Seven years ago if any one in our family got sick I would feel rather helpless. Perhaps a call to the doctor or a visit to urgent care…most likely some chest rub from CVS, and cough medicine to the rescue. But today it’s different in our home.
Today I can say I literally have several shelves of doctors at my disposal. At least that’s what it feels like.
Several month ago my hubby and I both had Covid as did several of our adult kids. I prayed and hoped we would be spared as many around us were very sick and landed up in the hospital. Several acquaintances passed away and it was scary to me thinking about my hubby getting the virus since he has a history of heart disease and heart attacks.
But I’m happy to report we all got through it, some fared better then others and a few who were really sick to the point of… scary. But here’s what I found the past seven years. I found out that we basically have what we need. Remember all the doctors on my shelf?
Here are a few things that made a huge difference in our recovery. We drank a ton of Ningxia Red, doubled and tripled up on it. In fact one day I drank the entire bottle and wow! After being extremely weak and tired for days, it’s what started me regaining my strength back.
I had a nebulizer on hand if we needed and we took our oxygen levels and checked our temperature each day.
We used a lot of the tree oils such as sacred mountain, cedar wood, northern light blue spruce, Pine, etc. we made sure we stayed hydrated and added extra lemon in our water to aid with detox. We took at least 50 mil of Zinc, beefed up on super C, and plenty of vitamin D.
We were very thankful to have had extra bottles of Inner Defense supplements stocked up. Talk about the real bomb! Ask me about inner defense . I do not want to be without it ever!
Sleep, sleep, sleep… so very important.
The diffusers were going 24/7 in the main living areas and in the bedrooms. I added oils to support respiratory systems and oils that would give us a good sound night of sleep. Lavender and Cedarwood oils are some of my favorites for a deep sleep.
Oh, another good tip for a good night of sleep is applying a few drop of Rutavala oil.
It is helpful for relaxation and to unwind before bed time; sleep support, ease stress, re-balancing emotions. Supports a healthy nervous system. Soothes stressed nerves. Order here; https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/referral/ item #4471
I also added the lemon and grapefruit (recipe below) to our daily regimen.
TAKE THE RIND OF 2-3 LEMONS, 2-3 GRAPEFRUITS. TAKE THE PEEL ONLY AND COVER IT WITH WATER ABOUT 3 INCHES ABOVE THE PEELS.PUT A GLASS LID ON YOUR POT IF YOU HAVE ONE, A METAL ONE IS FINE IF YOU DON'T.
LET IT SIMMER FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. DO NOT TAKE THE LID OFF OF THE POT TILL IT COOLS COMPLETELY AS THIS WILL ALLOW THE QUININE TO ESCAPE IN THE STEAM.
SWEETEN THE TEA WITH HONEY OR SUGAR SINCE IT WILL BE BITTER. TAKE 1 TABLESPOON EVERY COUPLE OF HOURS TO BRING UP THE PHLEGM FROM YOUR LUNGS. DISCONTINUE AS SOON AS YOU GET BETTER.
LET IT SIMMER FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. DO NOT TAKE THE LID OFF OF THE POT TILL IT COOLS COMPLETELY AS THIS WILL ALLOW THE QUININE TO ESCAPE IN THE STEAM.
SWEETEN THE TEA WITH HONEY OR SUGAR SINCE IT WILL BE BITTER. TAKE 1 TABLESPOON EVERY COUPLE OF HOURS TO BRING UP THE PHLEGM FROM YOUR LUNGS. DISCONTINUE AS SOON AS YOU GET BETTER.
Smile at someone today, it’s contagious
Verna Smoker
Young Living Support
I know organizing a home is typically a big topic for springtime, but if you didn't quite get your house in order, there’s no better time than now! Getting organized will leave so much more time for fun and family when the weather is nice!
To keep things simple and manageable, let’s tackle one thing at a time. I don’t know about you, but clothing clutter is killing our house right now. We still have winter clothing and outdoor gear all over, and now we’re starting to think about tank tops and shorts.
It’s time to tackle this clothing clutter in a manageable way. Take today and organize the winter gear. Do you need all the heavy coats, gloves, and snow boots within arm's reach? If you do, by all means, keep them out but if you don’t, gather them up and put them somewhere until next season. We keep ours in a basement closet where it’s still easy to grab them if we need them, but they are out of the way. It cuts down on the clutter so much!
Would you like to take three more days and organize your home a little more? Great! Click the image below and join me for three more days of organizing! We will tackle dressers and clothing closets and have the best tip for quick and easy decluttering.
So grab some trash bags, and let’s go!!!
Smile at someone today, it’s contagious
Verna Smoker
Young Living Support
As far as I’m concerned, it’s never too early to start thinking (and dreaming) about summer…. So, this month we are going to talk all about preparing for the summer months!
Up first, let’s talk about skin. Summer skin is much different than winter skin and the skin on our face is much different than the skin on our feet. One of the best ways to get all skin in summer shape is to exfoliate!
Exfoliation for skin is the holy grail of skincare.
However, too much of it is also bad. When exfoliation is done right, it makes the skin much smoother, cleaner, better, and younger. But if you use an exfoliator that’s a bit rough on the skin, or apply it too much or too often, or, even if you combine two or more exfoliating agents, then it’s very likely that is going to over-exfoliate your skin which can damage your skin’s lipid barrier. When this happens, our skin becomes rosy, puffy, or a bit swollen and can be easily inflamed. This inflammation can then escalate into an acne breakout. Using too much exfoliant also removes too much of the surface layer of the skin, taking away with it all the trapped moisture and your skin can become visibly dry and dehydrated.
The best way to exfoliate your face is to make small, circular motions using your fingers to apply a scrub according to your skin type. My absolute favorite scrub is the Satin Mint Facial Scrub! If you are using a brush, make short, light strokes. Exfoliate for about 30 seconds and then rinse your face with lukewarm water. Keep in mind that the water should not be too hot.
When exfoliating other parts of your body like elbows, knees, and feet it may take a more heavy-duty scrub but it’s still important to not get carried away and scrub your skin too vigorously either while you’re washing or as you dry off. When you’re exfoliating, let the product do its job, and don’t feel the need to take off a layer of healthy skin cells by pressing too hard. And after you’re done with your shower or bath, be sure to pat dry rather than rubbing the towel back and forth across your body with all your strength. Over-scrubbing can cause dry skin to peel off before it’s ready to be removed. The scrubbing should be done gently in the shower, and when it’s time to dry, show your skin a little tenderness.
Check out my favorite DIY body scrub here:
Need to grab the oils above? Click Here to shop with me!
Once you have that skin beautifully exfoliated, don't forget to moisturize! Check out this blog post to learn more about natural hydration for dry winter skin.
See you next week when we talk about prepping your home for summer!
Smile at someone today, it’s contagious
Verna Smoker
Young Living Support
It's Friday! So what's with Friday you might ask?
When hubby and I first got married I did what my mom did. Just like clock work I would clean my house on Friday morning, clean out the refrigerator and go grocery shopping and... in that order.
My favorite cleaner was Pine-Sol. I absolutely loved the smell and in my opinion the house smelled amazing. Not so with hubby. He asked me several times not to use it because the smell got to him.
You see, My mom died of breast cancer, my dad passed away with bladder cancer, my hubby had a heart attack and I birthed our second child born with a birth defect. It was high time to make a change.
And then…one day a light bulb went off in my head! Come to find out, hubby was on to something. Research showed me that I was literally poisoning my family. No kidding! I was appalled at what the government allows in our cleaning products, It's sick people!
Click on the link below and see what I'm talking about in my blog.
Why clean with essential oils?
Are you concerned that your cleansers aren’t all that clean? Labels of mainstream home products such as hand soaps, spray cleaners, and toothpastes reveal a number of harmful and toxic ingredients. It comes at no surprise that people are turning towards all-natural cleaners such as essential oils for their home cleaning care.
Why are essential oils good for cleaning?
Aside from their attractive and lovely scents, plant essences are well known for their antimicrobial components. Pure essential oils are incredibly potent, so potent in fact that they can destroy microbes (bacteria, viruses, and fungus) with their unique compounds. Oils with various properties and scents can be combined to make a home cleanser personalized for your exact needs.
What constitutes an essential oil?
Not every essential oil is created equal. If you’re thinking about adding essential oils in your home care routine it’s important to ensure that you are using pure oils, so you get the maximum benefits from the most potent and healthiest plants.
When purchasing your essential oils, keep these tips in mind:
• Always purchase pure oils. There is a BIG difference. That is something I did not know when I first started using oils. The research surprised me!
• Scented or perfume oils are not essential oils.
• The only ingredient should be the desired essential oil.
• Avoid preservatives, additives, and synthetic ingredients.
Best essential oils for green cleaning
If you’ve ever made your own cleaning products, its likely that you love that you can get that sparkling clean without dangerous chemicals. You also know that homemade cleaners can smell well…pretty “blah”. Not only do essential oils smell divine, they actually help in elevating your mood and efforts while cleaning.
Here are some of the top essential oils you need in your home care-cleaning regime:
• Lavender – This stress-relieving oil naturally relaxes the nervous system, perfect after a long day at work. It also helps that this oil is a top antiseptic, bactericidal, antiviral, and fungicidal.
• Lemon – Are you feeling down? This essential oil is not only an antimicrobial, bactericide, and antiseptic, it has been shown to improve people’s moods when cleaning.
• Peppermint – This revitalizing oil has been shown to enhance work performance and increase alertness, in addition to its antiseptic properties.
• Orange – This refreshing, citrus-based oil is known for it's antibacterial and antifungal properties, which in turn help to make a great degreaser.
• Tea Tree – Looking for something powerful? This oil is strong on its own, but essential oil combinations often benefit from its bactericidal, insecticidal, antiseptic, and antifungal properties.
6 Ways to Clean With Essential Oils
Essential oils offer an all-natural, effective, and safe alternative to harsh chemicals in the home. If you’re committed to better living, read these six tips on incorporating essential oils into your cleaning routine.
• Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens – Some people are hesitant to use essential oils because they don’t think they are powerful enough to tackle tough germs. Wrong! In fact oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and oregano have been proven to work against tough viruses like Staphylococcus and Influenza.
• Floors – oils such as lemon are tough competitors in dissolving marks and dirt on both carpets and hardwood floors.
• Furniture – Essential oils are great for gentle and regular cleaning on antiques, sofas, and even mattresses. Safe on all surfaces, feel free to spray pure oils anywhere that needs refreshing.
• Outdoors – From pest control to gardening, essential oils can help combat everything from pesky ants to outdoor bubblegum residue.
• Kids toys – You can never be too cautious when it comes to your child’s toys. Essential oils help combat bacteria, viruses and odor in a safe and non-toxic way.
• On-the-go – Don’t forget about cleaning on-the-go! Essential oils can be used to create portable wipes and disinfectants, great for use on hands, shopping carts, and other surfaces.
Essential Oil Recipes
Essential oils are a growing popularity for its home uses in aromatherapy, healthy cooking, oral care, home purification, family wellness, and of course natural cleaning.
The powerful “clean” scents that you get from conventional cleaners may have your home feeling disinfected, but often comes from a host of toxic chemicals. Pure essential oils are strong and effective against tough bacteria and viruses.
My favorite scent combinations:
• Spearmint, lemon, bergamot
• Vanilla, lemon, rosemary
• Lime, lemon, basil
• Lavender, lime
• Eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender
• Tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus
• sandalwood, geranium
• Lavender, vanilla,
• Peppermint, vanilla
• Orange, clove, cinnamon
How much to add to a recipe?
For a more gentle scent or for those not concentrated on the properties of the oil, add 5 drops of your essential oil to 3 cups of your cleaning solution. To obtain the cleaning properties of your oil, use between 10 and 20 drops per 3 cups of solution. In some cases, you may want to use a stronger concentration, for uses such as a potpourri or linen spray. In these cases 25 to 40 drops is recommended. You can also feel free to add a few dashes of your essential oil to your sink water, mop water, or even your laundry detergent.
Essential Oils Cleaning Tips
Popular essential oils and their properties:
• Lemon – antiviral and antibacterial
• Tea Tree – fights germs bacteria and viruses
• Rosemary - antibacterial and antiseptic
• Orange – great against grease
• Lavender – naturally antibacterial
• Eucalyptus – natural germicide
• Peppermint – antibacterial
• Cinnamon – antibacterial and antiseptic
• Pine – common cleaner ingredient
• Thyme – one of the most powerful against germs
How to clean with essential oils:
• Don’t add your essential oils until you’ve poured the cleaning liquid into the spray bottle.
• Naturally, oils and water do not mix well. Before each use, give your product a healthy shake.
• When possible, store your essential cleaning products in a dark glass bottle. Essential oils have been known to decompose plastics while light can lead to decomposed therapeutic qualities over time.
• Essential oils are safe on every surface.
My favorite of all favorites cleaner is...Thieves household Cleaner.
If you haven't tried it yet... let me tell you, I think you will love it as m much as I do.
Purchase all your must have products by saying…Yes to Young Living. Order here
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Have a super blessed week!
Hugs, Vern Smoker
Hugs, Vern Smoker
Welcome!Thank you for subscribing to the Oil Talk Newsletter.As a subscriber you will receive:
- Information how Essential oils can benefit you and your family and I’ll teach and show you how our family benefits and uses them and…how we have totally made Young Living part of our life style.
- You’ll receive handy tips, ideas, DIY’s and real life testimonies.
- You can expect to hear from me once a week and occasionally more frequently.
- If you have a minute, I'd appreciate hearing your biggest concern in getting started using and sharing essential oils. Just hit the "reply" button and send me a quick note. I can better plan my communications and mentoring when I know your challenges.
- I look forward to getting in touch with you and hearing (or seeing) how you are doing. I’m here for you and if there is a topic you would like me to talk about please let me know.
Let's keep in touch!Thank you,Vern SmokerP.S. I realize you may be getting this email and have not personally subscribed. Please feel free at anytime to reply stop. No judgement here.-Wanted to share this with you.Do you experience Epstein Barr (Mononucleosis)? I personally have heard of several people in the past several weeks with this issue.Here is a recipe you may want to use or share with your friends.Oral-
- Take an empty capsule filled with 3 drops each of Thyme, Oregano, Lemon, and cinnamon, 1 to 3 times daily.
- For a sore throat, gargle 1 to 2 drops each of lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus and clove every 1 to 3 hours. (Mix with honey for even better results) and swallow the mixture.
You can also apply topically.
- Apply 2 drops each of eucalyptus and Frankincense on the front of the neck. Apply 3 to 5 drops oregano, thyme, basil, cypress, wintergreen, marjoram and peppermint (layered in that order, 1 at a time) to the spine and massage into the back on either side of the spine, 2 times weekly.
Hugs, Vern SmokerYou can order all items here. Young Living Essential Oils
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