Tag Archives: peppermint oil

Seven Ways to Prepare Now for Low Stress and Budget-Friendly Holiday Gifting

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

I know, I know, I KNOW. There’s a special kind of frustration and pressure that mounts when you walk into a store in October (probably still wearing short sleeves!) only to see Christmas decorations up already.

Goodness, let me have my fall, people! I’m not even getting to wear my boots yet!

But what I do appreciate are all the great ideas for holiday gifts that are creeping into my Pinterest feed, and the fun craft ideas that float across Facebook. And given that I have almost already filled my entire schedule for the next 12 weeks, I am glad to be reminded that if I want to make a few thoughtful gifts, it might be time to plan on it now.

So while we’re not ready to turn on the Christmas tunes at Beeyoutiful headquarters and throw any tinsel just yet, we are going to give you a head start with our list of seven Christmas gifts you might want to make or purchase before the holiday rush this year.

1. Cinnamon Ornaments

They’re not edible, but these cookie imposters smell divine and are great as teacher gifts or for Grandma.

1 cup Applesauce
1 1/2 cup Ground Cinnamon
*You can also add small amounts of glitter to your dough to add extra glitz to your ornaments!

Mix until thoroughly incorporated. Place dough on a sheet of cinnamon-dusted waxed paper; place a second sheet on top of the dough. Roll to 1/4 inch thickness, and then peel off the top paper. Use your favorite cookie or biscuit cutters to cut dough into shapes.

Using a thin spatula, place dough shapes on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Using a ice pick or skewer, poke a hole on the top part of each ornament to later insert the ribbon. Bake in a preheated oven at 200* until solid (up to 2 hours).

Once cooled, insert ribbon or decorative string and tie in a hanging loop. Hang on your Christmas tree or anywhere you’d like to spread the scent of Cinnamon.

2. Herbal Sugar Scrub

This is a great gift for those on your list who enjoy a bit of pampering.
1 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Sweet Almond Oil
1/8 cup Raw Honey
1/8 cup crushed Hibiscus petals
30 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (Or substitute another favorite oil)

Mix together until thoroughly incorporated and then store in a tightly capped glass jar. Place in tins or decorative glass jars for a beautiful gift. Use a chalk board tag and a liquid chalk pen for an added cute touch on the label.

3. Herb and Spice Blends

Buy your herbs and spices in bulk and create some of your own blends, then give them as gifts to your favorite cooks! Several popular spice blends are Cajun, Italian, Herbs de Provence, Ranch, and Cinnamon Sugar. Here’s a salt blend to get you started.

Kickin’ Popcorn Salt

1 cup Sea Salt
1/2 cup Chili Powder
1 Tbs Cayenne Powder
1/4 cup Paprika
1/4 cup Garlic Granules
1 Tbs Oregano
1 Tbs Thyme

Mix together and store in a tightly capped glass container. Pop your popcorn, then melt butter and add 1-2 teaspoons of this salt to taste. (I also like to add the juice of a lime.) Drizzle over freshly popped popcorn and toss to distribute evenly.

4. Herbal Tea Blends

Use bulk herbs and teas to create custom blends for your next tea time. (Learn the simple steps to blending herbs here!)

5. Essential Oil Rollerball

Create your own unique aromatherapy blends using your favorite essential oils, jojoba oil, and an empty rollerball bottle. The Complete Book of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils has some great recipes and tips on making safe and fragrant blends!

6. Spiced Vanilla Granola

Get our delicious recipe here! Make it ahead in big batches, then portion it into pretty containers to gift later.

7. Books

Choosing a favorite wellness book for a friend is a great way to share information and education, and boost their long-term health too. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

Playing Favorites- Fall 2010 Catalog

Posted on November 29, 2010 by stevetallent

Playing Favorites

Product Preference Confessions of a Beeyoutiful Lover

By Stephanie Kuvik Tallent

One of the “perks” of working at Beeyoutiful is that employees have the blessing of experiencing the benefits of each product in Beeyoutiful’s incomparable lin-up and, for almost 3 years now, I’ve used just about everything. To choose favorites among these prized health helpers feels a bit like choosing a favorite among my kids but I confess: there are some “chosen ones” for me. Although I have a Top 20 list, I’ve narrowed it to five to share with you (maybe more next time).

Aroma-Pro Essential Oil Diffuser

Using the Aroma-Pro Essential Oil Diffuser, I “play” with the fragrances and scents I fill my home with almost daily. I might mix a little Orange Oil with a bit of lemon and eucalyptus and maybe a dash of peppermint to permeate my home with a citrusy-fresh fragrance that is also secretly killing germs. While I don’t see it happening, I know my friend, Aroma-Pro, microbializes each oil into the air, allowing it to do its own cleansing job. The oils remain in the air and kill germs for up to five or six hours after diffusion. Another huge plus: it is far more effective and natural than any germ-killing aerosol spray in the market. Oust and Lysol do not use up money from my grocery list—Whoohoo!

As part of my diffuser playtime, I also read about each oil-its particular properties and what it blends well with-and now I’m not afraid to mix a little of this and a few drops of that. (Beeyoutiful offers a great resource to help in your own adventure with essential oils. If you don’t already have a copy, order The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood. The book explores far more than just diffusing essentials oils and it has been an invaluable reference for me on more than one occasion. You’ll find it on page 14 of this catalog.)

Aroma-Pro Essential Oil diffuser is a special blessing during the fall, winter and early spring months when colds, flu, and allergy irritants are rampant in the air. When we come home fro shopping, church, or the gym, I switch on the diffuser to kill germs or bacteria we may have brought home. As we go about our day-whether putting groceries away or taking a Sunday afternoon nap-we breathe in those marvelous, microbialized oils and rid ourselves of the yuck we brought home. When a cold or flu bug does grab hold despite our best efforts, I crank up the diffuser with oils that have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and disinfecting properties to help beat the bug as quickly as we can. I blend a few oils that are good for easing congestion and opening airways. And when pollen in the air causes sneezing and teary eyes, essential oils in the diffuser is my answer again.

[The Aroma-Pro Essential Oil diffuser can be found on pg.31 of this catalog. It is available for purchase by phone or mail order only.]

Ow!-Ease

Most of the tears in our house come from one or both of our toddlers as they’ve learned to walk, run, jump, play, and -not so gracefully-fall down and bump something. But those tears dry up almost automatically when Mommy says, “Oh my, I bet that hurts. Do you need some cream on that?” We toddle off to the bathroom to smooth Ow!-Ease on the tear-inducing red mark. Just knowing Mommy is going to “fix it” with our amazing creams stops the tears and helps take the “ow” away.

I love Ow!-Ease, not just because it helps stop the tears but because it works. Arnica has been used since the 1500’s by both Europeans and Native Americans in salves, creams, liniments, ointments, and tinctures (as a base for poultices and compresses) to aid the healing of sprains and bruises, and to soothe aching muscles and relieve inflammation. Arnica, a perennial herb, is used mostly in topical treatments due to the toxicity of the plant and the serious side effects if taken interally.

Medicinal researchers have discovered that what makes arnica so effective is that it acts as a natural vasodilator to capillaries under the skin. Dilating the blood vessels relieves pressure on the injured area and speeds healing of bruises and sprains by allowing new blood cells to rush to the injured area. So when you apply an arnica salve directly to your skin, you cause blood vessels to open, help relieve inflammation, and aid in pain relief.

We use Ow!-Ease more than any other cream or salve. Its handy, gluestick-type container makes it simple to apply and you don’t get your fingers messy putting it on. My husband, Paul, treated a direct hit in the ankle by a softball within an hour of the injury, and the treated area never turned purple. Only the surrounding area, untreated skin changed color, and once he noticed the difference, he treated the discolored area as well. Ow!-Ease helped reduced the swelling, inflammation, redness, and bruising. What should have been a huge problem lingering for weeks healed within a matter of days!

I’ve used Ow!-Ease on glaring red stretch marks to help minimize their redness and visibility. With little people in the house, toys, are often in places they shouldn’t be (like in the middle of the floor), and I ‘ve tripped on my fair share. Like most moms, I often hurry through the house to discover the cause of the latest round of crying and all-too-frequently run into the corners of tables and counters on my way. I discover unsightly mega-bruises hours (sometimes days) later and wonder where they came from and why they hurt so much. Ow!-Ease rescues my sore spots, and it seems I use it on myself as often as I do the kids. [Ow!-Ease can be found on page 34 of this catalog.]

Soothe It! Aftershave Spray

I love Soothe It! Because the fragrance, though designed for men, is so gentle I’ m comfortable using it myself. Its lemongrass and sage essential oils appeal to both genders.

I relish Soothe It on my legs after a shower and enjoy the smoothing and soothing from both the aloe and the essential oils. Soothe It acts like one of those expensive in-the-shower shaving conditioners except you spray on Soothe It after you get out. It’s satisfying to know the good feelings are also good for my skin and not full of petroleum and chemicals.

Soothe It is a refreshing astringent on my face after washing. It gives it that tight feeling without being drying and the aloe discouraging acne and blemishes as well. Soothe It is a special treat in the summer months because I tend to not need a moisturizer at all and just spritz and go. As with Beeyoutiful’s HairShine, Soothe It can be used as an after sun spray because of the cooling, soothing aloe. It’s such a multi-purpose spray I keep one in the bathroom, one on the dressing table in the master bedroom, and another in my travel toiletry bag. [You’ll find Soothe It! Aftershave Spray on page 34 of this catalog.]

Beeyoutiful Balance

I often reach for Beeyoutiful Balance, the bio-identical progesterone cream. After much reading and study, I realized I had most of the symptoms of progesterone deficiency and decided to try Beeyoutiful Balance. We ran a great article on the use of progesterone cream a few catalogs back, so I won’t go into great detail about this amazing product, But I want to share my favorite use.

While every woman’s experience will be different because no two people have the exact same body chemistry, my use of Beeyoutiful Balance has resulted in lessening mood swings, a more consistent cycle, an almost instant feeling of calmness after I first apply it, and with all of those changes in me, a much happier hubby! My greatest benefit has been that, at the very start of my cycle when those annoying, painful cramps hit, I reach for Beeyoutiful Balance, apply it once and, within a half hour cramps are gone. I can go about my day and minister to my family as usual. Although I used to use typical pain relievers, they were hard on my stomach. So Beeyoutiful Balance delivers double relief. The first time I used Beeyoutiful Balance to relieve cramps, I was proud of myself for having figured out a natural way to feel better during what for years had been an uncomfortable time.

[You can find Beeyoutiful Balance on page 17 of this catalog and the article “Hormone Balance with Natural Progesterone Cream” at www.beeyoutiful.com/articles.]

Peppermint Essential Oil

It’s hard to pick a favorite essential oil when there are so many to choose from and all are so different in how they work and what ailment they help relieve. But I would have to say Beeyoutiful’s Peppermint Essential Oil is the one I reach for most frequently and as my universal, cure-all essential oil. Peppermint offers natural antiseptic properties and is a natural antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory, which makes it effective for many purposes.

Peppermint is typically known for relieving stomach indigestion and nausea so , instead of reaching for a piece of hard candy, we do things a bit differently at our house.

– Hiccups. One drop of peppermint oil on the finger and into the roof of your mouth, quickly followed by a small glass of water helps relieve hiccups in about a minute (not recommended for small children as this can cause a burning sensation in the mouth.)

– Fever. Especially for a small child or infant, mix a few drops of Peppermint Oil with Beeyoutiful’s Almond Oil and rub the mixture on the bottoms of the feet. (Almond helps the peppermint oil absorb more quickly than if used by itself and, as a carrier oil, it helps prevent burning of the skin.)

– Bloating and gas. Particularly before bed when you just don’t feel right, a few drops of Peppermint Oil in the belly button should help with indigestion and aids in reducing bloating overnight.

– Migraines. Peppermint Oil helps treat stress headaches and nausea. Rub a few drops of Peppermint Oil into your temples every few minutes while experiencing nausea or headache. You can also put a few drops into your belly button for nausea. Allow it to absorb, and then add a few more drops as needed. Apply it to your temples again when the oil does not appear glossy. That means it has absorbed into your skin and is working.

We also use Beeyoutiful’s Tummy Tuneup in conjunction with Peppermint Oil for nausea, heartburn, and indigestion. Both Peppermint Oil and Tummy Tuneup stay in the diaper bag so we have them for emergency situations when we are out. Head and tummy aches usually don’t get the better of us anymore.

Peppermint Oil is also an ingredient in my all-purpose household cleaning spray. Instead of other cleaners like Clorox Clean-up, I use it on the counters after cutting up chicken, on the kids’ high chairs after a meal, on the floor when a pet or child has made a mess, in the bathroom as my sink and toilet disinfecting spray, and so much more.

Ahh! I almost forgot to mention that I use Peppermint Oil in the Aroma-Pro Diffuser, too. I have to say, THAT is my favorite place to use it. I enjoy mixing it with just Eucalyptus Oil to help disinfect the air and kill germs, but a few drops of Peppermint Oil mixed in with a little of this and a little of that smells so good and…well, you get the idea. [Peppermint Oil can be found on page 29 of this catalog.]

I could keep going and share with you how I use more of Beeyoutiful’s many products, but the editorial police for this catalog limited me to just five. Come to think of it, that’s probably a good thing because I could share for hours (and pages!) how much I love all the many ways we use all-things-Beeyoutiful here in our home.

Stephanie Kuvik Tallent lives in Missouri with her husband Paul and their two children Amanda and Michael. Their whole family is excitedly looking forward to the addition of another child around June of next year. Stephanie is passionate about the health and care of her family and can often be found in her kitchen cooking, preparing nutritious food for them.

Health

Spice Up Your Recipes, Perk Up Your Health – Summer 2010 Catalog

Posted on September 6, 2010 by stevetallent Leave a comment

Spice Up Your Recipes, Perk Up Your Health

The Two Faces of Rosemary

by Mary Ewing

I once made a horrible false accusation. When I was fourteen, I blamed my migraine headaches on an innocent herb. At a resort I visited in California with my family, sweet-scented Rosemary plants grew everywhere and hotel chefs seasoned many house specialties with the tantalizing flavor. While there, I experienced the first migraine headache of my life and accused Rosemary of causing it. For fifteen years, I held a grudge-until I learned the delectable truth.

True Love from False Hate

At a church small group dinner one night, I was enthralled with one particular potluck dish. I raved to the young lady who had made it that I could eat her meal every day and never tire of it. She winked as she told me her secret ingredient was Rosemary-and I nearly melted onto the floor, fearing the onset of a migraine. When no headache attacked, I absolved Rosemary of my misconception and welcomed the spice back into my life!

Once I opened my mind to the truth about Rosemary, I not only looked up every culinary use I could find, but I also started reading about the plant itself and the various ways to use Rosemary in day to day life-especially Rosemary Essential Oil. The first night I discovered the oil, I stayed up four hours past my bedtime because I just could not stop reading. I was fascinated at the vast benefits attributed to this divine-tasting herb.

Now there’s nothing much more comforting to my tummy than potatoes au gratin with Rosemary tucked between the layers of potatoes and cheese. Actually, Rosemary in just about any stew or stock is such a delightful earthy addition, that I will not turn it down. And thanks to Beeyoutiful, there is now another wonderful form through which to indulge in the splendors of Rosemary. Rosemary Essential Oil not only captures the cozy, warm feelings that I get when eating my favorite potatoes, it also harnesses the power of the versatile Rosemary plant, putting it in an easy-to-use form. Let me tell you why it’s a must for all households.

How Does It Work?

The Rosemary plant has many different components that combine to produce its basic anti-inflammatory and tonic functions. It strengthens tissues in the body to help them perform normally, and it offers antiseptic and stimulant properties.

A powerful antioxidant, Rosmarinic acid is one of the primary components in the oil. Antioxidants scour your body, finding free radicals (molecules in the body that have lost an important electron). These free radicals are highly unstable and must find a molecular victim from which to “steal” an electron. Retrieving the electron damages the healthy cells in the body but antioxidants bind with free radicals, neutralizing them and eliminating the threat they pose to your healthy cells. The presence of Rosmarinic acid has been said to decrease the risk of cancer, slow the affects of aging, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Another key component in Rosemary is diosmetin. Diosmetin is flavone, also an antioxidant. It is known to help strengthen capillaries as well as other parts of the cardiovascular system and has been reported to increase circulation and possibly increase low blood pressure. Diosmetin seems to target the head and blood vessels that lead to the head. As a result, it is recommended for helping to increase circulation in the brain and surrounding areas. This can have the effect of enhancing memory, decreasing depression, elevating moods, and reducing headaches.

Rosmaricine is the analgesic part of the Rosemary plant. From sore muscles to throbbing headaches to sprains, this powerful ingredient may bring quick relief and, coupled with the increased circulation, it can help in the healing of injuries.

How Do I Use Rosemary?

My research about Rosemary suggests that it can be used for just about everything from antibacterial agent to sore muscle analgesic to headache-reliever to respiratory health-improver to anxiety-reducer to digestive aid. When I received my first order of my new favorite oil, I used it for a horrible sinus infection coupled with lung congestion. I had read that the anti-inflammatory properties can help open inflamed nasal passages and decrease congestion. Also, the antiseptic properties can help the immune system fight off the offending virus or bacteria. So I pulled out my bottle and started mixing (this used to scare my husband, but now he likes the results and no longer trembles at another one of my concoctions).

First, I got my oil-mixing bowl (the rule here is: always use glass, never plastic). I use a small Pyrex bowl that I found at the thrift store but any small mason jar, glass or ceramic bowl, or similar container will work. I prefer a designated container for mixing, in order to avoid accidentally consuming the full strength oils if I were to confuse the containers.

Next, I decided on my recipe and gathered my oils. For a respiratory formula, I used Rosemary Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Clary Sage Essential Oil, Eucalyptus and Lemon Essential Oils. I used 10 to 15 drops of each in the bowl. I mixed well to combine all the oils. Then I transferred this mixture into a dark glass jar and labeled it accordingly. It smelled heavenly and I was able to breathe very soon after first inhaling it.

I used my mixture in three ways. First, I diffused it in the room at twenty minute intervals throughout the day. Second, I mixed several drops of it with about a teaspoon of Sweet Almond Oil and rubbed it on my feet, chest, and shoulders. Third, I added about ten drops to a warm bath (this not only helped me breathe, but it also helped relax my sore muscles).

The results? You may be surprised to have me tell you I was disappointed. But it was only because my expectations were wrong. I didn’t understand the wonderful way this Rosemary treatment was meant to work.

I had some fantastic immediate relief from symptoms but, overall, I felt as sick as ever. I was hoping it would knock the opponent I was fighting from here to last Sunday, but it didn’t. Or so I thought. Slowly, I realized what was happening to me. Typically, my colds last a week to ten days with a sore throat at the onset progressing to a runny nose and then a battle of congestion. This time, I had the sore throat and the faucet nose and felt horrible. I was terribly discouraged-until about 36 hours after my Rosemary-based treatment when I woke up completely and utterly well. No congestion, no sore throat, no overall misery. I had been sick for less than three days, rather than the week it usually takes to recover. I was amazed and by the end of the day, I was outside mixing heavy bags of manure, peat moss, and vermiculite for our garden without a single sneeze, sniffle, or sign of a cold. I was convinced!

More Ways to Keep Rosemary Busy

I was even more in love with my new bottle of Rosemary Essential Oil than ever! I could not wait to use it on other ailments. I combined several drops with Jojoba Oil and rubbed it into my shoulders after gardening. The massage oil not only felt great, but it smelled good, too.

In addition to the pain relief for the sore shoulders and the increased blood flow to the brain, it is also said to help relax the user by reducing anxiety and eliminating insomnia. It’s a great before-bedtime massage oil. My youngest, Maggie, loves the smell as much as I do. She begs me to get the bottle out just so she can smell it. I massage her feet and back with it when she is restless. (Note: Never use the oil full strength on your skin, and always test for sensitivity, especially on a child.)

For those of you that suffer from headaches, be sure and keep your bottle close by your side. Dabbing a few drops on your temples can help eliminate the pain immediately. Remember that the oil should never go near your eyes and you should always dilute it with a carrier oil prior to use.

On a dull day, whether due to a cloudy day or a blue temperament, combine several drops of Rosemary Essential Oil with Lemon Essential Oil for a pick me up! You can combine it with a carrier oil and rub it on your wrists, shoulders, temples, and behind your ears. The pleasant aroma doubles as a delightful perfume. Or add it to your infuser for a household mood makeover.

Having Beeyoutiful’s Rosemary Essential Oil has made it so convenient to use in my daily life that I, literally, do not leave home without it. I use an old cloth glasses case inherited from a great grandmother to carry the Rosemary bottle in my purse, ready to pull out if I or any of my friends has need. It also pairs well with many of the other oils that Beeyouitful carries. Obviously, I no longer have any angst about using this wonderful herb. I appreciate the beauty of both faces of my friend, Rosemary.

The Essentials of Essential Oils – Spring 2010 Catalog

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Beeyoutiful Mary

The Essentials of Essential Oils

By Mary Ewing

My mom was crunchy-a real granola head as some would say. Throughout my childhood and young adult years, I resented her ways. I remember thinking often that there was no way I would ever live like she did. My children were going to eat out, have dessert after every meal, and there would be NO essential oils in our house, for sure!

I’m not sure exactly why I disliked essential oils, other than I do tend to be sensitive to smells, and some fragrances give me a headache. Yet, now I am the “overly crunchy with a bit of crunchy on the side” mom! I have a whole shelf dedicated to essential oils and use them daily. From waking until bedtime, I incorporate essential oils into my life and am excited to share the use with my children, hoping they will pass the value of essential oils on to future generations. Hopefully my example will help because, as I discovered, proper use of essential oils has a learning curve.

Now That I Have It, What Do I Do with It?

I remember the day I purchased my first oils. I had read about the uses and was excited about incorporating essential oils into my life. I wanted peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oils to start with (it helped that they cost the least and fit in my budget).

Eager to start using my oils, I brought them home, tenderly removed them from the bag, and set them on the counter. I opened the packages, savoring the aroma. It brought back fond memories I didn’t know I had of Mom using tea tree oil. But the big problem was that I didn’t have the foggiest idea what to do with these wonderful substances.

In case you’ve ever felt like that, I hope to pass on a few things I’ve learned in studying essential oils. And hopefully you will be saved from some of my goofs! So arm yourself with your favorite oils and let’s get mixing!

Essential oils are made from herbs and other plants that have been steam-distilled, cold-pressed, or solvent-extracted. Often maceration (separating the components) is used as well, but it does not result in a pure essential oil.

Producing oil requires a large amount of the herb, flower, or plant and is therefore very costly. For example, it takes 110 pounds of eucalyptus leaves and stems to produce just two pounds of oil! The advantage of the process is that it harnesses the power of the plant in an easy-to-use form, eliminating the storage and preparation of the actual plants-a great way to have a wide range of plant remedies on hand.

Oils vary significantly in the ways they should be used. Some are safe to use topically without mixing with a carrier oil. Others are great to diffuse and some may burn skin while others heal it.

Unlocking the World of Oils

NOTE: Each oil requires its own special usage pattern, so please be sure to study the specific uses when you start using a new oil. All oils should be used with care.

Topically

Many oils are good for use in salves, massage oils, or even in a carrier oil as a ointment. The reason you should use a carrier oil to mix with the essential oil is that undiluted oils are generally caustic to the skin. There are very few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin: lavender being one of them. Even with lavender oil, though, you should apply only a very small amount and check for a reaction before extensive use. Be sure to discontinue using it-or any oil-if irritation develops.

Some excellent carrier oils are: grapeseed, jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, and olive oil. I have used all of these options, and my favorite is sweet almond oil, with jojoba a close second. They are my favorites because of their fantastic all-over use. Sweet almond and jojoba are light enough to use on the face, as well as the entire body. As a result, I have been especially excited to find out Beeyoutiful now carries these two oils.

For most applications, you can take 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil and add 2-3 drops of your choice of essential oil. Due to the breakdown of the essential oil in sunlight, it is necessary to store any unused mixed oil in a dark glass container. My practice is to only make enough for one or two uses to avoid the degrading of the oil. If you are mixing up oils for home use and would like to keep mixtures on hand, there are several great online stores from which you can purchase dark amber oil jars.

Using an oil on the afflicted area is normally the best remedy. For example, if I am having trouble breathing, I rub the oil on my chest. I also spread some on my feet because feet are second only to the sublingual (under the tongue) area for quick absorption. If I am struggling with cramping from gas, I use the oil directly on the abdomen. Benefits can often be noticed within 1 to 3 minutes of application of an oil.

Baths

By far, the most scrumptious, self-indulgent way to use essential oils is in your bathwater. A few drops of your favorite oil added to your bath offer a blissfully aromatic soak. You can use several oils for a therapeutic blend, such as eucalyptus and peppermint for respiratory problems or lavender and orange for relaxation. But remember: Just a few drops will do the trick! If the floating oil is too much for you, use a natural body wash to diffuse the oil in the bath water. Start with a ½ ounce of body wash or shower gel, infuse several drops of the oil into the wash, and then add it to the bath water.

Diffusing

Ah…how the pleasant aromas waft through my home! Refreshing, calming, invigorating, healing, purifying as they infuse! But here, too, I learned a thing or two. First, and very important: NEVER used a diffuser made of plastic or with plastic parts. The oil will eat right through them. (A great science experiment is to watch eucalyptus melt a plastic cup…just beware that it is very messy to clean up!) Second, viscosity or thickness varies from oil to oil. Therefore, it is important for you to clean your diffuser periodically to prevent clogging (be sure to clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Many oil users report that daily use of a diffuser helps decrease the frequency of colds and other viruses in their households.

Inhalation

Typically, you can use hot water as the vehicle to dissipate oil in the air. A small pan of simmering water to which essential oils have been added will distribute the oils nicely. (Caution: NEVER leave the simmering oil and water unattended or allow the water to boil out of the pan!)

For a more intense inhalation treatment: Fill a bowl with hot water, and add several drops of oil. Close your eyes, and place a towel over your head and the bowl. Breathe in deeply for several minutes. Be sure to discontinue the treatment if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or any other adverse reaction. (Heat decreases some benefits of the oils, but this method is still a good way to use essential oils if a diffuser is not available.)

Finally, you can add a few drops of any essential oil to a small piece of cloth or towel. Place the towel near your face, and inhale and exhale normally. If the aroma is overwhelming, simply increase the distance from your face. This is a great way to take oils with you (in a glass container!). For instance, I take a cotton ball soaked with a few drops of peppermint oil in a small pyrex container in my purse.

Caution: Most essential oils can be inhaled without problems, but it is important to research each individual oil for potency and potential irritations. Clary Sage is one oil that should NOT be inhaled for a prolonged treatment. It can cause headaches and intoxication if over-inhaled.

Around the Home

I have never been an advocate of using chemical cleaners in our home, even before I got crunchy. The harsh smells, irritating to my head and skin, always left me wondering how clean the area actually was. So I was thrilled to find out how useful essential oils are around the house. There is hardly a task I undertake that does not include an oil or two. In addition to the satisfaction of knowing my house is cleaned well, the oils leave a pleasant aroma in the freshly cleaned home!

These are just a few basics of the world of oils. I have used essential oils for everything from getting the gooey mess from a sticky mouse trap off my aunt’s Sheltie’s fur (using orange oil) to relieving my migraines with Peppermint Essential Oil to helping my infant daughter breath by diffusing the respiratory recipe off and on throughout the night.

I love trying new scents and finding new recipes. Just about every day through reading, research, and networking with other Essential Oil users, I find new and fascinating uses for my shelf full of oils. Once you grasp the essentials of essential oils, you’ll enjoy testing various uses, too. My next experiment is going to be adding Lemon Essential Oil to my house paint to modify the fumes. Now how’s that for crunchy!

Mary Ewing is a part-time employee for Beeyoutiful as well as wife, mom and aspiring homesteader. She stays at home with her three children and enjoys exploring life with her brood as they cook, clean, garden, and play. Her passion are traditional cooking, essential oils, gardening, learning about raising livestock, and traditional art forms such as sewing, crocheting, knitting, and smocking!

SIDEBAR

Starter Recipes for Essential Oils

For Topical Use

(1) Sore Muscle Rub

• 1 drop of Rosemary

• 2 drops of Eucalyptus Oil

• 1 Drop of Lavender

Add these to 4 teaspoons of a carrier, such as Sweet Almond Oil. Apply to sore muscles before and after exercise!

(2) Sleepytime Rub

• 4 drops Lavender

1 drop Clary Sage
1 drop Lemon Essential Oil

Add these to 1 teaspoon of skin lotion or 4 teaspoons of carrier oil, such as Jojoba Oil, and massage on bottom of feet, shoulders, or navel.

(3) Basic Salve Base

• 1 ounce of Beeswax, melted

2 cups of oil-can be a combination (I use half olive oil and half coconut oil)

Either infuse the oil with herbs of choice before adding beeswax or simply add a few drops of the essential oils to your oil, and then add the beeswax. To test for consistency, put one tablespoon to harden in the refrigerator. For more solid consistency, add beeswax; for less, add oil.

For Diffusion

(1) Breathe Easy

• 10-15 drops of Eucalyptus Oil

• 10-15 drops of Peppermint Oil

• 10 -15 drops of Lavender Oil

• 10-15 Drops of Tea Tree Oil

I diffuse this throughout the day and night to help relieve respiratory problems.

(2) Purify the Room

Add equal parts (to mix for diffusing, I use around 10 drops of each):

• Eucalyptus Oil

• Rosemary Oil

• Clove Oil

• Cassia Oil

• Lemon Oil

Diffuse for 20-30 minute intervals during the day. This can also be added to a carrier oil and massaged on the feet, shoulders, chest, navel, and other areas for help in boosting the immune system.

For Around-Home Use

(1) Basic Cleaner

Approximately a quart of water
½ cup vinegar
Few drops of Lavender or Rosemary Oil
Few drops of Tea Tree Oil

Add vinegar and essential oils to spray bottle and fill with water, depending on the size of you spray bottle you may have a little water left over. You can also make this up and store in mason jars.

(2) Floor Cleaner

(Always test small patch to make sure this will not damage your floor)

¼ cup vinegar

1 gallon of water
15 drops of Lemon Oil
6 drops of Oregano Oil

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a mop bucket, and mop away! The aroma of the essential oils combined is fantastic, not to mention the antiseptic value. A great way to rid your house of all the germs that hitch a ride on your feet!

Essential Oil Usage Ideas – Winter 2008-2009 Catalog

Posted on December 16, 2009 by stevetallent Leave a comment

Essential Oil Usage Ideas:

ATHLETE’S FOOT AND RINGWORM:

1 drop lavender

2 drops tea tree

Add 1 drop lavender and 2 drops tea tree oil to 1 teaspoon of any plain base or carrier oil like almond or olive. Stir gently to mix and apply with cotton swab.

CHEST AND SINUS CONGESTION:

2 drops lavender

2 drops tea tree

2 drops eucalyptus

Boil a pot of water and remove from the stove. While still steaming, add 2 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops lavender and 2 drops tea

tree. Cover bowl and head with towel and inhale for at least 3 minutes. KEEP EYES CLOSED.

To Ease Sinuses:

2 drops Eucalyptus

2 drops Peppermint

2 drops Tea Tree

Boil a pot of water and remove it from the stove. While it is still steaming, add 2 drops peppermint, 2 drops eucalyptus and 2

drops tea tree. Immediately cover the pot and head with a towel and inhale for 3 minutes. KEEP EYES CLOSED.

TO EASE COUGHS:

2 drops Eucalyptus

2 drops Lavender

Boil a pot of water and remove it from the stove. While it is still steaming, add 2 drops eucalyptus and 2 drops lavender. Immediately cover the pot and head with a towel and inhale for 3 minutes. KEEP EYES CLOSED.

TO EASE COUGHS THROUGHOUT THE DAY:

2 drops Eucalyptus

2 drops Lavender

Add 2 drops eucalyptus and 2 drops lavender to 4 teaspoons of any carrier or base oil like olive or almond and apply to the throat and chest (this will make enough for several applications).

TO COMBAT COLDS AND FLU – DAYTIME:

10 drops Eucalyptus

10 drops Lavender

10 drops Peppermint

10 drops Tea Tree

Add 2 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops peppermint and 2 drops tea tree to an essential oil diffuser (found on page 27). Or boil a pot of water and remove it from the stove. While it is still steaming, add the essential oils. Immediately bend over pot and inhale for 3 minutes. KEEP EYES CLOSED.

Essential Oils

All-Purpose Cleaning/Disinfectant Spray- Fall 2008 Catalog

Posted on December 16, 2009 by stevetallent

All-Purpose Cleaning/Disinfectant Spray

2 cups warm (tap water will work) water

1/4 cup Castile soap or 1 tsp all-natural dish soap

1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Or cheap white vinegar)

20 drops or 1 Tbsp Tea Tree oil

10 drops Peppermint oil or Eucalyptus oil

5-10 drops Grapefruit Seed Crush

Combine together in a spray bottle, shake to mix. Spray surface lightly and polish dry with a soft cloth. Because of the concentration of this cleaner, you won’t need a lot to get the job done! Great in the bathroom for your sink or toilet. Also easy to use on kitchen counter tops and on vinyl or tile floor after pets or kid messes!

Warning: Test porous surfaces before using as the essential oils can possibly eat into unsealed surfaces.

This is a recipe used by Beeyoutiful Staff. Please feel free to alter it to fit your personal needs. Please note however, the Castile soap or natural dish soap is what emulsifies the essential oils and keeps them from floating on the top in concentrated levels. We personally like using this homemade/cheap blend better than most commercial cleaners just for its effectiveness! Enjoy!

New Favorite Essential Oil Blend…

Posted on February 5, 2009 by stevetallent 2 comments

By Paul’s Steph

Oh, we tried a new blend of oils in our difuser Tuesday night! I put in a few drops of Cassia, Clove and Orange. It was such a warm, comforting smell, it reminded me of Christmas! This may be my new favorite blend. My other favorite is the Eucalyptus oil and Peppermint oil mixed. That is really nice too! I love playing with the oils and seeing what new blends I can come up with that we enjoy!

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Good Scents of Balance- Fall 2008 Catalog

Posted on February 4, 2009 by stevetallent

by Nancy Webster

Essential Oils Heal the Body and Sooth the Mind

Our doctor was mystified twice over. First because he identified the painful rash on my ten-year-old daughter’s chest and neck as shingles-something only old folks are supposed to get. And second, the usually tenacious condition was already going away! “Whatever you’ve been putting on her, keep it up,” he ordered. I’d been slathering my daughter with tea tree oilfor a week. She healed quickly and bears only the slightest scars today.

More recently, a pre-teen foster daughter we hosted for six months routinely suffered emotional meltdowns because of a traumatic childhood. When I blended lavender with other essential oils for her to inhale during an “outbreak,” her mood calmed quickly.

Head lice plagued our friends with six children. Fearing the carcinogenic properties of over-the-counter head lice medicines, they treated everyone’s hair with tea tree oil. The family was quickly, and safely, lice-free.

Testimonies like these offer just a few reasons why I’ve kept essential oils in our medicine cabinet for more than ten years. Produced by the distilling of selected plants, pure essential oils offer potent healing assistance to the body and mind. Essential oils go a step further than regular herbs because they absorb directly into the bloodstream and trigger systems in the brain for emotional well-being.

When in Aroma, Enjoy What the Aromas Do

Perhaps you’ve heard of aromatherapy. While it’s become something of a buzzword, not everything that claims to have aromatherapy qualities actually does what only essential oils can. “Aromatherapy” lotions and candles sold next to pickled eggs and caffeine pills at gas station convenience stores seriously misuse the term just to make a sale. So do many air fresheners, cleaning products, and facial tissues. Most, if not all, of these products use chemical-based, synthetic oils which do not provide health benefits-they can actually be harmful.

True aromatherapy is provided only by pure essential oils. Although your nose may not readily detect the difference, when exposed to the real thing, your brain’s limbic system gears up to help you concentrate better, relax, or perk up your mood, depending on the particular oils you use. In the 14th century, during the Black Death plague, workers in the perfume industry showed a remarkable tendency not to get sick. They were in constant contact with essential oils, the primary source for scents at the time. Essential oils still do the job today.

Here are a few easy ways to capture the healing character of essential oils:

Rather than dosing your child with cough and cold medicines, fill a medium-size bowl with boiling water and add a couple of drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil. Let him/her breathe the healing vapors deep into the lungs.
Dilute the oils with a carrier like olive or sweet almond oil. Then rub a sick person’s chest, neck, and soles of their feet for an antibiotic effect against germs and viruses.
Add a drop of peppermint oil to a glass of water, and drink it to soothe indigestion and nausea.
A drop of oregano oil in water swished in the mouth and swallowed helps heal mouth ulcers and sore throats.

Many times, essential oils can be incorporated into things you do anyway, like bathing and washing your hair. Oils make your home smell fresh the healthy way instead of with chemicals. And you can massage sore muscles and tired backs with health-giving oils rather than cheap lotions. Or add essential oils to your natural cleaning and laundry products to give not only a nice smell, but also antibacterial and anti-fungal (mold!) protection.

Oils Take to the Air

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get the full advantage of aromatherapy is to use a diffuser. While you can always put a drop of essential oil on a tissue, cotton ball or even your pillowcase, a diffuser distributes oils through the air so the whole room is purified and every breath brings healing. Beeyoutiful now carries one of the best diffusers available. It works by nebulizing (breaking the oils into separate molecules) before dispersing them into the room. These smaller molecules are more readily absorbed by the lungs, making this the most therapeutic of the diffuser-styles.

Essential oils can be combined to create appealing and complex aromas for specific therapeutic uses. Blending with a targeted purpose is called essential oil synergy. Working together, oils heal more effectively than on their own. Tea tree and lavender oil are often paired, and there are many specific blend recipes available on the internet.

A Great Start with Oils

Since there are more than a hundred different essential oils, sorting through the nearly countless possibilities for using them can be overwhelming. To help with the selection, Beeyoutiful carries several champions of the essential oil line-up. Eucalyptus, known for opening up bronchial tubes and clearing stuffy noses, has been part of the Beeyoutiful product line almost since the company began. And this fall, four splendid, highly versatile oils have joined the team: lavender, oregano, peppermint, and tea tree oil. To help you maximize your aromatherapy experience, I’ve noted below a quick rundown of what to expect from each.

Lavender-think “fresh.” The purple, gently scented flowers grown in most herb gardens have been used throughout history as a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative, and de-toxifier. The name comes from the Latin word “lavare”, which means “to wash.” The fresh, clean fragrance is a reminder of lavender’s internal and emotional cleansing attributes. Lavender promotes healing and scar prevention after injury or burns. You’ll want to avoid the fake lavender fragrance now added to many baby skin care products. Use the real thing, and you’ll see your colicky, stressed-out baby relax. While you’re at it, try some on yourself after a rough day of mommy-ing. A lavender massage not only relieves sore muscles and arthritis pain but also menstrual cramps and discomfort from bladder infections. Skin problems like acne, eczema, wrinkles, and sunburn are soothed by lavender.

Oregano-the strong man. Used by folks as far back as the ancient Greeks, oregano is a potent antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic oil, a warrior against germs, Candida, and parasites which contribute to skin infections and digestive problems. Oregano strengthens the immune system. It’s safe for internal use and can zap a sore throat (including strep) in short order. Just gargle and swallow a few times a day for three days. Even the antibiotic-resistant staph. infection MRSA can be treated with oregano oil.

Peppermint-think “perky.” Besides the anti-nausea benefit noted earlier, cool, refreshing peppermint stimulates the mind, increasing mental agility and improving focus. Try peppermint aromatherapy when you’re working on taxes or some other tough project requiring concentration. If you’re feeling down and overwhelmed, a dab of this oil perks up your limbic system to keep you plugging away. Peppermint oil cools the skin, reducing redness and calming irritation and itchiness. Inside, it eases spastic colon and boosts the digestive system. Peppermint breaks up congestion pain from migraines, headaches, sinus, and chest congestion, too.

Tea tree oil-the jack-of-all-trades. This one works for most every sick bug and cleaning need you have. Just don’t swallow it. Made from a tree that grows only on the east coast of Australia, tea tree oil is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal. Use it for first-aid on cuts, scrapes, and burns-and as a wart remover. Tea tree oil helps control problems as diverse as dandruff, head lice, vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, athlete’s foot, cold sores, and ringworm. And did I mention shingles-and its cousin, chicken pox? Inhaling tea tree oil vapors helps colds and bronchial distress. What’s more, bugs hate tea tree oil, so it makes a great repellent and treatment for insect bites. It even relieves itching caused by poison ivy. Add tea tree oil to your laundry to kill dust mites and for disinfection after sickness. For a great way to avoid toxic cleaners, use tea tree oil mixed with vinegar, borax, and water to get the same cleansing results, and add it straight in your dishwasher or garbage disposal.

The bottom line? For more healing, cleansing, and mind-soothing results than you can count, these oils are essential.

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