Cardamom

So many wonderful things I have read lately about cardamom!  It seems that this is the season for an oil of this nature, more so than any other season since it does so much for respiratory ailments.  it should also ease the gastro discomfort that comes with the consuming too many different foods and beverages at the holiday parties! 

Here's what doTerra has to say about it:

"A close relative to Ginger, Cardamom is known as being the most expensive cooking spice and for being beneficial to the digestive system in a variety of ways. Cardamom is commonly used to help reduce indigestion and nausea, and to soothe stomach discomfort and promote digestion. Its distinct scent can lessen motion sickness while promoting a positive mood. Cardamom has profound effects on the respiratory system due to its high 1,8-cineole content, which promotes clear breathing and respiratory health" 

Primary Benefits:•     Eases indigestion and maintains an optimal gastrointestinal balance•     Promotes clear breathing and respiratory health•     Calms stomach upset and uplifts mood•     Flavorful spice for cooking and baking 

Uses:Use internally as part of a daily health regimen to support healthy gastrointestinal function. 

Diffuse or apply topically to promote clear breathing. 

Add to bread, smoothies, meats, and salads to enhance food flavor and aid digestion. 

Diffuse or inhale to alleviate feelings of nausea or motion sickness 

How do you use essential oils?

Usually one of the first things I'm asked about essential oils, after the "What are they" question, is "How do you use them?"  Typically people think they are just for smelling.

Essential oils can be applied topically, inhaled, or ingested.  How an essential oil should be used depends on the goal of use, the properties of the oil, and safety concerns. Depending on the desired effect of the oil, many people use a combination of delivery methods.

Safety Issues. With all of these applications, it’s important to research into proper use for each essential oil, especially for children and pregnant and nursing mothers.  Not all oils will work for you, the way they work for someone else.  And, just like everything else you eat or ingest, make sure that they do not have a reaction to any type of medication you are taking.  Some oils should not be used with certain medications.  DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST!  Some oils are considered "hot" which means they can irritate skin easily, so may need to be diluted, and should not be ingested.  

Topical Application. Essential oils can be applied to the skin, which is somewhat permeable, to be absorbed into the blood stream. Some areas of skin (under arms, head, palms, soles of feet, etc.) are more permeable than others. The most common place of application is the soles of the feet, however some oils used for stress and headaches are often applied to the head or neck.  Warming or massaging the skin may also increase absorbency.  However heating the oils is not recommended, as the oils do not keep their composition (remember learning in science class that heat is one way to chemically change a substance?  It's the same here.)  There are some who apply them in a certain manner, on the spine and feel that the order in which they are applied is important as well.  I've not yet dug into that research!  I apply Deep Blue directly to the spot that causes pain.  It gives a sensation, and smells, much like Ben Gay.  That's the wintergreen oil.

Essential oils are most often applied to the skin along with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, or as an ingredient in lotions and other beauty products. Some essential oils can be applied to the skin neat (alone without a carrier oil), although there are some who feel that the oils should never be applied neat.  I am not one of them.  I apply my oils neat nearly all the time.

Inhalation. When essential oils are inhaled, or used aromatically, droplets of the oil are absorbed by the lungs. They can be inhaled by diffusing them in a special essential oil diffuser, a scent pod, humidifier, or simply by smelling the bottle of oil. many people just put a drop in their palm, rub their hands together and cup their hands over the nose and inhale.  That's what I do as well.  The effectiveness of each of these delivery methods varies. An essential oil diffuser is expensive but seems to be the best method of inhalation, as it does not heat the oil.

Ingestion. This is also a debated use of essential oils. Some argue that they should never be ingested while others ingest them all the time. The most important aspect of ingestion is to use only certified certified therapeutic grade oils, like the one that are sold by doTERRA.  and as always DO YOUR RESEARCH.. Some oils should never be ingested; even if they are made by doTERRA.

Does quality matter?

The quality of the oils used will impact their function and potency. Quality is indicated by how pure the oils are, grade and integrity.

None of these factors are defined or regulated by the government. In other words, if you see a purity/quality claim by a company, they get to define what that actually means and are not held accountable to an external standard. However, quality has a big impact on how much you pay and who you buy your oils from. 

Low quality oils are usually less expensive, have "fillers" and synthetic (chemical) components to them.  These types of oils are NOT oils you want to ingest.  They are NOT purely natural.  I only use doTERRA oils. Even though they may be a little more expensive, I know they are pure, and feel confident that I am getting the best quality I can get.

What oil should I use?

The Modern Essentials book, is a wonderful resource for oils.  You can look up by the oil, or by the ailment.  Since, you probably don't have a book, for your convenience, here's a list of ailments with correlating doTERRA essential oils and usage suggestions.  This list in certainly not exhaustive!   

Essential Oils A to Z

A
ABDOMINAL CRAMPS: DigestZen, Basil, Clary Sage. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply topically to abdomen.
ACHES: Marjoram, Deep Blue, Birch. Usage: apply topically to affected area.
ACNE: Melaleuca, Lemongrass, Lavender. Usage: apply topically to affected areas daily.
ADD or ADHD: Serenity, Balance, Vetiver, Lavender.
ALLERGIES: Breathe, Lavender, Eucalyptus. Usage: apply topically to back of neck or under nose and on bridge of nose.
AMNESIA: Frankincense, Peppermint, Rosemary. Usage: apply topically to forehead, temples, base of skull and behind the ears.
or take internally in a capsule or diffuse into the air and inhale.
ANEMIA: Lemon, Lemongrass, Helichrysum. Usage: apply to bottom of feet or insides of wrists.
ANXIETY: Serenity, Lavender, Elevation. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or massage onto back, feet and hands.
APPETITE SUPPRESSANT: Grapefruit, Slim & Sassy. Usage: add to water and drink or diffuse into the air and inhale.
ARTHRITIC PAIN: Deep Blue, Frankincense, Lavender. Usage: apply topically to affected area.
ASTHMA: Breathe, Eucalyptus, Peppermint. Usage: diffuse into the air or apply to bottom of feet, or take internally in a capsule.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS: Lemon, Lavender, Rosemary. Usage: apply topically to affected area.
ATHLETE’S FOOT: Oregano, Melaleuca, Lemon. Usage: apply to area between toes and around toenails.
AUTISM: Balance, Vetiver, Frankincense. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale.

B
BACK PAIN: Deep Blue, Eucalyptus, Wintergreen. Usage: massage into back as needed.
BEE STING: Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Melaleuca. Usage: apply topically to sting or bite several times daily until symptoms cease.
BELL’S PALSY: Peppermint, Helichrysum, Rosemary. Usage: massage on front and behind ear and painful areas until symptoms subside.
BLEEDING: Helichrysum, Geranium. Usage: apply topically to affected area.
BLEEDING GUMS: Cinnamon, Peppermint, Wintergreen. Usage: gargle several times daily or apply topically to gums several times daily.
BLISTERS ON FEET: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile. Usage: apply topically to blistered area.
BLOATING: DigestZen, Peppermint, Clary Sage. Usage: apply topically to stomach area and to bottoms of feet or take internally in a capsule.
BLOOD CLOT IN VEINS: Cypress, Helichrysum, Clove. Usage: apply topically to affected area and to bottoms of feet or take internally in a capsule.
BOILS: Clove, Thyme, Oregano. Usage: apply topically to affected area
BONE PAIN: Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Cypress. Usage: apply topically to affected area.
BONE SPURS: Wintergreen, Cypress, Marjoram. Usage: apply topically over affected area
BRONCHITIS: Breathe, Eucalyptus, Thyme. Usage: apply topically to chest and neck area, gargle hourly or diffuse.
BRUISES: Cypress, Helichrysum, Deep Blue. Usage: apply topically to bruised area
BUNIONS: Deep Blue, Basil, Cypress. Usage: apply to affected area or joint
BURNS: Lavender, Melaleuca, Geranium. Usage: apply gently to affected area

C

CALLOUSES: Oregano. Usage: apply topically to affected area
CANDIDA: Melaleuca, On Guard, Peppermint. Usage: apply topically to chest and on bottom of feet or take internally in a capsules several times daily
CANKER SORES: Melaleuca, On Guard, Oregano. Usage: apply directly to canker sore or gargle.
CATARACTS Clover, Lavender. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply topically to temples
.
CAVITIES: OnGuard, Melaleuca, Peppermint. Usage: apply topically to bottoms of feet or take internally in a capsule.
CELLULITE: Rosemary, Grapefruit, Lemon. Usage: massage vigorously on cellulite locations daily especially before exercising or add to water and drink throughout the day.
CHAPPED SKIN: Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Lavender. Usage: apply topically to affected area as often as needed.
CHICKEN POX: Lavender, Melaleuca, Sandalwood. Usage: dilute with a carrier oil and dab lightly on spots.
CHRONIC FATIGUE: On Guard, Peppermint, Basil. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply topically to muscles and joints.
CHRONIC PAIN: Peppermint, Deep Blue, Wintergreen. Usage: massage into affected area as needed or take internally in a capsule.
CLOGGED PORES: Lemon, Wild Orange, Melaleuca. Usage: apply topically to affected area.
COLD: On Guard, Thyme, Melaleuca. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or gargle or take internally in a capsule.
COLD SORES: On Guard, Lemon, Melaleuca. Usage: apply to cold sores as soon as it starts and repeat several times daily.
COLIC: Marjoram, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot. Usage: dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to stomach and back.
COLITIS: Peppermint, DigestZen, Helichrysum. Usage: massage over lower abdomen area or take internally in a capsule.
CONCUSSION: Frankincense, Cypress. Usage: take internally in a capsule.
CONGESTION: Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Peppermint. Usage: diffuse or
gargle, massage onto forehead, nose, cheeks, lower throat, chest and upper back.
CONJUNCTIVITIS: Melaleuca, Lavender. Usage: apply around (but NOT in) the eyes or apply to bottoms of feet several times daily.
CONSTIPATION: DigestZen, Marjoram, Lemon. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply topically to stomach or feet.
CONVULSIONS: Lavender, Clary Sage, Balance. Usage: apply topically to corn several times daily.
CORNS: Lemon, Grapefruit, Oregano. Usage: massage into neck and chest or gargle or diffuse into the air and inhale.
COUGH: Lemon, Breathe, Melaleuca. Usage: massage into neck and chest or gargle or diffuse into the air and inhale.
CRAMPS: Rosemary, Cypress, Marjoram. Usage: massage on cramped muscles several times daily or take internally in a capsule.
CROUP: Marjoram, Thyme, Sandalwood. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically to chest and neck.
CUTS: Lavender, Melaleuca, Bergamot. Usage: dilute with a carrier oil and apply to affected area.
CYST: Oregano, Thyme. Usage: apply topically to affected area as needed.
CYSTITIS: Thyme, Lemongrass, Clove. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply a warm compress over bladder.

D

DANDRUFF: Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary. Usage: dilute and massage into scalp. Rinse after 60-90 minutes.
DEHYDRATED SKIN: Geranium, Lavender. Usage: apply topically to affected area.
DENTAL INFECTION: Wintergreen, Birch, Helichrysum. Usage: apply on gums and around teeth.
DEPRESSION Elevation, Citrus Bliss, Lavender. Usage: add to a warm bath or diffuse into the air and inhale.
DIABETES: Coriander, Basil, Balance. Usage: take a couple drops of coriander internally in a capsule morning and evening and apply a couple drops of Balance topically to feet in the evening.
DIABETIC SORES: Lavender, Balance. Usage: apply topically to back, feet and over pancreas or diffuse into the air and inhale.
DIARRHEA: Peppermint, Ginger, DigestZen. Usage: dilute and apply topically to affected area several times daily.
DIZZINESS: Cypress, Peppermint, Basil. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale as needed or apply topically to temples, back of neck and shoulders.
DRY SKIN: Geranium, Chamomile, Lemon. Usage: apply topically to affected area.

E
EAR INFECTION: Melaleuca, Purify, Lavender. Usage: apply to cotton ball and place over ear.
ECZEMA: Helichrysum, Thyme, Geranium. Usage: apply topically to affected area as needed.
EDEMA: Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Cypress, Geranium,Rosemary, Cedarwood, Juniper Berry. Usage:Dilute as recommended, and apply 1-2 drops on location.
EPILEPSY: Frankincense, Clary sage, Sandalwood. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or take internally in a capsule or massage.
EXHAUSTION: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Lemon. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically to back and feet.

F
FAINTING: Peppermint, Sandalwood, Rosemary. Usage: inhale directly.
FATIGUE: Lemongrass, Basil, Lemon. Usage: inhale directly or diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically on temples and behind ears as needed.
FEVER: Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus. Usage: apply to forehead, temples and back of neck or take internally in a capsule or diffuse into the air and inhale
.
FLATULENCE: Peppermint, Lavender, Ginger. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply topically to abdomen
.
FLU: Breathe, On Guard, Oregano. Usage: take internally in a capsule or diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically to chest.
FOOD POISONING: Rosemary, DigestZen, On Guard. Usage: take internally in a capsule several time daily and apply topically to stomach area.

G

GASTRITIS: Peppermint, Digest Zen, Lemongrass. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply topically over stomach area as needed.
GINGIVITIS: Clove, Melaleuca, Peppermint. Usage: Gargle many times daily or as needed.
UM DISEASE: Melaleuca, On Guard, Usage: apply topically to bottoms of feet.

H
HAIR LOSS: Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender. Usage: dilute 5 drop in 20 drops of a carrier oil and massage into scalp each night.
HANGOVER: Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary. Usage: add to warm bath or apply of neck and over liver.
HEAD LICE: Geranium, Lavender, Lemon. Usage: dilute and apply to entire scalp, then shampoo and rinse 30 minutes later. Repeat daily for several days.
HEADACHE: Peppermint, Lavender, Wintergreen. Usage: diffuse into the air and apply topically to forehead, temples, back of neck and behind ears.
HEARTBURN: Peppermint, Ginger, Lemon. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply topically to chest.
HEATSTROKE: Peppermint, Lavender. Usage: apply topically to forehead and back of neck, chest and back.
HICCUPS: Chamomile, Lemon, Cypress. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or massage into chest and stomach area.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Lavender, Marjoram, Eucalyptus. Usage: do a full body massage daily or diffuse into the air and inhale or take internally in a capsule.
HORMONAL BALANCE: Zendocrine, Usage: Massage on bottoms of feet. Diffuse or inhale the aroma directly. Take 3-5 drops of Zendocrine oil blend in capsules once a day.
HOT FLASHES: Balance, Peppermint, Clary Sage. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically to back of neck.
HYPERACTIVITY: Lavender, Vetiver, Serenity. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or inhale directly.

I
IMPOTENCE: Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, Sandalwood. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically to temples, wrists and back of neck.
INDIGESTION: Ginger, Orange, Peppermint. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply topically over stomach area.
INFECTION: Clove, Thyme, Oregano. Usage: dilute with a carrier oil and apply to infected area or diffuse.
INFLAMMATION: Wintergreen, Peppermint, Eucalyptus. Usage: apply topically to affected area or take internally in a capsule.
INSECT ALLERGIES: Lavender, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca. Usage: apply topically to affected area.
INSECT REPELLENT: TerraShield, Eucalyptus, Lemon. Usage: dilute with carrier oil and apply to exposed skin as needed.
INSOMNIA: Serenity, Lavender, Chamomile. Usage: add to a warm bath, rub on feet and behind ears and diffuse into the air.
ITCHING: Peppermint, Oregano, Lavender. Usage: apply topically to affected area as needed.

J
JET LAG: Peppermint, Bergamot, Rosemary. Usage:apply calming oils like Lavender and Geranium to bottoms of feet at night and invigorating oils like Peppermint and Eucalyptus in the morning.
JOINT PAIN: Wintergreen, Birch, Deep Blue. Usage: massage into affected area as needed.

K
KIDNEY INFECTION: Rosemary, Usage: dilute as recommended and apply to kidneys and reflex points on the feet. Drink 1 gallon of distilled water and 2 quarts cranberry juice in one day.
KIDNEY STONES: Lemon, Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Usage: apply as a hot compress over kidneys. Dilute as recommended and apply 1-2 drops on location.

L
LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: Lemongrass. Usage: take internally in a capsule.
LEG CRAMPS: Clary Sage, Cypress, Lavender. Usage: massage into legs.
LICE: Eucalyptus, TerraShield, Rosemary. Usage: massage into the scalp and apply topically to bottoms of feet several times daily.
LOSS OF APPETITE: Ginger, Wild orange, Lavender. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or take internally in a capsule.

M
MEASLES: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Melaleuca. Usage: apply on spots several times daily or add to bath and soak for at least 30 minutes daily.
MENOPAUSE: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile. Usage: apply topically to abdomen, bottoms or feet and back of neck.
MENSTRUAL PAIN: Clary Sage, Rosemary, Peppermint. Usage: massage into abdomen, lower back and shoulders or apply a warm compress over uterus area or take internally in a capsule.
MIGRAINE: Helichrysum, PastTense, Sandalwood. Usage: apply topically to forehead, temples, base of skull and behind the ears or inhale directly as needed.
MOLD: Cinnamon, Oregano, Thyme. Usage: diffuse into the air where mold is present.
MORNING SICKNESS: Ginger, Lavender, Peppermint. Usage: apply topically behind ears and over navel hourly or diffuse into the air and inhale.
MOTION SICKNESS: Ginger, Lavender, Peppermint. Usage: apply topically behind the ears and over navel or diffuse into the air and inhale.
MUSCLE PAIN: Peppermint, Deep Blue, Clove. Usage: apply topically to affected muscles.
N
NAUSEA: Ginger, Lavender, DigestZen. Usage: apply topically behind ears and over navel hourly or diffuse into the air and inhale or under tongue as needed.
NECK PAIN: Basil, Marjoram, Helichrysum. Usage: massage onto neck several times daily.
NERVOUS FATIGUE: Helichrysum, Thyme, Peppermint. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically to temples, behind ears and on back of neck.
NOSE BLEEDS: Helichrysum, Geranium, Lavender. Usage: apply topically to the bridge and sides of nose and back of neck as needed.

O

OILY HAIR: Basil, Cypress, Thyme. Usage: add to shampoo when washing hair.

P

PAIN: Peppermint, Wintergreen, Birch. Usage: massage into affected area.
PALPITATIONS: Ylang Ylang, Wild Orange, Lavender. Usage: apply topically on chest area.
PARASITES: Oregano, Peppermint, Ginger. Usage: take internally in a capsule or apply warm compress over intestinal area.
PNEUMONIA: Breathe, On Guard, Thyme, Cinnamon Oregano, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lavender, Lemon, Frankincense, Myrrh. Dilute as recommended and apply to chest, back, and reflex on the feet.

Q
QUINCY: Black Pepper, Usage: apply to reflex points and /or directly on area of concern: diffuse.

R
RASHES: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood. Usage: dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to affected area.

S

SCARRING: Helichrysum, Lavender, Frankincense. Usage: apply topically over wound daily until healed.
SHINGLES: Melaleuca, Oregano, Sandalwood. Usage: apply topically to affected area, on back of neck and along the spine.
SHOCK: Helichrysum, Peppermint, Melaleuca. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically on temples, under nose and on back of neck.
SINUS CONGESTION: Sandalwood, Thyme, Eucalyptus. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale several times daily.
SINUS HEADACHE: Rosemary, Melaleuca, Eucalyptus. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale several times daily.
SORE THROAT: On Guard, Lemon, Melaleuca. Usage: gargle or diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically to throat, chest, and back of neck several times daily.
SPRAINS: Wintergreen Lemongrass, Basil. Usage: apply topically to affected area
STOMACH ACHE: DigestZen. Usage: apply topically to stomach area.
STREP THROAT: OnGuard, Oregano, Thyme. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or gargle or take internally in a capsule several times daily.
STRESS: Grapefruit, Elevation Bergamot. Usage: diffuse into the air and massage shoulders, back and feet.
STRETCH MARKS: Cypress, Geranium, Lavender Usage: apply topically to affected areas a couple times daily.
STROKE: Helichrysum, Cypress, Peppermint. Usage: apply topically on temples, forehead, behind ears and on back of neck or take internally in a capsule.
SUNBURN: Lavender, Melaleuca, Helichrysum. Usage: apply gently to affected area.

T

TEETHING PAIN: Clove, Wintergreen, Roman Chamomile. Usage: apply topically to affected tooth and gum or gargle several times daily.
TENNIS ELBOW: Deep Blue, Eucalyptus, Peppermint. Usage: apply topically to affected area as needed.
TENSION HEADACHE: Peppermint, Lavender, Marjoram. Usage: apply topically to forehead, temples, back of neck and behind ears.
TOOTHACHE: Clove, Melaleuca, Purify. Usage: apply to gums or add to water to gargle and swallow.

U

ULCERS: Frankincense, Myrrh, Lemon, Oregano, Rose, Thyme, Clove, Bergamot. Usage: dilute as recommended and apply 1-2 drops over area. Apply as warm compress.

V

VARICOSE VEINS: Cypress, Helichrysum, Lemongrass. Usage: massage into affected area several times daily.
VERTIGO: Ginger, Helichrysum, Geranium. Usage: massage on tops of ears and behind ears.
VOMITING: Ginger, Peppermint. Usage: diffuse into the air and inhale or apply topically to stomach area.

W
WARTS: Oregano, Melaleuca, OnGuard. Usage: apply topically to wart several times daily.
WASP STING: Lavender, Purify. Usage: apply topically to sting.
WHIPLASH: Deep Blue, Lemongrass, Marjoram. Usage: apply topically to neck, shoulders and back.
WORMS: DigestZen, Lavender, Rosemary. Usage: apply topically to stomach area and on the bottoms of feet.
WOUNDS: Basil,Clove, Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemongrass, Purify, Melaleuca, Rosemary. Usage: dilute and apply to affected area several times daily
WRINKLES: Frankincense, Helichrysum, Geranium. Usage: dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to affected areas.

Y
YOGA: Sandalwood, Cedarwood. Usage: diffuse into the air.

How to order dōTERRA essential oils


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If you decide to place an order, please fill out the contact form below so that I can offer you support as you start your journey in holistic healing with dōTERRA essential oils!

Aromatools website

This is a great website with all the things you need for "essentially" anything you may need as it relates to essential oils.  They endorse doTERRA.

aromatools.com 

Modern Essentials app

This seems to be a cool app.  $6.99 and it does a whole lot.  Check out the website and see for yourself.

http://blog.aromatools.com/2014/06/01/the-modern-essentials-app-is-now-available/

If you click on conditions it will take you to the personal usage page which tells which oils may help you, if you click on oils you can look at a specific oil and find information about that particular oil.

Coriander

This is an oil that I try to use every day.  It's known as a spice but has some other wonderful health benefits as well.  The number one reason I use it is for it's ability to help normalize insulin levels.  I'm pretty sure with my family history and my own lifestyle, I'm most likely going to end up with some form of diabetes.  This may help stave that off for a while.  A Cairo University study found that it does normalize insulin levels and support the pancreas.  So that, in and of itself, is enough for me to use it daily not to mention all the other great benefits.   Coriander Seeds were found in Rameses II and King Tut’s Tomb in Egypt? Coriander was highly regarded and was only used by Egyptian Royals.  I found that out while researching on experience-essential-oils.com website.  There's some great info there.


organicfacts.net says, "it has properties which can be used as an analgesic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, carminative (never knew this was the name of gas build up!), depurative, deodorant, digestive, fungicidal, lipolytic, stimulant and stomachic substance.  They have a great page that expands on each of these uses." Make sure to search health benefits of coriander essential oil, not coriander- that one will take you to the page about the seeds.

They do give a warning on this oil.  They say:
"There is nothing serious in terms of health risks, but if taken in excess, coriander oil can make you lose control over your senses for a while, as if you are spell bound. It is a powerful agent that impacts the body, but it can also impact the mind and cause you to lose the ability to think clearly or make decisions, so be careful!"

Experience-essential-oils.com says, "It may cause stupification at very high doses."   I wonder a very high dose is?  Maybe that's why it was only used by the Egyptian Royals?  Hmmm

Here's a great visual they made (but it doesn't even mention helping to normalize insulin levels):

Lemongrass

I LOVE LEMONGRASS!




This is  another of my favorite oils.  This list of benefits is quite long, and it is certainly not complete.  Lemongrass essential oil has many health benefits including, but not limited to: 

·        analgesic

·        antidepressant

·        antimicrobial

·        antiseptic

·        astringent

·        antibacterial

·        anti-gas

·        deodorant

·        diuretic

·        fever reducer

·        fungicidal

·         insecticidal

·        sedative

·        it can  lower cholesterol

·        it helps regenerate connective tissues!!  

And, it's relatively inexpensive as well!

Lemongrass smells lemony, but it is milder and sweeter. This grass is used in beverages (such as tea), desserts and other foods as a flavoring agent. It grows and spreads very fast like any other grass, and to make things even better, mosquitoes don't like it!  To me it has a clean lemony smell.  I plan to make some deck pots next year that include lemongrass.

For more information...

This website got the information that was posted from the Modern Essentials book that I use.  I highly recommend it.  

http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/lemongrass-essential-oil.html

These websites are quite informative, with some wonderful information on the benefits lemongrass offers:

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lemongrass-essential-oil.html

http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/benefits-of-lemongrass.html

Frankincense

The most amazing oil...

Just a few of the very wide and diverse uses...


... can help stimulate repair of damaged DNA.  Damaged DNA can lead to cancer.

... mood stabilizer, especially when combined with citrus oils.  Wild orange and frankincense inhaled can have a huge effect on mood (depression/anxiety)

...helps reduce inflammation when applied topically over the affected area

...use daily as a preventative of illness

Here's what doTerra has to say about it:

"Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils, Frankincense has extraordinary internal and external health benefits. In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin for everything from perfume to salves for skin ailments. This centuries- old knowledge contributes to the modern uses of Frankincense today. It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to promote cellular health and immunity and can be consumed daily for these internal benefits. It also promotes a healthy inflammatory response and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally. When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense induces feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness". - See more at: http://doterrablog.com/essential-oil-spotlight-frankincense/#sthash.3b0JPNbm.dpuf

Primary Benefits:

• Helps build and maintain a healthy immune system
• Promotes cellular health
• Reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks

Uses:

Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening or working to promote a normal inflammatory response

Can help promote youthful, radiant-looking skin and slow the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of skin imperfections.

Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to relax and balance mood swings.

Dry weather can take a toll on your nails. Try applying a drop of Frankincense to strengthen weak fingernails.

- See more at: http://doterrablog.com/essential-oil-spotlight-frankincense/#sthash.3b0JPNbm.dpuf



Great webinar from doTERRA on Frankincense

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH5hE41CkSs

Doterra Tuesday tip off...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtbhSz8Uz7E&list=PLp3VbOdUkkm3TH0YNYS4Ad5an7TZq-JRX

Another great website on frankencense and essential oils in general:
http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/frankincense-essential-oil.html

On Guard Blend

On Guard is an antimicrobial blend of essential oils.  It is an extremely powerful immune-boosting and sickness-preventative agent, it can also be used to increase overall health, to deal with a wide range of infections, and to even sanitize surfaces in your personal space.  It's made of wild orange essential oil, combined with clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary oils.  It offers a wonderfully fragrant, organic and effective alternative to synthetic options for immune support.  DoTerra produces only Certified Therapeutic Grade oils.

My top ten favorite ways to use it are:

1. Mix a drop with 1 T of water, gargle for 1 minute then spit, at the on-set of a sore throat.  Gargle with 1 T of water and 1 drop each of on guard and lemon hourly for laryngitis.

2. Mix a drop with 4 T of water and swallow.  Do this 4 times a day when in the immediate vicinity of sick people, or dd to orange juice to help congestion and fight flu and cold.

3.  Mix a drop in with your tooth paste and brush with it to prevent and treat gum disease.  Speaking of toothbrushes, why not soak your toothbrush in a cup of water with a couple drops of On Guard, to kill bacteria.

3.  Put a couple drops in the palm of your hand and rub in.  Cup your hands around your nose and mouth and inhale, coating your mucus membranes with the wonderful immune boosting scent.  Studies have shown that a virus will not grow in a petri dish that has On Guard essential oil in it.

4. Put on the soles children's feet at night during cold & flu season to support immune system.

5. Put 50 drops in a glass spray bottle with 30 oz of distilled water. Shake often and use to sanitize kitchen and bathroom surfaces.  Add to: dishwater, dishwasher, mop water, water in your carpet cleaner or floor steamer.

 6. Diffuse in homes or business to kill air borne pathogens, inhibit mold and build immune systems.  Use a cool air- diffuser, as heat can change the chemical composition of this wonderful oil blend.

7. Put a few drops in the vacuum bag and on furnace air filters when changing them to kill pathogens in the duct work.  And, when away from home be sure to put several drops on the HVAC vents of a hotel room or office to kill airborne pathogens and germs.  This can easily be done by adding a couple drops to the surface of a tissue and placing it over the vent.

9.  Speaking of hotels and vacations, take a spray bottle with you to; Spray on shower stalls and bathroom walls to disinfect, spray on wall switches and remotes (they often don't clean those EEE-YUCK!) and spray the pillows and bed sheets if you are using the ones they provide.  I'd basically spray it all, those places are so full of germs.  have you ever watched 60 Minutes or 20/20 when they do the spot on germy hotels.  EEEWWWW!

10.  You can even use it to help curb smoking cravings!

While looking at the DoTerra blog to see if they have done a "Spotlight" on ths oil, I found several posts that were interesting.  Since I am a teacher, and go through about a pint of hand sanitizer each day, I plan to make this:

You can find the directions on their blog at:

http://doterrablog.com/diy-make-your-own-on-guard-hand-sanitizer/

Cinnamon Bark

I have read so much about cinnamon lately!  On the Mayo Clinic website I read about recent studies that were done on blood sugar levels and the effect that cinnamon had on reducing them.  One study published in 2009 found that a 500 mg capsule of cinnamon taken twice a day for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels — a reflection of average blood sugar level for the past two to three months.  They say more research is needed to determine how cinnamon supplementation leads to this type of benefit. One theory is that cinnamon increases insulin action.

cinnamonvogue.com is a website with a boatload of information about cinnamon.  There I found that, there are basically four types of cinnamon used commercially, and two main varieties that are the most widely used; Cassia and Ceylon.  here's a visual I found on their website showing the difference between the two:



It seems that the Ceylon variety is the one that is best used for decreasing blood sugar.  The Cassia variety should not be confused as it has very high coumarin, a substance that could cause liver damage, or even complete failure if taken in large quantities.


doTerra has a blog.  They have a spotlight on a specific oil every so-often.  June 30th they posted a "Spotlight" on cinnamon bark. They use Ceylon Cinnamon (although they do sell Cassia, but it is labeled as Cassia, not cinnamon).   To save you from having to leave this page and go to their blog (http://doterrablog.com/), this is the post:

EO Spotlight: Cinnamon Bark

Posted on June 30, 2014

Cinnamon is derived from a tropical, evergreen tree that grows up to 45 feet high and has highly fragrant bark, leaves, and flowers. Extracted from bark, cinnamon oil contains strong cleansing and immune enhancing properties. Due to its high content of cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamon should be diluted with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil when applied to the skin and only one to two drops are needed for internal benefits. Cinnamon is very purifying to the circulatory system and it helps promote circulation, both internally and when applied to the skin, helping to ease sore muscles and joints. Cinnamon helps maintain a healthy immune system, especially when seasonal threats are high. When diffused, Cinnamon promotes clear breathing while purifying the air. Cinnamon is frequently used in mouth rinses and gums for its oral health benefits. Cinnamon has a long history of culinary uses, adding spice to desserts, entrees, and hot drinks.

Primary Benefits:

Promotes circulation both internally and when applied to skin

Helps maintains a healthy immune system

Promotes oral health

Helps alleviate sore muscles and joints

Long used to flavor food and for its internal health benefits

Uses:

Put 2 drops in empty veggie capsule for immune support.

Place 1 drop of Cinnamon essential oil in hot water or tea and drink slowly to soothe your throat.

Put 2-3 drops in a spray bottle for quick and effective cleansing spray.

Place one drop on your toothbrush then add toothpaste.

Dilute with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil then apply to cold, achy joints during winter time.

- See more at: http://doterrablog.com/eo-spotlight-cinnamon-bark-2/#sthash.umYwFDQd.dpuf


I'm surprised that doTerra's information does not even mention the blood sugar lowering benefit that has been studied.

What are essential oils?

I'm figuring it's about time I start a blog on this part of my life as well.  I guess it's kind of like a way to organize the information, thoughts, and ideas I want to share with people.

I usually find that when I begin to share about essential oils, people often believe it's just fragrance in your home to help relax you.  It usually takes me several minutes to briefly explain that they are more than that.  

So, what exactly are Essential oils?  According to  dōTERRA 's website; (or watch this video  http://vimeo.com/86167476)

"Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant.  In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils provide plants with protection against predators and disease and play a role in plant pollination." They are kind of like the essence, or life blood of the plant.  Essential oils are not really oils in the way that we think of them.   dōTERRA 's blog goes on to say, "they are non water-based phytochemicals made up of volatile organic compounds.  Although they are fat soluble, they do not include fatty lipids or acids found in vegetable and animal oils. Essential oils are very clean, almost crisp, to the touch and are immediately absorbed by the skin. Pure, unadulterated essential oils are translucent and range in color from crystal clear to deep blue. 

In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have been used throughout history in many cultures for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Modern scientific study and trends towards more holistic approaches to wellness are driving a revival and new discovery of essential oil health applications."

The way I view essential oils is this; essential oils are my first stop to try and "fix" anything that has gone wrong, from headache, to bad mood, to muscle pain, GERD or burn.   They are also what I use every day to prevent illness.  Most of the oils I'm familiar with can be used for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways.  Oils can be used aromatically, applied topically and absorbed through the skin, or most dōTERRA CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade^® essential oils are "generally recognized as safe" and can be ingested.   They can be therapeutic in relaxation or arousal, and in elevating moods or they can have medicinal benefits.  The really cool thing is that your body uses the oil in the way that it needs to.

Crunchy Betty has a blog that has a wonderful list about essential oils, titled:  21 Things You Should Know About Essential Oils.

http://www.crunchybetty.com/21-things-you-should-know-about-essential-oils

Keep in mind that on this list she's talking about essential oils in general.   dōTERRA CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade^® essential oils represent the safest, purest, and most beneficial essential oils available today.  Crunchy Betty advises people not to take them internally.  However, most dōTERRA essential oils are safe to use internally, but always use caution.

She also says that most should never be used directly on the skin.  Well, I also disagree with that.  Most of dōTERRA's oils can be used "neat" or undiluted directly on the skin.  I use a variety of oils on the bottoms of my feet (and hubby's) nearly every day.  And, I use dōTERRA Deep Blue blend directly on the source of pain.  

There are so many oils, and so  much information out there.  The website below is also a great source of information.  

http://www.aromaweb.com

Just keep in mind... dōTERRA is where you want to purchase the oils.  Specifically, mydoterra.com/rachelveilleux  

If you think that this is something you would like to purchase on a regular basis, you can join the loyalty reward program and earn points toward future free product.  Or, even better- become a wellness advocate and share with others.

Here's a good video; Six Doctors discuss dōTERRA and Western medicine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yBWJldwFas

Check out this website:

http://www.everythingessential.me/ 

It lists many oils and their benefits and you can type in your symptom in the search box  :).

The book Modern Essentials is a wonderful resource.  I would definitely recommend it!