Thursday, August 09, 2007

Who says Effective Laundry Detergents Need to have Bubbles & Poisons?

We all want nice clean, fresh smelling clothes. But, what if…those laundry detergents you’re using leave toxic residues on your clothes, in the air, and in the environment?

One look at the vague laundry detergent ingredient labels should be enough to make us put that item right back on the shelf - especially if it has a warning box and a call poison control statement. This is a strong indication that this product has NO place in our homes or to even be manufactured, in my opinion.

I have tried so many “natural” and “organic” laundry products over the years and not one of them has been terribly effective at cleaning my clothing. The one that really got me was “Lavender” scented. I paid nearly $10 for a large bottle expecting it would smell nice and clean well…nope! It stank, actually smelled link a synthetic/chemical lavender (which it no doubt was), it took a large amount to clean my laundry. Simply put, I hated it and felt I was, well, taken to the cleaners. What a waste!

That was many years ago. Fortunately, Young Living made a cleaner, an all-purpose household cleaner, called Thieves which has REAL essential oils in it, is nontoxic, won’t ruin me or the environment - AND - it’s cheaper than store bought products!

Here’s a little side-by-side price check:

For “regular” degreasing and cleaning Thieves Household Cleaner costs .64 cents per quart (32 oz.) when added to water as directed.

For “heavy” degreasing Thieves Household Cleaner costs $1.27 per quart when added to water as directed.

Other cleaners (using 22 oz. bottles as an example)
Formula 409 costs $3.29
Lysol Disinfectant costs $2.89

Buy Thieves Household Cleaner

Here is a list of some pretty nasty ingredients you may want to keep in mind when purchasing cleaning products:

Linear alkyl sodium sulfonates (LAS):
These synthetic surfactants are commonly listed as ‘anionic surfactants’ on labels, and are one of the most common surfactants in use. During their production process, carcinogenic and reproductive toxins such as benzene are released into the environment. They also biodegrade slowly, making them a hazardous in the environment.

Petroleum distillates (aka napthas):
These chemicals have been linked to cancer, lung damage, lung inflammation and damage to mucous membranes.

Phenols:
According to the National Institutes of Health, phenol is toxic and people who are hypersensitive to it could experience death or serious side effects at very low exposures. Plus, it is rapidly absorbed and can cause toxicity throughout the entire body. Typically, death and severe toxicity result from phenol’s effects on the central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs and kidneys.

One common surfactant in U.S. laundry detergents is nonyl phenol ethoxylate (this chemical has been banned in Europe, and was found to slowly biodegrade into even more toxic compounds). Studies have found that this surfactant stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells and feminizes male fish.

Optical brighteners:
These synthetic chemicals convert UV light wavelengths into visible light, which makes laundered clothes appear whiter (although does not actually affect the cleanliness of the clothing). They’ve been found to be toxic to fish and to cause bacterial mutations. Further, they can cause allergic reactions when exposed to skin that is later exposed to sunlight.

Phosphates:
These chemicals are used to remove hard-water minerals to make detergents more effective, and to prevent dirt from settling back onto clothes during a wash. A major problem with them is that, when released into the environment, they stimulate the growth of certain marine plants, which contributes to unbalanced ecosystems. Many states have banned or restricted the use of phosphates for this reason, and you may see laundry detergents advertised as “low-phosphate” or “phosphate-free.”

Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach):
This is a chemical precursor to chlorine, which is highly toxic and involved in more household poisonings than any other chemical. When it reacts with organic materials in the environment, carcinogenic and toxic compounds are created than can cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders.

EDTA (ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate):
EDTA is a class of compounds used as an alternative to phosphates to reduce mineral hardness in water, prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they’re put in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not biodegrade readily and can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals in the environment, allowing them to re-enter the food chain.

Artificial fragrances:
Many of these can be made from petroleum (see petroleum distillates above), and do not degrade in the environment. They’ve been linked to various toxic effects on fish and mammals, and often cause allergies and skin and eye irritation.

Be careful what you buy out there, don’t spend extra money on chemicals and poisons you don’t want!

What I like most about the Thieves Household Cleaner is that I only need “one” cleaner that does absolutely everything. 3-4 capfuls will do a load of laundry, 2-3 capfuls does dishes in my diswasher, straight from the bottle removes stains on clothing and carpeting, 1 capful cleans the toilet bowl, diluted in a spray bottle cleans my tub, floors, sinks, countertops, fingerprints on the wall, mirrors and windows, and more! If my tub or sinks have a lot of heavy soap scum I use the Thieves Household Cleaner and I sprinkle a little baking soda as the abrasive (which does the trick real nice).

I probably save about $20 a month using the Thieves Household Cleaner, for a family of two - plus, I have a lot more space in my cabinets. We ONLY need "one" good one!

Phthalates in Personal Care Products - what you’re really getting in the products you’re buying

Phthalates are controversial because high doses of many phthalates have shown hormonal activity in rodent studies. Studies on rodents involving large amounts of phthalates have shown damage to the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, and the developing testes.

Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are a group of chemical compounds that are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility). They are chiefly used to turn polyvinyl chloride from a hard plastic into a flexible plastic.

Phthalate esters are the dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid; the name phthalate derives from phthalic acid. When added to plastics, phthalates allow the long polyvinyl molecules to slide against one another.

As of 2004, manufacturers produce about 400,000 tons (800 million pounds or 363 million kilograms) of phthalates each year. They were first produced during the 1920s, and have been produced in large quantities since the 1950s, when PVC was introduced. The most widely used phthalates are di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP). DEHP is the dominant plasticizer used in PVC, due to its low cost. Benzylbutylphthalate (BBzP) is used in the manufacture of foamed PVC, which is mostly used as a flooring material. Phthalates with small R and R’ groups are used as solvents in perfumes and pesticides.

Phthalates are also frequently used in:
Nail polish, cosmetics, personal care products, soaps, plastics in general, fishing lures, adhesives, caulk, paint pigments, plasticizer in cellulose plastics, a solvent for certain dyes, vinyl tile, carpet tiles, artificial leather and is also used in certain adhesives, toys, baby-feeding bottles (which can leak into water and food), IV bags and other medical equipment, and sex toys made of so-called “jelly rubber.”

List of More Common Phthalates (many you will see in products used daily):

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
Diallyl phthalate (DAP)
Di-n-propyl phthalate (DPP)
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
Butyl cyclohexyl phthalate (BCP)
Di-n-pentyl phthalate (DNPP)
Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCP)
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DNHP)
Diisohexyl phthalate (DIHxP)
Diisoheptyl phthalate (DIHpP)
Butyl decyl phthalate (BDP)
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, DOP)
Di(n-octyl) phthalate (DNOP)
Diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP)
n-Octyl n-decyl phthalate (ODP)
Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
Diundecyl phthalate (DUP)
Diisoundecyl phthalate (DIUP)
Ditridecyl phthalate (DTDP)
Diisotridecyl phthalate (DIUP)

Although DEHP plasticizes numerous products, roughly 95% of the current production is used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (National Toxicology Program 2003), where it typically constitutes 30% of PVC by weight (Cadogan and Howick 1996; Kavlock et al. 2002b). DnBP is used in latex adhesives, in nail polish and other cosmetic products, as a plasticizer in cellulose plastics, as a solvent for certain dyes, and, to a lesser extent than DEHP, as a plasticizer in PVC (Kavlock et al. 2002c). BBzP is a plasticizer for vinyl tile, carpet tiles, and artificial leather and is also used in certain adhesives (Kavlock et al. 2002a).

Children’s Health Article - The Association between Asthma and Allergic Symptoms in Children and Phthalates in House Dust: A Nested Case-Control Study

Phthalates Now Linked to Fat, Related Health Risks - Exposure to phthalates, a common chemical found in everything from plastics to soaps, already has been connected to reproductive problems and now, for the first time, is linked to abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in adult males, according to a study by the University of Rochester Medical Center.

‘Gender-bending’ chemicals found to ‘feminise’ boys - “Gender-bending” chemicals mimicking the female hormone oestrogen can disrupt the development of baby boys, suggests the first evidence linking certain chemicals in everyday plastics to effects in humans. The chemicals implicated are phthalates, which make plastics more pliable in many cosmetics, toys, baby-feeding bottles and paints and can leak into water and food.

A Mass Spectral Guide for Quick Identification of Phthalate Esters (PDF)
Naughty by Nature - Ever thought about the toxins in your sex toys?

Phthalates now linked to fat, related health risks - Rochester study connects common chemicals to rising obesity rates. The analysis found that, as expected, several phthalate metabolites showed a positive correlation with abdominal obesity. Indeed, men with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine had more belly fat and insulin resistance. Researchers adjusted for other factors that could influence the results, such as the mens’ age, race, food intake, physical activity levels and smoking.

The phthalate family of chemicals is used in a variety of products from cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, lotions, lubricants, paint, pesticides, and plastics. Phthalates soften plastic tubing, PVC, and are also used in the coating of some timed-release medicines. More than 75 percent of the United States population has measurable levels of several phthalates in their urine, according to the study.

Diet and Eating - Choose Your Foods Like Your Life Depends on Them - The old era of unthinking reliance on a synthetic existence is showing severe disadvantages, just as the urgency to forge new relationships with nature is becoming apparent. Plants and other whole foods are coming into their own new era as naturopathic physicians and other well-informed health practitioners rely on them for their central role in healing. Within our lifetimes, natural substances will eclipse pharmaceuticals in medical practice, as the general public awakens to its far superior healing capacity.

Young Living products and essential oil do not contain phthalates. Some of their products are in plastic containers - I am trying to get them to use only glass for everything. Please feel free to contact them and tell them you do not want our pure products in plastic containers. Most households don’t have cast iron tubs any longer so the likelihood a thick glass bottle will break are slim. Perhaps we can suggest they make a dispenser we mount our “glass” bottle in??? Let’s contact them and make it happen!

Fortunately, NingXia Red DOES come in a glass bottle, as does many of the suppliments.

I have a bottle of the Young Living Bath & Shower Gel Base (item #3751), (it’s a base that you can add the essential oil of your choice to) sitting on my desk for a friend, the ingredients are: Deionized Water, saponified oils of coconut and olive, vegetable gum, aloe vera, and rosemary extract.

As you may already know, I despise plastics - for good reason. I don’t watch TV too often but some months ago I saw a commercial for the plastic industry where they, cough-cough, cleverly used children to say how great plastics are. I said out loud to the TV, “yeah, we’ll see about that little girl when you’re 30 and aren’t able to have a baby or a normal one! You’ll regret the day that you ever agreed to do that commercial.”

Ok, so I’m a bit outspoken. I’m also a bit upset that we have been conditioned to accept that this stuff is ok when it’s not. Let’s call a spade-a-spade already and get that crap out of our lives! Plastics have no business being in our lives or on earth. I realize we can’t get rid of plastic completely, but we sure can take measures to minimize it’s production, use, and polluting effects.

Thieves Foaming Antibacterial Handsoap - with Thieves essential oil

Liquid hand soaps are a big trend in the personal care industry, particularly those with antibacterial properties; however, most soaps contain harmful chemicals and fragrances, leaving many searching for a natural, safe alternative. Thieves Foaming Hand Soap is formulated with natural ingredients, including the power of Thieves, which has been university tested and found to be highly effective against bacteria. This product has been dermatologist tested and found to be safe for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

Bacteria and viruses cannot mutate by using essential oils - their unique and complex make up is what still makes them effective today.

A natural hand-cleansing formula, Thieves Foaming Hand Soap contains Young Living’s Thieves essential oil blend, a potent combination of clove, cinnamon, rosemary, Eucalyptus radiata, orange, and lemon essential oils, all known for their powerful cleansing properties. Thieves essential oil blend penetrates deep beneath the skin’s surface, providing a long-lasting barrier of protection. This gentle foaming hand soap also contains ingredients such as vitamin E, aloe vera, and Ginkgo biloba to moisturize and soften the skin.

Primary Benefits

• The essential oils in Thieves penetrate deep into the skin to act as a protective barrier long after you wash your hands.

• Thieves Foaming Hand Soap is balanced mix of ingredients that reduces the disruption of the skin’s natural moisture complex and leaves important lipids in place to maintain a proper moisture balance in the skin.

• Vitamin E, aloe vera, and Gingko biloba are added to condition and protect the skin.

Who Should Use This Product?

Thieves Foaming Handsoap can be used by children and adults, including those with sensitive skin, for natural and effective cleansing.

I’m loving the Thieves handsoap, it’s nondrying to my skin. As a matter of fact, I’m even using it in the shower and I feel squeaky clean - which is a terrific feeling in the summer!

Did You Know?

• Eucalyptus radiata is primarily composed of eucalyptol, a substance shown to be very effective against bacteria in topical applications.

• Extra lemon essential oil is added to Thieves Foaming Hand Soap for its high level of d-limonene, a natural solvent, to help with the removal of dirt and germs, and because of its uplifting and fresh scent.

• Thieves Foaming Hand Soap’s primary surfactant, decyl glucoside, is derived from corn sugars and sugar beets, and is often used in products for sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients

Young Living’s essential oil blend Thieves (containing clove, lemon, cinnamon, Eucalyptus radiata, rosemary, and orange essential oils), Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice (aloe vera), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A), and Ginkgo Biloba.

Complementary Essential Oils

Thieves Essential Oil Blend (item #3423)

Diffuse Thieves essential oil blend in the home to keep the air clean and free of toxins. For centuries, the oils in Thieves have been used to ward off illness. In modern times, these oils have often been the subjects of antibacterial and antifungal research.

Complementary Products

Thieves Household Cleaner and Thieves Spray

Surface cleaning is just as vital as hand washing in keeping your home clean and safe from illness. Thieves Household Cleaner (item #3743) and Thieves Spray (item #3265, or a 3 pack#3266) can be used to clean many surfaces in your home, including toilets, tubs, sinks, doorknobs, floors, and countertops.

I also like using the Thieves Spray to spritz my hands when I know I’ve come into contact with germs through shaking hands, handling money, touching doorknobs, shopping cats and other things that many people have been touching. If I feel a sore throat coming on I open my mouth and give my throat a spritz.

The Thieves Household Cleaner I use in place of every single cleaner and detergent in my home - yup, even in place of laundry and dish washer detergents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - I have heard that essential oils can be very drying to the skin. Will the essential oils contained in Thieves essential oil blend dry out my skin if I use this soap?

A - No, actually its effects are quite opposite. Because essential oils can be drying to the skin, specific ingredients such as aloe, vitamin E, and Ginkgo biloba were added to restore moisture.

Q - Why doesn’t Thieves Foaming Hand Soap have a thick lather like other foaming soaps?

A - Many people are under the impression that thicker lather means deeper cleaning, when in fact, it is primarily the other ingredients and not the lather that is cleaning the hands. The ingredients that cause soap to foam are called surfactants, and rich foaming surfactants are made from synthetic ingredients, which may be irritating to the skin. Thieves Foaming Hand Soap is formulated with natural surfactants, derived from sugar beets, so it gently and effectively cleanses the skin.

Q - What other Young Living products have the Thieves essential oil blend in them?

A - Dental Care (toothpaste and mouthwash) for adults and children, bar soap, wipes, and lozenges.

Get the Start Living with Thieves kit and Save 24%

Ecological Footprint - how do you score?

I saw on PBS a couple weeks ago part of a program on the Ecological Footprints of a couple living in the Seattle area. It was quite interesting to see how they were living and commuting to work - anyone who lives between Seattle and Portland Oregon knows all too well the traffic issues in the area. I originally lived in NY, I never saw traffic this bad in NY. Most people drive alone.

This couple “thought” they were living pretty eco-friendly until they took the quiz and they scored rather poorly. If I remember correctly they scored around 40 acres. Once they made adjustments and moved closer to where they work I think they got it down to 20 acres.

I took the online quiz, I thought I’d score fairly ok - nearly everything I do is within 5 miles of where I live, I work my Young Living business fulltime from my home based office, I do a lot of my work online and over the phone, I own a Prius (get about 60 mpg, I love this car, will NEVER buy a regular car again), my boyfriend walks to work (which is 1/4 mile away), I buy as much local produce as I can find (quite often I won’t buy something when I know it’s traveled more than 100 miles), I do not use any chemical products (only Young Living oils, personal care products, and Thieves Household Cleaner for cleaning everything from my toilet to laundry to dishes), I eat only grass-fed meats (this I have shipped in bc the quality is amazing), free range eggs, I don’t have A/C, I do have a Bosch energy efficient washer & dryer (I highly recommend this pair, I have never seen any washer clean so well and efficiently with so little water and electric to dry! It puts ALL other models to shame!!).

Some other things I do to make less of an impact

I refuse to buy paper towels (I recycle old kitchen towels for cleaning rags, and use cloth dinner napkins), and I avoid buying things that have too much packaging (this over-kill with the packaging drives me nuts!), I use “glass” storage containers for leftovers (rather than plastic), I avoid buying produce that’s wrapped in plastic or putting my produce in plastic and food in plastic jars( I despise plastic, and prefer using brown paper bags for my produce - it keeps the produce good without poisons leaching into my food), I have sturdy canvas bags for shopping, I don’t buy sodas or juices (for 3 reasons: 1. look around at the poor health of the people, and 2. why would I want to buy and ingest stuff that’s slowly poisoning me? and, 3. the packaging.) Those are just some of the things that I do that make me healthier and keep the planet greener. I love that I’ve eliminated so much junk from my life, it feels very freeing!

The quiz is based on national consumption averages and is meant to give you an idea of your Ecological Footprint relative to other people in the country you live in. It is not highly detailed, but should give most people an idea of where they stand.

I think the most scary part is that if everyone lived like I do we would need 2.3 planet earths! The good news is, when I do get property I know my ecological footprint will be near zero because I plan to build a hybrid house, a cross between an off-the-grid Earthship and Cob house. With my landscaping experience, planting & growing knowledge (I can grow vegetables year round in a zone 5 climate in an unheated hoop-house, learn more with Eliot Coleman and his book, Four Season Harvest), etc. My plans are to be nearly 100% self-sustainable.

Here is my score (for two adults in the household):

FOOD 4.2 ACRES

MOBILITY 0 ACRES

SHELTER 3.7 ACRES

GOODS/SERVICES 2.5 ACRES

TOTAL FOOTPRINT 10 ACRES

IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY IS 24 ACRES PER PERSON. [ths figure is absolutely disgraceful, 24 arces - yikes!]

WORLDWIDE, THERE EXIST 4.5 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE ACRES PER PERSON. [I can grow and raise enough food on 5 acres to feed at least a couple families for a year]

IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 2.3 PLANETS. [gulp!]

Take the quiz, and if you like - post a comment to let us know how you scored and your thoughts on what you think are good ways we can make a change.

4 Grades of Essential Oils - how they differ and why you need to know the difference

• Grade A essential oils are pure therapeutic quality and are usually made from organically grown plants distilled at the proper temperatures using steam distillation. This the category that all of Young Living’s essential oils and essential oil-enhanced products are in. This high quality essential oil can be purchased at TheVeryEssence.com

• Grade B essential oils are food grade; they may contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, chemical/synthetic extenders, or carrier oils. With all those unnecessary toxins. I find it hard to imagine how these can be approved as ‘food grade’. If I ruled the world, it would be a completely different place!

• Grade C oils are perfume grade and may contain the same type of adulterating chemicals as food grade oils. They also usually contain solvents which are used to gain a higher yield of oil per harvest. Solvents are normally cancerous. This is what’s in the store bought perfumes and other scented products.

And yes, these chemicals and inferior ingredients are in the products sold in natural food stores, don’t allow yourself to be fooled by the words “natural” and organic” any longer! That industry is NOT what it was 20 or 30 years ago.

For those who know what pure essential oils are suppose to smell like, anything other than the top quality literally stinks - you Young Living readers out there, you know precisely what I’m saying. And this is why Young Living “is” the standard setter in the essential oil industry. You can’t get standards any higher than what we have.

• Floral Water is a byproduct of the distillation process, a very high quality if it comes from a Grade A distillation process. Accordingly it is of very low quality if it comes from poor quality raw materials and/or poor distillation processes. It is usually found in skin and hair products. This too is a quality of product that I disapprove of for obvious reasons.

Get the best Essential Oils here!

I’m not sure if this has become common knowledge but the Organic industry ain’t what it used to be. I’ve been buying organic everything for the past 30 years. In the late 1990’s I began noticing a big difference - NOT a better difference! I have since discovered that the USDA now controls what constitutes organic. Of course, this goes hand-in-hand with the pressures of the controlling megga companies, names which all of us know and grew up with.

Take a look at “who” now “owns” your favorite natural and organic brands.

Of the more than 75,000 chemicals registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, only a fraction have gone through complete testing to find out whether they might cause problems for human health. Many that are produced in enormous quantities have never been tested at all.

Usually, it takes dramatic episodes of workplace injuries or wildlife poisonings, combined with rigorous scientific proof of harm and public outcry, before the government will act to restrict or ban any chemical. And that is no accident.

The current regulatory system allows synthetic chemicals into our lives unless one is proven beyond doubt to be dangerous. Read more about this at Bill Moyers, PBS, Trade Secrets.

Skin Deep, pairs ingredients in nearly 25,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind. Why did a small nonprofit take on such a big project? Because the FDA doesn’t require companies to test their own products for safety.

Every time we go out there and purchase foods or products that are not what we are led to believe they are, or through ignorance, it is directly contributing to support that industry. I will not buy any product that I know does not have the highest quality of essential oil or ingredients.

Every time we buy foods and products that are not local or made in the US or from “Direct Sellers”, 70% of the money spent “leaves” the community. These are just some of the larger reasons why our physical and financial health are on the brink of disaster.

What are Essential Oils and why is it difficult to find “therapeutic-grade” essential oils?

Essential oils are the volatile liquids that are distilled from plants (including their respective parts such as seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruit, etc.). One of the factors that determine the purity and therapeutic value of an oil is its chemical constituents. These constituents can be affected by a vast number of variables including: the part(s) of the plant from which the oil was produced, soil condition, fertilizer (organic or chemical), geographical region, climate, altitude, harvest season and methods, and distillation process.

For example, common thyme, or thyme vulgaris, produces several different chemotypes (biochemical specifics or simple species) depending on the conditions of its growth, climate, and altitude. One will produce high levels of thymol depending on the time of year it is distilled. If distilled during mid-summer or late fall, there can be higher levels of carvacrol which can cause the oil to be more caustic or irritating to the skin. Low pressure and low temperature are also keys to maintaining the purity, the ultimate fragrance, and the therapeutic value of the oil.

Why is it so difficult to find pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils?

Producing the purest of oils can be very costly because it may require several hundred pounds, or even several thousand pounds of plant material to extract one pound of pure essential oil.

For example, one pound of pure melissa oil sells for $9,000-$15,000. Although this sounds quite expensive, one must realize that three tons of plant material are required to produce that single pound of oil.

Because the vast majority of all essential oils produced in the world today are used by the perfume industry, the oils are being purchased for their aromatic qualities only.

High pressure, high temperatures, rapid processing and the use of chemical solvents are often employed during the distillation process so that a greater quantity of oil can be prouced at a faster rate. These oils may smell just as good and cost much less, but will lack most, if not all, of the chemical constituents necessary to produce the expeced therapeutic results.

Excerpted from: The Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie & Alan Higley

Buy Pure therapeutic-grade Essential Oils here!

Side Effects of Serious Use of NingXia Red and Essential Oils

• you may discover an increase in energy levels: causing you to clean house and do outside chores that you’ve been putting off for months or years.

• you may decide that you like to exercise instead of hating it: causing you to lose 30 minutes to one hour every day.

• a decrease of discomfort in your joints and body.

• may cause you to get more sleep.

• you may find hair growing in the bald spot on your head.

• symptoms of fungus, like Candida (yeast infection) and toe fungus might disappear: causing you to stop having discomfort due to rash and itching.

• you may discover your eyesight is improving: causing you to have to change your eyeglass prescription.

• you may find diminished thoughts of depression and suicide cease: causing you to change your feelings about yourself, your family, friends and life in general.

• you may find that trips to the doctor and hospital become infrequent: causing you to lose anxiety, stress and financial concerns.

• you may find decreased need for prescription drugs: causing money to appear in your wallet or purse.

• you might contact me or place an order because you want what I have

• you might want to save 24% and get the Start Living with NingXia Red Kit

When Imagination Knocks, Open the Door

The statistics say:

• 70% of business happens between Labor Day and Christmas

• 47% of women over 50 are single

• of divorced women - their standard of living drops 73% after the divorce, widows are pretty much in the same position

I don’t know about you, but those statistics give me the chills, not to mention, take our power away! What are your feelings about this?

The other feeling it brings up in me is that there are a lot of women out there who need to know “you” can be empowered and do something to change those statistics. I want them to know they can improve the quality of their lives with essential oils and/or have a Young Living business. Someimes, it only takes “one” opportunity to come knocking on your door.

Speaking of a knock on the door, this is a very beautiful and powerful video. Be sure to check out their site, it’s very cool!

Open the Door


Learn more about and be more empowered by essential oils through my essential oil newsletter, see the top left corner of the menu to subscribe to a free subscription. Contact me through my website if having an empowered life or Young Living business is right for you.

Blessings,
Evelyn

Blue Agave (Agave tequilana) a low-glycemic sweetener

Organic Blue Agave is much sweeter than sugar, but with a glycemic index of only 11 (sugar has a glycemic index of 68-85). In recipes, use 1/2 to 3/4 cup in place of 1 cup sugar. You may also need to reduce the amount of liquid, just as you would for honey. Use like honey in beverages or on cereal, bread, etc.

The name agave comes from the Greek word for ‘noble.’ Organic agave syrup (and tequila) is made from the sap from hearts (piñas) of the agave or maguey (pronounced ‘mah-gay’) plant. This plant is actually related to the lily and amaryllis (it has its own genus, Agave). It is known as a succulent and, although it shares a common habitat with many cacti, it is not one itself and has a different life cycle. A mature agave has leaves 5-8 feet tall, and is 7-12 feet in diameter. It has a lifespan of 8-15 years, depending on species, growing conditions and climate.

There are 136 species of agave in Mexico , of which the blue agave - Agave tequilana - is the only one allowed for use in tequila production and also the only agave used to make Young Living Agave Syrup. Blue agave is higher in fructose-producing carbohydrates than other types of agave and is considered to be the finest agave in the world. Several different species of agave are allowed for use in the production of mescal, an alcohol similar to, yet quite different than tequila. These other species of agave are also used to make most agave syrups.

Organic agave syrup is a natural product that can sweeten any type of beverage or food. It is derived from the carbohydrates present in the agave plant through a totally natural thermic (heat) process with no chemicals involved. To produce organic agave syrup, juice is expressed from the core of the agave (the piña). The juice is then selected to become dark agave syrup or is filtered to create a light agave syrup.

The unfiltered dark liquid contains many minerals and retains a natural and unique flavor, with a slight hint of a vanilla-like aroma. The light has the natural solids removed through a fine filtration process, creating a liquid that can be used in recipes that require a more neutral base that can be colored.

As with the creation of all agave syrups, the light and dark liquids are then heated, causing thermic hydrolysis which breaks down the carbohydrates into sugars. The main carbohydrate is a complex form of fructose called inulin or fructosan. The filtered juice is concentrated to a syrup-like liquid a little thinner than honey.

Fructose
Fructose is a simple sugar found mainly in fruits and vegetables. Due to the predominance of fructose, organic agave syrup is much sweeter than sucrose but has the same caloric value as sucrose (table sugar). Thus, a smaller amount yields the same sweetness but fewer calories than sucrose. This gives agave syrup advantages in both the food industry and the health of the consumer.

Did you know that Americans eat over 150 pounds of sweeteners each year per person?

This represents a 1,500% jump in sugar consumption in the last 200 years. Did you also know that sugar by any other name is still sugar?

For example, evaporated cane juice, corn syrup, dextrose, ethyl maltol, high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, raw sugar and turbinado sugar are all forms of sugar that wreak the same havoc on our bodies as refined table sugar. As we eat more and more sugar, we put undue stress on our bodies (our bodies, by the way, need very little sugar for optimal health).

In response to a rise in blood sugar when we have a sweetener, our pancreas produces insulin, which removes sugar from the blood to be stored as fat. This process results in low blood sugar which means we want to eat more. It should be no surprise, then, that sugar consumption leads to obesity, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and diabetes.

What may be a bigger surprise is that sugar consumption also increases triglycerides, a major predictor of heart disease. Cancer cells feed on sugar. And sugar lowers the body’s production of antibodies, hinders the germ-killing ability of white blood cells, and blocks the transport of Vitamin C.

Buy Blue Agave (item #3224)

Calories: 20 per serving
Carbohydrates: 5.2 grams per serving
Dietary Fiber: 0 grams per serving
Sugars: 5.2 grams per serving
Approximately 189 servings per container

Ingredients: Organic nectar from Agave tequilana.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What’s all the “pH-uss” about pH in Cosmetic Products - Myths and Facts about acid and alkaline

pH stands for the power of the hydrogen atom. Skin and hair do not have a pH. A scale from 0 to 14 is used to measure acidity and alkalinity of solutions. pH 7.0 is neutral. Acidity increases as the pH number decreases and alkalinity increases as the pH number increases.

Usually the pH of a cosmetic will not change the natural pH of the hair or skin because the hair and skin contain keratin, fatty acids and other substances that adjust the pH levels with which they come into contact. As long as a pH is not unusually high or low there is no problem – pH wise – with a cosmetic.

Naturally the high pH of cold wave solutions and hair straighteners can damage the hair and skin, but even this is rare providing a proper conditioner or moisturizer is used after such pH alterations. There is no such thing as a “pH balanced” product because a product’s pH will drift during shelf life and alter when applied to the hair and skin.

A product’s pH is not a danger to the body, but the synthetic chemicals used in cosmetics – often to alter the pH to please the ones who fall for the “pH balanced” story – are (Hampton).

So tell me, who’s selling “Snake Oils!?”

Buy Young Living Skin Care products and Shampoo's

Who Took the “Natural” out of Natural Cosmetics - Myths and Facts about what’s Natural

NATURAL COSMETICS

The definition of “natural“…

natural |ˈna ch ərəl|
adjective
1. existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind : carrots contain a natural antiseptic that fights bacteria | natural disasters such as earthquakes.

Hmmm, this makes me wonder if many of these companies ever take a look at a dictionary. Ok, enough of my cynical coments - let’s get to the core of this…

MYTH: Contains no artificial ingredients. Pure or from nature.

FACT: There is no legal definition for “natural” which is why you see it everywhere. [ok, so a dictionary isn’t the law] A chemist’s definition of organic simply requires that the molecule contain carbon (Hampton).

In cosmetic terminology, the term “natural” usually means anything the manufacturer wishes.

There are no legal boundaries for the term. There are no guidelines surrounding what can or cannot be inside a “natural” product. Most cosmetics called “natural” still contain preservatives, coloring agents and all the other things you can think of that sound very unnatural (Begoun).

Another little Fact:

When I talk to people, or post something in this blog, I’m always at a loss for words as to “how” to exress that Young Living products are NOT fake natural products. The words organic, all-natural and pure, don’t mean anything these days because they are abused by marketers and the companies producing those products.

So what’s a girl left to say?

“I enjoy Young Living’s essential oils, personal & dental care products because they contain ingredients our human bodies have evolved with, my body recognizes the ingreidents and knows what to do with them, and they’re edible.”

That reminds me of a question someone asked me a couple months ago, “is the Thieves Household Cleaner OSHA approved?”

I almost didn’t know what to say, without sounding like a jerk. Seriously, the essential oils and products (the Thieves Household Cleaner included) are probably safer than the food most people in the US eat! I’d bet OSHA wouldn’t even approve the dental care products on the market.

For those of you who appreciate better than food quality products, like I do, and who are sick and tired of the “misleading” representations - you may want to take a closer look at what Young Living offers.

Myth and Facts about Liposomes and the Fountain of Youth

LIPOSOMES

MYTH: Nanosphenes or Micellization - Ultimate anti-aging agent.

FACT: Liposomes are one of the newest entries in the “Fountain of Youth” arena. According to one recent theory, cellular aging involves the edification of skin cell membranes. Liposomes, which are tiny bags of fat and thymus gland extract suspended in a gel, are supposed to merge with your aging skin cells, revive them and add moisture to them.

Current scientific understanding does not support the rigidification theory. The cell membranes of young and old persons are alike. As a result, it is likely that liposome-containing moisturizers represent nothing more than another expensive allure (Novick).

The only wrinkles I want to see are the clothes in my dirty laundry basket.

What do I use?

My favorite Young Living wrinkle slower-downers are:

Frankincense essential oil (about twice a week I put 2 drops in my palm, with index finger apply the frankincense on my face and neck). Be sure to read “Usng Essential Oils” before you try this at home.

Boswellia Wrinkle Cream

A•R•T Skin Care

Wolfberry Eye Cream

Beauty Serum for oily skin

Buy Young Living Skin Care Products

No, I don’t apply them all at once. I like to switch between them. Between the weather, humidity, heat or cool or my mood - my skin needs different things at different times.

I’ve always had pretty oily skin and have always wished I had beautiful skin. I’m a lot older than I look, and two years ago I began hearing something from people that I once dreamed of hearing, “you have such beautiful skin.” It wasn’t until I began using the Young Living skin care products and Frankincense essential oil that my skin became something I’m proud of.

Thank you, Young Living!

Essential 7 Collection - the Essential Oil First Aid Kit

Where do you begin? The Essential 7 kit was created so that anyone could immediately use and appreciate the benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oils it contains seven 5 ml. bottles.

The Essential 7 Collection contains...

• LAVENDER (lavendula officinalis) is the most versatile of all essential oils. Therapeutic-grade lavender has been highly regarded for the skin. The French scientist Rene Gattefosse was the first to discover these properties when he severely burned his hands in a laboratory explosion. Lavender has also been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. The fragrance is calming, relaxing, and balancing-physically and emotionally.

How to use: Diffuse or apply topically. Because lavender has a wide range of uses, if you are unsure which oil to apply, use lavender. Safe for use on small children. May also be added to food, or goat or rice milk as a dietary supplement.

• LEMON (citrus limon) contains 68 percent d-limonene, a powerful antioxidant. It may serve as an insect repellent and may be beneficial for the skin.

How to use: Diffuse or add a few drops to a spray bottle to deodorize and sterilize the air. Use for removing gum, oil, or grease spots. Add to food or goat or rice milk as a dietary supplement or flavoring.

Caution:
Citrus oils should NOT be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within 72 hours.


• PEPPERMINT (mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in improving taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals.

How to use: Diffuse. Massage on the stomach or add to water or tea for supporting normal digestion. Apply to bottom of feet to cool off on a hot day. Rub on the temples for a calming effect, or place several drops on the tongue as an invigorating pick-me-up. A wonderful flavoring and preservative.

Caution: avoid contact with eyes, mucus membranes, or sensitive skin areas.

Do not apply to a fresh wound or burn.

• PURIFICATION is a blend that, when diffused, helps to purify and cleanse the air and neutralize mildew, cigarette smoke, and disagreeable odors. When applied directly to the skin, Purification may be used to cleanse and soothe insect bites, cuts, and scrapes.

How to use: Diffuse, apply topically, or put on cotton balls to place in air vents of home, car, hotel room, and office. Diffuse and rub on feet during cleansing.

• Joy produces a magnetic energy to enhance the frequency of self-love and brings an exotic, luxurious blend of ylang ylang, bergamot, mandarin, rose and other oils that produces an uplifting magnetic energy and brings joy to the heart. When worn as a cologne or perfume, it exudes an alluring and irresistible fragrance that inspires romance and togetherness. When diffused, it can be refreshing and uplifting.

• PEACE AND CALMING is a gentle, fragrant blend specially designed for diffusing. It promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace, helping to calm tensions and uplift spirits. When massaged on the bottoms of the feet, it can be a wonderful prelude to a peaceful night’s rest. Peace & Calming may be especially calming and comforting to young children after an overactive and stressful day.

How to use: Diffuse in bedrooms, living areas, and office. Apply to bottom of feet, wrists, and outside of ears. Blend with V-6 Mixing Oil or Massage Oil Base for a calming massage.

• PANAWAY was created by Gary Young following an injury that severely tore the ligaments in his leg. PanAway is a blend of wintergreen, which has a constituent similar to cortisone; clove, which contains eugenol, used by dentists to numb gums; peppermint, which is calming for nerves; and helichrysum, which is soothing to localized discomfort.

How to use: Apply to the bottoms of feet and follow with topical application on location. Rub on temples, back of neck, or forehead, or inhale for a soothing effect. Use with a compress along the spine.

Get your Essential 7 Kit here!.

My Dogs Favorite Essential Oil - Palo Santo

This is my dog, Bandit. Two years ago he was playing with another dog and Bandit ended up getting hurt. It was his hind leg that got injured and he could hardly walk, he was lame. After two days of showing no improvement, I took him to the vet to find out what exactly was wrong.

Turned out he had a mild “cranial tibial thrust” of his left knee. The vet suggested surgery, at a cost about $2,000. I didn’t make an appointment for surgery because I felt it could heal with some TLC and essential oils.

It took a while but it appears to have healed (primarily because Palo Santo was not being distilled at the time of his injury) by the usage of a particular essential oil and of course rest, a good diet (raw). The essential oil is called Palo Santo. I believe Young Living is “still” the only company in the world that is distilling Palo Santo.

Bandit has a beautiful long silky coat so what I did was work work my fingers down to his skin and held the hair as much out of the way as I could. I then put one or two drops of Palo Santo on his skin and rub it in with my fingers.

Today, Bandit still enjoys Palo Santo when he is feeling stiffness. He knows the oil by name and sniffs it out in my essential oil case of some 150 different oils.

I’ll put a drop on his hip and within 30 seconds he has what I call, “puppy energy.” As soon as I get myself a digital video camera I’ll record it for everyone to see, it’s pretty amazing.

Palo Santo trees grow like weeds on the newest Young Living farm which is located in Ecuador. The thing about Palo Santo I find most interesting is that the essential oil does not come from “live” plant parts, but rather the dead fallen wood.

Palo Santo has a strong and distinctive scent comes from the same botanical family (Burseraceae) as frankincense, although it is found in South America rather than the Middle East. Like frankincense, palo santo is known as a spiritual oil, traditionally used by the Incas to purify and cleanse the spirit from negative energies. Even its Spanish name reflects how highly this oil is regarded, Palo Santo means “holy wood” or “sacred wood.”

In my mind, when I think of the properties of frankincense, I think celluar repair. I had heard that Palo Santo was also beneficial for discomfort. For these two resaons is why I originally chose this oil, Bandit appeared to agree with my choice.

When using essential oils on dogs, or any animal for that matter, you must remember to not over do it. Proper use of therapeutic-grade essential oils, I believe, can make a big difference.

I think our four-legged and furry friends appreciate alternative therapies. I know Bandit certainly does.

Buy Palo Santo

Lavender Body Scrub Recipe for Beautiful Skin

There are many commercial scrubs available, why would you bother to shop for a product that has ingredients you don’t necessarily want in your life or on your skin?

Here’s a lovely recipe you can easily make with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen cabinets. Create your own Home Spa easily and often!

Lavender Essential Oil Body Scrub

• Olive Oil 1/2 cup
• Fine Sea Salt 1/2 cup
• Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops

Lavender is known for being excellent for the skin, but there are other essential oils you may also want to try: Melrose (which happens to be on special right now, 10% off), Clarity, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Peace & Calming (restful sleep), or maybe Rosewood if you’re not feeling well.

Mix together all of the ingredients, and place in clean dry jar.
Use this after you bathe or shower (but stay in tub/shower to rinse off).
Place small amount in your hand
Gently scrub in circular motion on skin -Scrub entire body. Be gentle on, or avoid, sensitive areas.
Be careful stepping out of tub/shower, it may be slippery from the oil.
Pat dry with bath towel, or better yet, let yourself air-dry it will make your skin feel so much more silky.

Remember, only therapeutic-grade essential oils will produce the luxurious and therapeutic effects we all deserve.

Buy Young Living Essential Oils

This recipe would also make a wonderful gift for someone special.

Direct Sellers: Ideas for Booking Shows and Parties in your Direct Selling Business!

Yesterday, my business coach, Caterina Rando, had a free TeleClass on creative ways to create a summer booking boom. She recorded the class and I’m providing the link here so you can listen to it and make your summer sizzle!

Click here to listen to the recording, Booking Ideas for Summer!

Caterina is terrific, having worked with many different Direct Selling organizations it’s difficult for me to imagine that during and after her coaching that one wouldn’t see significant improvements in their downline, personal leadership skills, professionalism, and conducting their business on a whole new level.

Caterina Rando is offering a SPECIAL SUMMER OFFER for her Direct Sales Business Breakthrough Groups starting September 10th.

Through your participation in Business Breakthrough you will gain:

• More clarity, focus and accomplishment of your goals and mission
• A solid action plan to follow to book, sell, recruit and lead effectively
• New tools for accelerated growth in your challenge areas
• Skills to develop leaders throughout your organization
• More consistency in your actions and more results happen with ease
• A significant increase in your recruiting results
• Higher commissions and an increase in your personal and group volume

No matter what stage of the game you’re in with your direct selling business, Caterina’s coaching program WILL help move to ahead and conduct yourself and your business in a new way. I highly recommend her coaching classes!

An Ode to Thieves

A few months ago, my boyfriend wrote this poem at my request. It’s about the story of the Young Living essential oil blend called Thieves.

An Ode to Thieves

A long time ago
in the days of yore
wizened thieves knew
they had the cure.
To steal from the sick
to rob the dead
to come home safe
to sleep in bed.
The days of the plague
were deadly and cruel.
The king caught word
about this tool,
he sent his horses,
he sent his men
to search every field,
hollow and glen.
The rogues were finally
caught in the act.
They were brought to the king
and shown the axe.
They had but one choice -
to die slow or fast.
The king wanted his family
to last and last.
The morbid band
began to write
about plant oils
that had the might
to render a person
both safe and chaste,
when mixed together,
on the body placed,
against sickness, disease,
and malady all.
Do you think this story
is so very tall?
History is full
of amazing things
that come to us
on wide spread wings.
This recipe today
can be found
in the Royal Archives
of London town.
This remarkable mixture
is alive today
and comes to you
in a wonderful way.
It comes as a cleaner
both safe and bold,
that cleans your rug
and gets rid of mold.
It cleans your floors
and cleans your pans.
It’s gentle enough
to clean your hands.
All this came,
if you’re willing to believe,
from a morbid band
of apothecary THIEVES!

A Poem for Evelyn Vincent by Curt Siters ©2007

Buy Thieves products from Curt or Evelyn

The Science of Food, Human Nature & the Truth

I came across an interesting website today which has several short BBC films on food. Below is the list of film topics, many of which I think you’ll find informative, while some answer questions many wouldn’t even dare ask…enjoy!

Science & Nature: Truth About Food

You will need RealPlayer or Windows Media Player to view the clips.

How to be Healthy

• Can eating like an ape save your health?
• How much wind do you produce in a day?
• Is garlic a natural cure for male impotence?
• Can changing your diet give your gut a makeover?
• Can vegetables help you resist infection?

How to be Sexy

• Can diet improve a man’s sperm?
• Can food change the flavour of seminal fluid? (Warning: This film may offend)
• Do women eat less on a date with a man they fancy?
• Can a change in diet transform a woman’s mood?
• Can the smell of food get blood moving to the penis?
• Do aphrodisiacs really work?

How to feed your kids
• Does forbidding snacks work?
• How do you get kids to eat their greens?
• How do you avoid overeating?
• Does sugar make kids hyperactive?
• Is TV really to blame for making us fat?


How to be slim

• Is my metabolism to blame for my weight?
• Can dairy help you absorb less fat?
• Can keeping a track of what we eat make a difference?
• Is there a healthy, pain-free way to lose weight?
• Does portion size affect how much we eat?
• Which type of food is the most filling?
• Can water help you lose weight?

How to be young and beautiful

• Can tomatoes protect your skin?
• How can you get the maximum health benefit from drinking red wine?
• Can berries improve your memory?
• Does Detox work?
• Can spinach save your eyesight?
• Does drinking two litres of water a day improve your skin?

How to be the best

• Can caffeine give us a mental edge?
• Are veggies weaker than meat eaters?
• Can Omega 3 reduce your stress levels?
• Is snacking better for your performance?
• Why does a high carb diet keep you going for longer?

The Sunny-Side of Lemon Essential Oil

Who would have ever thought that something as simple, as the rind of lemon, could be so beneficial and useful!? Have you noticed, when you peel an orange, you see and smell a fine fragrant mist squirting into the air… that’s the essential oil.

• The extraction method used for all citrus is “cold pressed” from the rind.
• The essential oil coming from the rind isn’t acidic like the “juice.”
• It takes about 3,000 lemons to make one kilo of essential oil.

This is a great time to mention the importance of “organic” and proper distillation…imagine, if you didn’t use organic lemon rind and your essential oil had the pesticide and fungicide residue of 3,000 lemon peels, YIKES! Talk about a very toxic substance!

You can safely assume that it’s going to be the same scenario for any plant that is being distilled. When you throw into the mix, solvents which many distillers use to extract more of the oil out of a plant. Aromatherapy and healing with essential oils is suppose to be a beneficial thing, not life threatening! I cannot stress this point enough, know the oils you’re buying.

Traditional Uses for Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon has antiseptic-like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function. According Jean Valnet, M.D., the vaporized essence of lemon can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours, and Pneumococcus bacteria within three hours. Even a 0.2% solution of lemon oil can kill diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis bacteria.

Indications

Anemia, asthma, herpes, warts, shingles, bleeding, malaria, parasites, rheumatism, throat infection, ureter infections, and varicose veins.

Other Uses for Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon oil may be beneficial for anxiety, blood pressure, digestive problems, respiratory infections, and sore throats. It helps promote leukocyte formation, improves memory, strengthens nails, cleans the skin, and promotes a sense of well-being. Lemon has shown to have antidepressant effects in research done by Komori, et al.,1995. It may also help brighten a pale, dull complexion by removing the dead skin cells.

Buy Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

Applications and Using Young Living Therapeutic Lemon Essential Oil

• Diffuse or add a few drops to a spray bottle to deodorize and sterilize the air.

• Add 2 drops to water for purification or combine with peppermint (Mentha piperita) to provide a refreshing lift.

• Add a drop or two to food or water as a dietary supplement or flavoring.

• Use 6 drops of Lemon oil and 6 drops of Purification essential oil blend in a squirt bottle mixed with distilled water to use in the bathroom as an air freshener.

• Use 1-2 drops of Lemon oil to remove gum, oil, grease spots or crayon.

• Use 1 drop of Lemon oil to add flavor to baked goods or beverages.

• For homemade lemonade, in a blender mix 2 drops of Lemon oil, 2 tablespoons of honey or Blue Agave and two cups of pure water. Adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your own taste.

• To clean and increase the shelf life of fresh fruit, fill a bowl with cool water and 2-3 drops of Lemon oil. Drop your cleaned fruit into the water and stir. Be sure all surfaces of the fruit contact the lemon water.

• Add 2-3 drops of Lemon oil to water and spray counter tops to sterilize them.

• Soak your dishcloth overnight in a bowl of water and a drop of Lemon oil to disinfect and kill germs.

• Add a drop of Lemon oil to your dishwasher before the wash cycle (better yet, use Thieves Household Cleaner in place of dishwasher detergent).

• Rub a drop of Lemon oil on your hands after using a public bathroom.

• Use a paper towel soaked with several drops of Lemon oil to sanitize bathroom fixtures.

• Sore Throat - Mix 1 drop lemon in half glass (a real glass, not plastic) of warm water, mix well then gargle.

• Lemon also works well in removing gum, oil and grease spots.

• Mix a drop in a teaspoon of water & wipe the kitchen counter to kill bacteria (makes the kitchen smell fresh too).

• Put 10-15 drops of Lemon oil in each gallon of carpet cleaning solution to help pull out stains and brighten the rug (use Thieves Household Cleaner in place of carpet shampoo). This also leaves a fresh smell in the room.

Buy Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

Caution: all citrus essential oils and bergamot, can cause photosensitivity when applied to the skin… so do not apply and go out into the sun. Give yourself 12-18 hours before heading out into sunlight after applying lemon topically.

With that in mind, here are some other ways to use lemon oil...

• Place a drop of Lemon oil on cold sores, herpes or other mouth ulcers to lessen pain and aid in healing.

• Put a drop of Lemon oil on bleeding gums caused by gingivitis or tooth extraction.

• Rub a drop of Lemon oil to clean a butcher’s block or other cutting surfaces.

• Put a drop of Lemon oil on oily skin or acne to balance sebaceous glands (oil glands).

• Rub several drops of Lemon oil on cellulite to improve circulation and help eliminate waste from the cells.

• Rub two drops of Lemon oil topically to clear athlete’s foot.

• Rub several drops of Lemon oil on varicose veins to improve circulation and relieve pressure on the veins.

• Rub a drop of Lemon oil on a wart morning and night until it disappears.

• Rub a drop of Lemon oil on a corn, callous or bunion mornings and evenings.

Buy Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

Other Facts

It is also recommended that you never mix therapeutic-grade essential oils with other products that contain synthetic chemicals or petrochemicals. Therapeutic-grade essential oils will break them down.

When a drop of therapeutic-grade lemon oil is put on a styrofoam cup it dissolves it!

The informational here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.

Skin Soothing & Healing with Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh is a very powerful essential oil from ancient times. The Arabian people used myrrh for many skin conditions, such as chapped skin and wrinkles. It was also listed by Hildegard of Bingen in her book of medicines. Some of the many uses are candida, ringworm, eczema, tooth/gum infections.

Myrrh, like frankincense, is a universal oil, offering benefits for numerous complaints and conditions. Indicated for bronchitis, dysentery, hyperthyroidism, oral and vaginal thrush, ulcers, and viral hepatitis. It has also been found to benefit asthma, athlete’s foot, coughs, eczema, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, ringworm, wounds, wrinkles, and chapped or cracked skin. It is widely used today in oral hygiene products.

Myrrh is what is known as “a fixing oil.” Meaning it extends the therapeutic action of any other oil with which it is combined. Biblical people knew this and included myrrh as a significant portion of all their ointments. Myrrh was such a universally common ingredient of healing ointments at the time of Christ that the Greek word for “ointment” (muron) and the Greek word for “myrrh” (muron) were the same.

Myrrh is in many of the Young Living products, it’s one of the ingredients in ClaraDerm Spray (item #3750). I’ve experienced and seen some pretty amazing itching and wrinkle removing results from ClaraDerm Spray, the essential oils in this product are very powerful. The thing that gets me, is that it requires so little.

ClaraDerm Spray is especially helpful for skin irritation and itching. Gary Young created it for his wife after childbirth for use in the vaginal area. It helped to speed up the healing of the stressed skin. It was used with her second pregnancy. She wished she had it for the first pregnancy as she healed so much faster, and without discomfort.

Buy Young Living therapeutic-grade Myrrh

This information is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil

Young Living’s Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil is amazing. Because of the proper growing and distillation practices I use this wonderful essential oil in many ways. If you aren’t familiar with why proper distillation and purity are important be sure to read the page on Distillation.

It is said, that the Young Living peppermint essential oil is the equivalent of 28 cups of peppermint tea. So DO NOT go applying several drops in your skin, food or on your tongue! Never underestimate the power of a true essential oil!

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Monoterpenes: á pinene, â.pinene, limonene: Monoterpenols: menthol (38-48%); Monoterpenones: menthone (20-30%); Terpene oxides: 1,8 cineol; Terpene esters: menthol acetate; Coumarins, Sulfurs: dimenthalsulfide.

ACTION: Anticarcinogenic, supports digestion, expels worms, decongestant, antiinfectious, antibacterial, antifungal, mucolytic, stimulant, hypertensive, cardiotonic, stimulates gallbladder, pain-relieving, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory for the intestinal and urinary tract. It can heighten or restore the sense of taste by stimulating the trigeminal nerve.

FOUND IN THESE YOUNG LIVING BLENDS & PRODUCTS: Aroma Siez, Clarity, Di-Gize, Legacy, M-Grain, Mister, PanAway, Raven, RC, Relieve-It, Cinnamint Lip Balm, Dentarome Plus Toothpaste, Fresh Essence Mouthwash, Satin Scrub-Mint, NeuroGen, Regenolone, Satin Body Lotion, Morning Start Bath Gel, Peppermint-Cedarwood Soap, Morning Start Soap, Ortho Ease Massage Oil, Ortho Sport Massage Oil, Relaxation Massage Oil, ComforTone, Mineral Essence, Pro-Gen, ProMist, ThermaMist, and Thyromin.

TRADITIONAL USES: Peppermint is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center (the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus) which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals.

INDICATIONS: Asthma, bronchitis, candida, diarrhea, digestive aid, reduces fever, halitosis, heartburn, hemorrhoids, hot flashes, indigestion, menstrual irregularity, headaches, motion sickness, nausea, tumor growth, respiratory infections, shock, itchy skin, throat infections, and varicose veins. Other Uses: This oil may help arthritis, indigestion, depression, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis), food poisoning, headaches, hives, hysteria, inflammation, morning sickness, nerve regeneration, rheumatism, elevate and open sensory system, toothaches, and tuberculosis.

Buy Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil

A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.).

APPLICATIONS: Diffuse. Massage on the stomach or add one drop to water or tea. Apply to bottom of feet or rub on the temples to treat headaches (keep away from eyes!) To improve concentration, alertness, and memory, place a drop on the tongue (it’s very strong, so don’t over do it). Add to food as a flavoring and preservative.

• Rub 4-6 drops in the palm and rub over stomach and around the navel to relieve indigestion, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea.

• Add a drop of Peppermint oil to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.

• Massage several drops of Peppermint oil on the area of injury to reduce inflammation.

• Apply Peppermint oil immediately to an injured area (bruised shin, hit on the foot or hand) to relieve pain. If there is a cut, apply the Peppermint oil around (not on) the open wound.

• Rub several drops of Peppermint oil on the bottoms of the feet to reduce fever.

• Apply a drop of Peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching. Never apply peppermint to an open wound.

• For poison ivy or poison oak, apply Peppermint oil on location neat or dilute with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil.

• Inhale Peppermint oil before and during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue.

• To relieve a headache rub a drop of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck.

• To stop hiccups, apply a drop of Peppermint oil on each side of the fifth cervical vertebra (up three notches from the large vertebra at the base of the neck).

• Diffuse Peppermint oil in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy. Inhale Peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.

• Rub 4 drops of Peppermint oil on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.

• Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold.

• Add Peppermint oil to food as a flavoring and a preservative (usually one or two drops is plenty).

• To deter rats, mice, ants or cockroaches, place two drops of Peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place along the path or point of entry for these pests.

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• Mix one 15-ml. bottle of Peppermint oil into a 5 gallon can of paint to dispel the fumes.

• Place a drop of Peppermint oil in a cup of hot water and enjoy in place of coffee.

• To kill aphids add 4-5 drops of Peppermint oil to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.

• Drink a drop of Peppermint oil mixed in a glass of cold water to cool off on a hot day.

• Rub Peppermint oil on joints to help relieve arthritis or tendonitis discomfort.

• Place one drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue to stop bad breath.

• Inhale the fragrance of Peppermint oil to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.

• Remove ticks by applying a drop of Peppermint oil on a cotton swab and swabbing the tick. Wait for it to unhedge its head and remove from your pet.

• Mix Peppermint oil in a footbath to relieve sore feet. Keep water agitated while soaking feet.

• Put two drops in the palm of your hand and rub over body and clothing as a mosquito repellent. Note: Palo Santo essential oil works better as an insect repellant.

FRAGRANT INFLUENCE: It is purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind.

PEPPERMINT - CEDARWOOD BAR SOAP

SAFETY DATA: If currently under a doctor’s care or pregnant, consult physician prior to use. Avoid contact with eyes, mucus membranes, or sensitive skin areas. Do not apply neat (undiluted) to a fresh wound or burn.

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Note: caution has been urged for peppermint oil during pregnancy, therapy in patients with GI reflux, hiatal hernia or kidney stones.

This information is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe. It is soley for your better understanding of holistic healing. Always consult your doctor before attempting to treat yourself.

ORAC Scores of Essential Oils

Young Living organic therapeutic-grade essential oils have very high ORAC scores. According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2nd Ed., they are as follows:

Sandalwood (Santalum album)
1,655

Roman Camomile (Camaemelum nobile)
2,446

Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)
2,517

Rosemary (Rosmarianus officianalis)
3,309

Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia)
3,669

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
5,398

Helichrysm (Helichrysm italicum)
17,420

Lemongrass (Cymbopogen flexuosus)
17,765

Orange (Citrus aurantium)
18,898

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
24,157

Rose of Sharon (Cistus ladanifer)
38,648

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamamum verum)
103,448

Mountain Savory (Satureja montana)
113,071

Oregano (Origanum compactum)
153,007

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
159,590

Clove (Syzigium aromaticum)
10,786,875

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Clove is the champion of all with an ORAC score over 10 million!!

Young Living Frankincense Essential Oil

The name Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) is derived from the Medieval French word for “real incense.” Frankincense is considered a holy anointing oil and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. It was well known during the time of Christ for its anointing and healing powers (”. . . [T]hey presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11.) “Used to treat every conceivable ill known to man,” Frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times, and only those with great wealth and abundance processed it. There are over 52 references to Frankincense in the bible.

Frankincense is now being researched and used therapeutically in European and American hospitals and used with horses.

Frankincense (fact sheet)is stimulating and elevating to the mind and can help in overcoming stress and despair.

How to Use therapeutic-grade Frankincense

Diffuse (using a cold-air nebulizer diffuser is best) or apply topically.

May be added to food or rice milk as a dietary supplement. See Using Essential Oils to learn more.

Know the Essential Oils You’re Buying

Young Living uses only therapeutic grade oils. Perfume grade or poor quality oils may possibly be harmful due to unknown additives and poor plant or distillation conditions. US labeling for essential oils is governed by the Perfume Act, allowing labels to say “100% pure essential oil” and by law contain only 5% of any grade oils.

Properly distilled therapeutic-grade Frankincense should retail for about $100 for a 15 ml bottle… if you find it cheaper, you can be certain it is NOT suitable for anointing or ingesting, nor will it have any healing properties.

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The information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We urge you to do the health related research necessary to learn what is right for you.

Some Research

Michie, C.A., et al. “Frankincense and myrrh as remedies in children.” J R Soc. Med.1991;84(10):602-5.

Wang, L.G., et al. “Determination of DNA topoisomerase II activity from L1210 cells - a target for screening antitumor agents.” Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsuch Pao. 1991;12(2):108-14.

Crowell PL. Prevention and therapy of cancer by dietary monoterpenes. J Nutr. 1999Mar;129(3):775S-778S.

Valerian Essential Oil

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Once called “all heal”, has been treasured since medieval times. Through the centuries, valerian has been used for insomnia, migraines, aches, sores, and colds.

Today, valerian oil is often used for its anti-bacterial and sedative properties, as well as to aid with sleeping.

Valerian’s scent (which is distinctive and not the prettiest smelling) is often used to help with meditation, and for its calming, relaxing, and balancing properties.

Valerian blends well with cedarwood, lavender, patchouli, petitgrain, pine, and rosemary.

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Information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We urge you to do the health related research necessary to learn what is right for you.

Bring Some Realism into Your Kids Artwork -make your own scented Finger Paints

These essential oil scented finger paints are easy to make, and a lot of fun to play with. Kids of all ages will love discovering the different scents of these paints as they create beautiful pictures and designs. Using finger paints is also a great way to help develop creativity, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination in younger children.

Instructions:

1. In a small cup or bowl, mix 1/4 cup of liquid laundry starch with 1 tsp. powdered tempera paint (5 drops of food coloring will also work if powdered tempera paints are not available).

2. Repeat the step above using different colors of powdered tempera paint until you have a good variety of colors (4-6 colors is usually sufficient).

3. Mix 2-3 drops of a different essential oil with each color of paint.

Some good combinations are:
lavender or Peace & Calming Blend for purple or blue;
pine, spruce, or fir for green;
peppermint for red or white;
chamomile for yellow;
spearmint for blue;
and cedarwood for brown.

You can also try coming up with your own unique combinations, therapeutic-grade essential oils can be found at my website.

4. Carefully pour each color of paint into a 2 oz. plastic bottle and replace the cap on the bottle.

5. (Optional) Create a label for each bottle with the color, scent and instructions…for example, your label might read:

“Essentially Scented Finger Paints:
Little Lucy’s Lavender Blue
Instructions: shake bottle, open, squeeze paint onto a sheet of finger-paint or freezer paper, and have fun painting!”

6. Before painting, shake the bottle a little bit, then open the bottle and squeeze out the desired amount of paint onto finger-paint paper, freezer paper, or thick paper. You can spread the paint with your fingers, or with small paintbrushes.

7. Note: Make sure that younger children are supervised by an adult at all times while they are using these paints. Although they smell good, the liquid starch used would probably not be good to swallow.

Additional Ideas:

1. If you are giving a set of these finger paints as a gift, you may want to include sheets of finger-paint paper (or a roll of freezer paper) to paint on, or a small apron or painting smock to protect clothes.

2. Use a set of these paints to help teach a pre-school class about the senses. You can talk about how the paints look, how they smell, and how they feel.

Be mindful of the essential oils you choose to purchase, particularly around children: Information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. Young Living uses only therapeutic grade oils. Most essential oils available are perfume grade or poor quality essential oils and may possibly be harmful due to unknown additives and poor plant or distillation conditions. US labeling for essential oils is governed by the Perfume Act, allowing labels to say “100%”pure essential oil” and by law contain only 5% of any grade oils. Know what you’re buying.

Essential Oils as Pesticides & Insect Repellants

I came across this interesting article recently, below. The unfortunate thing about findings such as this is the fact that cinnamon essential oil will never be picked up and used by any large company for the fact that it cannot be patented.

The part that worries me is that they can take the cinnamon leaf or bark and extract certain components, which they can patent. This always worries me because everything is made up with all of the components it has for a reason. When you start removing parts of anything, and using them, you are not and never will, get the full and oftentimes much safer benefits as you would if it were left intact.

I think the only thing I would add to the article below is the fact that cinnamon essential oil is “hot.” I’m concerned that some might not realize that a very small amount of properly distilled essential oil needs to be handled mindfully, otherwise damage to other organisms could result.

You may also be interested in seeing the ORAC scores of some essential oils.

Never underestimate the power of a small amount of any essential oil. More is not necessarily better.

And of course, you can only expect to get results when you use the best quality pure organic essential oils, such as Young Living Essential Oils. Novelty and perfume oils will NOT produce favorable results.

Here’s the article…

Cinnamon oil shows promise as a great-smelling, environmentally friendly pesticide, with the ability to kill mosquito larvae, according to a new study published in the July 14 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society.

The researchers also expect that cinnamon oil could be a good mosquito repellant, though they have not yet tested it against adult mosquitoes.

Besides being a summer nuisance, mosquitoes pose some major public health problems. While conventional pesticide application is often effective in controlling mosquito larvae before they hatch, repeated use of these agents has raised serious environmental and health concerns.

“These problems have highlighted the need for new strategies for mosquito larval control,” says Peter Shang-Tzen Chang, a professor in the School of Forestry and Resource Conservation at National Taiwan University and lead author of the paper. Scientists are increasingly turning to more benign natural chemicals to ward off mosquitoes and other pests.

Chang and his coworkers tested eleven compounds in cinnamon leaf oil for their ability to kill emerging larvae of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. “Four compounds — cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, eugenol and anethole — exhibited the strongest activity against A. aegypti in 24 hours of testing,” Chang says.

Larvicidal activity is judged with a measurement called LC50. “The LC50 value is the concentration that kills 50 percent of mosquito larvae in 24 hours,” Chang explains. Lower LC50 translates into higher activity, because it takes a lower concentration to kill larvae in the same amount of time. All four compounds had LC50 values of less than 50 parts per million (ppm), with cinnamaldehyde showing the strongest activity at an LC50 of 29 ppm.

Other common essential oils, such as catnip, have shown similar promise in fighting off mosquitoes, but this is the first time researchers have demonstrated cinnamon’s potential as a safe and effective pesticide, according to Chang.

Cinnamaldehyde is the main constituent in cinnamon leaf oil and is used worldwide as a food additive and flavoring agent. A formulation using the compound could be sprayed just like a pesticide, but without the potential for adverse health effects — plus the added bonus of a pleasant smell.

Bark oil from the Cinnamomum cassia tree is the most common source of cinnamaldehyde, but the tree used in this study — indigenous cinnamon, or Cinnamomum osmophloeum — has been of interest to researchers because the constituents of its leaf oil are similar to those of C. cassia bark oil. The leaves of C. osmophloeum, which grows in Taiwan’s natural hardwood forests, could be a more economical and sustainable source of cinnamon oil than isolating it from bark, Chang says.

Though the team only tested the oil against the yellow fever mosquito, cinnamon oil should prove similarly lethal to the larvae of other mosquito species, the researchers say. In further studies they plan to test cinnamon oil against other types of mosquitoes as well as different commercial pesticides.

“We think that cinnamon oil might also affect adult mosquitoes by acting as a repellant,” Chang says. The researchers haven’t yet tested this theory, but they plan to find out in the near future.

The Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan, a government agency in Taiwan, provided support for this research. Source EurekAlert!

What is probably not commonly known is the essential oil of Palo Santo, Young Living Essential Oils is the only company in the world distilling Palo Santo.

A friend, who recently returned from a trip in Ecuador reported that while in the rain forest the essential oil of Palo Santo, applied topically, repelled insects better than anything he has ever seen or tried and it lasted a very long time. He had much better results than if he used citronella, which I personally have not effective.

This might also explain why my dog never has any fleas or ticks. A few times a month I apply “one” drop of Palo Santo on his hip to ease the discomfort and stiffness he can have from an old injury. This is his favorite essential oil. Those couple drops a month might also be working much like a flea and tick collar, without the toxicity.

Buy organic pure Palo Santo essential oil here!

Pacific Trash Tsunami - nearly every bit of plastic ever made still exists

The plastic industry continues to convince and condition us into believing plastic is a beneficial and necessity of our modern way of living. If stuff, made of toxic chemicals is in fact such a great thing for modern man then why do we continue making more of it and using it?

I grow more and more convinced that plastic is anything but beneficial to the survival and convenience of our so-called modern world. You may agree with me even more after reading this…

Our oceans are turning into plastic… are we?

By Susan Casey, Photographs by Gregg Segal
Feb 20, 2007

A vast swath of the Pacific, twice the size of Texas, is full of a plastic stew that is entering the food chain. Scientists say these toxins are causing obesity, infertility…and worse.

Fate can take strange forms, and so perhaps it does not seem unusual that Captain Charles Moore found his life’s purpose in a nightmare. Unfortunately, he was awake at the time, and 800 miles north of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.

It happened on August 3, 1997, a lovely day, at least in the beginning: Sunny. Little wind. Water the color of sapphires. Moore and the crew of Alguita, his 50-foot aluminum-hulled catamaran, sliced through the sea.

Returning to Southern California from Hawaii after a sailing race, Moore had altered Alguita’s course, veering slightly north. He had the time and the curiosity to try a new route, one that would lead the vessel through the eastern corner of a 10-million-square-mile oval known as the North Pacific subtropical gyre. This was an odd stretch of ocean, a place most boats purposely avoided. For one thing, it was becalmed. “The doldrums,” sailors called it, and they steered clear. So did the ocean’s top predators: the tuna, sharks, and other large fish that required livelier waters, flush with prey. The gyre was more like a desert—a slow, deep, clockwise-swirling vortex of air and water caused by a mountain of high-pressure air that lingered above it…

It began with a line of plastic bags ghosting the surface, followed by an ugly tangle of junk: nets and ropes and bottles, motor-oil jugs and cracked bath toys, a mangled tarp. Tires. A traffic cone. Moore could not believe his eyes. Out here in this desolate place, the water was a stew of plastic crap. It was as though someone had taken the pristine seascape of his youth and swapped it for a landfill.

How did all the plastic end up here? How did this trash tsunami begin? What did it mean? If the questions seemed overwhelming, Moore would soon learn that the answers were even more so, and that his discovery had dire implications for human—and planetary—health.

As Alguita glided through the area that scientists now refer to as the “Eastern Garbage Patch,” Moore realized that the trail of plastic went on for hundreds of miles. Depressed and stunned, he sailed for a week through bobbing, toxic debris trapped in a purgatory of circling currents. To his horror, he had stumbled across the 21st-century Leviathan. It had no head, no tail. Just an endless body… click here to continue reading the story.

A previous post may also be of interest to you… Plastic: Fooling with Nature

It just wasn’t all that long ago that we somehow easily managed to live without plastic. My dream is that within my lifetime will be living without it again.

Essential Oils - the high cost of low price

For almost 15 years before I got into essential oils I was a very faithful user and supporter of herbs for culinary, nutritional and medicinal purposes. I studied the edible and beneficial native plants and learned their powers and benefits.

Twenty years ago, in my quest to find nontoxic household cleaners, I turned to essential oils. I knew that pure essential oils could be used for healing, nutrition and flavoring foods. I was quite disappointed that when I set out 20 years ago to find pure organic essential oils that I was unable to find a source.

Even though my original quest was to get toxic, perfume-grade and synthetic products out of my household I was hopeful that I’d find essential oils I could try in cooking and healing that were safe for those purposes. I couldn’t find any. There’s a lot more involved to making a pure essential oil than just growing the plants organically and not using any solvents during distillation.

I continued reading about the benefits of pure essential oils and prayed one day I would find the quality oils I desired, Young Living Essential Oils. That day came 8 years ago. I couldn’t believe I had finally found exactly what I was looking for!

Once I had discovered the Young Living essential oils I was amazed by how much better they smelled, and how quickly I saw results. I was used to using fresh or dried herbal preparations for nearly everything and waiting weeks and sometimes months before I saw results. What I found with the Young Living oils is that if I selected the right oil I got results in minutes, if not seconds!

It’s been 8 years since my discovery, and what I’ve realized is that with all the knowledge I had of the nourishing and healing plants, was but a miniscule exposure to the vast knowledge our ancestors had of the plant kingdom around them. Even as I type this, I find myself drifting off into a disconnect of our modern world beside myself as to how such fine knowledge is a rarity today.

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If the bible can have nearly 1,000 references to essential oils it seems to me that the people of old utilized the powerful gifts of mother nature as skillfully and easily as we today insert coins into a soda machine and slip our finger into the aluminum ring to pop the top. It boggles my mind to think how much we average modern people have lost.

I am now a Distributor for Young Living Essential Oils, it’s my full-time business.

A part of me had forgotten that if someone has a bottle of Frankincense in their hand that probably 80% of the population doesn’t have a clue as to how it can be used. Sure, they know they can remove the cap and smell it, but beyond that they’re clueless.

Remember when I say, “whenever you hear me speak about how to use essential oils I am only referring to the Young Living brand because I know the quality. So do not try using store bought oils, even if they come from a Health Food store, in the same way.”

The reasons why you must know the quality of the oils you’re using is because the essential oil industry operates on a “perfume-grade” standard, which in my mind is scary at best. This is why you will see in many books and hear that you should never apply an essential oil topically undiluted and never ingest them. Statements like that refer only to the results you can expect from adulterated aromatherapy oils.

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