. Diluted in a roller on back of neck or muscles it is a quick pick me up or headache reducer.
Tension Roller - Peppermint, Copaiba and PanAway - alleviates sore muscles, tension, headaches, sore feet.
PanAway is a blend of wintergreen, clove, helichrysum, peppermint - Wintergreen known for pain assistance, helichrysum regenerates nerves and is used for muscle spasms, Clove helps with pain and opens blood flow, and bone preserving.
Copaiba - This oil contains the highest amount of Beta Caryophyllene (55 percent) of any known essential oil. Beta Caryophyllene supports the body’s natural response to irritation or injury. Highly anti-inflammatory, copaiba supports nearly every system in the body. It is also great skin oil and enhances constituents in other oils when blended with them. Can be applied directly to sore gums - a drop on the finger rubbed on gums.
Story: In a series of interviews all day. Colleague was reaching for advil during a break when I offered my tension roller to see if it would help. She applied it to neck and shoulders and temples. Carried on with interviews - at the end, she was still holding the advil and no longer needed them.
Sports Injuries:
Abrasions or Cuts: Calendula lotion with Lavender and or tea tree
Deep Relief: a favourite for muscle stiffness or pain.
Muscle Rub
½ cup shea butter
¼ cup coconut oil
10 drops Copaiba, wintergreen, marjoram
5 drops Helichrysum
Garbage and Compost
Clean up nasty smells with Purification - I’ve diffused this in musty hotel rooms (It looked better on line when we booked it),
Laundry with Wool Dryer Balls in place of toxic dryer sheets.
Dryer Balls Recipe
1 oz dropper bottle
50 drops lavender and lemon
Add vinegar to reduce soap residue and as a natural softener
3-4 drops on each dryer ball
Kitchen Clean Up
Thieves Dish soap (no SLS - low sudsing - if need suds - combine with Nature Clean (50/50)
Spray bottle - Thieves Cleaner - one capful makes one spray bottle - about $1.10/ bottle - replaces glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner, hardwood floor cleaner…
Lemon - ungoo anything - labels off bottles, stickers off windows
Bed Time
Add Frankincense to face cream or body lotion for anti-aging power. Sweet, warm, calm fragrance to prepare for bed.
Diffuse Calming Blends All Night Long
1.Thieves and Stress Away
2. Stress Away and Lavender
3. Lavender and Bergamot (used in treating depression, induces relaxation and reduces agitation - when combined with Lavender reduces blood pressure - photosensitizing - avoid sun exposure for 12-48 hours after topical use)
4. Thieves, Rosemary, Orange
5. Lavender, Peace & Calming, Frankincense
6. Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Lavender - Korea 2006 study - terminally ill - reduced stress response and cortisol levels and lowered blood pressure of those with hypertension when used once a day for 4 weeks
7. Cedarwood, Lavender, Clary Sage, Peace and Calming, Patchouli
Lavender - headache, digestive discomfort, joint pain - most known to enhance relaxation. Safe to use with children and babies if diluted. Individual response - some find it energizing. Put in Epsom salts for a relaxing bath (**oils and water don’t mix, so avoid having the oil pool on top of the water to be in contact with skin by mixing with bath salts first so it mixes throughout tub) -Diffuse or lightly mist sheets or put in a roller and apply to big toe - reflexology point for head.
Healthy swaps can be made throughout our homes and daily routines to continue to support our body's efforts to stay above the wellness line. Let's take small steps that add up to great health! Let's thrive together!
Creating your own gifts is a great way to demonstrate care. They can be personal, fun and healthy when you give chemical-free nourishing, healing essential oils. They are also easier on tight budgets without compromising quality.
Did you know the average woman applies over 300 chemicals a day to her body just through soaps, makeup, shampoo, and hair care products? Eighty of those products are applied before breakfast!
The “Healthy Living” app by Environmental Working Group - is an independent resource that can be found at the app store for download. You can scan the product barcode or type in the ingredient you are wondering about. It will give you a 1-10 dirty rating, along with detailed but easy-to-understand information on ingredients, certification, health impacts & health warnings by governments and independent organizations such as the Lung Association and Cancer research foundation among others.
Check the products you are using and gifting to see if they contain ingredients with health warnings. Support wellness for your loved ones.
Not all Oils are Equal
Many companies increase profits by spraying crops with pesticides to get a higher yield or using chemical solvents to extract the oils and then dilute them with cheaper 2nd and 3rd distillations or carrier oils. Many essential oils are sold more cheaply because companies cut corners.
When shopping for oils, I landed with Young Living because of their seed-to-seal commitment. Young Living oversees every step to ensure the soil, seeds, distillation process and final product are beyond organic and are gently extracted to retain all the therapeutic compounds necessary for wellness support.
Here are some ideas for transforming essential oils into great gifts. The star indicates that they are part of the Premium Starter Kit oils collection, our best value for getting an awesome lineup of oils and a diffuser in your home that gets you ready for meeting a wide spectrum of needs.
HOME SPA GIFTS!
SUGAR SCRUB
¼ cup + 2 T Young Living V-6 Oil Complex or Coconut Oil
5 drops Bergamot or Lemon*
3 drops Lavender*
2 drops Frankincense*
2 drops Wintergreen or Peppermint*
¾ cup raw sugar
In a small bowl, mix carrier oil with essential oils. Add mixture to raw sugar in a larger bowl and combine thoroughly. Store in an airtight jar. Short wide-mouth canning jars work great!
Top with a ribbon and gift label and you have a gift ready for a teacher, Mom, teen, or Neighbour.
BEAUTIFUL NAILS
In a 2oz Dropper Bottle
3 drops Lavender*
3 drops Lemon*
3 drops Rosemary
3 drops Frankincense* or Geranium
Top off with Jojoba or Argon Oil and apply to nail bed daily
If you have no time for a DIY but want to give a nourishing body lotion. Young Living just introduced Coconut Lime Body Butter to the Canadian Market.
DIY DRY SHAMPOO
For Light Hair
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
3 drops Lavender*
3 drops Rosemary
For Darker Hair
2 TBSP Arrowroot powder
2 TBSP Raw cocoa powder
3 drops Lavender*
3 drops Rosemary
ESSENTIAL OIL INFUSED BATH SALTS
- Epsom Salts
- Stress Away or Lavender* Essential Oil or other skin-friendly fragrant oil
- In a mixing bowl combine the Epsom salts with Essential oils to make a calming, muscle-nourishing bath soak to pamper mind and body.
- For gifting, choose a pretty jar and fill it with this mixture, add a tag or bow and you have an inexpensive but highly valued stress-reducing present.
And a ready-made facial spa in a bottle!
Satin Facial Scrub Mint - Water-based exfoliant with jojoba oil, mango butter, MSM, aloe, and peppermint essential oil to rejuvenate skin.
Charcoal Mask - all the hydrating and purifying benefits with only the purest ingredients to leave our skin renewed and fresh!
Gifts for Getting Active:
MUSCLE MIX
Make your custom blend in an empty 15 ml bottle and top it with a roller fitment.
20 drops Lemongrass
20 drops Copaiba*
20 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce*
20 drops Wintergreen
20 drops Peppermint*
Top with Carrier Oil and apply generously after shovelling the driveway, or working out.
OR USE:
MUSCLE RUB #2
6 drops Frankincense*
6 drops PanAway*
6 drops Peppermint*
6 drops Copaiba*
6 drops Wintergreen
Stir essential oils into ¼ cup softened coconut oil. For a creamy texture add ¼ cup shea butter.
OR USE:
TENSION ROLLER
10 drops Pan Away*
10 drops Peppermint*
10 drops Copaiba*
Top with Carrier Oil in a 10 ml Roller bottle.
Non-DIY OPTIONS:
Ortho Ease Massage Oil – designed for a relaxing, soothing massage, a calming blend of vegetable oils with Wintergreen, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Juniper, and Marjoram.
A bottle of Deep Relief with a Roller Top on it works well, too, if you want an awesome ready-made gift.
DIY BUG BITE ROLLER
8 drops Lavender*
8 drops German Chamomile
8 drops Helichrysum
Top up a 10 ml roller with a carrier oil.
MAKING WORK DAYS BETTER!
GEARHEAD HAND SCRUB
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup Young Living's V-6 Oil Complex or Fractionated Coconut oil
10 drops Lemon Oil*
10 drops Purification Oil*
8 oz Mason Jar
Combine all ingredients well and place them in the jar. Add a tablespoon of extra carrier oil to the top to prevent it from drying out. Scrub dirty, greasy or paint-splattered hands and nails with 1-2 tablespoons of the sugar scrub and rinse well.
HOMEWORK HELPER ROLLER
2 Clarity
4 Grapefruit
4 Lime
2 Rosemary
Mix oils in a 10 ml bottle and top with a carrier oil. Roll on the brain stem and temples.
PEACE ROLLER
5 Lavender*
3 Frankincense*
2 Lemon*
Top up with Carrier oil in a 10 ml Roller Bottle for ages 6-12. Double the number of drops for an adult.
TEEN BODY WASH
1/2 cup Nature Clean All Purpose Cleaning Lotion or Glycerin Liquid Soap
1 TSBP Vitamin E Oil (moisturizing - optional)
20 Drops of favourite essential oil or blend* (I love Lavender & Thieves together)
Add ingredients to an 8 oz glass bottle. Fill the rest slowly with water. Shake before use.
HAPPY SKIN ROLLER
10 Frankincense*
10 Lavender*
5 Tea Tree Oil
5 Lemon Oil*
Top up a 10 ml Roller Bottle with Jojoba oil and witch hazel. Increase jojoba for dry skin and witch hazel for oily skin.
For those on the front lines in serving the public, Young Living has some small size, large impact immune protection.
Thieves Spray -is a portable cleaning spray ideal for small surfaces. Thieves Spray may be used on doorknobs, handles, sweaty hockey bags, and any surfaces where germs can spread.
Thieves Hand Sanitizer* will keep hands clean without drying skin while on the go. Choose from the large pump size or the personal size. Approved by Health Canada
Thieves Essential Oil - help boost immune systems with this favourite essential oil. Dilute it with coconut oil and rub on feet morning or night, and wrists during the day, or diffuse it wherever the air needs some extra purifying.
IMMUNE SUPPORT ROLLER
10 Thieves*
10 Lemon*
10 Frankincense* or RC*
Top a 10 ml Roller with Carrier oil for an adult-strength dose of immunity. For 6-12 use ½ the number of drops. Apply to the soles of feet daily; twice a day for an added boost!
COLLECT A FEW GREAT YL GIFTS FOR A PERSONALIZED BAG OR BASKET OF GOODNESS:
Satin Mint Facial Scrub - Polish and prep your skin with this naturally derived exfoliator! Made with apricot seed powder, our Satin Facial Scrub gently lifts and removes dry, dead skin cells to reveal bright and even-looking skin. Plus, it has pure Peppermint essential oil for a minty scent and tingly fresh feel.
Lip Balms - The Young Living lip balms are one of our favourite products.
Whether you choose Lavender, Grapefruit, Cinnamon and holiday-exclusive Vanillamint, you really can't go wrong. Because they are formulated with coconut oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, wolfberry seed oil and Vitamin E, all of the Young Living lip balms are incredibly moisturizing and help prevent skin dehydration, giving you soft, smooth lips!
Tranquil Roll-on –A mix of Lavender, Cedarwood, and Roman Chamomile. A versatile oil blend for cough & cold relief, muscle pain, headache relief, digestive discomfort, cuts, burns and calming or sleep support.
Thieves Mints – will keep breath fresh on the go with sugar-free ingredients alongside the protective benefits of Thieves and Peppermint oils.
Check out YL's beautiful Ceramic and Glass Cover HAVEN, EMBER, and LUSTRE DIFFUSERS at the same price point! And for Children, the indestructible Snowy Owl Diffuser with sound and night light features!
DIY ESSENTIAL OIL WARMERS
1. Turn Fabric Scraps into a neck or hand warmer. Sew three sides and turn the right side out.
2. Add drops of essential oils to Rice in a mixing bowl and mix well.
3. Add the rice to the hand warmer.
4. Using a needle and thread or dental floss, sew the opening closed.
Microwave until warm to bring heat to cold hands, sore muscles or a crampy tummy.
DIY ROOM SPRAY
20 drops of your favourite YL essential oil
1/3 cup water
1 TSBP Witch Hazel
4 oz Glass Spray Bottle
Combine the oils and the witch hazel in the bottle and swirl to mix. Add the water. Shake well before spraying. Replace those chemically-laden air fresheners.
Enjoy giving your loved ones gifts of thoughtful, wellness support. Moving away from products that harm to products that heal is a great way to demonstrate care! And respecting your budget is a great way to care for your partner and dependents.
Let's care well for our loved ones and add a boost of wellness to cheer these shorter colder days!
Here is a printable form: Christmas DIY.docx
You might also enjoy:
Updated November 2022
Viruses are opportunistic. They look for a way into our bodies through any crack in our defences - a cut is a breach in our skin wall of defence. Our nose, ear, mouth, and eyes all offer access inside. When a virus gains entrance, it enters a cell and begins to use the resources of the cell to create copies of itself. The cell is gradually destroyed, and the multiplied copies of the virus look for new cells to inhabit and create copies. Viruses are multiplying and destroying new cells quickly, so it is best to fight colds and flu aggressively from the first symptoms. By the time you have a cold or flu symptoms, your body has been fighting for 24 hours or more and is asking for help.
Our body is prepared to meet the threat with white blood cells, and the ability to create more tears, ear wax, or mucous to flush the invaders out. Sleep is an amazing way to support the body's healing efforts! Deep rest allows our body to get on top of healing any damage and rounding up the invaders. So calming the body for rest is key!
But we don't want to leave the invaders to multiply unchecked. Our family has learned to be aggressive in our countermeasures - meaning, we do something supportive to our body every hour we are awake.
At the first sign of a virus - sore throat, increased nasal discharge, elevated temperature, sneezing - we know our body is on the defensive against an invader. So instead of turning off the body's natural defences by chasing symptoms, we go for the root of the problem. Thankfully, many Essential Oils are recognized by Health Canada as Natural Health Products to help our bodies win against invaders!
Here is our favourite tactical response team:
Prevention:
We apply a few drops of Young Living's Thieves Essential oil to our feet daily to help support our immune system. We put a roller top on our bottle to make it easy to put a swipe on each foot in the morning. Thieves is a blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils. Named after the Thieves who robbed the homes of people who died of the plague without getting ill, Thieves is known for its immune care. It is also used for its cleansing power in YL cleaning products such as laundry soap, hand soap, dish detergent, Fruit & Veggie Spray and Household cleaner.
Keeping a baseline of nutritional support is also important. During cold and flu season, we are sure to have Vitamin C available (this is our favourite kind). We take Vitamin D3 (1000 IU) with K2 (100mg) daily (we like this one). There are liquid D-drop versions for little ones that can be very helpful in supporting the body's immune system. We also pay close attention to gut health and use probiotics as needed to keep yeast and bad bacteria in check.
Dietary Recommendations:
We avoid sugar and dairy while our body is fighting. Dairy thickens mucous secretions making them harder to expel from lungs and sinus cavities. Sugar wipes out some white blood cells with every teaspoonful which makes it harder for our body to surround and eliminate the multiplying virus. By eliminating sugar at the first sign of cold viruses, it made it clear that our boys were actually sick because they never give up sugar lightly.
Nutritionally, we choose a soft-boiled egg, collagen smoothies or bone broth for easy-to-digest protein and colourful vegetables and fruits for antioxidant power to repair cell damage. Our favourite nutritional powerhouse when we are sick or for prevention is Ningxia Red. 2 oz a day goes a long way toward supporting our body's efforts to heal! More details can be found here: NingXia Red Spotlight (lifestepseo.com)
When we want to increase our level of protection, we add our Raindrop Roller which contains 7 oils.
Raindrop Roller:
10 drops each of Oregano, Wintergreen, Thyme, and 50 drops of Aroma Siez (or 10 drops each of Basil, Cypress, Marjoram, Peppermint, and Lavender - the oils in Aroma Siez).
Top a 10 ml roller bottle with a carrier oil of choice. (I love liquid coconut oil since it has a long shelf life and no scent).
These oils can be purchased separately or are collected together in the Raindrop Collection here.
We roll this one on the spine every morning and a few times a day during intense seasons. These can be used on all ages - just dilute more for little ones.
Top a 10 ml roller bottle with a carrier oil of choice. (I love liquid coconut oil since it has a long shelf life and no scent).
These oils can be purchased separately or are collected together in the Raindrop Collection here.
We roll this one on the spine every morning and a few times a day during intense seasons. These can be used on all ages - just dilute more for little ones.
At first symptoms we take:
- Homeopathic Oscillococcinum tubes or 'flu tubes' as we call them – 1 tube every six hours for 3 doses
- Increase Thieves to a swipe on the feet every two hours. Dilute as desired with carrier oil. With littles 2 and under, put a carrier oil and a drop of Thieves on your hands and let it absorb a bit before giving your little one a foot massage with it.
- Dietary Dropper bottle: We keep a mix of these ready for ingestion at the first symptom of throat irritation, fever or congestion. We take every hour during acute needs and then taper off as our symptoms resolve. I have been using this regime with my children since they were over 6 years old. YL also has an amazing supplement called Inner Defense available to Canadian members through our NFR site. Contact me for details. For children, you can open a capsule and apply it to their feet with a carrier oil as noted above.
- Diffusing any pleasing combination of one or two drops of Purification, Thieves, Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, Frankincense, Copaiba, and PanAway, RC can lightly humidify and clean the air as it assists the body's fighting power and soothes cough and cold symptoms. Generally, in a medium-sized room, we use about 6-9 drops total of essential oils. Use whatever you find pleasing.
- In a large glass of water, we often add 1 drop or a toothpick swirl of Lemon Plus oil, and one drop of any other dietary oil of choice (Peppermint and Lavender are favourites). Sipping at these throughout the day can be soothing and help support the body's healing efforts.
- Young Living Frankincense Plus has just recently been approved as a dietary oil by Health Canada. One drop under the tongue is supportive to all body systems.
- Our list of other immune boosters include Vitamin C, Sore Throat Tea, Bone broth, Thieves lozenges, Essential Oil Throat Spray, Thieves or DIY Chest Rub, Cod Liver Oil.
For Children:
- If you are not comfortable with ingesting oils, or your children are between 2-6 yrs, Oregano, Frankincense, Lavender, Purification, or Lemon essential oils can be applied topically in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and rubbed into adult hands before massaged into a child's feet. The bottom of the feet is a non-sensitive area for hot oils. Young Living's oils are so potent, one drop or two is plenty in a carrier oil.Oregano is not recommended for children under two. The others are great options.
- For children, Frankincense, Copaiba and Lavender oil can be diluted and rolled on a sore throat, on the chest to ease congestion, on cheekbones or inhaled for helping clear sinuses. These oils are extremely gentle yet effective.
Please don't let these suggestions overwhelm you! This blog is to help those of you who purchased an essential oil starter kit use the oils you have effectively. The recipes can be put together as needed for symptom relief.
Recipes:
Dietary Dropper Bottle:
I keep a pre-mixed dropper bottle ready for when our bodies require extra support. Our family takes 5 drops of our dietary oil mix every time our irritated throat or other symptoms remind us:
15 Oregano
15 Peppermint
15 Lemon
15 Lavender
15 Frankincense
Top with coconut oil in a 15 ml dropper bottle. This is an adult dilution. Use half the drops for 7-12 yrs.
I keep a pre-mixed dropper bottle ready for when our bodies require extra support. Our family takes 5 drops of our dietary oil mix every time our irritated throat or other symptoms remind us:
15 Oregano
15 Peppermint
15 Lemon
15 Lavender
15 Frankincense
Top with coconut oil in a 15 ml dropper bottle. This is an adult dilution. Use half the drops for 7-12 yrs.
Immune Roller
10 Thieves
10 RC Eucalyptus Blend or Frankincense
10 Lemon
Put 10 drops each in a 10 ml roller and top up with liquid Coconut oil.
Apply every 1-4 hours as symptoms remind you, on sore throat, congested chest, wrists, behind ears or if too strong for your sense of smell, begin with bottoms of feet or along spine for fever. This roller can be used preventatively as well during cold and flu season.
10 Thieves
10 RC Eucalyptus Blend or Frankincense
10 Lemon
Put 10 drops each in a 10 ml roller and top up with liquid Coconut oil.
Apply every 1-4 hours as symptoms remind you, on sore throat, congested chest, wrists, behind ears or if too strong for your sense of smell, begin with bottoms of feet or along spine for fever. This roller can be used preventatively as well during cold and flu season.
Congestion Roller:
10 Lavender
10 Lemon
10 Peppermint
Put drops in a 10 ml roller topped up with carrier oil.
Roll on cheekbones, temples, behind ears and forehead as desired for sinus pain and congestion.
10 Lavender
10 Lemon
10 Peppermint
Put drops in a 10 ml roller topped up with carrier oil.
Roll on cheekbones, temples, behind ears and forehead as desired for sinus pain and congestion.
SALINE NASAL OR THROAT SPRAY:
Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1/8 tsp of Natural Sea Salt & 1/8 tsp of Baking Soda - dissolve together and let it cool.
When just warm, add 1 drop of Essential Oil - I like Frankincense for its anti-inflammatory properties and for soothing irritated skin. Lavender or Eucalyptus would also be good choices.
This can be put in a nasal spray bottle, a throat spray bottle, or both.
Sore Throat:
Frankincense and Lavender are very soothing to tissues, so we put a few drops of each in a teaspoon or tablespoon of Castor oil or Cod Liver oil to drink in order to coat and soothe irritated tissues in the throat.
Drink warm teas to thin mucous secretions so the body can keep moving them out. Celestial Seasonings Throat Coat with Lemon Echinacea is a favourite - add a tsp of honey and a drop of Cinnamon for added benefits.
Throat Lozenges - Thieves Throat Lozenges and Cough drops are available through the US site and are game changers. They are sugar-free and loaded with immune support while soothing symptoms!
Mouth Rinse:
A choice of Thieves Mouthwash or a DIY with Peppermint, Lavender and Frankincense dietary oils can be mixed in a glass water bottle and used to gargle and swish around the mouth as desired to clean and help the body heal sore throat or other irritated tissues.
A choice of Thieves Mouthwash or a DIY with Peppermint, Lavender and Frankincense dietary oils can be mixed in a glass water bottle and used to gargle and swish around the mouth as desired to clean and help the body heal sore throat or other irritated tissues.
Chest Rub:
A DIY chest rub can be made by combining our Eucalyptus oils, RC, or the Peppermint/Lavender/Lemon mix with solid coconut oil or a natural lotion you like. We also really like the Thieves Chest Rub YL introduced recently: https://m.lfstps.com/tnqj8/fwQ
Bath to Soothe Sore Muscles:
- Panaway, Lavender or Frankincense mixed with Epsom salts can be added to a bath to ease sore muscles and relax the body and mind.
- For Body Ache - Agilease & Sulfurzyme have been so helpful to keep our use of NSAIDs really low - We only used Ibuprofen to help us sleep if the pain was too high for rest. We are careful with Tylenol and Ibuprofen because they can irritate the digestive system, are hard on organs, and can sometimes allow the virus a deeper hold since we turn off the signals that remind us to keep fighting throughout the day!
Tummy Trouble Roller
15 Digize
15 Peppermint
In a 10 ml Roller bottle top up with carrier oil.
Roll on the abdomen or back of the neck.
+ Inhaling these essential oils is so helpful in assisting with nausea.
+ A spoonful of honey may calm an irritated stomach.
+ We also use the same homeopathic 'flu tubes' and oregano oil with these types of viruses.
15 Digize
15 Peppermint
In a 10 ml Roller bottle top up with carrier oil.
Roll on the abdomen or back of the neck.
+ Inhaling these essential oils is so helpful in assisting with nausea.
+ A spoonful of honey may calm an irritated stomach.
+ We also use the same homeopathic 'flu tubes' and oregano oil with these types of viruses.
Almost all of these oils and a diffuser are included in a Starter Bundle for best value by Young Living. There is also an amazing Starter Bundle for Kids with a sound machine and night light owl diffuser with oils prediluted to use with Little Ones! The Desert Mist diffuser is my favourite in the Starter Bundle for its long diffusing time and ability to travel!
I hope you and your family find healthy days free of invasions this season. And when viruses come knocking, I hope you grow in confidence to find the tools to shut the door quickly.
I have been gradually learning how to replace chemically laden items in my home with more natural ingredients. For awhile I have been wondering what to do about sunscreen. I have heard friends say that they aren't sure which is more harmful, UV rays from the sun or the carcinogenic ingredients in many commercial sunscreens. So, for the last few summers I have been searching for more natural ingredients in our family sun protection. Goodness Me carries some great natural brands and they have sample bottles which allowed me to test whether they left a pasty white residue which my guys are not a fan of. We go through a lot of sunscreen, though. My oldest son has been a counsellor at camp this summer and often has a cabin of 6-8 boys all needing to be coated before heading out for a swim, a hike to the low ropes course, or paddle around the lake.
So, for my budget I am experimenting with homemade sunscreen. Here's a recipe from one of my team-mates, Krista Laposi.
Homemade sunscreen can seem intimidating, but it's actually pretty easy! Zinc Oxide powder has a natural SPF of 20-25 and can be bought in health food stores (we found ours in Goodness Me) or can be purchased on Amazon. Carrot Seed oil also offers a level of protection with a natural SPF of 30-40.
I have added beeswax pellets for a little water resistance and shea butter to nourish the skin, but this recipe can easily be made without them if you don't have those ingredients on hand.
Essential Oil Sunscreen
+ 1/2 cup coconut oil
+ 4 tbsp olive oil
+ 2 tbsp beeswax pellets
+ 2 tbsp shea butter
+ 2 tbsp zinc oxide powder
+ 30-40 drops carrot seed oil
Melt coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax pellets and shea butter in a double boiler (I used a glass bowl set on top of a pot of boiling water). Remove from heat and stir in zinc oxide powder, being careful not to inhale the powder. Once the mixture is slightly cooled, stir in carrot seed oil. The mixture will firm up in the fridge or can be stored in a squeeze-bottle at room temperature.
As with all sunscreens, please remember to apply liberally and often, especially after swimming and sweating.
I took inspiration from Krista's recipe and changed a natural sunscreen I purchased that was really pasty white (in fact it is called pasty white babies by Kynk Naturals). It already had incredible ingredients - shea butter, rice bran, jojoba oil, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, & seabuckthorn oil.
To change the texture, I added 2 tbsp of coconut oil, 30 drops carrot seed oil, and 20 drops of lavender oil (great for skin and scent - so far the flies and mosquitos have left me alone with the lavender added). It now goes on smoothly without the pasty look. It has needed a stir each time I open the container to apply. I'm not sure if my boys will use it, but it did make me able to use a sunscreen that I'd purchased but found a little thick. I tested it as we went for a game of mini golf last week in the sun. My skin felt nourished and safe. So far so happy.
Another sunscreen recipe I want to store here to try:
20 drops Myrrh EO (15 SPF)
30 Drops Carrot Seed EO (28 SPF)
2/3 cup coconut oil (4-6 SPF)
1 cup shea butter (5 SPF)
Mix and apply liberally. Store in a cool dark place to maintain freshness.
SPF stands for sun protection factor which increases the length of time exposure to UV rays would take to burn skin. 15 times means if you burn after 15 minutes you can last 15x longer before burning.
Time to get outside.
