Brush, floss and use EO's!

In the last three weeks I have had the "pleasure" of two visits to the dentist to fill cavities.  One of the things no one mentions to women prior to pregnancy is that all the hormonal changes can really mess with your dental health.  I ended up having a few areas that needed "attention".

This is the first time I have had to deal with anything more than a cleaning since starting the oils.  A couple days before the appointment I  checked out one of the best oil usage sites there is.....everythingessential.me.

As I left for the appointment, I applied Lavender to my temples and wrists.  After all my years on the planet, I still hate the shots given by dentists. Yes yes yes, I am a wimp!  I know it and don't care.   They try to make it not hurt and burn but there is only so much they can do.  Lavender helped chill me out a bit.

They numbed me from my eyeball to my jaw.  I will say, the numbing was stronger and lasted longer than anytime before.  I think my tongue doubled in size.  My dentist told me she had not changed anything so maybe I am just responding differently for whatever reason.  My theory is that eating a cleaner diet and using natural medicine has made my entire body more responsive to everything.  Have I ever mentioned how strong my sense of smell is these days?!  


Two cavities on one side and an hour later I was out the door.  My jaw HURT!

Clove oil to the rescue.  I added a bit more Lavender to my jaw line as well. 

Now I will be perfectly honest, clove oil is a bit "hot"!  As I applied it to the numb areas, I didn't notice much.  Then,  I got some down my throat.  Oops!  I was coughing just a bit.  The reaction lasted about a minute.  The relief lasted hours!

1 drop applied to the areas that hurt every few hours until you feel better.  

I needed about 5 applications.  Like I said, my jaw really hurt.  As the numbness wore off, the clove helped to keep the area mildly numbed without losing all feeling completely.  




The great thing about this protocol, with the addition of a nice tasting oil like Olive oil, this can be used on my teething baby.  The clove is too hot for his little body so you really need to dilute it.  Lavender is great along the jawline to help babies who are really suffering.  No risk of too much Tylenol or Motrin....or their numerous recalls.  

Mouth pain is some of the worst pain in my opinion.  I am so happy to report, I did not take any OTC pain relievers.  Less items processing through my liver makes me a happy girl.  No adverse side effects yet highly effective for treating the pain and discomfort.  A win-win if you ask me!

There are other great products for overall dental health.  Toothpaste, Throat Drops and oil can help your mouth stay fresh and clean while kicking the germs.  Give them a try!  I do love the toothpaste.

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What a difference!

I am closing in on a year using the oils and products from doTERRA.  October marks the official year.  I have learned and experienced so much from being a true oil junkie.

My daily routine has slowly expanded and changed since I started.  What started out as a way to help my kids get a good night's sleep has morphed into truly natural healthcare for everyone in the house.  Everyone in the house has their own daily routine.  Dr. Hill recommends this routine as a great starting point.

Depending on your own personal needs, you can vary that to help your body heal it's self.

Along with using the oils, we have switched to mostly organic foods.  We have tried to eliminate as many GMO's in our diet as possible.

So what has changed around here in the last 11 months......

For me:  I made it through third trimester with my blood pressure in check.   My second pregnancy reuslted in 8 weeks of bed rest for hypertension.  Despite having my third C-section, I have been able to nurse my baby boy for over 5 months.  My nursing experience with the first two kids was significantly shorter and frustrating.  Thank you Clary Sage, Fennel and Basil!

I have kept my thyroid levels stable and not needed an increase in dosage. Thank you Lemongrass and LLV!

I am off all my allergy medicines and strictly use Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint.

Despite 3 kids, a full time job and all that goes with a crazy American life, I have not taken a Tylenol since October.  Peppermint or Past Tense takes any headache away.

For my oldest:  She spent a good portion of her young life catching every sickness that blew past her.  At one point they had her on 5 medications for sinus and allergy issues.  She has had two set of ear tubes as well.  Her tiny body has been pumped with so much stuff, I breaks my heart and makes me worry so much.

Since October, she has had two colds.  No ear infections.  She has been a healthy kid without antibiotics!

Her regime daily is Balance, OnGuard every morning.  Serenity every night for a good night's sleep.  She also takes an A2Z chewable as well.

My middle child has always been healthy but she gets Balance and OnGuard as well.  It keeps her out of trouble at daycare and germ free.  She is a silly girl who talks and talks and talks.  Balance helps her be her silly self without getting into too much trouble for talking.

My baby boy remains healthy and growing like a weed.  His biggest transformation is documented in The Spot.  Since that post, the spot has decreased even more.  It is almost gone completely.  Thank you Frank & Geranium!

Even my husband uses the oils and the vitamins.  His skin has improved.  Despite joining me in the business of life, he has not gotten sick and kept his energy up.  His one cold hit him hard when he went OFF the LLV. He immediately asked me to order him his own set.  He hasn't gone without them since.

On average, we were at the doctor for a sick visit with one of the kids at least every other month.  Since October, well visits have been our only reason to head to the pediatrician.  Less time off from work and school is a beautiful thing.

The oils do work.  They are simple and effective.  These are not the oils I tried so many years ago to help me with stress relief and restful sleep.  If you are on the fence about whether to try them, I can assure you, you should.  My house is happier and healthier because of doTERRA!

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The skin you're in!

Ladies and gentlemen, this blog is for all but truly about one good guy and his success with the oils.  Yes guys, you too have many uses for the oils.  

Years ago, my husband developed a dry, scaly patch of skin on his leg.  It could be many things that prompted it to develop but it coincided with us moving from a very sunny climate to a not so sunny climate.  Unfortunately, moving back to a sunny climate has not given him relief from the psoriasis.  

From psoriasis.org:  "Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious."

I know how it feels since I tend to get a few dry patches on my elbows from time to time.  It itches, cracks and bleeds.  Really no fun and we both have mild cases.  I truly feel for anyone with a major case.  

We have tried the steroid creams.  You can only use those for a few days before they thin your skin too much.  So you stop, the patches come back.  And if you ask me, they come back bigger and badder than before.  

My husband was really scratching at his leg and asked me if "there is an oil for that?"  I looked it up and sure enough there is a really simple protocol to follow.

Lavender, Melaleuca and Fractionated Coconut Oil. 

1-2 drops of each applied twice daily.

Lavender helps to calm the skin and itching.

Melaleuca helps with almost any skin issue.  It is very antiseptic and antifungal.

Fractionated Coconut Oil is highly moisturizing.  

A few other nice benefits of this combo.....it is a natural sunburn relief and can help clear up diaper rash!  My middle child has received this mixture quite a few times.  

The dry patchy skin on my husband's leg has almost disappeared after just a few days use.  There is no worry about his skin thinning.  If anything, he has more moisturized skin.

A Candida Cleanse could also help to clear the skin up.   He is considering doing this soon.  I will have to wait until I am no longer breastfeeding.  The cleanse can release the "junk" into your milk.  I don't want to get healthy only to harm my baby.  

Men, you do not need to worry about the oils making you smell too feminine.  The combo actually produces a nice scent.  Stay manly my friend!

Let's eat!

When I first started with doTERRA, I was amazed that you can take these oils internally.   I had tried other brands of essential oils and always saw on the label...NOT FOR INTERNAL USE or ONLY FOR AROMATHERAPY.  If you have any essential oils at your house and are thinking of following the rest of this blog entry, please check the label first!

doTERRA's CPTG oils allow you to take them internally, topically or aromatically.  You can check out the many uses in a previous blog entry entitled Topically-aromatically-internally-oh my!

So today being the last day of summer vacation for my soon to be Pre-K'er, we had to come up with a few projects to keep her occupied.  I thought, lets bake up some stuff so we have easy hearty breakfast.  Baked oatmeal cups it is!

A great recipe is on this blog!  We decided to switch out the teaspoon of cinnamon for 3 drops of doTERRA Cinnamon Bark oil.  I must say, the house smells amazing right now.  I made a few using some berries but my little girl wanted some with banana.  The beauty of the cups is you can customize and they are more portable.  

The results look delish!  Tomorrow, we dine!

But baked oatmeal isn't the only thing you can do.  I have added 10 drops to sugar cookie dough for awesome and SIMPLE lemon cookies.  Of course, my Reinventing Healthcare attendees loved them.

Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies were also a hit!

And finally White Chocolate Peppermint covered Pretzels!

Want to try something other than desserts, check out this video to see how the oils can be incorporated through your entire meal!  Her cookbook is fabulous.  I got mine for Christmas.

The great thing about using the oils is that you don't lose the benefits they provide when you take them "neat".  OnGuard used in your banana bread will still help you boost your immune system and you aren't hungry since you ate a nice treat.  To me, that is a win-win!

Give them a try when you cook and report back!  I would love to hear the creative ways you use your oils too.

"The Spot"

I have previously posted about my love for Frank!  Frankincense that is.  This next entry makes my heart sing with joy and Frank is once again involved.

Some of you know I have three kids.  My youngest just turned 4 months old.  He is just a perfect, happy, baby boy.   This sweet boy started life with a small spot on his forehead.  Having a sister with a similar feature at birth but in a different location, I knew what the doctors would say.

While sitting in the hospital, waiting for the pediatricians from the practice to stop in during rounds my husband and I talk about the "spot".  The doctor comes in and in a very careful and solemn tone, tells us that "your son has something on his head that I want a specialist to check out."

Now, if I had been a first time mom I am pretty sure tears would have started flowing, my heart would be racing and I would go into a panic.  As he is my third, I took the news much better.  Now, we wait for the specialist.

"Hemangioma."  As I suspected when I first saw him and the "spot".  No, I am not a doctor but I am a mom who had another kid with the same thing.  I am a firm believer that ALL babies have something at birth.  Jaundice, hemangiomas, tongue tied, etc.  And yet, they are still perfect!

What is a hemangioma?  According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a birthmark that most commonly appears as a rubbery, bright red nodule of extra blood vessels in the skin.  Many people refer to them as "strawberries".  

Hemangiomas can be very small and harmless or they can be much scarier.  It really depends on the size and location.  Luckily for us, my little guy's seemed very small.  It's location was not the best since it was right over his right eye brow.

The doctors warned me that it would most likely get larger and more prominent.  "If it gets so large that it disrupts his vision, we will have to consider surgery."

Not exactly what a mother wants to hear.

Break out the Modern Essentials book!  The protocol called for Geranium, Cypress and Frankincense.  I had two of the three.  Once we got over the jaundice, it was time to tackle "the spot".  

At the East Coast Conference held in May, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. David Hill from doTERRA.  I introduced him to my sweet baby boy and asked about the best treatment for the spot.  He said my research was well done and geranium and frank would be the best way to go.  

1 drop of each gently massaged into the area.  

Geranium then Frank.  

We have done this faithfully for 3 months.  I have to say is spot is almost gone.  At the pediatrician's office yesterday, the doctor said he was very impressed.  Of course, he still thinks I am a bit crazy for believing in these oils but I can see the progress on my son's head.  These oils work!

Here is the progression of "the spot".  You can see for yourself.  All this done, without harmful drugs or scary surgery.  Sure he smelled a bit like little old lady with the Geranium but I know I feel much better about his aroma over scars and stitches.

A final photo for this entry, taken yesterday.

11/12/13:  Update on my not so little guy these days:

 As you can see, the spot is almost completely gone.  The texture is flat.  We do not get any comments or questions on "what is that?"  The oils are truly amazing!

UPDATE:  My little baby is not a baby anymore.  He is 6!  Can you all believe it?  At Leadership in San Diego Dr. Hill and Andrew were able to meet again.  It was the most fantastic moment of the entire retreat.  I think we all cried a bit.  The quote of the night was "It's remarkable!  I am amazed how the oils worked for him.  It's just remarkable."   Then....Andrew told him and many other owners and leadership all about the Titanic.  I think they realize just how powerful Frankincense really is now.  It was probably more about that ship than they ever thought they would know.   Such a fabulous day!

Dr, Hill & Andrew 

Get on the bus, it's back to school time!

As summer winds down....based on the calendar, not the weather.....I am having a whole new set of emotions surface.  My oldest child will start Pre-K in just a couple weeks.  In my mind, she was just born.  It is truly bittersweet for me.  I am so glad she is growing up but at the same time, full REAL school....oh my!  Before I know it, she will be driving and dating.....bring on the anxiety.  

Despite my mild case of denial, I know that I have to get ready for the "back to school" frenzy that is upon us.  I will get the new pencils, crayons, backpacks, lunch boxes and this year....essential oils!

Let's face it, you put kids in a room together, add a change in weather and Boom!!! you have germs.  To help my kids fight off as many as possible, we are using a daily dose of OnGuard as well as the A2Z Vitamins..  This year, we are using OnGuard beadlets.  They are tiny beads that are easy to swallow.  If you don't have the beadlets, a drop of OnGuard on each foot will help beat down the germs as well.

Diffusing the oils will be another big thing to help with the transition to school.  doTERRA Living magazine has a great article to help with kids in the classroom.  Citrus Bliss in the morning will help everyone get up and go.  More importantly, they will be happier.  Peppermint can help them wake up as well.  It puts pep in your step!  I find it is a great afternoon pick me up.  Just a drop with some Frankincense on the back of your neck and you won't want that energy drink.

                 

Topically, the kids will get their daily dose of Balance!  Everyone needs a little balance in their life don't they?!  1 drop down the back of the neck and on the spine is a great way to get it into their system fast. Another great place to apply is the feet.  Balance has a great scent too.  It helps them stay calm and grounded and yet be kids.  

When bedtime rolls around, the go to oils are Lavender or Serenity.  If you have a really tough time getting to sleep there is a great blend called The Hibernation Blend that will do wonders for your sleep.  Many people swear by this blend for sleep because it just helps them relax and drift off to dreamland.

Hibernation Blend

• 20 drops Frankincense
• 20 drops Bergamot
• 20 drops Roman Chamomile
• 20 drops Vetiver

Add to a roller ball topped bottle.  Top with Fractionated Coconut Oil.

For kids, use a 10 mL bottle.

For adults, use a 5 mL bottle.

I pray for an easy transition to "big girl school" for my oldest and quite frankly, me.  I know I will need a little Elevation blend to get through the first day.  

Here is to a happy, new, school year filled with lots of learning fun!!!!

Mother Nature, I shake my fist at you!

Ladies, this one of for you.  Guys, I apologize but think of this post as a way to help the women in your  life.  Just forward this blog to the ladies in your life and don't say another word.  It is for your protection!  Today, we are talking about that time of the month and woes of womanhood.

I am unhappily reporting that my benefits of pregnancy seem to have come to an end.  I have found bruises from bumping into things again.  When I am pregnant I never seem to bruise.  It is a beautiful thing.  Thank goodness for Helichrysum now that superpower has faded.  But this is not about bruising, it is about that dreaded visitor, Aunt Flow.  Despite breastfeeding and pumping my little heart out, my cycles have returned.  It is amazing how a year off can make you forget just how bad cramps, bloating and headaches can suck the life out of you.

I have read on Facebook posts and from fellow oilers that you can get through your time of the month using oils.  So since the time was right, I gave it a shot.  My oils of choice...Citrus Bliss, Past Tense, DigestZen and Solace.

Why?  Glad you asked!

Citrus Bliss makes me happy.  Let's face it, I was pretty darn grumpy at this event taking place just 3 months into breastfeeding.  I mean seriously, the people who keep from getting a period the entire time they breastfeed are probably those who "the weight just fell off."  OK.....BITTER party of one, your table is ready.  I hear  ya!  Moving on.....

I applied a drop to each temple and the back of my neck.  It did help me to feel the more bliss.  I call Citrus Bliss sunshine in a bottle for good reason.

Past Tense helped relief my headache.  I rolled that blend across my forehead.  It has a nice minty smell and really knocks out a headache.  It will help kick a migraine too.  Luckily, I don't need it much but it really does the trick.

DigestZen might be the one that surprises everyone.  They typical use of DigestZen is for tummy trouble and it works great.  After numerous Facebook suggestions, I gave it a try.  I rubbed a couple drops on my abdomen.  You know what?  The cramps went away.  It was amazing.  

Finally, I used the Solace.  Solace is a blend especially designed to help women with all sorts of hormonal issues.  It can help with PMS, hot flashes, cramps, you name it.  I rolled it across my abdomen and soon after I found I just felt better.  Less of the ick feeling I always get.   It will be my go to oil during the next round of monthly ick.  





Although, I was truly hoping not to need any of the oils for quite a bit longer, I am glad I had them on hand.  I made it through without taking any OTC meds.  I felt better since I am still breastfeeding that I only used natural products that will not hurt my little boy.  The oils did not mess with my supply issues either.  They truly are a gift from the earth!  

Need some retail therapy during your time of the month, check out my website!  But contact me so you don't have to pay retail.