Supplements for Specific Conditions

Every month when my new Swanson catalog arrives, I go through it carefully. This company has grown through the years and now carries a variety of brands of vitamins, minerals and supplements, as well as organic foods, essential oils, coffee, pet products and more. It is so important to do your homework and become familiar with the many products on the market. 

I am a big fan of natural products, but they also can have some negative side effects. And mixing and matching doesn’t always work! So be judicious and get professional advice before buying a lot of natural healthful products and all those healthy-sounding vitamins, minerals and supplements. 

Many vitamins and minerals do support the following health issues. The ones I list here are supplements for specific conditions. 

Alpha Lipoic Acid: Some foods that contain alpha lipoic acid are broccoli, yams, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots and red meat. This supplement is reported to regulate your blood sugar, fight inflammation and slow the aging process. It helps activate glutathione in your body and can relieve neuropathy.45 

night vision, circulation problems, It is best not to take if you are taking blood thinners. 

Astaxanthin: Several sources report this to be “the supplement of the century” and valuable in treating many conditions. The main food containing astaxanthin is wild-caught salmon, and the redder the better. Another natural source is green algae. As an antioxidant it is reportedly stronger than vitamin C. Some studies have found it helps rid the body of inflammation. 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Both of these supplements support good eyesight, and can act as a preventative measure against developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), or slowing down its progression if you already have it. In some cases it has been known to cause AMD to backtrack and disappear completely. Certainly learn more about it if you have eye issues. Some natural sources of these supplements are flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, spinach, kale and egg yolks. 

You may want to add a specific eye vitamin to ensure getting all the necessary nutrients to support your vision. Years ago my husband was diagnosed with the beginning stages of macular degeneration. He has now been taking lutein and zeaxanthin for about 10 years, and the problem has all but disappeared. 

There are a huge amount  wonderful supplements out there for many  different conditions.  Before starting on any of these remember we all are different and react differently to what we ingest;  and you must be sure  these supplements do not interfere with other drugs or even supplements and vitamins you are taking.  It is always a good idea to check with your health provider before starting a new protocol.

Amazon Book: Feel Better Every Day    for more supplement ideas and other ways to stay healthy as you age.

Lets Clean Bathrooms and Kitchens Naturally

For many years I had a houseful of  a variety of assorted cleaning solutions.  I had one for the bathroom, kitchen and floors etc.  Most of the cleaners come in aerosol cans.  When I got on my super health kick about 10 years ago I decided to try making some of my own cleaners with natural ingredients.  We often don’t stop to think if the fumes we are inhaling  are harmful;  and  I decided after a coughing spell I had enough of the aerosol cleaners. Keeping your home as non toxic as possible is a great way to add to your good health.  So good bye to bathroom cleaners as well as all purpose cleaners

* Borax Cleaner:  All Purpose cleaner

Blend the following ingredients and pour mixture into a pump bottle. 

1 teaspoon borax 

2 tablespoons Castile soap 

. teaspoon washing soda (See recipe below.) 

6-7 drops of essential oil: lemon, geranium, lavender or rose 

2 cups water 

Bathroom All around cleaner

Ingredients

A spray bottle.

1/2 cup of baking soda

1/2 up of white vinegar

1 cut of water

10 drops of lemon or grapefruit essential oil

Directions

Put the baking soda in the bottle

Careful and slowly pour in the water

Add the white vinegar

Try to to jiggle the bottle gently  until all settled

Add the essential oil

* Easy Kitchen Cleaner: Combine the following ingredients in a spray bottle to produce a quick, multi-purpose cleaning solution. This is so simple and so effective. Clean and sanitize both. 

1 cup distilled vinegar 

2 cups water 

5 drops favorite essential oil: lemon, lavender or grapefruit 

Baking soda

I keep a cup of baking soda in each bathroom, under the sink, next to the litter box and in the fridge.

When I am in a hurry I pour some baking soda on a damp rag and give my bathrooms the once over along with the kitchen sink and counter. 

I pour a little in the litter box every day and it keeps the room smelling fresh

I keep a cup of the baking soda in the fridge to keep it from picking up odors from  everything that is in the fridge.

Another great use for baking soda is when heart burn strikes.  Put a teaspoon of baking soda in water and drink.  It is not the most tasty drink in the world but it does the trick. 

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My Favorite Healthy Snacks

Snacking is a universal habit and most of us indulge at one time or another.  It is no easy feat finding health and satisfying snacks that are not calorie laden.  You can always snack on fruits and veggies but sometimes want something with a little more substance.  I personally always have a bowl of cut up fruit and veggies to dig into when the hunger pangs hit.   And having these healthy recipes with the ingredients on hand could possibly avoid reaching for the cookie jar.

I want to share a few of my favorite  healthy recipes for veggie dips with you that will keep in the fridge for several days if covered properly

My favorite Hummus

Ingredients:

1 large can of garbanzo beans

2. 3 tablespoons of sesame seeds

3.  1 garlic clove

4.  1/2 teaspoon of curry powder turmeric and coriander

5.  1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil or olive oil

6.  1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

7. salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Drain the beans and rinse

Blend all of ingredients in your blender until smooth

Refrigerate in a container with lid

What Bean Hummus

Ingredients

1. One can of of northern white beans
2. 1/4 of small onion
3. 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, basil and thyme
4. Salt and pepper to taste
5. Squeeze of 1/2 lemon
6. 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions:

Drain the beans and rinse

Blend all the ingredients in blender

Chill in a covered container

*I use fresh beans when available

Favorite Yogurt Dip

Ingredients

1. 1 cup of Greek yogurt
2. 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
3. 1/4 cup of cilantro
4. 1 teaspoon each if oregano, basil, marjoram and garlic powder
5. 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
6. 1/4 cup of dry parmesan cheese

These dips are great for company served with cut up veggies or small crackers

I usually have one of these  healthy snack dips in the fridge for a quick snack and whenI am in  hurry it can serve as a small lunch.  

Keeping healthy choices of nutritious foods in your home will help you avoid the pitfalls of eating something that is full of calories.  And my usual saying if you don’t have fattening and unhealthy snacks in the house it may be too much trouble for you to go out and buy them.

Another great idea is to have a variety of raw nuts in the house.  It is amazing how filling one handful can be. 

Amazon Book: Feel Better Every Day

Anxiety and Stress Solutions

I think personally that these two words  somehow belong together and I frankly don’t like either one.  However in life we are all going to feel these two emotions at one time or another. Stress can play havoc on the body. as well as the mind. You will often feel tired, annoyed and  might withdraw from some of your favorite activities.  Though I feel the two often go hand in hand anxiety can be another story.  It is often the result of stress.  

A Few Causes of Anxiety and Stress

I do  believe there are many things in today’s landscape that can cause stress and anxiety.  We live in uncertain times with political unrest, an abundance of suicides, rising prices, uncertain health insurance.  Maybe I better stop right now or everyone will get stressed reading this post. Life is about problems, challenges and working at solving them.  Family matters can be very stressful.  Sometimes things are not going well at work. Money is a huge issue in our lives and not to mention relationships which can create havoc with our minds. A huge cause for stress is being on overload with way too much to do.  

What can we do  to alleviate bouts of stress and anxiety.  There are often problems in our life that we have to live with.  And the problem may or may not go away  but perhaps we can. find suitable ways to calm us down.   Many people either cannot eat during these times or overeat.  For me personally when I am stressed the last thing I want is food.  

Here is my growing list of solutions.

1. Meditation:  I try to meditate everyday even for a short span of five minutes.  I will go longer if my mind will allow.  Focusing on breathing is all you have to do.  There are books written on proper meditation however whatever works for you is good.
2. Do a written plan of what you can do about the problem that is looming.  If you don’t have a solution at this time just write down your feelings.  This helps take them off your mind.
3. Take a long soak in the tub with a sprinkle of lavender, vetiver or sandalwood essential oil
4. If you can get out a favorite book and just read.
5. Take a walk out in nature and breathe the fresh air.  Even if it is chilly bundle up and head out.
6. Turn on some music and get something accomplished like cleaning your house, cupboards or re arranging things.
7. I keep a small bottle of Lavender oil on my desk and take an occasional sniff for temporary relief.
8. Call a good friend and vent your feelings and sometimes when doing that they really don’t seem so bad.

We are all going to have stress and sometimes on a daily basis, so take care of yourself in anyway that makes you feel happy.  Do you have a special way you deal with stress?  Check solutions out in my book on Amazon

Feel Better Every Day

Lets Talk About Vitamins

Though people have been taking vitamins for years there seems to be  huge rise in popularity the past 15 or 20 years.  New companies are emerging everyday claiming to have the best and purist vitamins.  Many doctors and other health professionals who have daily newsletters filled with medical information generally have their own brand of vitamins and supplements. How many times do you see advertisements with claims of feeling better than you ever have, ridding  yourself of conditions and disease.  I cannot say they whether these claims are true or not, However it does seem to me from a practical stand point that if any of these vitamins were so fabulous we would all be taking them.

Multiple Vitamins

I have read a great deal about taking multiple  vitamins and I know basically  they will not harm you. unless you have an allergy to one particular supplement.  However Ido wonder how a small capsule or pill can hold enough of a particular vitamin or mineral to do one any good or benefit.    I think many people feel these vitamins and other supplements  take the place of eating a healthy diet. However, there is nothing as beneficial as eating fresh foods, in my opinion.

There is a lot of chatter out there about vitamins and their value.  So i am leaving this up to you and doing your own research.

Capsules VS Tablets

As we age we tend to lose hydrochloric acid in our stomach which makes it more difficult to digest certain foods.  Vitamins tablets  sometimes do not break down and you get less value from your vitamin pill. Capsules and gels dissolve ore readily,  so it is wise to take these when you can.

Specific Vitamins

In our house we take specific vitamins, minerals and supplements for different conditions and prevention.

I personally take a B complex, Vitamin D3, Alpha Lipoic acid to regulate blood sugar,

Lutein and Zeaxanthin for vision support.  My favorite all around supplement is Astaxanthin.  I could write an entire article about this alone and I just might. 

I also put a teaspoon of vitamin C powder in my morning glass of water.  There are many health benefits to vitamin C.  Fortunately there are many foods rich in this vitamin.  Having an extra dose is very supportive of your immune system and hopefully staving off colds and flu. And I also add beet root powder to keep my blood pressure regulated. and it provides a dose of nitric oxide..

Reading up on vitamins is something everyone should do.  I personally could write an entire book on these supplements. Actually I did write an entire chapter in my book., Feel Better Every Day. 

*Please remember to check with your health provider before adding any vitamins, minerals or supplements to your diet.

Feel Better Every Day    my book with lots of info on staying healthy as we age

Solutions for Getting You to Sleep

It is no fun when you cannot fall asleep and find yourself tossing and turning.  Ands thoughts fill your head of how tired you will be the next day.  That alone can keep you awake.  Remember when you were young and you went to sleep and woke up 8 hours later.  As you age sleep does get interrupted and it is considered normal.  To me if I can fall back to sleep in a reasonable amount of time I am happy.

Insomnia seems to become more apparent as we age and there are many reasons this occurs.
1. Age
2. Stress
3. Night time eating
4. Prescription drugs
5. Health conditions

According to experts we can try these suggestions:

1. Going to sleep the same time every night
2. No Electronics in the bedroom
3. A warm bath

Going to sleep at the same time is not always possible or desirable.  Most of us having this problem are retired or working part time.  We want to go to bed when we want.

Many of us enjoyi watching TV in bed and are probably not going to change this routine.

You may want to take a warm bath before going to bed.  Try adding several drops of lavender essential oil or sandalwood essential oil and relax.

Here are a few thoughts that I personally have tried and they seem to work.

1. Avoid hi carb or snacks with sugar before bedtime as it can be a stimulant
2. When brushing teeth before bed avoid a peppermint toothpaste.  This may sound silly but peppermint can be a stimulant also.
3. Have a small serving of cottage cheese which is rich in calcium and may help you relax
4. Try a five minute meditation to calm you down
5. Melatonin which is actually a hormone  works very well when you use it infrequently i works.. 
6. Have a warm cup of Chamomile tea. 
7. Spray magnesium oil on the bottom of your feet and this will also relax you
8. Sprinkle some lavender, sandalwood or vetiver essential oil on your pillow case.

Here is my recipe for sleeplessness with essential oils

Ingredients:

1. 4 drops of lavender essential
2. 3 drops of vetiver essential oil
3. 3 drops of sandalwood essential oils
4. 3 tablespoons of coconut oil

Directions:

1. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave
2. Add the essential oils and blend together
3. Put in a small glass mason jar and refrigerate for about an hour
4. Put a few drops behind your ears and on your wrists.

*If the oil is too solid add a small amount of jojoba, apricot or sweet almond oil and stir.

Fill the diffuser

Diffusers are great to enjoy a lovely scent in any room.  They are easy to use so follow the instructions.

Add several drops of lavender essential oil oil with water in your diffuser.  Follow the instructions and allow the lovely scent to put you off to sleep.

Do you have any special solutions for falling asleep?  Would love to hear from you.

Get More Information from my book on Amazon      Feel Better Every Day

Essential Oils That Benefit different types of pain

Essential oils have many benefits for different conditions and situations.  Getting involved in learning about  these fabulous oils is a wonderful journey to take.  The  essential oils have been around for many centuries; and before all the prescription drugs and other protocols were available essential oils were used to treat different diseases.  

Of course these  oils have become more sophisticated and defined for different uses. Even oils used for pain are divided into join paint, muscle, and even topical pain such as rashes and burns.   

Here are the most popular oils for muscle pain

*lavender

*rosemary

*ginger

*vetiver

*clary sage

*wintergreen

Joint Pain

*marjoram

*peppermint

*eucalyptus

*cypress

*turmeric

Burns and rashes

*geranium

*tea tree oil

*peppermint

*calendula essential oil

*lavender

Please note that you do not want to use these oils directly on the skin.  You can combine many of them together,  but should check online which oils do not work well together.  And many of the oils can cause an allergic reaction to the skin. Also many oils do not mix well with prescription drugs you may be taking.  Always check with your health provider before starting a new health program.  Essential oils go to the blood stream but not the digestive system.  People often don’t realize that when putting anything on your skin it goes to your blood stream. 

Here are the best carrier oils to use with the essential oils:

1. coconut
2. sweet almond
3. apricot kernel
4. jojoba
5. grapeseed

Always use just a few drops as essential oils are extremely concentrated.  Using carrier oils at least 10 time to 1 of the essential oil.  There are many easy recipes to follow online. 

How do you use essential oils?

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All About Health Benefits of Magnesium

Most of us want to stay healthy as we age. One of the most important ways to do this is to consume a generous amount of of magnesium in our daily diets.   It is no easy feat to make sure we get enough nutrients each day to stay healthy.  I hate to say this but a good part of the aging population just tends to eat what they want without regard to nutrition.  And many seniors who have spent years feeding their growing families and cooking daily have decided they need a break.  Many of the older population goes out to eat several times a week. Though restaurant food may taste good and dining out is an enjoyable experience, the food may not live up to the standards of a truly healthy diet.  The chefs and cooks are preparing food that you will enjoy which may have large amounts of fat, sugar and salt.

In our family I have set a goal of only eating what I call “bad” meals about four times a month.  And the reality eating out in restaurants is not always that wonderful.  I like to to know what I eat and the ingredients.  I cook a lot but that doesn’t mean I spend hours in the kitchen.  For example I make a huge pot of soup each week and freeze and refrigerate the soup in serving containers.  If we are home for lunch I just pull a container out and we have a complete mean.  I add lots of legumes to the soup to help to reach our daily requirement of magnesium.

Today Magnesium is considered one of the most important minerals to have a healthy body. Here are the foods that have the highest magnesium  The daily requirement for adults is about 400 to 350 mg per day.  You will find many charts online explaining the requirements and importance of magnesium

Here are some of the sources of Magnesium

1. dark chocolate
2. Avocados
3. nuts
4. legumes
5. tofu
6. seeds
7. whole grains
8. fatty fish
9. bananas
10. leafy greens

All of these foods that are rich in magnesium are also rich in many other vitamins and minerals 

Health Benefits of Magnesium

1. Helps fight depression
2. Energizes the body
3. Can help lower blood pressure
4. Anti Inflammatory
5. Reduces insulin resistance
6. Help stave of migraine headaches

Magnesium is one of nature’s natural stress reliever

Magnesium —something to consider

I have been using magnesium oil for about 3 years.  I rub a little on the bottom of my feet and I am off to dreamland. And it is another way to add your daily requirement of this important mineral.

I make sure we get enough magnesium in the way I prepare food.  Here are some suggestions to keep up your magnesium requires

1. Make soups with different legumes such as lentils, white beans, black beans
2. Add a variety of seeds such as sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin to your salads and other dishes
3. Grab a handful of raw nuts as a snack
4. Have salmon and other oil fish at least two or three times a week
5. Grab a banana as an afternoon snack
6. Dark chocolate should not be a problem.  Chocolate is yummy and offers a lot of magnesium

What About supplements

There are many types of magnesium supplements along with calcium and vitamin K.  You will need expert advice as to which type is best for you.

Are you getting enough magnesium in your diet?

A few of my Favorite Essential Oils to Blend

Here are a few of my favorite essential oils that I use when making my different lotions and potions for different situations.

Lavender Essential Oil: My favorite of all, this one has more uses than other essential oils. Lavender smells delightful and can help you relax and improve your mood. It is also effective in healing cuts and wounds, and is compatible with many other oils. Sometimes as we age, our level of stress increases. This is certainly true for me. Because of that, there are times when I take a whiff of lavender oil right from the bottle and my stress begins to dissipate immediately. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil: If you’ve used chest rubs you will immediately recognize the scent of eucalyptus. It is great help for relieving symptoms of bronchitis and other allergies, as well as a variety of other common aches and pains.

Frankincense Essential Oil: This oil is useful for many conditions. Used during Biblical times for a variety of ceremonies, it has an earthy, woody scent. Its healing properties make it a popular choice for skin conditions. When used regularly, it has reportedly lightened those pesky “age spots.”

Bergamot Essential Oil: This oil has a spicy, citrus scent. Citrus scents are very pleasant to use and energize and relieve temporary stress. Applied directly on the skin with a carrier oil, its healing benefits will help with fungal infections. Bergamot is often added to blends that relieve anxiety and stress. This oil is also best not used in direct sunlight. Actually, all citrus type essential oils are best not used outdoors in sunlight. Bergamot is said to help regulate your cardiovascular system, although I suggest checking with your health provider before using it for your health issues. 

Tea Tree Essential Oil: Also known as melaleuca oil, it has many uses. Known for its anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, it has a slightly medicinal scent. Having this all-purpose oil on hand is a good idea for many common conditions including bacterial infections, open wounds and minor skin abrasions. 

Other uses of tea tree oil are as a toothbrush cleaner, laundry freshener, and even for pest control. Unless prescribed, this oil is not to be ingested. Instead, massage with carrier oil or add to a diffuser to inhale, which can help alleviate cold symptoms. A few drops applied to a minor cut or scrape will help avoid infection. 

Sandalwood Essential Oil: Recognized for its exotic lingering scent, I enjoy opening the bottle and getting a quick whiff. The scent has a calming effect and is often used commercially in perfumes and creams. Mixing sandalwood with a carrier oil soothes rashes, scar tissue and other skin ailments. I often add a few drops to my regular conditioner as it adds luster to dry hair. 

Geranium Essential Oil: With a wonderful sweet scent and no known irritating qualities, this oil is uplifting and can be therapeutic for skin conditions and dry skin. While it will not totally rid you of stress and depression, geranium can lighten your spirits temporarily. I have blends for a facial moisturizer and a body cream scented with geranium. Geranium mixes well with many other oils. You can make a natural deodorant by combining several drops of geranium oil with half a cup of water in a spray bottle. 

Vetiver Essential Oil: This is another favorite of mine. It has a unique grassy scent and is helpful in promoting sleep and calming restlessness. In experiments with children with ADHD, vetiver has been found successful in creating a sense of calmness. Added to other oils, it aids in reducing foot pain. It is a common ingredient of many popular perfumes. 

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Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and even mentioned in the Bible. Before prescription drugs were common, essential oils were blended and used for many medical conditions. There are hundreds of  different essential oils and almost as many conditions that they can help.

I love using essential oils and especially experimenting with my own blends.  To create these blends I have spent a lot of time researching which particular oils  work best together and the amount to be used.  

Keep in mind that all essential oils are powerful and should be used judiciously.  All essential oils are  are highly concentrated and a small amount goes a long way. For example just one drop of lemon essential oils takes almost a pound of lemons, and each drop of lavender oil requires one pound of lavender plant to produce.  Essential oils are beneficial for many conditions.

If you decide to get on the essential oil bandwagon remember this:

1. Use only glass containers
2. Purchase good grade essential oils 
3. All essential oils should be packaged in dark glass
4. Make sure all of your oils are compatible together
5. Some oils that contain citrus like bergamot, lemon and grapefruit should not be exposed sunlight.
6. Always use carrier oils to mix your brews—coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil and apricot kernel oil.

I am going to share a few of my favorite oils for anxiety and stress.  

My favorite oil is Lavender 

Lavender essential oil has more uses than any other oil. It possesses a delightful fragrance and can help relieve stress and anxiety.  And it can readily improve your mood.   Sometimes I just take a whiff of this essential oil and I feel the tension leave my body.  It is compatible with many other essential oils.

Frankincense is another favorite oil.  This oil helps settle the stomach, good for skin ailments and also relieves stress and anxiety.  There are some known allergies to this essential oil so check with your health provider before using

Vetiver is another favorite essential oil which I use for  foot pain and is great for calming restlessness and stress. Vetiver does have a unique grassy scent

Here is one of my favorite recipes using essential oils for anxiety and stress.

5 drops of lavender oil

6 drops of Vetiver

1/4  cup of coconut oil

1 teaspoon of apricot kernel  oil

Directions’

1. Blend all of these ingredients in a glass jar and refrigerate for about an hour.

If the mixture is too solid to use add a small amount of either grapeseed, sweet almond, jojoba oil or  apricot kernel oil and allow to sit out on the counter.

When you feel stressed or anxious dab a small amount on your wrists and behind each ear.

Other popular oils for anxiety and stress are:

Rose

Yiang Yiang

Chamomille

**when using any essential oils that you have not tried before ask your health professional if the oils react with prescription drugs you may take.   Also sample a small drop on your skin to make sure there is no reaction.

Essential Oil Recipes for Creams and Toothpaste

Essential oils have been around for hundreds of years and used for a variety of conditions and ailments.  These oils had fallen in the background when different drugs emerged throughout the past centuries.  It is difficult to pinpoint when they started gaining popularity and notoriety.  As  with everything that returns new businesses are formed.  Today there are many different brands and businesses emerging selling essential oils.

Along with the popular return of these oils comes some inferior products.  Before getting excited about the many uses of these oils make sure you purchase the highest quality. Check the ingredients to be sure there are no added fragrances or additives.  Another thing to look for is to make sure the bottle is dark glass.

Do your homework before purchasing oils.  Expensive does not mean better.  There are many multi level companies selling essential oils which adds to the  cost of the oil.

I have compiled a few recipes that I personally use for a few different situations and conditions

 My Favorite Body Cream

Aloe vera gel  has a well deserved reputation as a therapeutic compound for skin.  Aloe vera is also used for digestive problems.  This particular recipe is quick and easy with no cooking involved. I have used a blender  to make this,  but find that mixing by hand works just fine.I apply this cream after a shower and before I go to bed.

Ingredients:

1.5 cups of coconut oil

4 teaspoons of dole vera gel

1 teaspoon of rose hip seed oil

12 to 15 drops of the following oils Lavender, Frankincense,  or sweet orange 

Directions

1. Whisk together the first two ingredients. 
2. Pour the mixture in a bowl an chill  for about an hour.
3. Add the essential oils and mix well together
4. Pour the mixture in a glass jar with a lid

Skin Exfoliator

I love this simple recipe for a sugar scrub and it has only three ingredients.  I exfoliate about once a week. It is probably the only time I use sugar.

Ingredients 

1/4 cup of coconut oil

1 or more cups of white sugar

12-15 drops of any essential oil (I  like rosemary, lavender and lemon grass)

Directions

 1. Blend all the ingredients (if the mixture is too hard add a teaspoon of another carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba or apricot kernel. It can be a little tricky getting the right consistency. 

2. Store in a small glass mason jar

Peppermint Toothpaste

I love making my own toothpaste for several reasons.  I am always happy to use natural products.  The coconut oil helps keep your teeth white and the baking soda does a great cleaning job.

Ingredients

1/2 cup of coconut oil

2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda

15-20 drops of peppermint oil or lemon essential oil

Directions:

1. Blend the oil and soda together until it forms a thick mixture.  You may need a little more of the soda or oil to get a thick consistency.
2. Add the essential oils and mix well
3. You can allow this toothpaste  to sit at room temperature
4. Put the mixture in a small glass mason jar.

*Optional…Add 1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan salt for extra cleaning

Add 1 teaspoon of the sweetener xylitol or as much to your taste.

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My Favorite Essential Oil Recipes

I got interested in essential oils about 4 or 5 years ago.  And when I get enthusiastic about anything new in my life  I buy everything I need to start experimenting.  I read all the information I could get my hands on about essential oils.  And of course the internet is good for those seeking information.   

Essential oils have been around for hundreds of years and have been used to treat many conditions and illnesses.  Long before we knew about prescription drugs essential oils were used.  

There are several ways to use these oils

1. Sniff the fragrance directly from the bottle 
2. Put oil in a diffuser to give your room a lovely scent and also help cure what ails you.
3. Rub your mixture  on your wrists, behind your ears and even on the bottom of your feet. There are many nerve endings on the bottom of your feet and the oil penetrates very fast

A few rules to making your own lotions and potions

1. Use a glass jar for mixing and storing the blends
2. Remember to use a carrier oil such as coconut oil, sweet almond, Jojoba are just a few
3. Essential oils are very strong so it is not a good idea to put directly on your skin.
4. Make sure the oils do not clash with any prescription drugs you may be taking
5. Best not to use the citrus oils on your skin when going into sunlight.
6. Some oils do not work well together so it is a good idea to do some research.

Here is one of my favorite soothing Foot Cream  When I am getting ready for bed I massage this cream on my feet. Not only are my feet moisturized but I get relaxed enough to fall into dreamland.

Ingredients

4 drops each of peppermint oil, rosemary essential oil, lavender essential oil and clary sage essential oil

1/4 cup of coconut oil

2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil 

Directions

1. Blend all the ingredients in a small bowl
2. Pour the mixture into a glass jar with a lid
3. Keep the mixture by your bedside for nightly quick massages

My Favorite hair and body cleanser

Ingredients

1/2 cup of Castile soap

1 tablespoon of baking soda

10 drops of rosemary essential oil

Directions:

1. Blend everything into a clean pump bottle
2. Use for hair and body

Essential Oils for Energy   Essential oil benefits are many and I dab a bit of this when leaving the house.  It is an instant pick up when you are feeling a little tired or in a slump.

I do not believe in any magic bullet to cure conditions and diseases.  And all of us are different and will react differently to any new products we use.  You can experiment and have some fun with essential oils.  I highly recommend again that you check with your health provider to make sure you are not using any oil that may interfere with prescriptions drugs you are taking.