Recipes for Essential Oils~Inspirational Sketchpad~Volume One

Wild Orange Body Lotion

      ·         1 bottle of unscented body lotion or cream
      ·         20 drops Wild Orange essential oil
      ·         ¼ cup Grapeseed oil

Blend all ingredients and place back into original lotion container.  Wild Orange is known for its rejuvenating properties. This recipe could easily be altered, by changing essential oils, to offer properties that you are looking for. Example, use Lavender for a relaxing bedtime lotion, or Peppermint for a cooling lotion to use after being in the sun all day.   

Citrus Face Mask

·         5-7 drops of your favorite citrus essential oil (Lemon, Wild Orange, Lime or dōTERRA™ Purify)

      ·         3-4 teaspoons honey

Combine all ingredients and apply to your freshly cleansed face.  Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.  If you have acne prone skin replace the citrus oil with Melaleuca essential oil.  If you are looking more for a relaxing nighttime mask, use Lavender essential oil.

While these recipes are fairly generic and can be altered to fit what you need, I am always curious as to what other people have created with their essential oils.  Please send me your “recipes” and I will be sure to include them in a future Inspirational Sketchpad posting. 

Recipes for Essential Oils~Tea Time

As I have posted before essential oils can be used in a vast array of ways. One of my favorite ways is to put a few drops in my herbal tea.  I use a basic tea, such as Lipton (or orange pekoe tea) which is very basic, and then I add essential oils.  Now the type of essential oil you add, depends on what benefit you are looking for. 

Here are some common Blends:

For Tranquility
     ·         Lavender
     ·         Roman Chamomile
     ·         Bergamot

Immunity Protection

      ·         On Guard (dōTERRA™  Blend)
      ·         Lemon or Wild Orange
      ·         Peppermint

For Help Breathing (Allergies or Cold)

      ·         Peppermint
      ·         Lemon or Wild Orange

Wake-Me-Up

      ·         Lemon
      ·         Grapefruit
      ·         Wild Orange
      ·         Ginger

Spice Tea (my ultimate fave)
      ·         3 cups almond milk
      ·         Honey (to taste)
      ·         Ginger essential oil
      ·         Clove essential oil
      ·         Vanilla extract

In a small pot or saucepan, heat the almond milk and then whisk in all ingredients.  This is a great drink for a chilly morning or for the Holidays.  

When adding essential oils to tea they can become very overpowering.  To prevent this I always suggest that you take a toothpick and dip it into the top of the essential oil bottle and then stir it in your drink.  If you want more flavor grab another toothpick and repeat.  Be sure not to dip the toothpick that has been swirled in your cup of tea back into the essential oil bottle.  Doing so will damage the properties of the essential oil. 

What type of essential oil tea recipe would you like to see?  Leave me a comment below and I will post a recipe for you?

 

Uses for Essential Oils~Frankincense

Most of us have heard of Frankincense and not in the essential oil form but from the Bible.  One of the three Wise Men presented Frankincense as a gift to Jesus the night he was born.  “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 NIV)  Back in biblical times Frankincense was considered fragrant, rare and precious and to this day it still is.  Using Frankincense in an essential oil form has many benefits because of its many properties including anticatarrhal, anticancer, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitumor, expectorant, immune stimulant and sedative.  Frankincense essential oil has many uses including counteracting Alzheimer’s disease, breathing issues, and concussions, as well as, improving vision, the look of scars and wrinkles.  With its antiseptic and anti-infectious properties it works great on wounds, fighting plaque and even getting rid of warts.  Many times you aren’t sure what oil to use for what, and so I always follow this rule, “When in doubt use Frankincense!” 

In your medicine cabinet, Frankincense oil can replace:

·         Tylenol or other pain relievers

·         Mederma or other scar reducer creams

·         Freeze Away or other wart removers

·         Neosporin or other antibiotic ointments

·         Abreva or other cold sore treatments

·         Anti-aging face creams

dōTERRA™ Franincense Oil~$93.00 15ml

To Order dōTERRA™ Products Please Click Here

Application Methods for Frankincense Oil

·         Applied neat (with no dilution) Dilute 1:1 (one part essential oil and one part carrier oil) for children or those with sensitive skin.   

·         Diffuse or inhale aroma directly

·         Place 1-2 drops under the tongue or in a veggie capsule and take internally

What’s even better? When using Frankincense oil there are no side effects, no drug interactions, it is all natural and proven to be effective.

Watch for future posts on “recipes” that use Frankincense oil, including an all natural headache remedy and an anti-aging face cream.  Need a recipe sooner?  Leave a comment and I will post one right away! 

What do you use Frankincense Oil for?    

Uses for Essential Oils~Helichrysum

(Pronounced hell-ĭ-cry-some)

I just recently was introduced to Helichrysum essential oil and have discovered its vast array of uses.  Helichrysum is a plant related very closely to the daisy and the oil comes from the flowers.  Like most essential oils Helichrysum is antibacterial and antiviral, but is also an expectorant and mucolytic.  It also has anticoagulant, antispasmodic and antioxidant properties. Helichrysum essential oil can be used to help control bleeding to helping control cholesterol levels.  Other common uses for Helichrysum include, tooth abscess, detoxification, earaches, eczema, psoriasis, tinnitus and viral infections.  Helichrysum essential oil can also chelate heavy metals from the body making it a great blood cleanser.            

In your medicine cabinet, Helichrysum Oil can replace:

·         Tylenol or other pain relievers

·         Mederma or other scar reducer creams

·         Cortosone or other topical steroid creams

Application Methods for Helichrysum Oil

·         Applied neat  (with no dilution)  

·         Diffuse or inhale aroma directly

·         Place 1-2 drops in a veggie capsule and take internally (make sure you are only taking therapeutic grade Helichrysum oil internally, like dōTERRA brand)

 

dōTERRA™ Helichrysum Essential Oil~$100.00 5ml

To Order dōTERRA™ Products Please Click Here 

 

What’s even better? When using Helichrysum oil there are no side effects, no drug interactions, it is all natural and proven to be effective.

Watch for future posts on “recipes” that use Helichrysum oil, including regenerative face lotion. Need a recipe sooner?  Leave a comment and I will post one right away! 

What do you use Helichrysum Oil for?    

Uses for Essential Oils~Oregano

Most of us are familiar with oregano because we have a jar of it in our spice cabinets.  It is a spicier herb and is used frequently in Mediterranean and Italian food dishes (think pizza).  What most of us don’t know is that Oregano is a very nutrient dense spice, containing vitamin K, manganese, iron, fiber and calcium. With that being said you can imagine the benefits of Oregano essential oil.  It has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antiseptic and antiviral properties.  With common uses ranging from curing athletes foot to calming whooping cough.         

In your medicine cabinet, Oregano Oil can replace:

·         Tylenol or other pain relievers

·         Tums or other heartburn remedies

·         Dayquil or other cold medications

·         Pepto Bismal or other anti-nausea medications

·         Cepacol or other types of throat lozenges

·         Freeze Away or other wart removers

dōTERRA® Oregano Essential Oil~ $32.00 15ml
To Order dōTERRA® Products Please Click Here

 

Application Methods for Oregano Oil

·         Dillute 1:3 Use one part of Oregano oil and 3 parts carrier oil.  I always suggest fractionated coconut oil (Note: Oregano oil can cause skin irritation)

·         Diffuse or inhale aroma directly

·         Place 1-2 drops under the tongue or in a veggie capsule and take internally

·         Use as a flavoring for food

 
What’s even better? When using Oregano oil there are no side effects, no drug interactions, it is all natural and proven to be effective.

Watch for future posts on “recipes” that use Oregano oil, including an all natural sore throat spray and an Athlete’s Foot cream . Need a recipe sooner?  Leave a comment and I will post one right away! 

What do you use Oregano Oil for?    

 

Uses for Essential Oils~Lemon

I just love Lemon oil because of its versatile uses.  Not only is it an antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral like most all essential oils, but Lemon oil is also an antidepressant and antioxidant.  Some uses of Lemon oil are to lower anxiety, regulate blood pressure, fight depression (including postpartum depression), heal throat infections, fight heartburn, curb appetite, and purify your drinking water.  Lemon oil can also be used as a furniture polish, gum/grease removal or air freshener.    

In your medicine cabinet, Lemon oil can replace:

·         Tylenol or other pain relievers

·         Tums or other heartburn remedies

·         Imodium AD or other anti-diarrheal medications

·         Pepto Bismal or other anti-nausea medications

·         Cepacol or other types of throat lozenges

dōTERRA® Lemon Essential Oil~ $13.33 15ml
To Order dōTERRA® Products Please Click Here

 

Application Methods for Lemon Oil

·         Applied neat (with no dilution) However, when using topically avoid direct sunlight or UV light for about 12 hours after using.

·         Diffuse or inhale aroma directly

·         Place 1-2 drops under the tongue or in a veggie capsule and take internally

·         Use as a flavoring for food and beverages

What’s even better? When using Lemon oil there are no side effects, no drug interactions, it is all natural and proven to be effective.

Watch for future posts on “recipes” that use Lemon oil, including an all natural air freshener, a sore throat gargle and how to make a lemon flavored olive oil for cooking. Need a recipe sooner?  Leave a comment and I will post one right away!  

What do you use Lemon Oil for?    

 

Uses for Essential Oils~Melaleuca (More commonly known as Tea Tree Oil)

Melaleuca has been used for centuries to help heal cuts, wounds, and skin infections.  With its analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.  Melaleuca has a wide range of uses from treating acne to helping heal canker sores (also known as fever blisters or cold sores).  Melaleuca is also great for helping to heal fungal infections such as athletes foot and thrush and viral infections such as the common cold or flu.  According to the book “Modern Essentials”, Melaleuca has twelve times the antiseptic power of phenol. (p.83) 

In your medicine cabinet, Melaleuca can replace:

·         Cepacol or other types of throat lozenges

·         Dayquil/Nyquil or other cold and flu products

·         Neosporin or other antibiotic ointments

·         Head and Shoulders Shampoo/Conditioner or other anti-dandruff hair care products

·         Abreva or other cold sore/fever blister products

·         Tinactin or other athletes foot products

dōTERRA® Melaleuca Essential Oil~ $25.33 15ml
To Order dōTERRA® Products Please Click Here

Application Methods for Melaleuca

·         Applied neat (with no dilution)  However, when using with children under six or sensitive skin, I do recommend diluting Melaleuca because it is a strong oil and may be uncomfortable on the sensitive skin of younger children. 

·         Diffuse or inhale aroma directly

·         Take in veggie capsules (do not put Melaleuca directly in the mouth)

What’s even better? When using Melaleuca oil there are no side effects, no drug interactions, it is all natural and proven to be effective.

Watch for future posts on “recipes” that use Melaleuca, including an all natural acne remedy, a way to prevent or reverse gingivitis and a way to alleviate an ear infection or earache. Need a recipe sooner?  Leave a comment and I will post one right away!  

What do you use Melaleuca for?    

 

               

Uses for Essential Oils~Lavender

I have been using lavender oil for about 8 ½ years now.  Since the day my oldest son was born I have used it in his bath water, on his pillow, and sometimes even on his clothing. Now 8 years later I am still learning the many uses for this well known scent.  My youngest son (now 2) has also had the fortune of growing up with me using Lavender essential oils on him.    

Lavender has long been known for its relaxing qualities.  Researchers are currently testing lavender oils additional benefits; like pain relief.  It has been found to diminish the throbbing pain of headaches/migraines, help ease the pain and stiffness of joints and even decrease the achiness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Lavender contains a compound called “linalool” which produces alpha waves.  “Alpha waves” is a scientific term for brain signals that control sensory information. Lavender has been used for decades to help people relax, lower heart rate, ease stress hormones and now shows that it has anti-inflammatory properties, can relax inflamed blood vessels and numb pain receptors.  Does it really work??   According to an article written by Shannon Hunt, in the Jan, 27, 2014 issue of “Woman’s World”, select patients undergoing surgery at NYU Medical Center who are exposed to the scent of lavender oil during the procedure required less morphine (or pain medication) after the surgical procedure. (p.21)

In your medicine cabinet, Lavender can replace:

·         Neosporin or other antibiotic ointments

·         Tylenol or acetaminophen products

·         Aleve or naproxen products

·         Motrin or ibuprofen products

·         Unisom or other sleeping aids

dōTERRA® Lavender Essential Oil~ $28.00 15ml
To Order dōTERRA® Products Please Click Here

Application Methods for Lavender:

• Applied neat (with no dillution)
• Diffuse or inhale aroma directly
• Place 1-2 drops under tongue or in a veggie capsule and take internally
• Use to flavor food or beverages

What’s even better? When using lavender oil there are no side effects, no drug interactions, it is all natural and proven to be effective.

Watch for future posts on “recipes” that use Lavender, including an all natural headache remedy, a way to heal eczema, fever reducer and relaxing bath oil.   

What do you use lavender for?