essential oils you won’t want to live without

With so many essential oils to choose from, we can’t pick favorites. But there are some oils we keep coming back to over and over again. Whether we want to get some rest and relaxation, or we want to liven up our living areas, these are the oils we can always rely on!
Learn about these top essential oils and how you can use them in your home!

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1. How to use Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil is at the top of our essential EO list! We can’t resist Peppermint oil’s invigorating aroma or the wonderful cooling sensation it creates.

Fun facts:

• Our Peppermint oil is created by steam distilling the leaves and flowering tops of peppermint plants.
• One pound of peppermint goes into every 15-ml bottle of Peppermint essential oil.
• Peppermint plants originated in Europe, but today, 75 percent of the world’s supply is grown in the United States.

How to use it:

1. Use Peppermint topically for a cool, tingling sensation that’s refreshing after a tough workout or a long day.
2. Diffuse it to make your space feel more stimulating and energizing.
3. Inhale or apply Peppermint topically to your chest for a stimulating scent.

YL tip: Add Peppermint essential oil to your bath! We love the contrast of the hot water and the cooling sensation of the oil. Relax and take deep breaths of the soothing, aromatic steam.

Simple Peppermint diffuser blend:

Refresh and Unwind Blend

3 drops Peppermint essential oil

3 drops Lemon essential oil

4 drops Lavender essential oil

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2. How to use Lavender essential oil

We’re absolutely in love with Lavender! With a scent that is a beautiful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm, Lavender essential oil is wonderful for so many uses! From relaxing routines to soothed skin, this oil can do it all.

Fun facts:

• Our Lavender essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the plant.
• It takes 27 square feet of lavender plants to make one 15-ml bottle of oil.
• The many qualities and uses of lavender were praised in ancient Greece.

Usage tips:

1. Use Lavender topically to cleanse and soothe minor skin irritations.
2. Use it topically to reduce the appearance of blemishes and support aging skin.
3. Diffuse Lavender to help create an oasis of calm feelings or as part of your bedtime routine.

YL tip: Add a few drops of Lavender essential oil to lotions, shampoos, and skin care products. You’ll love the luxurious fragrance and the topical benefits!

Simple Lavender diffuser blend:

Create Your Zen Blend

3 drops Lavender essential oil

3 drops Bergamot essential oil

3 drops Frankincense essential oil

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3. How to use Lemon essential oil

Lemon essential oil is like a bottle of sunshine! With a joyful citrus aroma, Lemon oil is sure to make any day a little brighter. It’s a favorite for eliminating odors and creating an uplifting atmosphere.

Fun facts:

• We cold press lemon rinds to create our Lemon oil.
• It takes 75 lemon rinds to make one 15-ml bottle of Lemon essential oil.
• The lemon tree originates from of Asia and can reach heights of about 20 feet.

How to use it:

1. Add a few drops to naturally derived floor, window, and surface cleaners.*
2. Diffuse Lemon to help create a sunny, bright space.
3. Add it to conditioner and DIY hair masques to give your hair a smoother, shinier look.

*Do not use Lemon essential oil on granite or stone, as it may etch the surface.
YL tip: Let the bright fragrance of Lemon essential oil lift you up during stressful times at work or school. Diffuse Lemon oil to help create focus and motivation so you can shine.

Simple Lemon diffuser blend:

Bright Day Blend

4 drops Lemon essential oil

4 drops Peppermint essential oil

2 drops Tea Tree essential oil

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4. How to use Tea Tree essential oil

We can’t leave Tea Tree essential oil off our list of favorites. Also known as Melaleuca or Melaleuca Alternifolia, this refreshing oil packs a punch!

Fun facts:

• Our Tea Tree essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia
• The Melaleuca alternifolia tree is native to Australia.
• Tea Tree oil has been loved for centuries for its abundant beauty benefits.

Usage tips:

1. Use Tea Tree topically to reduce the appearance of blemishes and help maintain healthy-looking skin, hair, scalp, and nails.
2. Diffuse it to eliminate musty odors and freshen living spaces.
3. Add Tea Tree to homemade soaps to boost cleansing properties.

YL tip: Combine a few drops of Tea Tree essential oil with water in a small glass spray bottle and spray it on linens and towels to keep them smelling fresh. Goodbye, musty closet smell!

Simple Tea Tree diffuser blend:

Air Refresher Blend

3 drops Tea Tree essential oil

3 drops Cedarwood essential oil

4 drops Lemon essential oil

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5. How to use Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense essential oil has a grounding and earthy aroma that we love for moments of deep contemplation. The use of frankincense isn’t new—this oil has been popular since 1500 BCE!

Fun facts:

• Our Frankincense essential oil is distilled from the resin of Boswellia carterii
• Boswellia carterii trees are native to northern Africa, near the Arabian Peninsula.
• Frankincense oil is considered a holy oil in the Middle East and is used in religious ceremonies.

Usage tips:

1. Use Frankincense topically to promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin.
2. Use it topically to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone.
3. Diffuse Frankincense to promote feelings of relaxation, tranquility, and focus.

YL tip: Take a cue from this oil’s ancient history: Diffuse Frankincense to create a tranquil, grounding space that’s perfect for yoga, meditation, or quiet contemplation.

Simple Frankincense diffuser blend:

Meditation Blend

2 drops Frankincense essential oil

4 drops Cedarwood essential oil

4 drops Bergamot essential oil

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6. How to use Copaiba essential oil

We can’t forget Copaiba essential oil! With an aroma that’s warm, woodsy, sweet, and incredibly inviting, Copaiba oil is truly an essential EO.

Fun fact:

• Our Copaiba essential oil is steam distilled from resin tapped from the Copaifera reticulata
• The Copaifera reticulata tree is native to the Amazon region of Brazil.
• The tree grows 50–100 feet high and produces tiny white flowers and small nut-like fruit.

Usage tips:

1. Use Copaiba topically to reduce the appearance of blemishes and promote the appearance of a youthful, radiant glow.
2. Diffuse it to fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma.
3. Massage Copaiba onto fatigued areas after physical activity.

YL tip: Reward yourself after a hard workout: Dilute Copaiba with our V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex and message it onto your tired muscles. Let the cozy fragrance help you relax.

Simple Copaiba diffuser blend:

Tropical Paradise Blend

4 drops Copaiba essential oil

3 drops Lime essential oil

3 drops Tangerine essential oil

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7. How to use Thieves essential oil blend

This is a blend—unlike the other oils on our list—but there’s a reason Thieves® essential oil blend is one of our most popular products! The warm, spicy fragrance is absolutely irresistible.

Fun fact:

• Thieves blend combines Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils.
• Legend says that during the 15^th century, French thieves would douse themselves in a special aromatic blend before sneaking into graveyards to rob from the dead.
• Thieves essential oil blend was created based on this legendary concoction.

Usage tips:

1. Use Thieves topically to cleanse your skin.
2. Diffuse it to banish bad odors and create a cozy, peaceful living environment.
3. Add Thieves to cleaning products to boost cleaning power and fill your home with a fresh fragrance.

YL tip: Refresh musty carpets by adding 5 drops of Thieves blend to a cup of baking soda. Mix it well and let it sit overnight. In the morning, sprinkle this refreshing mixture over carpets and vacuum thoroughly. Your carpets—and your home—will be filled with the warm aroma!

Simple Thieves diffuser blend:

Cleaning Day Blend

6 drops Thieves essential oil blend

4 drops Lemon essential oil

source https://www.youngliving.com/

Make Your Own Thieves Essential Oil Blend

Thieves® essential oil is a powerful combination of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils for an aromatic blend that fills any space with a rich, spicy aroma. Inspired by the legend of four 15th-century French thieves who formulated a special aromatic combination composed of clove, rosemary, and other botanicals used while robbing the dead and dying. The botanical blend they created was said to protect them from getting sick as they robbed plague victims.

With the benefits of Thieves oil including cleaning power and an irresistibly spicy scent,  diffuse Thieves oil throughout the house for an aroma that makes every room smell more like fall baking than harsh cleaning formulas.

5 Benefits of Thieves Oil 

1. Immune System Booster

If you know about the roots of thieves oil (thieves protecting themselves from the deadly plague), it’s no surprise that this oil is often used as a natural immune booster. How could this blend of essential oils help fight off sickness? For starters, research has shown that clove and rosemary oils possess powerful antibacterial and antifungal abilities. Both oils have been shown to have significant antimicrobial effects against bacteria including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.  

Cinnamon bark oil is also one of the top antibacterial essential oils that can help fight harmful bacteria and fungi. A 2011 study conducted by the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Kyung Hee University in Korea found that an extract of cinnamon oil had significant antioxidant activity useful for lowering oxidative stress and free radical formation in the body that contributes to so many diseases.  

2. Muscle and Joint Relief

Essential oils are generally loved for their natural anti-inflammatory abilities. Rosemary and eucalyptus oil, two energizing oils included in a thieves oil mix, are especially known for helping to relieve aches and pains in the body.

Research points towards the ability of rosemary oil and eucalyptus oil to relieve rheumatoid arthritis as well as muscle and joint pains and aches.  Thieves oil can be diluted and applied topically for these concerns.

3. Nontoxic Cleaning

Thieves oil also makes a great addition to homemade cleaning products. Not only can it leave your house smelling spicy and fresh, it can also help to kill bacteria in all different areas of your home.

The antibacterial abilities of the oils included in this blend make it great for disinfecting your home in a nontoxic way. Combined with natural cleaning products like white vinegar, thieves oil may quickly become your go-to blend for nontoxic cleaning.

The lemon oil in a thieves blend is especially excellent at cutting through grease and grime, leaving surfaces bright and shiny.

4. Respiratory System Aid

The eucalyptus in thieves oil is especially great for boosting respiratory health. Traditionally, eucalyptus oil is known for its use in several respiratory tract disorders including sinusitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis.  

Animal and in vitro studies have both shown that eucalyptus oil acts as a natural expectorant, which means it helps to loosen phlegm. This is why eucalyptus oil is commonly included in over-the-counter (OTC) products for coughs and colds. 

Lemon oil is widely used to stimulate lymph drainage, which is helpful for unpleasant respiratory symptoms like mucus congestion.

The general antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of thieves — thanks to all five essential oils — make it a helpful choice for respiratory illnesses.

5. Oral Health

It’s not surprising people like to use thieves oil to improve their oral health. By simply combining a few drops of thieves oil with a cup of water, you can have a quick, yet effective, mouthwash. Why would you want to use thieves oil in a mouthwash? Well, it actually contains essential oils that have been shown in scientific research to improve oral health.

An in vitro study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Researchreveals that clove oil can effectively kill off the microorganisms that lead to cavities. In addition, multiple essential oils included in a thieves blend make the list of essential oils being used and researched for their positive effects on dental health.

An extensive scientific review published in the Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry lists lemon, eucalyptus and cinnamon oils as having positive effects on oral health. Lemon oil is specifically effective against candidiasis caused by C. albicans. Clove oil is well-known for reducing tooth aches and it’s also antifungal and antibacterial. Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects while also acting as an immunoregulatory agent. Cinnamon oil can help oral health (and health in general) thanks to its antiparasitic, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. 

How to Make and Use Thieves Oil

What is a good DIY thieves oil recipe? As long as you have all of the necessary essential oils on hand, it’s super-easy to make your own version of thieves oil at home.

To make some homemade thieves oil, simply combine the following in a darkly colored 0.5 fluid ounce (15 milliter) glass bottle:

• 85 drops of clove essential oil
• 70 drops of lemon essential oil
• 50 drops of cinnamon essential oil
• 40 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 35 drops of rosemary essential oil

Make sure to store your homemade thieves essential oil in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. And, as always, make sure you are only using 100 percent pure, certified USDA organic and therapeutic-grade essential oils.

For topical use: Combine 1 drop of the thieves oil blend with 4 drops of carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the area of concern.

For diffusion/aromatherapy: To breathe in the sweet smell of thieves oil, simply add a 6-8 drops of thieves oil to a diffuser. It’s a very uplifting and invigorating scent combination.

For internal use: You can only use this blend internally if all of the essential oils used are 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and, ideally, also organic. Add one drop to a capsule or mix one drop into food (such as oatmeal) or a beverage. Of course, check with your doctor before using thieves oil internally if you are pregnant, nursing, have any ongoing health concerns or are taking medication. Never put thieves oil directly into your mouth undiluted.

DIY mouthwash: Simply combine 5 drops of thieves oil with a cup of purified water and a half teaspoon of sea salt for a homemade mouthwash. A few drops of thieves oil can also make a great addition to homemade toothpaste.

DIY homemade cleaner: Combine 8 ounces water, 4 ounces distilled white vinegar and 30 drops of homemade thieves oil in a glass cleaning spray bottle.

Essential Oil to Reverse Depression

In the last 3 months, I've been battling against depression.  A lot of things goes through my mind and the struggle to wake up daily with the same feeling of anguish. 

After seeking for professional help and using certain essential oils, i feel a lot better now.

For those who are also going through this right now, please do seek professional help and do know that there’s a lot of people who loves you and are ready to listen to you. I also hope that the essential oils mentioned on the article below can somehow help and make you feel better.

Here are my top for essential oils for depression:

1. Bergamot

Bergamot oil is a great antidepressant because it’s very stimulating. Bergamot can create a feeling of joy, freshness and energy by improving the circulation of your blood. It’s also shown the ability to work as a natural remedy for anxiety, as a 2011 study in Thailand found that bergamot lowered the anxiety response in rats. (1)

Another 2011 study hypothesizes that applying a blended essential oil that includes bergamot to participants helps treat depression. The blended essential oil mixed bergamot with lavender essential oil, and participants were analyzed based on their blood pressure, pulse rates, breathing rates and skin temperature. In addition, subjects had to rate their emotional condition in terms of relaxation, vigor, calmness, attentiveness, mood and alertness in order to assess behavioral changes.

Compared with the placebo, blended essential oil caused significant decreases of pulse rate and blood pressure. At the emotional level, subjects in the blended essential oil group rated themselves as “more calm” and “more relaxed” than subjects in the control group. The investigation demonstrates the relaxing effect of a mixture of lavender and bergamot oils, and it provides evidence for its use in medicine for treating depression or anxiety in humans. (2)

You can use bergamot oil by rubbing two to three drops into your hands and cupping your mouth and nose. Breathe in the oil slowly. Try rubbing the oil on your feet and stomach, too.

2. Lavender

Lavender oil benefits mood and has long been used to help battle depression. A study published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice reported that 80-milligram capsules of lavender essential oil can help alleviate anxiety and depression. The study also showed that there were no adverse side effects from using lavender oil to treat anxiety and depression. This is great news since we know that synthetic medications and psychotropic drugs often have many negative side effects. (3)

A 2012 study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice evaluatd 28 women at high risk for postpartum depression and found that by diffusing lavender in their home, they had a significant reduction of postnatal depression and reduced anxiety disorder after a four-week treatment plan of lavender aromatherapy. (4)

Yet another study showcasing that lavender aromatherapy improves mood was done on people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can result in depression. Lavender had amazing results, showing signs of enhanced moods. The results revealed that the lavender oil, when used daily, helped decrease depression by 32.7 percent and dramatically decreased sleep disturbances, moodiness and overall health status in 47 people suffering from PTSD. (5)

To relieve stress and improve sleep, put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse oils while you sleep at night or in the family room while you’re reading or winding down in the evening. Also, it can be rubbed topically behind your ears for the same benefits.

3. Roman Chamomile

Chamomile is one the best medicinal herbs for fighting stress and promoting relaxation. This is why you see chamomile as a popular ingredient in candles and other aromatherapy products, whether in tea, tincture or essential oil form.

Chamomile benefits your emotions by providing soothing qualities to help with depression. According to research from Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review, inhaling chamomile vapors using chamomile oil is often recommended as a natural remedy for anxiety and general depression. (6, 7)

4. Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang may have a funny name, but it has amazing benefits for helping stave off depression and negative emotions associated with depression. Inhaling ylang ylang can have immediate, positive effects on your mood and act like a mild, remedy for depression. Research shows it can help release negative emotions such as anger, low self-esteem and even jealousy! (8)

Ylang ylang works because of its mild sedative effects, which can lower stress responses helping you relax. To enhance confidence, mood and self-love, try diffusing the oil in your home or massaging it into your skin.

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To relieve stress while improving sleep, put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse oils while you sleep at night. You can also rub topically behind your ears, on the back of the neck, your tummy and bottoms of the feet.

The right oils can make a great massage oil, whether you have a full body massage or just use self-massage techniques. Below is a great recipe that you can try!

Lavender and Chamomile Massage Blend for Depression

INGREDIENTS:

• 20–30 drops pure lavender essential oil
• 20–30 drops pure chamomile essential oil
• 2 ounces grapeseed oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Blend all ingredients well into a glass jar.
2. Massage into your entire body, or take it to your masseuse and ask him or her to use it, 2–3 times per month.
3. You can also use hand and neck massage oil daily or even massage into the bottoms of your feet at night before going to bed.

Read more ...

Coffee Essential Oil Should Be Your New Best Friend Forever

 

It stimulates hair growth, it firms skin, and it invigorates the senses! Who knew that Coffee essential oil could be so versatile? 

If you’re one of the millions of people who drink coffee in the world, than Coffee essential oil is for you. This scrumptious bottle of all things good proves that coffee is beyond great for more reason than one. Didn’t think there were more reasons to love coffee? Coffee EO will surprise you with its multitude of benefits and uses. Here are EG’s top three reasons why Coffee EO is about to become your new best friend.

Hair Growth

Many know that Rosemary is a go-to for hair care, but did you know Coffee was great for hair growth? Caffeine has the ability to stimulate hair cell growth and counteract the suppression of hair growth in both men and women. EG’s Coffee essential oil contains between 1.0- 1.5% caffeine. We recommend adding a drop or two of Coffee to a dollop of shampoo/ conditioner and leaving it in during your shower. Be sure to rinse well.

A Substitute for Your Morning Cup

Pregnancy, hypertension and other health issues can lead to a restriction from drinking coffee. No worries! Coffee essential oil is regarded as being generally safe to diffuse and use topically despite these scenarios, so you can continue to enjoy coffee no matter what arises! Just check with your doctor beforehand. And if you want to enjoy coffee but your bedtime is nearing, you could drink decaf, or you could savor the delicious aroma of Coffee in a personal inhaler.

Skin Tightening

Coffee is known for its astringent flavor, but also its ability to act as a skin tightening astringent. Drinking coffee and applying the essential oil is a great way to reduce the appearance of cellulite and fine lines. Our recommendation is to make an exfoliating coffee scrub by combining 1 oz ground coffee, 1 oz Rosehip carrier oil and 18 drops Coffee EO (6 drops if using on the face). Use a spoon to scoop out and scrub onto wet skin. Rinse well, and enjoy the results.

**Coffee essential oil is not recommended to be ingested without the consultation of your doctor and an aromatherapist. Do not get scrub wet in order to prevent contamination.

 

Let us know how you've used this exciting oil! 

GET COFFEE ESSENTIAL OIL NOW!

EDENS GARDEN http://rwrd.io/s6kom4k

Essential oils and diabetes

People who have diabetes may find essential oils very beneficial. Adding a few drops of essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser and taking long, deep breaths of the vapor produced  and carry them into the bloodstream to be used by the body where it needs the most help.

Some particles may also be small enough to pass through the skin. This is beneficial for people looking for on-the-go relief from symptoms or more localized treatment.

If an essential oil is to be used on the skin, it should be properly diluted first. Many people enjoy adding a few drops of essential oil to an ounce of olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. 

It is important to note that essential oils should not be swallowed. Even with the purest essential oils, the high antioxidant content of many oils can damage the food pipe, stomach, and intestines.
 
Coriander seed
Coriander or cilantro seed is grown all over the world, and has been used by many cultures for treating digestive issues, such as indigestion, diarrhea, and flatulence.

A recent study on rats shows that coriander seed essential oil may help in the fight against diabetes as well. An extract from coriander seed was found to reduce the blood sugar levels in test subjects.
Researchers noted that the beta cells in the pancreas were more active. This helps to increase insulin levels while reducing blood sugar.

In many cases, coriander essential oil may help the body increase insulin levels naturally.

Lemon balm
Lemon balm essential oil is a lesser known oil, but new research may soon change its profile. A study found that the essential oil from lemon balm helped to consume sugar it came into contact with.
This test was carried out in a lab, not with humans, but it does highlight a possibility that the oil may be beneficial for blood sugar levels when used in a diffuser or applied to the skin.

Clove bud
Another study on animals found that clove bud essential oil might play a role in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes. The research found that using clove oil reduced levels of certain enzymes in the pancreas that are believed to be linked to diabetes.

The study also noted that the oil might be helpful in managing or preventing diabetes caused by oxidative stress. This occurs when the body does not produce enough antioxidants to battle the free radicals (unstable molecules) that cause damage to cells throughout the body.

Black seed
Black seed, or Nigella sativa, has been used in traditional medicine to treat many conditions, including diabetes. Recent research in a laboratory aimed to see if these claims were true, using both the Nigella sativa seed and its essential oil.

The authors found that both the seed and essential oil were useful treatments for high blood sugar and the related issues that come with it. They also found that Nigella sativa is high in antioxidants that help to reduce the risk of diabetes complications that are caused by oxidative stress.

Using black seed essential oil alongside a varied and wholesome diet may help to reduce blood sugar to safe levels.

Black pepper
People with type 2 diabetes often have other symptoms, such as high blood pressure and circulation issues.

A study found that an essential oil derived from the common kitchen spice, black pepper, might provide a way to manage or prevent type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

The researchers noted that the oil contains a lot of antioxidants, and helps to block certain enzymes in the body that may contribute to diabetes and high blood pressure.

Helichrysum and grapefruit
Weight loss is a key factor in controlling type 2 diabetes symptoms. While being overweight does not cause every case of diabetes, it can make symptoms worse.

Losing weight is typically seen as a first line of treatment for people with diabetes. This means dieting and exercise, but the process may also be helped along with essential oils.

A recent study found that obese rats given extracts of helichrysum and grapefruit gained less weight, had reduced signs of inflammation, and had less excess insulin than other subjects.

While the study was not done with humans, it may be a good sign that helichrysum and grapefruit can help people lose weight if used properly.

A relaxing massage of oil containing helichrysum and grapefruit essential oils after a nice workout may help promote relaxation and weight loss.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon has long been a favored spice in desserts. It has a sweet flavor that seems to boost sweetness without adding more sugar. New research also suggests that it may also be great for people with diabetes.

One study looked at the effects of cinnamon and the compounds in it on various factors in diabetes. The researchers noted that cinnamon has shown to be beneficial to insulin sensitivity, sugar and fat levels, inflammation, blood pressure, and even body weight.

Regular intake of cinnamon and regular use of cinnamon essential oil may help to control factors of diabetes in some people.

Lavender
The scent of lavender oil is very familiar and lavender has numerous uses in both traditional and western medicine. According to research, one promising use may be in relieving diabetes symptoms.
Researchers found that in animal experiments, lavender essential oil helped to balance high blood sugar levels and protect the body from the oxidative stress that causes complications in people with diabetes.

read more 

Do Essential Oils Affect Your Dreams?

Dreams can be amazing and unpredictable experiences. On any given morning you may recall dreams that were wonderfully entertaining, downright bizarre, unforgettably terrifying, or anything in between. Why our brain creates these stories during sleep may still be a mystery, but we do know that a healthy dream cycle relates directly to our emotional and physical well-being [1]. If you want to know how essential oils can promote positive dreams or influence the way a dream plays out, read on!

Why would essential oils influence dreams?

Anything that impacts our emotional state is likely to shape the dreams we have. So, since smells are processed in the brain’s limbic system (which deals with our emotions and memories), even the slightest whiff can arouse powerful feelings. Also, getting to a state of deep sleep is necessary if you are interested in lucid dreaming – dreaming that you are consciously aware of and can, to some extent, control. 

Research has shown that external stimuli present during sleeping can affect dream content [2], so let’s take a look at a few essential oils and blends that have been repeatedly linked to better sleep, improved dream recall, and may help create dreams that are vivid and pleasant – helping you get the most out of your nights sleep!

If you’re looking for a wonderfully crafted blend of essential oils to soothe your emotions and set you up for a night of positive dreams, Plant Therapy’s Sweet Dreams Synergy may be just right. Made with Orange Sweet, Juniper, Coriander, Blue Tansy, and Rose, this slightly sweet and spicy aroma is perfect for both children and adults. It is designed to keep bad dreams at bay so that you or your child can rest peacefully without the mental stormy stories that can destroy a good night of sleep. This synergy also comes in a super quick and easy pre-diluted roll-on!

Try this recipe to create an irresistible balm with Sweet Dreams Synergy:

What you’ll need:

• Sweet Dreams Synergy
• 2 oz. Cocoa Butter
• 2 oz. Beeswax
• 2 oz. Coconut Oil (solid)
• 3 – 2 oz. twist up tubes
• Fine glitter (optional)

What you’ll do:

1. Melt beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil in a double broiler (or glass bowl over simmering water).
2. Remove from heat and add 30 drops Sweet Dreams Synergy.
3. Stir well!
4. Add glitter (optional)
5. Pour into tubes, cap it up, and allow to cool completely.

If you want to try single oils to make your dreams sweeter, give these a go in your diffuser or dilute with a carrier oil and use it as a chest or neck rub:

Rose: Popular for its distinct and unforgettable aroma, this essential oil demonstrated its ability to help people have rosier dreams in a study supported by the University Hospital Mannheim in Germany [3]. The rich floral scent has calming properties and helps relax the mind before sleep.


Lavender: This sweet and floral goody is full of therapeutic benefits, particularly relieving restlessness and producing a perfectly calm and tranquil environment. Its use for sleeping has been recorded for centuries; John Parkinson, a famous 17th-century London botanist, wrote that lavender is “especially good for all griefs and pains of the head and brain.” This makes it ideal to put a positive spin on dreams and help you wake up feeling refreshed and positive.


Jasmine: Another sweet and flowery scent, Jasmine is known to aid in deeper and more restful sleep, which leads to pleasant dreams. One study conducted by researchers at the Wheeling Jesuit University found that Jasmine is almost as effective as conventional sleeping aids for falling and staying asleep. The study’s participants were also noted to wake up and remain more energetic, compared to participants who slept in an unscented room [4].


Sandalwood: Revered for centuries to help reduce nervous tension and quiet the mental chatter that often keeps us from falling asleep. The rich, sweet woody aroma is known to improve the quality and duration of sleep. One study published in 2000 by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health found that one of the natural compounds found in Sandalwood, called santalol, notably improved the test subject’s sleeping patterns. Regular deep and restful sleep will keep those happy dreams rolling along!

Got your oils? Don’t forget these tips for sweet dreams!

Keep it clean!

Wash your bedding regularly, at least once every other week. Not only will this keep your bed free of bacteria and fungi growth, it will keep it smelling oh-so-fresh!

Try this DIY linen spray for some extra sleepy-time goodness:

What you’ll need:

• 4 oz. Vodka or Witch Hazel
• 4 oz. Spray bottle
• 28 drops Mandarin
• 40 drops Lavender
• 12 drops Cedarwood Virginian

What you’ll do:

1. Add Vodka or Witch Hazel to the spray bottle until almost full.
2. Add the essential oils.
3. Allow the oil to meld with the Vodka or Witch Hazel for at least one hour.
4. Shake well and spray down your bed for a relaxing atmosphere!

Start a dream journal!

Keep a journal and a pen by your bed. When you wake up, write or draw about your dreams. Not only is this therapeutic to the mind, but you may see patterns in your dreams over time. This practice may also increase the intensity of your dreams and the brain’s recall ability when you wake.
Turn off the lights, keep it quiet, and take away any excess stimuli that may negatively impact your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Remember, dreams occur during deep sleep, so if you want to experience your dreams to the fullest, the first step is to focus on your quality of sleep!

Have you ever tried using essential oils to influence your dreams? Have you noticed that certain oils affect your dreams more than others? Let us know in the comments below!


References:
[1] Walker, Matthew. (2017, October, 24). Why your brain needs to dream. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/ item/why_your_brain_needs_to_dream
[2] Schredl, M., Atanasova, D., Hormann, K., Maurer, J.T., Hummel, T., & Stuck, B. A.  (2009, August, 11), Information processing during sleep: the effect of olfactory stimuli on dream content and dream emotions. Journal of Sleep Research, 18: 285-290. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2869.2009.00737.x
[3] Carroll, Rebecca. (2008, September, 23). Smells Influence Dreams, Study Says. Retrieved from https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/09/080923-smell-sleep.html
[4] Freeman, Bill. (2002, October 27). Jasmine Found to Encourage Restful Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.worldhealth.net/news/jasmine_found_to_encourage_restful_sleep/

Source https://www.planttherapy.com

by Katrina Scampini

DIY Spring Blends

Photo by Arno Smit on Unsplash

Out with winter! Spring has arrived! This is one of my favorite times of year, and I'm celebrating with four DIY spring-themed blends that everyone can enjoy. Follow the recipes to create your own springy atmosphere, no matter where you are.

Spring Garden

Plant a flower garden in your living room with this creativity-stimulating blend:

• 5 drops Lavender
• 3 drops Jasmine
• 3 drops Ylang Ylang
• 3 drops Hyssop
• 1 drop Elemi
• 1 drop Geranium 

Freshening Blend

Drive out the stale air of winter with this freshening, deodorizing, and uplifting combination.

•  3 drops Purification
• 3 drops Eucalyptus Globulus
• 3 drops Pine
• 2 drops Ravintsara
• 1 drop Petitgrain 

Spring Cleaning of the Mind 

Just as spring revives nature, reawaken your mind with this inspiring blend.

• 5 drops Frankincense or Sacred Frankincese
• 5 drops Hong Kuai
• 3 drops Cedarwood
• 3 drops Hinoki
• 2 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood
• 1 drop Spikenard 

Spring Forest

 Transport yourself to a wilderness escape with this woodsy blend to increase spirituality.

• 7 drops Idaho Balsam Fir
• 2 drops Blue Cypress
• 1 drop Wintergreen
• 1 drop Bergamot 

 

YOUNG LIVING https://yl.pe/7qhj

EDENS GARDEN http://rwrd.io/s6kom4k