essential oils // rosemary citrus body balm + floral bath salt + lavender spruce linen spray

a few nights ago i stood in the kitchen after taking turns with andrew tucking our babes into bed with a newfound energy and unexpected vigor having it been so late.  musical beds has been a theme over here this week, if you have little ones, you get it.  after pouring myself a nice red and turning on some holiday tunes, i found i had a bit of lighthearted determination to make some holiday gifts with my oils.  i've always loved a good homemade gift over something bought from a store, and i tend to think most people feel this way too, because deep down we all can agree little intention goes a long, long way these days.  a homemade gift says, "hey, so i might be pretty busy but i carved out some time for you.  and i made this.  so enjoy, my dear."  because i wholeheartedly believe in this sweet sentiment, i like to pass out all the homemade goodies for christmas.  almost everyone we are gifting to will get something diy from the watters family, whether it be a salt dough ornament, a hand-rolled beeswax candle, or an oily treat.

the best part of making oil-based gifts for me, aside from the fact that i get so much joy from concocting remedies from healthful, natural products, is that i get to make them at home in my favorite space without having to go to the store.  i just head to my pantry, grab what i need, and soak up my mama time.  our kitchen is the place i most prefer when i need my mind to wander and when i want to create.  so naturally, i gravitate towards this space when making homemade products for my family and friends.

we have amazon prime, which i highly recommend so many reasons, and so a few times each year i restock our natural goods pantry with all the basic things.  i am putting together an oily pantry post for 2016, but for this specific post, you will need the following to make rosemary citrus body balm,  floral bath salt, and lavender spruce linen spray.

- beeswax pellets (stay away from the big bars, they are too much work)
- coconut oil (get the kind that is hard when cool, stay away from the liquid for this recipe)
- vitamin e oil
- shea butter
- epsom salts
- distilled water
- dried lavender flowers (optional, but really lovely)
- 100% pure essential oils (we use young living and i cannot say enough about the quality of their products)

it is best to buy organic when able. if you are going to all this work to make a nice natural product, it makes sense to ensure you are using quality ingredients every step of the way. it is also wonderful if you can purchases these items in bulk to both save money and stock your pantry for future creating.  i do this and have a special cupboard where i keep everything stocked so when i am feeling inspired or simply need a natural remedy, i am all set ingredient wise.

after making many, many body butters and salves over the past several years i have stumbled on what i feel to be the best ratio for what i am calling a balm.  you will need a double boiler or some glassware you won't mind getting a bit of wax on.  the beeswax is integral to these most of my oily recipes, and know it will ruin pretty much whatever you mix these ingredients in.  i use a pot of water  for boiling and a large glass pyrex mixing bowl with a handle and pour spout, that does the trick.  find what works for you and call it good. now for the recipes.

rosemary citrus body balm (or butter, depending on what label you prefer)

to make this balm, melt together 1/2 cup organic coconut oil, 1/2 cup organic shea butter, 1/4 cup vitamin e oil, 1/4 cup organic beeswax pellets.  once translucent and melted together, pour this liquid into small glass containers, mason jars work well.  depending on the size of your jar, add several drops of quality essential oils to your liking.  for the small mason jar i have in the photos above, i used 5 drops of orange oil, five drops of grapefruit oil, and five drops of rosemary oil so fifteen drops total.  the combination of citrus and herb is one of my favorite.  i usually lean towards pairing an acid with an earth element when making lotions, balms, and butters because the result is usually uniquly uplifting, yet grounding.

floral bath salts with dried lavender flowers

this is the easiest recipe ever, yet it produces a really beautiful and spa quality product, one that is calming for bath time.  pour epsom salts into your preferred container filling it half way.  again, i use small mason jars for this because i always have them on hand.  add ten drops of a floral oil of your choice, i use the young living oil blend called joy.  it is a blend of bergamot, ylang ylang, geranium, rose, lemon, coriander, tangerine, roman chamomile, and palmarosa.  it's warm and sweet and joyful, hence its' aptly chosen name.  after adding your desired amount of essential oil, throw in a few dried lavender flowers.  this not only adds a beautiful element to your salt mixture, but tell me, who doesn't love taking a good soak in a steaming lavender bath?  it's luxurious!  after this step, fill your jar the rest of the way with more epsom salt, leaving a little room at the top.  give it a good shake.  you're done! tell your gift recipient to add a palmful to their warm bath time routine and enjoy.

lavender spruce linen spray 

we adore linen sprays in this home.  in fact, they have become part of our bedtime routine, and a fun one at that, as am always changing them up according to the season.  i do however almost always add lavender oil as the base of my spray because it helps us sleep and is really soothing.  for winter, i prefer adding oils that reflect this season's nature, such as pine, spruce, and fir.  i chose idaho blue spruce for this blend and it smells ridiculously yummy.  to make this linen spray, add a small pinch of fine sea salt to a small amber spray bottle.  the oil needs something to hug and bind to, thus the salt.  add ten drops of lavender oil and ten drops of spruce oil to the bottle, swirl that around so the oil and salt marry.  fill the rest with distilled water and shake.  i like purchasing my amber bottles here, for the curious.

and for the final piece of this puzzle, labeling!  one can go about this however they so choose, but i have quite enjoyed using my handy little embossing tool to give my homemade goodies a fun and original label.  make sure to get a few extra rolls of tape for when you inevitably run out.  it's a bummer when you're mid-way through typing body butter and the tape expires, leaving you with the ever so lovely b o d y b u t t label.  come to think of it, some of your friends may favor your more clever label names.

i have linked all the oils i used for these recipes for your connivence and so you can read about them if you're an oil user like me or if you're a novice and simply want to know more.  if by chance you're wanting to incorporate essential oils into the rhythm of your everyday, give me a holler!  i'd love to chat more about this with you.  happy crafting, friends, and don't forget to make a few extra of these for yourself. ;)

essential oils // natural birth kit & gentle baby body balm recipe

while beautiful and miraculous, plainly put, giving birth is very hard work.  from both of my experiences, having a baby it is not only physically taxing but very emotionally challenging too.  i think many of us assume, and correctly so, that it will hurt hurt hurt.  while true, i feel that pregnant moms, myself especially included, are unable (undoubtably for good reason) to grasp the toll that labor and delivery will take on their hearts emotionally speaking.  i feel those expecting have a perfect package wrapped up in our minds and when that doesn't unfold the way we've been hoping, everything within our reach, or so it seems, is susceptible to crumble like a dried out sand castle.  or at least that's how i felt in those immediate hours after having given birth.  as excited and overjoyed i was to meet both of our babies, each experience was rather overwhelming.  when a precious life is involved, the stakes are high, and possibly as high as a one can go.  when i think back to how i felt when i had both stella and theodore, the physical pain i had in those intense moments of labor and delivery was fervent, coupled with the raw emotional pendulum we felt chained to as our babies were whisked away from our teary eyes and into the nicu where all was uncertain for far too long.  

let me boldy say, birth is amazing.  it is most definitely beyond and above stringing together words and it is thee most beautiful gift.  but, is also so hard.  growing, having, and meeting our babies was undoubtedly one of the most humble seasons of my life, and if i am being honest, the entire journey was and still is very difficult to emotionally navigate.  i think about those times in the hospital quite a bit, reflecting on each moment as i know i'll be experiencing this all again very soon.  although i am well aware that things could be very different this time around, and i pray every day that they will be, we are taking a few extra steps to help both my physical and emotional healing while i stay in the hospital.  for our third labor and delivery i am taking with me my oils birth kit.  it is packed with simple and natural forms of comfort and healing to aid throughout the whole process.  i have already started using some of these oils to help prepare my body for giving birth, and use certain oils to help calm me down throughout the day when feeling anxious or sensing unease.  i feel so blessed to have these little bottles to help me when i need it, and love even more that they are pure, safe, and made by god.  knowing that i'll have this tool kit gives me a tremendous amount of contentment and i am happy to share it with you. 

gentle baby blend: i'll be diffusing this blend during labor and delivery to help calm emotions and create a beautiful atmosphere as we welcome our little love into the world.  i adore the smell of this oil blend and have been wearing it and diffusing it regularly throughout my pregnancy.  it contains some of my favorite calming oils: lavender, geranium, roman chamomile, rosewood, jasmine, palmarosa, rose, bergamot, ylang ylang, and lemon.  it smells like the loveliest garden and it is what i want to smell during those times of discomfort.  in addition to diffusing, i made a gentle babies body balm with this oil that i've packed in our hospital bag to use after delivery to help my skin.  every oil in this blend is beneficial for skin regeneration and combined with carrier oils it is very soothing.  i will be applying this all over in the hospital, as i am currently, to my belly and legs and back to help my skin as it changes and stretches daily.  this oils blend is also safe for babes when used correctly and one we will be using once our little one is born.

my gentle baby body balm recipe: 

with a hand mixer, whip 1/2 cup of organic coconut oil and 1/4 cup of shea butter until smooth.  add 30 drops of gentle baby oil (you can add a few drops of lavender to this if you are wanting to help calm your uterus down) to the whipped oil mixture and blend in.  melt one teaspoon of organic bees wax pellets in a mason jar.  you can do this using a double boiler method on the stove.  once the bees wax is melted, and stir oils mixture into the wax until fully incorporated.  store in a cool place overnight to let set.  this mixture will harden a little bit creating a soothing yet very soft body balm.  

lavender: this versatile oil is one i have been using throughout my entire pregnancy.  not only does it promote relaxation and help relieve pain, but it may help calm the uterus if experiencing early contractions.  i keep this one nearby and use it neat on my lower abdomen if i cannot get my pre-labor contractions to settle down, which i have been having a lot of.  this oil, paired with a large glass of ice water and laying on my side have helped me and my baby relax. 

claraderm spray: i have heard amazing things about this oil blend spray.  it is a bit of a splurge, but after all i have heard and read i think it will be quite worth it since it contains so many oils that together, create the perfect healing blend for both pre and post delivery.  the oils in this spray are myrrh, tea tree, lavender, frankincense, roman chamomile, and helichrysum with a coconut oil base.  because it is diluted with a carrier, it is safe to spray on your lady bits and is suggested you do so not only after delivering, but also before labor as early as a few months out.  myrrh serves as a liquid bandaid helping avoid infection, lavender and frankincense sooth and heal, roman chamomile is good for skin regeneration and calming, tea tree is anti-bacterial, and helichrysum is known for its amazing restorative and healing properties.  

geranium: this oil is one that can help the perineum before delivering.  to one ounce of almond oil, add ten or so drops of geranium and massage.  this can help prevent tearing during delivery and make for a smoother recovery.  i plan on using this in a sitz bath after delivery as well as this oil is known to help with pain and inflammation.  in addition to helping pull together tissues after delivery, this oil may also help stimulate circulation which in turn can facilitate easier breathing during difficult bouts of labor.

peppermint: this oil may be helpful to relieve nausea before or during labor.  it's a good one to have on hand if you are in need of immediate relief.  i will put a drop of it on the roof of my mouth or simply smell from the bottle if i am feeling sick to my stomach.  note: this oil may hinder your milk supply so keep that in mind.

lemon: adding a drop to ice water may help with swelling and water retention.  i have been doing this once a day to act as a gentle detox to help keep things moving in my system.  it also peps up my water which is nice since i am strictly supposed to be drinking like a hundred glasses a day.

fennel: this oil can help boost your milk supply!  i am bring it along to help increase my lactation by swallowing a drop in a tablespoon of honey a few times before heading home.

peace and calming: i'll be diffusing this blend at night in the hospital and applying on my spine and feet to get a restful (as restful as one can in a hospital) sleep. 

clary sage: this oil is used to help speed along labor, but given that i am in need of the opposite i will not be adding this to my personal birth kit.  however, i do have friends who have used this to help induce labor and swear by it.

gentle babies book: this recourse is one that has helped our family tremendously.  we will be packing it along in our hospital bag as well. 

*if you are new to oils or are wanting more information regarding safety etc. please read below.  if you are wanting to order oils of your own or create your own birth kit, click this link and create a wholesale account.  feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email if you have further questions!

it's important to note that oils are a great tool to have when it comes to practicing wellness, no matter the season, but if used without knowledge they can be harmful, just like medicine that is used irresponsibly.  this by no means should deter you from using them because they are a great way to keep your family healthy naturally throughout the seasons, just do your homework and play it safe.  education, education, education friends!  also, the information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  the information represents what i, an independent distributer of young living essential oils, have chosen to do to take charge of my own personal health and that of my family.  statements on this website have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition please consult your physical before using these products.  furthermore, information found on this site is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health and dietary decisions based upon your own research and partnership with your healthcare provider. 

why young living oils you ask?  our family chose to use young living essential oils because they are a seed to seal company, meaning they plant, cultivate, distill, test, and seal the product resulting in a product that is genuine, free of synthetic chemicals, and unmatched in purity.  it is important to note: not all oils are safe to consume or to use even on small humans; furthermore, many oils you find in the supermarket are either diluted or are comprised of a variety of ingredients that will not give you the same health benefits as a product like young living.  i have learned you must check the labels on the oils and do your own research before ingesting any oils, no matter the brand.  likewise, is important to practice caution with any oil or natural remedy you are using at home to ensure the safety of you and your family.  

essential oils // everyday oils for spring wellness

spring has undoubtably arrived and as i look out the wall of paned glass windows in our bedroom, i see trees and bushes dotted with fuchsia, soft ivory, bright mustard, light purple, and the freshest shade of green.  the window is cracked open and the cool morning air is making its way into our home, freshening everything up.  like most spring days, the clouds look as though they are on the cusp of rain.  you can just feel that at any moment, it will start to sprinkle a bit, nourishing all those thirsty blades of grass.  i used to say that autumn is my favorite month, but i think that may be changing.  i love the sense of renewal brought upon by the colorful season of spring.  i love the newness of it all.  it's like i am hearing birds chirp for the very first time ever, and that is really speaking to my soul.  

in this season of growth, our family is starting to change up our wellness routine a bit.  because of the pollen and rise and fall of the temperature, seasonal discomfort has started over here at the watters house.  welcome itchy eyes and the ever-present runny nose!  eh, not really.  because of this, our wellness and oil regimen has taken on a new shape.  we are swapping out oils that helped congestion and breathing and other yucky winter ailments with ones that will help balance us this season.  we are also focusing more on cleaning and purifying, so using all-natural (kiddo safe) products are a must right now.  below i am going to share with you how our family specifically uses essential oils throughout this springtime season. 

seasonal discomfort blend (lavender + peppermint + lemon):  for those who deal with the coughing, sneezing, itchy yuckies come springtime.  

- rub one drop of each on the back of your neck or the bottom of your feet each morning and evening.    using a carrier oil while applying is up to you.  
- you can make a roller bottle for this to make this process easier, adding 20 drops of each oil to a 10 ml roller bottle and filling the rest with a carrier oil.  this recipe would be good for adults.  for kiddos, i would use a much more diluted blend and reference your gentle babies book to further apply. 
- know that applying lemon oil and going into the sun for an extended amount of should be avoided.  

- add 2 to 3 drops to your diffuser and diffuse according to your machine's instructions or for as long as needed. 

- take 2-3 drops of each oil in a vegetable capsule each morning or add a couple drops of each oil to a spoon full of local honey.  

joy oil blend: 

- i use this as my perfume.  it is very floral, and i love how refreshing and uplifting it is.  i rub it on my wrists and over my heart each morning.  this oil was made to help balance emotionally, something i could use a bit of every single day.  

copiaba oil: 

- not only is copaiba anti-inflammatory, but it is also a magnifying oil, so it enhances the effects of other essential oils.  it will make you seasonal discomfort blend much more powerful and effective. 
- this is also a great oil to use in conjunction with lavender if your little one falls and gets an owie.  it helps the oil work more effectively. 

orange oil: 

- orange oil brings peace and happiness to the mind.  it is rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene and aids in maintaining normal cellular regeneration.  because of this, i like adding a few drops to my homemade face cream. 
- one can also use this oil to help you clean.  it really does a number of goo and grease!  
- you can head to my latest oily post about all the amazing things orange oil can do.

purification oil blend:  

- add 5 or so drops to your diffuser and diffusing when spring cleaning to purify and cleanse the air.  you can add some lemon or orange essential oil to this when diffusing to create a more citrusy scent.  i have found this oil blend to with just as well if not better than fabreeze, without all those harsh chemicals!  you can also put some on a cotton ball and place it where you want to get rid of smells.

- as an antibacterial, you can apply top bug bites to stop the itching and to disinfect.  this will also work for a bee sting to help reduce pain and swelling.  

- rub on the outside of your sore throat to relieve. 

- add a drop on blemishes to aid in clearing the skin.

- pop a roller ball on top of your oils bottle and use as a deodorant. 

- add several drops to your dryer balls in lieu of fabric softener. 

- put a few drops at the base of your door to prevent pest invasion in your home. 

grapefruit: 

- put a drop in your ice water for a pick me up.
- inhale or diffuse for a boost of energy if feeling blue or are in a funk. 

- this oil can help is weight management, too.  you can put a drop in water to help curb an appetite, while giving you wonderful health benefits as well. 

it's important to note that oils are a great tool to have when it comes to practicing wellness, no matter the season, but if used without knowledge they can be harmful, just like medicine that is used irresponsibly.  this by no means should deter you from using them because they are a great way to keep your family healthy naturally throughout the seasons, just do your homework and play it safe.  education, education, education friends!  also, the information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  the information represents what i, an independent distributer of young living essential oils, have chosen to do to take charge of my own personal health and that of my family.  statements on this website have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition please consult your physical before using these products.  furthermore, information found on this site is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health and dietary decisions based upon your own research and partnership with your healthcare provider. 

and before i forget, for this month's promo and i am gifting a 15ml bottle of young living orange essential oil for those who sign up under me as new wholesale member for this month and purchase a premium starter kit.  you can quick order your kit here.  if you are wanting more information on how and why our family uses oils made by young living farms, head here.  this promotion is valid throughout the entire month of april for those who follow the guidelines stated above.  and nope, you never have to sell anything when you become a wholesale member of young living.  in fact, most people don't!  being on my team just gives you heaps of education and support from other oil users like myself.  make sure you sign up wholesale to get your 24% off.  that is not offered to retail customers.  happy oiling, friends!

*why young living oils you ask?  our family chose to use young living essential oils because they are a seed to seal company, meaning they plant, cultivate, distill, test, and seal the product resulting in a product that is genuine, free of synthetic chemicals, and unmatched in purity.  it is important to note: not all oils are safe to consume or to use even on small humans; furthermore, many oils you find in the supermarket are either diluted or are comprised of a variety of ingredients that will not give you the same health benefits as a product like young living.  i have learned you must check the labels on the oils and do your own research before ingesting any oils, no matter the brand.  likewise, is important to practice caution with any oil or natural remedy you are using at home to ensure the safety of you and your family.  

essentail oils // april promo + the beauty of orange oil

it's here, it's april!  our calendar is flipped and fruit had found it's way on the table.  i don't know about you, but i am sure thankful this month has arrived.  because all things spring!  and flowers.  and being barefoot in the backyard.  and playdates outdoors.  and windows down while running errands.  and popsicles.  the start of picnics.  all of it!    

one can not be in a good mood with all of this happening.  it is also such a great time to dive into natural cleaning and making your home smell all citrusy fresh.  i am over here diffusing essential oils and getting ready to make a new batch of household cleaner to start.  because it's spring and i love happy scents, i am using orange oil as the basis of most of my homemade cleaning recipes.  it happens to be one of my new favorite oils because there are so many practical uses for it.  it's both an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, an antiseptic and most importantly, you can add it to your cinnamon roll icing.  praise!  i have found throughout the past few months there are so many other wonderful ways to use this oil and i am happy to share them with you.

- diffuse when down or a bit cranky or if you need a little pick me up

- add it to lavender and a carrier oil to sooth kids that are wound up

- add a couple of drops to ice water or a smoothie for a yummy treat

- put a few drops somewhere smelly to freshen it up, say the garbage can or diaper pail

- put on tile stains and wipe away after a few minutes to clean

- add 5-10 drops to a 1/4 cup epsom salts or bath salts for relaxing tub time

- combine 20 drops in soapy water (i use non-scented castile soap) and clean surfaces or walls or cupboards or dishes 

- add 10 drops to 1/4 cup of coarse salt and rub on your cutting boards to purify

- add to your water + vinegar counter spray to disinfect

- message a few drops into your favorite carrier oil (i like jojoba or almond) to help brighten complexion

- add a drop to your toothpaste to whiten teeth and help tooth owies

- use a few drops to cut grease or wipe off glue

april promo: for this month's promo and i am gifting a 15ml bottle of young living orange essential oil for those who sign up under me as new wholesale member for this month and purchase a premium starter kit.  you can quick order your kit here.  if you are wanting more information on how and why our family uses oils made by young living farms, head here.  this promotion is valid throughout the entire month of april for those who follow the guidelines stated above. 

*the information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  the information represents what i, an independent distributer of young living essential oils, have chosen to do to take charge of my own personal health and that of my family.  statements on this website have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition please consult your physical before using these products.  furthermore, information found on this site is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health and dietary decisions based upon your own research and partnership with your healthcare provider. 

essential oils // all natural bees wax & essential oil balm

ever since our theodore has been itty bitty he has had eczema.  upon bringing him home from the hospital, we could tell his skin was different than his sisters being that it was much more sensitive and delicate.  we've treated his dry, chapped, and sore skin on and off for well over a year now with a variety of over the counter creams and medicines, and even resorting to steroid creams when it got really bad.  we've done all things one is supposed to do, such as dietary changes and no harsh chemicals etc. etc. etc. alas, he still has eczema flare ups here and there.

just a few weeks ago, his skin was very clear thanks to this recipe, his eczema quite mild and hardly noticeable.  he had some dry skin here and there when we went without applying everyday, but no irritation or itching which was what we always try to avoid.  however that changed when i sadly forgot to pack our balm when we went to florida for two weeks and things went south for him, no pun intended, in a matter of hours.  apparently humidity makes eczema worse?  i had no idea.  it got so bad he itched during his naps and it bled and bled.  i am sparing you the photos of that because it was horrible.  talk about mama heart ache.  as soon as we got home we slathered it all over his tiny body.  this stuff is pretty thick and within hours, no joke, it started looking better.   we put it on his scratches and sore patches and in all the chubby little creases.  we then put our sweet little curly haired babe in a onesie and let his body heal.  all i can say is thank goodness for this balm.  thank goodness.

i made this recipe using the reference guide gentle babies that suggests using two essential oils, lavender and melrose.  lavender is a single oil but melrose is a blend specifically made by young living, both safe for little ones, according to research.

i ended up tweaking this recipe to fit our needs, because we wanted more of a thick balm than a cream to help the oils really stay on his skin longer.  you can always adjust the ingredient amounts below if you find that this recipe is too thick to apply.  it is also worth mentioning that we sometimes run warm water over the glass container to loosen the balm before digging in and slathering on.  you can also swap out the essential oils i used for others if you are wanting to make a healing balm for other ailments.  i like using this recipe (with peppermint oil in lieu of lavender and melrose) for homemade chapstick, too.

ingredients:

3/4 cup unrefined bees wax pellets (try amazon)
1/2 cup unrefined shea butter (amazon, too)
1 cup unrefined organic coconut oil (i get mine at trader joes)
1/8 cup organic jojoba oil OR vitamin E oil (TJ's, too)
25 drops lavender oil (young living)
25 drops melrose oil (young living)

to prepare, add the first four ingredients to a small sauce pan or double boiler over medium heat.  each oil melts at different temperatures, so your mixture will look a little odd until everything is incorporated.  with an old spoon, stir your mixture until it turns clear and everything is melted.  it is at this point that you should add your essential oils and mix well.  i suggest using a pan you really do not care much about or an old glass bowl in a pot of warm water.  the bees wax is very hard to get off once dried and this way you will not ruin any of your good cookware.  you can spoon or pour into glass jars and let harden on the counter at room temperature.

*because everyone has different skin, you may need to tailor this recipe to fit your needs.  this is what helps us out, but know that it may not work on everyone.  :)  and if you are wanting to know more about how and why our family uses essential oils or order some young living products for yourself, head here.

essential oils // our natural first aid kit + roller bottle recipes

ever since andrew and i have started incorporating essential oils into our everyday lives as means of natural healing,  we have looked for simple yet effective ways of using them.  oils can be a bit intimidating at first, i think i left ours on the counter top for a few weeks before even opening them.  since taking intentional steps to become more educated on what we put in our bodies, we now use oils in lieu of many over the counter medicines and have found them to help greatly.  depending on what we are treating, we’ll grab the bottle of oil itself and apply the oil neat, meaning without a carrier oil.  other times we will go for a spray i’ve made using oils and water.  but most times, we use our oils in roller bottles. 

we both prefer the roller bottle method for many of reasons: they are premade, thus saving us steps when we need multiple oils to remedy when applying, they are easy to apply, and they stretch our oils and make them last much longer.  sometimes it is really best to apply the oil neat depending on what you are healing or balancing out, but it is good to know that by using a carrier oil in a roller bottle you are not diluting the effectiveness of the oil, you are just giving your oil more coverage with help of something to carry it where you want it to go. 

these eleven blends are a part of our natural first aid kit and i rarely leave the house without them.  they accompany us on outings to ballet, trips to the zoo, and even when we travel outside our the city.  i keep mine in a cute little knit case i got back in college, making it simple to toss in our diaper bag when we are heading out, or to grab and take upstairs when getting ready for afternoon naps.  these roller bottles are small yet powerful little guys, each with their own healing purpose.  i have put together a few recipes below that have worked well for our family.

each bottle contains both essential oils by young living and a carrier oil.  my favorite carriers are: almond oil, fractioned coconut oil, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil.  i get all of my glass roller bottles here; however, when my 15ml bottles are empty i save them, boil them, and then make blends with them, popping a roller fitment on top.  i typically use around 50-60 drops of essential oils and fill the rest of the way with a carrier.  each of these recipes contains the drop amounts listed and are filled the rest of the way with your carrier oil of choice.  we roll the oil on the back of our necks, bottoms of feet, spine, a cut/burn/sore, wrists, crown of the head, temples, stomach, and toes.  

anxiety & stress away blend for mama:

10 drops stress away

10 drops valor

5 drops lavender

5 drops orange or grapefruit

upset tummy blend for adults:

10 drops peppermint

10 drops ginger

10 drops spearmint

sleep blend for kiddos:

15 drops lavender

10 drops peace & calming

5 drops roman chamomile

sleep blend for adults:

15 drops lavender

15 drops cedarwood

eczema blend for theodore:

15 drops lavender

15 drops melrose

owies blend for cuts & scrape for kiddos:

10 drops lavender
5 drops copaiba

5 drops balsam fir

5 drops melaleuca

sickness & cold prevention blend for adults:

10 drops thieves (hot oil)

10 drops oregano (hot oil)

10 drops lemon

seasonal discomfort blend for adults:

10 drops lavender

10 drops lemon

10 drops purification

5 drops copaiba

cough & congestion blend for adults:

10 drops eucalyptus blue

10 drops eucalyptus

5 drops myrtle

5 drops peppermint

headache & body ache blend for adults:

10 drops peppermint

10 drops panaway

10 drops valor

earache blend:

10 drops purification

10 drops lavender

10 drops melrose

if you have little ones or are pregnant, i highly recommend you get the book called gentle babies by debra raybern to help guide you in practicing safety with essential oils.  these are recipes i've made doing my own research and am so happy to share them with you all, but please make sure to do your own research as well.  it's also very important to note that since every one's body is different, it can respond differently to oils as well.  if you find that an oil or a blend is not effective for you, there are many others that you can look up and use in its place to find comfort and relief. 

and if you are wanting to know more about how and why our family uses essential oils, head here. 

essential oils // march promo + FAQ's

March Promo: If you buy a Premium Starter Kit as a wholesale member under me, I will gift you one of my favorite oil resources, Gentle Babies!  This book covers essential oil safety for pregnant mamas and for babies/children.  If this promo does not excite you, be on the lookout for next month's regarding spring cleaning.  You can quick order here, or read the FAQ's and order below.  This promotion is valid throughout the entire month of March for those who follow the guidelines stated above. 

FAQ's...

Why does our family use oils? Less than a year ago, our family decided to start incorporating essential oils by Young Living into our everyday routine as a means of replacing some of our first aid items with products that were more natural.  First and foremost, I had heard from many friends they help babies sleep so naturally I wanted to get my hands on some of that!  I had also heard that they can help clear up skin problems and are great for boosting your immune system.  So, we figured there was no harm in trying them out and decided at the very least we might actually save money by finding a healthy alternative to crazy pharmacy bills that made us feel crappy. 

We really had no idea that what we were buying was way more comprehensive than just a few pretty bottles of magical sleep oil.  I started to do a little more research and found out that essential oils can help hundreds of things and we now use them for everything from teething, treating theodore's eczema, killing bacteria through safe cleaning products, preventing colds, lessen cramps during that amazing time of the month, flu symptoms, congestion, seasonal discomforts, and to help with my anxiety, something I have dealt with since high school.  So basically, everything. 

What are essential oils?   EO’s are the life blood of a plant, made up of complex compounds that when cold pressed and distilled, can work in our bodies in hundreds of ways.  Because the molecules in EO’s are so so small, they have the capacity to heal at a cellular level, which a lot of medicines cannot even do!  In turn, they help restore balance to our bodies naturally.

What can EO's help with?  Gosh, so many things.  We just got rid of all our over the counter medicine (minus a few things, of course) and we are using EO’s to help heal and balance out our bodies.  It took me awhile to get here, the crazy lady throwing out her medicine, but I realized that these oils were actually working and doing a better job than medicine I had bought at CVS.  For example, instead of popping three ibuprofen I'll use peppermint oil on my temples to get rid of a headache.  BAM.  No more expensive face creams.  Give me all the frankincense.  

What kind of oils should I use?  We only use oils made by Young Living because we love that they have their own farms and are in complete control over their products from start to finish.   This is so important to us because we feel that knowing the source is key in getting the best results from the oils.  Most oil companies have middlemen and buy plants from random farms to make their oils.  Young living does not.  They hand pick organic seeds and see them through the distillation process, where they test and test for perfection before bottling up.  I thought, if we are going to use EO’s in place of most medicines, I want to make sure the oils are 100% pure and not treated with pesticides.  Also, each bottle of oil can be traced to its' source, how cool is that!? 

Where should I start?  I always direct people to where I started, and where most do when beginning their journey with EO’s.  Young Living has put together a fantastic kit for beginners containing 11 everyday oils, a diffuser, and lots of samples.  It is called the Premium Starter Kit and sells for $150 to wholesale members.  This kit is perfect for those new to using essential oils because it contains some of the most popular ones, such as thieves, lavender, peppermint, stress away, and lemon to name a few.  This kit has everything you need for a basic natural first aid kit and has hundreds upon hundreds of uses.  I am attaching a document to show you what is all in this kit.  I do not really care for the other kits, they are kind of lame.  You just pay a lot for samples, not bottles of oils…

You can buy the Premium Starter Kit here:  http://yl.pe/bnf

If I sign up as a wholesale distributer what does that mean?  The main reason most individuals sign up as wholesale members is to get 24% off their purchases.  Wholesale members end up saving more money and also have the opportunity to be a part of YL’s rewards program called Essential Rewards if they so choose.  Wholesale members do not have to sell a darn thing if they do not want to.  In fact, most YL wholesale distributers do not! Being wholesale gives you the option of selling if you want but NEVER makes that a requirement.  

What is Essential Rewards?  ER is YL’s monthly autoship program that lets you chose what product you want each month and gives you points based on what you order.  Then, you can turn those points into free products!  Who doesn't love free?  The minimum you have to purchase is $50.  ER also lets you change your shipping day each month and gives you low flat-rate shipping costs. I love ER because it has allowed us to slowly build our medicine cabinet by spacing out what oils we want from month to month, while getting free products along the way.  It’s a win-win program really.  

I’ve got my oils, now what? Education is everything!  I wholeheartedly believe this because without education, those pretty bottles just sit there and collect dust just like anything else.  I love helping those who sign up under me learn how to use their oils right off the bat by giving them heaps of resources, monthly ideas, and support via our online team.   Our team, Essential Families, has a private Facebook page for wholesale distributers that is an encouraging space where you can ask hundreds of questions and get answers really fast from our 3,000 members!   

Some good resources: 

- If you have kids or are pregnant get the book called Gentle Babies it's so so good

- Phone App “Ref Guide 4 EO’s” is my favorite and really easy to navigate 

- These IG pages: @essentialfamilies @oilcollective @mamawatters 

- http://www.mamawatters.blogspot.com/oils is where I occasionally blog about how we use oils in our everyday life. 

- Our team’s private FB page called Essential Families 

I hope this information was beneficial to you!  If you ever have any specific questions, let me know, I love helping others learn all about them.  

xx Amanda