Fluid Retention

fluid retentionArticle by: Beverley Hawkins EOT RA

Essential Oil and Fluid Retention
fluid retentionFluid retention, or as it is known medically edema, is the result of a buildup of water in the body’s tissues which causes swelling and puffiness. There are many reasons why this can occur. Sometime the underlying cause can be more serious such as heart disease, while at other times this quite common could be the result of a sprain, jet lag, pregnancy, PMS or obesity.

The body consists of approximately 60% water and an average body has around 40 litres of water to be distributed. When the body is in a healthy state around 3 litres of this water is to be found in the blood; 25 litres of this water is to be found in the cells of the body with the final 12 litres found in the lymph that baths the cells.

There are three mechanisms that cause the water to move between the blood and the lymph:Read More…

Melatonin & 5-HTP for more Restful Sleep

restful sleepby Dr Mercola

An estimated 40 percent of Americans are sleep deprived, according to the documentary “Sleepless in America,” with many getting less than five hours of sleep per night.

There are many reasons for this, from intentionally staying up late to watch TV or surf the web to health problems (like pain) that keep you awake.

Millions of Americans struggle to fall asleep each night, including about 10 percent who suffer from chronic insomnia. This latter condition involves difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, as well as waking up too early in the morning.

In many cases, making changes to your sleep-hygiene routine and lifestyle, such as exercising more and avoiding exposure to blue light at night, can significantly improve your sleep.

However, if you feel like you’ve tried virtually everything and you’re still struggling to get a restful night’s sleep, it might be time to consider two natural supplements, melatonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).Read More…

Lemon Essential Oil

lemonSee complete article at: doTERRA.com

The cleansing, purifying, and invigorating properties of Lemon make it one of the most versatile oils, not to mention the top-selling essential oil that doTERRA offers. Plant part used is the Lemon rinds (peel)

Primary Benefits

  • Cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces
  • Naturally cleanses the body and aids in digestion*
  • Supports healthy respiratory function*
  • Promotes a positive mood

Description
The top-selling doTERRA essential oil, Lemon has multiple benefits and uses. Lemon is a powerful cleansing agent that purifies the air and surfaces, and can be used as a non-toxic cleaner throughout the home. When added to water, Lemon provides a refreshing and healthy boost throughout the day. Lemon is frequently added to food to enhance the flavor of desserts and main dishes. Taken internally, Lemon provides cleansing and digestive benefits and supports healthy respiratory function.* When diffused, Lemon is very uplifting and energizing and has been shown to help improve mood.

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Lavender Essential Oil

lavenderSee complete article at: doTERRA.com

Lavender is often considered a must-have oil to keep on hand at all times due to its versatile uses, including calming and relaxing properties that promote peaceful sleep and ease feelings of tension.*

Primary Benefits

  • Soothes occasional skin irritations
  • Taken internally, Lavender reduces anxious feeling and promotes peaceful sleep*
  • Helps ease feelings of tension.*

Description
Lavender has been used and cherished for centuries for its unmistakable aroma and myriad benefits. In ancient times, the Egyptians and Romans used Lavender for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume; it is widely used for its calming and relaxing qualities which continue to be Lavender’s most notable qualities. Lavender is frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck. Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to promote a restful night’s sleep. Due to Lavender’s versatile properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times.

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Peppermint Essential Oil

peppermint essential oilArticle by: doTERRA.com

The high menthol content of the doTERRA Peppermint essential oil sets it apart from others when it comes to quality—making it one of the best-selling favorites among doTERRA essential oils.

Primary Benefits

  • Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing*
  • Promotes digestive health*
  • Repels bugs naturally

Description
The peppermint plant is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint and was first described by Carl Linneaus in 1753. A high menthol content—like that found in the doTERRA Peppermint essential oil—distinguishes the best quality Peppermint from other products. Frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral hygiene, Peppermint also helps alleviate occasional stomach upset and promotes healthy respiratory function.* Peppermint continues to be one of the best-selling favorites among doTERRA essential oils.

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Diffuser Blends

diffuser blendsMany of you have asked for diffuser Blends. This will be a Gallery of blends. The use of a cool water diffuser can change the your environment in may ways. Cleansing the air, changing the mood in the room – some of those things are focus, relaxation, energize, motivation. Got children and you need to help them focus on school work? Having a problem winding down in the evening? Got a pet that brings in some unwelcome guests? Diffusion is so easy…

Citrus and the Sunshine

Citrus and the Sunshineby Mary Howard RN

Photosensitivity and Essential Oils

When certain essential oils, mostly the citrus oils are exposed to untraviolet light (UVA) they cause inflammation, blistering, reddening and burning to the skin. (1)

Distilled essential oils do not have this side effect. Cold pressed essential oils or Expressed essential oils can be photosensitive to the skin. doTERRA’s citrus essential oils are expressed (cold pressed) so we do need to be careful.

Now the question is how careful? for how long after application?

It is recommended not to use the citrus oils to areas of the skin that will have extended, direct exposure to sunlight within 12 hrs. (1) You can have reactions to sunshine up to 36 hrs after the essential oils have been applied (2)

It is fine to use citrus oil in shampoos. Also if you wash your skin before sun exposure you should be fine.

Read More…

Essential Oil Extraction

essential oil extrationFrom: doTERRA.com

When you choose doTERRA, you are choosing essential oils gently and carefully distilled from plants that have been patiently harvested at the perfect moment by experienced growers from around the world for ideal extract composition and efficacy.

Each doTERRA essential oil is also carefully and thoroughly tested using the strict CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® quality protocol. Experienced essential oil users will immediately recognize the superior quality standard for naturally safe, purely effective therapeutic-grade doTERRA essential oils.

While there is a science to the distillation of essential oils, it is also an art. Distillers not only rely on years of experience, they also employ modern technologies and techniques.

The most common method of extracting essential oils is a low-heat steam distillation process. In this process, pressurized steam is circulated through plant material. The essential oils are liberated from the plant and carried away by the steam. When the steam cools, the water and oils naturally separate and the oil is collected. To ensure the highest quality oil extract with the correct chemical composition, the temperature and pressure must be closely monitored. Too little heat or pressure and the oil will not release; too much, and the oil’s composition and potency will be affected.

Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is the most common way to extract aromatic compounds (essential oil) from a plant. During the steam distillation process, steam passes through the plant material. The combination of heated steam and gentle pressure causes the essential oil to be released from microscopic protective sacs. As the vapor mixture flows through a condenser and cools, it yields a layer of oil and a layer of water. The essential oil rises to the top and is separated from the hydrosol (floral water) and collected.

Some have asked about the difference between first distillations in comparison to complete distillations. The temperature for steam distilling is usually between 140–212 degrees Fahrenheit. Since different plants require different pressures, times, and temperatures, using this particular distillation method makes it possible to adjust the temperature based on the plant type, making it a very effective and precise way to obtain the purest compounds.

Expression
Unlike steam distillation, expression, sometimes referred to as “cold pressed,” does not involve heat. In this process, oil is extracted from the product under mechanical pressure. doTERRA uses expression to extract all of its citrus oils, such as Wild Orange, Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, and Grapefruit, from the rind.

Proper distillation requires a consideration for the uniqueness of pressure, temperature, time, and harvesting practices, each of which may be as diverse as the plants themselves. A poor distillation process can alter or destroy the necessary aromatic compounds that comprise the essential oil, leaving a substance far different from the intended goal and something that would not be used to support health and wellness. For this reason, the best distillation artisans dedicate their efforts and work to only a few select plants. This focused effort develops proper knowledge and experience, helping ensure congruency between the oil chemistry of the plant and its distilled form.

See complete article: Why doTERRA.com

Fighting Skin Cancer With Nutrition

vitamins A B C D EArticle from: Blog.NaturalNews.com

Skin cancer is the most popular type of cancer with 5.4 billion basal and squamous cell skin cancers diagnosed yearly in the United States. With summer upon us, many people seek to utilize sun screens to protect their skin, but do they really work? Several studies report that those who spend the greatest amount of time outdoors have the lowest risk of melanoma.

Skin cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in the United States!
Melanoma is found on places on the body that receive minimal sun exposure such as the soles of the feet, genitals, inside the nose and mouth and under fingernails. In 2007, the FDA concluded that “available evidence fails to show that sunscreen use alone prevents skin cancer.” In fact, the Environmental Working Group reported that nearly half of the most popular brand sunscreens actually accelerate the development of malignant skin cancer cells.Read More…

Using Carrier Oils & Some Added Benefits

Benefits of Carrier OilsArticle by: Dr Eric Z

In this article, you’ll learn all about:

  • When to Use Carrier Oils
  • 4 Categories of Carrier Oils to Know
  • How to Use a Carrier Oil

When reading about essential oils – whether you are brand new to essential oils or digging for new recipe blends – you’ll often see a carrier or base oil included in the discussion, or see mention of dilution. So what is a carrier oil, and how do you know which one to get?
The carrier oil is a fatty extract, usually cold pressed from its source. Individual allergies aside, a carrier oil is not likely to cause sensitization and therefore makes an excellent medium to disperse the more concentrated essential oil across your skin.
Carrier oils are nutritive and have healing properties of their own, so in your discovery of essential oils, don’t forget to take some time to learn about your options for carrier oils, as well.

When to Use Carrier Oils
Before you ask – yes, carrier oils are necessary! Once you get the hang of it, adding your essential oils to a carrier first is hardly any extra work, and in return you are actually amplifying the efficacy of your healing application.Read More…

What Are Essential Oils?

What is an Essential OIlArticle from: doTERRA.com

If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. Essential oils give plants their distinctive smells, essential oils protect plants and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and their beautiful fragrance, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health-care practices.

Read More…

A Blend of Essential Oils for Women

whisperArticle from: doTERRA.com

Whisper® Blend for Women
With an aroma as soft and warm as its name, doTERRA Whisper Blend for Women creates a uniquely personal fragrance by combining each individual’s chemistry with a diverse blend of essential oils.

Primary Benefits
Combines with each individual’s chemistry to create a beautiful, unique, and personal fragrance
Provides a warming, musky aroma
Entices and intrigues the senses

Description
doTERRA Whisper Blend for Women is a complex and diverse blend that combines with each individual’s chemistry to create a uniquely personal fragrance. Each essential oil in the blend provides an inviting aroma of its own, but when combined, these oils offer a distinct scent that intrigues the senses of both the wearer and those passing by. Regarded as the most precious flowers in the perfume and aromatherapy industries, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang’s euphoric aromas combine with the warm and spicy scents of Patchouli, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Cocoa to make this blend unmatched in complexity and aromatic influence. Also features Bergamot, Labdanum, Vetiver, Hawaiian Sandalwood, and Rose essential oils.Read More…

Improving Vitamin D Absorption

Vitamin DArticle by: Dr Z

Up until recently, the true significance of vitamin D has been relatively uncovered. Traditionally, because it is well known for assimilating calcium from the foods that we eat, vitamin D is usually associated with being essential for bone health. Today, however, researchers are discovering that it can help protect against a host of other, more serious health problems such as: type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and even multiple sclerosis!

Common Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Relatively unheard of 100 years ago when people regularly spent time outdoors (regardless of the temperature or weather conditions!) vitamin D deficiency is quickly becoming an epidemic.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), hypovitaminosis D (low vitamin D levels) is usually a result of:Read More…

What are Cataracts & Some Natural Treatments

cataract1Article by: Dr Axe

What’s it like to have cataracts?
Imagine looking at everything through a fogged-up window and you’ll have somewhat of any idea what a cataract sufferer deals with.

  • The older we get, the more likely cataracts become.
  • Over 22 million Americans who are 40 or older currently have cataracts to some degree.
    Cataracts don’t appear out of nowhere.
  • Typically, a cataract takes several years to slowly develop.
  • Cataracts are not caused by overusing the eyes and cannot be spread from one eye to the other.
  • Most people opt for surgery when cataracts really start to interfere with their vision, but there are natural ways to prevent and slow the progression of a cataract.
  • The majority of studies have been done with foods rather than supplements so fresh, whole foods really are your best weapon against cataracts.
  • Natural treatment can help cataracts stop progressing even if they don’t go away completely on their own.
  • There might soon be eye drops containing an organic compound that non-invasively treat cataracts.
  • A healthy lifestyle, especially a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, is key to overall eye health.

Read More…

A Detoxification Blend of Essential Oils

zendocrinedoTERRA Zendocrine® Detoxification Blend

Article From: doTERRA.com

Primary Benefits

  • Supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of unwanted substances*
  • Supports healthy liver function*
  • Purifying and detoxifying to the body’s systems*

Ingredients
Tangerine Peel, Rosemary Leaf, Geranium Plant, Juniper Berry, Cilantro Herb essential oils.

Description
Zendocrine essential oil blend supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of unwanted substances.* It supports the healthy cleansing and filtering functions of the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, and skin.* This powerful blend combines Rosemary, Cilantro, and Juniper Berry, known for their detoxifying properties and ability to support healthy liver function, while Tangerine and Geranium have purifying effects against unhealthy substances.* Zendocrine helps cleanse the body of toxins and free radicals that can slow the body’s systems down, leaving a heavy, weighted feeling.*Read More…

Insulin Resistance and Your Brain

insulinresistanceArticle by: Georgia Ede MD

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease Is Easier Than You Think
Science shines new light on root cause of memory problems.

Do you have Insulin Resistance?
If you don’t know, you’re not alone. This is perhaps the single most important question any of us can ask about our physical and mental health—yet most patients, and even many doctors, don’t know how to answer it.

Here in the U.S., insulin resistance has reached epidemic proportions: more than half of us are now insulin resistant. Insulin resistance is a hormonal condition that sets the stage throughout the body for inflammation and overgrowth, disrupts normal cholesterol and fat metabolism, and gradually destroys our ability to process carbohydrates.

Insulin resistance puts us at high risk for many undesirable diseases, including obesity, heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Scarier still, researchers now understand that insulin resistance is a powerful force in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.Read More…

Healthy No-Bake Cookies

no bake cookiesHealthy No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

From: Mama Z ‘s Kitchen

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup grass fed butter
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened almond butter
  • ⅓ cup raw honey
  • ⅓ cup coconut palm sugar
  • 3 Tablespoon raw cacao powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 Tablespoon chia seeds
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup gluten free quick oats
  • * 1-2 drops peppermint essential oil

Read More…

Running Barefoot

barefootMay actually improve your cognitive performance…

Article from: doTERRA Science

Fitness is an interminable series of fads, some backed up by legitimate science, others quickly debunked. The evolution of running is a perfect example of this—a fascinating and completely cyclical evolution. Over the last decade it has become increasingly popular to “run like our ancestors” in very minimalist footwear or even totally barefoot. Like any other craze, there are benefits and disadvantages to so-called “minimalist running,” but science has recently uncovered a fascinating benefit that has nothing to do with your half-marathon time.

Read More…

A Protective Blend of Essential Oils

protective blendI want to dedicate my 1st post as a doTERRA Certified Site to this product because it was probably the most influential product for me choosing doTERRA as the Essential oil company of my choice.

dōTERRA On Guard® Protective Blend
As one of doTERRA’s most popular oils, doTERRA On Guard is a powerful proprietary blend that supports healthy immune function* and contains cleansing properties.

Primary Benefits

  • Supports healthy immune and respiratory function*
  • Protects against environmental threats*
  • Supports the body’s natural antioxidant defenses*
  • Promotes healthy circulation*
  • Energizing and uplifting aroma

Read More…

Exercise: Good Medicine?

exerciseSee: full Article by Dr Axe

If you’re trying to lose weight, there’s no doubt about it, changing your diet is more important than exercising. (That’s the topic of one of my favorite mythbusters, in fact.) But does that mean you should skip exercising altogether? Absolutely not. Exercise reduces chronic disease and can sometimes even replace medication.

While working out might not be the number one factor in shedding pounds, it’s vital for so much more than weight loss. Not only do the benefits of exercise include feeling happier and boosting energy levels, but it’s a proven way to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and cancer — who doesn’t want that?Read More…