Tag Archives: rosemary

10 Reasons You Won’t Want To Be Without Cedarwood Essential Oil

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

When we first considered carrying Cedarwood Essential Oil at Beeyoutiful, cheers went up among the men, because its hale and hearty woodsy aroma is definitely favored by the masculine members of our team.

But then the more we Beeyoutiful women learned about and used Cedarwood, we found its benefits and subtle aromatic nuances were delightful for both genders and all ages! It’s a team favorite now.

Considered appropriate to use with children, Cedarwood Essential Oil is a fantastic support for the respiratory system and skin health, and aids in calming and quieting a restless soul.

Here are just a few of the incredible ways we’ve already learned to use Cedarwood Essential Oil.

1. Add 7 drops of Cedarwood to 1 teaspoon of Sweet Almond or Jojoba Oil and massage on the chest, neck, back of the spine and heels of the feet to support the respiratory system.

2. To soothe an overstimulated child or adult, diffuse Cedarwood for 5 minute intervals until relaxed. May also mix with complimentary oils such as Bergamot, Cypress, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Lemon, Lime, Lavender, Rose, Neroli and Rosemary.

3. Add 1 drop of Cedarwood to your facial wash to help avoid acne or other facial blemishes.

4. Clean your floors with Cedarwood!

Freshly Cleaned Floors
1/4 cup Vinegar
5 drops each of Lemon, Cedarwood, and Tea Tree Essential Oils
drop or two of liquid castile soap
Mix together and add to mop water.

5. Add 2-3 drops of Cedarwood to your shampoo to chase away dandruff.

6. Mix one drop of Cedarwood and one drop of Marjoram into Sweet Almond Oil, and use the mixture to massage stiff and sore joints.

7. Cedarwood helps to repel bugs and rodents; take advantage of this by dispensing a few drops onto a cotton ball and placing it in areas where pests are seen.

8. To support kidney health, add 3-4 drops of Cedarwood to Bath Salts. Mix thoroughly and then add to the bath water. Soak for 30-45 minutes.

9. Make your own “Cedar Balls” by putting several drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil on a piece of fabric. Put in a lingerie bag or organza bag and hang with clothing that needs protection from moths.

10. Cedarwood is calming and appropriate for kids!

Settle Down Massage Blend
2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
1 drop Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Orange Essential Oil
2 ounces carrier oil
Massage on to the back, neck and feet to help bring calm to children and adults.

These are just a few ways we have discovered that Cedarwood has rapidly become invaluable to us. We would love to know how you have used it; please share your ideas with us!

Get your own bottle of Cedarwood Essential Oil here, or as part of our discounted Men’s Magic and Dream Team essential oil combination packs. Cedarwood’s also an ingredient in our kid-friendly blends, Easy Peasy Breathie, Immuni-T, and Bee Focused.
Eager for more recipes and tips on Essential Oil usage? Our email series 101 Uses for Essential Oils is packed with information you can put to use right away!

Foodie Friday: The 7 Foods You Need in the Bathroom

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Toni Leave a comment

You probably don’t think about body products while you’re picking up groceries for supper. It’s also not common to head for your pantry when you want to wash your face!

Let’s get a little unconventional and explore 7 foods you should have in your bathroom – and why you want them.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Besides its many health benefits, did you know that Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is also an excellent facial toner? Mix a little raw ACV, water and a few drops of lavender essential oil for an easy facial toner that’s soothing and healing.

Raw ACV is also great in a hair rinse. You can skip conditioner and instead rinse your hair with 1 tablespoon of ACV mixed with one cup water. It leaves hair soft, shiny, and with no frizz! Add a single drop of Rosemary Essential Oil to the mix for a lovely scent and to boost the shine even more.

Oats

Your mom might have added oats to the bath when you had chicken pox as a kid, and they still deserve a place in your bathroom today. Oats promote healing and reduce inflammation, making them a great choice for sensitive skin.

You can use ground oats as a gentle, soothing body scrub, or as an everyday face exfoliator. (Just whiz rolled oats in a food processor to make a gritty flour.) For mature or sensitive skin, make a paste of ground oats and milk. Smooth over damp skin, let dry for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal is an inexpensive and effective exfoliant. Mixed with a little honey, it’s a simple body scrub. Many commercial body scrubs contain salt, which is much too harsh for most skin. Cornmeal is soft enough to not damage skin, but still get the job done.

Baking Soda

Add a pinch of Baking Soda to the lather from your cleansing bar to turn it into an exfoliating wash. Rinse well and be sure to follow with a gentle moisturizer.

Raw Honey

If you can only put one food in your bathroom, choose raw honey. Honey can be used to wash your face (yes, really!). It fights breakouts while moisturizing and healing skin, making it the perfect multitasking food for your bathroom. You can also use raw honey to heal cuts and scrapes, fight minor fungal and bacterial infections and much more.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties. Consider keeping a little shaker of ground cinnamon handy, and sprinkle a little over your toothbrush each day to harness the power of cinnamon to fight oral bacteria (goodbye, morning breath!).

Sea Salt

While salt isn’t great for scrubbing your skin, it makes an excellent addition to bathwater. A salt bath helps detoxify, re-mineralize the body, and increase circulation, all while contributing to lowered stress levels. Not a bad way to improve your health! Use a mineral-rich natural salt (like dead sea salt or real salt) for best results.

Bee Allergy Free This Spring

Posted on March 28, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary One comment

This article by Tal Ewing originally appeared in our Spring 2014 catalog.

When you suffer from seasonal allergies like I do, you only want one thing: relief! You want your nose to stop running, your eyes to stop itching, and your throat to stop burning. You want to be able to go outside without having to take a pill or squirt something up your nose that you know is probably not good for you in the long run.

Bee Allergy Free This Spring from Beeyoutiful.com But how can you get to a point in your life where you can live without the pills and the sprays? For most of my life, I thought that was impossible. I remember my parents giving me spoonfuls of liquid antihistamines and taking every over-the-counter and prescription allergy medicine on the market. I took allergy shots for almost a decade. However, nothing seemed to work long term, and the more medicine I took, the worse my allergies seemed to get.

When I first met Steve and Stephanie Tallent, they pretty much knew just one thing about me: Tal has bad seasonal allergies. I’m sure that my wife (the beautiful, wonderful Mary Ewing) had told them stories of my sneezing, hacking, and doctors visits, and that I was the perfect person to test a new elderberry product for them.

So, on our first meeting they came bearing a gift of a bottle of what eventually became Berry Well. It was that gift that helped lead me to finding a few natural solutions that have helped me achieve freedom from the pills and sprays. In fact, since that first meeting I have been able to stop all of my allergy medications and find true freedom from my allergies. Here’s how I did it and how you can, too!

Watch what you eat.

This is the part that most of us hate to hear, but it is vital. When I finally realized that allergies are all about inflammation, I started to look for those things in my diet that lowered my body’s natural immunity and caused it to overproduce histamines. I grew up eating the Standard American Diet (SAD). We did not know better, so by the time I met Mary, my diet consisted primarily of peanut butter and jelly, coke, and ramen noodles. (Hey, what’s a bachelor on a tight budget going to do?!) But I was also on antibiotics monthly because of it.

As we began to clean up our diets, we not only focused on eliminating things such as sugar, processed foods, and additives, but we made sure to also replace nutrients that had been missing. The body can only repair itself if given the correct building blocks, so ensuring adequate intake of healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, as well as nutrient-dense fresh fruit and vegetables, give the body the proper base for health. Eliminating the non-foods or foods that trigger inflammation in the body decreases the likelihood of over-producing histamines.

Take the essentials.

Be sure that you are getting the essential vitamins you need to build a healthy immune system. I finally realized that my allergies were a symptom of my body’s inability to regulate itself. I started listening to my wife, who encouraged me to take a probiotic, since a significant portion of immunity is regulated by the gut. I began with Tummy Tuneup, alternating with Gut Guardian. I also take Digest Best with my meals; Mary tells me this is because enzymes support digestion which in turn decreases the inflammation caused by poorly digested foods.

My daily regimen also includes SuperDad, Cod Liver Oil and B-Better to support and fill in the gaps in my diet.I added these to my daily doses of Berry Well, and I began to see a significant decrease in the time I spent dealing with my allergy episodes. This was the basis for my healing regimen, but there are several things that I also use, either when I know I am prone to more symptoms or when I am actually experiencing them.

First, I will add Vitamin D3. I usually consume it in two forms, as D3 itself and also in Cod Liver Oil where it is naturally paired with Vitamin A for an added punch. Vitamin D is a natural anti-inflammatory and also works to boost the immune system. Decreasing the levels of inflammation helped to decrease my allergic responses as well. The added benefit of fewer infections also helped keep me out of the doctors office! Although the spring allows for extra sunlight, I would often have to avoid time out of doors due to higher allergens. But as I took my D3, I was able to spend more time out of doors and naturally get my sunlight as well.

Then there’s a miracle substance called Colostrum Transfer Factor. Colostrum’s active components not only boost the immune system and help make it difficult for bacteria to attach to the mucous membranes, but they also regulate the immune response. This prevents over-production of some of the lymphocytes and T-cells that cause the allergic responses. So taking Colostrum can keep you from getting sick, and makes sure that allergies are not running wild at the same time.

Optimally, we would all have access to raw honey, and pollen too. These help give small exposures to local allergens and gradually decrease the body’s reactions to them. Finding a local beekeeper that has healthy bees and then using a teaspoon of their honey every day can help decrease your allergies. If you do not have access to good quality raw honey, Bee Strong is a great alternative!

When I start to feel like I am getting an allergy attack or a cold, I take an extra dose of Berry Well accompanied by a dose of D3 and Vitamin C. This helps my body boost its ability to handle the additional stress of illness.

Calm your allergies with essential oils.

This was the last step I took, but it has been one of the most beneficial in helping me find true allergy relief. If you suffer from allergies, you realize that you cannot always control your environment. Trees are going to pollinate, flowers are going to bloom, and the house is going to need dusting. There is something that you can do, though, to help neutralize those threats to your body: fight them with essential oils. I use a combination of Eucalyptus, Frankincense, and Peppermint essential oils to calm my body when my allergies begin to flare.

During allergy season, we run the diffuser with a base of Eucalyptus almost round the clock (or use Spearmint instead for a child-friendly option). We add to it either Frankincense, Peppermint, or Rosemary, just depending on our mood that day! Frankincense and Peppermint both help tremendously when we feel short of breath or stuffy, and Rosemary has been very good for hay fever symptoms. (This bundle includes some of Beeyoutiful’s most popular essential oils for allergies, and there’s even a kid-friendly version.)

There have been times when my allergies have led to slight asthmatic symptoms as well. I used to carry an inhaler, and although I still own one for rescue purposes, I have rarely had to use it because I prophylactically use oils! We keep a small vial of pre-mixed oils that I rub on my chest twice a day when allergies are at their peak.

Allergy Chest Rub for Adults

3 tsp Almond Oil
10 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Always make sure to check for sensitivity when applying essential oils to the skin. This blend can be rubbed on the chest and neck as needed to prevent breathing difficulties or help open up the respiratory passages.

Rubbing the feet with diluted essential oils such as Peppermint, Thyme, Rosemary, or Frankincense can also help aid in relief. This can be done prior to bed or after a warm shower.

Sometimes, when all else fails and my allergies are still bothering me, it is time to reach for extra tools. While I still increase my supplements like Berry Well when allergies strike, sometimes I just want to breathe and open up my nasal passages quickly.

Enter the neti pot or similar nasal flushing device! I include sea salt and xylitol in my mix to help soothe my nasal passages. The salt helps to mimic the isotonic fluids present in the nasal passages and decreases irritation. Xylitol helps to eliminate germs and other toxins found in the nasal passages and makes it hostile for them to try to reestablish their reign. This can be used as needed throughout the day. Discard any leftover liquid at the end of each day, unless you add a few drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to preserve the liquid.

Nasal Wash

1/3 tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp Xylitol
1 cup warm distilled water
4 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract (optional)

Mix well and use nasal washing device to administer as needed.

While I still might have to wear that paper mask when I cut the grass, by watching my diet, supplementing vital nutrients, and using essential oils, I’ve found that my body is healthier and better equipped to handle the allergens that come my way. That’s been the key to achieving lasting allergy relief.

Tal Ewing manages shipping and inventory for Beeyoutiful. He is married to our own Mary Ewing, and is the busy father of their five adorable children. He enjoys sports, outdoor activities, working in ministry opportunities as well as studying theology. He and Mary hope to soon have acreage where they can expand their backyard chickens into a small hobby farm!

BONUS POST: 10 Simple Immune-Boosting Strategies Anyone Can Use

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

You knew we’d come through with more than we promised, didn’t you? Here’s a BONUS POST in our Five Days of Immunity Boosters. Let us know which of the strategies discussed this week is your favorite!

The key to staying strong is a healthy immune system. These ten suggestions are the protocols that many of us at Beeyoutiful use to guard our own families against viruses, colds, and flu. We are not doctors and thus cannot diagnose or prescribe for your specific health situation. If at anytime you or a loved one becomes ill, please seek appropriate medical attention. 1. Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables. We’re talking about 5-7 servings per day. Consider serving things like cole slaw (especially if you can sneak in a little probiotic-rich yogurt and honey), steamed cabbage, and sautéed onions and brussels sprouts. Adding garlic or fresh herbs to these dishes will not only enhance the flavors, but will also add a small antiviral boost. Cruciferous veggies contain glucosinolates which directly stimulate the thymus. Your thymus is the control center for your immune system, so supporting and nourishing the thymus is very important for maintaining a healthy stasis.

2. Supplement with thymus and immune system-supporting nutrients. The following are some favorites used by our Beeyoutiful families. We tend to pick and choose between all of these options and rotate among them based on individual needs and specific immune system vulnerabilities.

Berry Well Syrups: Supports and nourishes the thymus gland and helps support the immune system in specific ways that makes it particularly beneficial in protecting against viruses. In addition, the elderberry provides terrific symptom relief by decreasing congestion.
Immune Boosting Supplements (Bee Immune, Ultra Immune and Colostrum Transfer Factor): You can take these in conjunction with each other, but we rotate them on and off while doing illness prevention protocols. Since up to 80% of our immune system resides in the extensive intestinal tract we refer to as the gut, also using high-quality probiotic support makes sense. We rotate between Tummy Tuneup and Ultimate Defense.
Key Nutrients: Make sure you are taking in or supplementing with Zinc, Selenium, Potassium, and Calcium and Magnesium.

3. Vitamin D3 and Omega 3: There was a reason our grandmothers reached for the Cod Liver Oil bottle with each sniffle! It works to specifically support the parts of the immune system that effectively fight off viruses, and it’s also beneficial in reducing inflammation. You can either take these separately, or combined in Cod Liver Oil. Cook your foods with coconut oil and eat a diet rich in safe, wild-caught fish as well.

4. Vitamin C: We have seen significant benefits from Vitamin C with lung-related ailments; eating your Vitamin C-rich vegetables or supplementing will help decrease mucus and increase lung health. Rosehip C is specifically good because it also directly supports the thymus gland to operate optimally.

5. Bone Broth: Keep those bones a-simmering! Add in a few herbs such as Rosemary, Thyme, Sage and Garlic. Don’t forget the veggies too! This is a great way to get key vitamins and minerals. Some of our little ones really enjoy sipping warm cups of nicely flavored bone broth. For some of the others we hide it as a base in soups, rice and noodles.

6. Bottoms Up: Take in fresh juices regularly. Here’s a favorite recipe. 7. Get some clean air! Enjoy some fresh sunshine and a few minutes of daily exercise. Using a personal rebounder is a great way to stimulate the lymphatic system which operates as the central highway system for the body’s immune system. It’s vitally important to keep it cleared out and working optimally in order to maintain healthy immune support. Bonus: rebounding also gets your exercise in at the same time!

8. Detox Baths: At least once a week, take a bath using a detoxifying agent (such as Eucalyptus Bath Salts, Epsom Salts, or Baking Soda).

9. Chest Poultices: These can be used weekly even when healthy, or as needed after being sick. Garlic, Lobelia, Chamomile, or Mullein are all great choices for chest poultices. Click here to see Steph’s 8-minute tutorial video on how to do a garlic poultice.

10. Diffuse those oils! Bandito Blend, Thyme, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree Oil are our top choices. These can also be diluted and massaged onto feet where there are a lot of nerve receptors and thus are ideal for facilitating rapid absorption into the bloodstream. (Please note that some essential oil experts recommend not diffusing or using some of these essential oils around or on very young children. We encourage individuals to do their own research and do due diligence in sensitivity testing before using any essential oils on young children or while pregnant and nursing.)

Remember, we’re not doctors and thus cannot diagnose or prescribe for your specific health situation, but we hope some of these tips will help keep you and your family strong and healthy through the winter. If at anytime you or a loved one becomes ill, please seek appropriate medical attention.

The Detoxifying Power of Eucalyptus

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Toni Leave a comment

Eucalyptus. What a funny-sounding name for an even more exotic plant! You might recognize eucalyptus as the preferred habitat of Koalas in Australia. The cuddly-looking marsupials live almost exclusively in groves of eucalyptus trees, and the pungent leaves are nearly all they ever eat.

While we can’t recommend making eucalyptus a part of your own diet (it’s toxic to humans when taken internally), the oil extracted from the leaves can play a very important role in detoxifying the air you breathe, your home and laundry, and even your body.

Eucalyptus contains high levels of cineole (also known as eucalyptol), a chemical compound widely studied and shown to have a massive range of beneficial properties. Studies have shown that eucalyptus oil is:

antimicrobial
antifungal
antioxidant
analgesic
insecticidal
a respiratory aid
an immune booster

We’ve grown to rely on eucalyptus essential oil for so many uses! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Use eucalyptus in household cleansers to disinfect your home (see one of our favorite and most-requested recipes below). Add a dropperful along with your laundry detergent to rid your linens of dust mites and bacteria (especially appropriate after sickness has visited!).

Include eucalyptus in homemade salves as a pleasant scent and natural preservative. Add a few drops to shampoo or body wash to combat dandruff, ringworm, lice, and scabies.

Dilute thoroughly with a carrier oil and use topically as a rub for sore muscles and sprains, a soothing balm for minor cuts and scrapes, or an antifungal foot treatment. Use eucalyptus-based lotions or creams on the chest, back, and soles of the feet to soothe respiratory issues. (When using on the skin, always dilute eucalyptus with a carrier oil and test for sensitivity.)

Dab a few diluted drops on your body (or place a eucalyptus-dampened cotton ball in a loose pocket) to act as a bug repellent. Spray around your home to ward off invading creepy-crawlies. Dab on insect bites to cool and calm itching.

Use eucalyptus as a base when diffusing essential oils. The distinctive scent of eucalyptus blends well with many other plant oils (especially those that also contain cineole, such as Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Basil) and helps to stretch more expensive oils and make them last longer.

Take a bit of olive oil and eucalyptus and mix with bath salts, then soak in the perfumed water to soothe irritated skin and enjoy a rejuvenating dose of aromatherapy.

Eucalyptus supports respiratory health and breaks down mucus; breathing the aromas has historically been helpful with colds and congestion, allergies, and asthma.

Producing pure essential oil requires a large amount of the herb, flower, or plant. It takes over 100 pounds of eucalyptus leaves and stems to produce just two pounds of oil! This distillation process concentrates the powerful plant compounds into a potent and easy-to-use liquid form, making it simple to keep eucalyptus on hand.

Even with the costs of distillation, eucalyptus essential oil is one of the least expensive oils available, and given its versatility and ease of use, its low price means it packs an even bigger wallop. Once you realize the benefits of eucalyptus, you may come to love it as much as koalas do!

NOTE: Eucalyptus Essential Oil is not considered appropriate to use while pregnant or nursing, and should NOT be used with children under 10 years old. (Spearmint is a much safer choice for children.) If you are on medications or have a medical diagnosis, please consult with your doctor prior to using Eucalyptus because it can interact with medications and is contraindicated in some situations. Eucalyptus Essential Oil should always be diluted when used topically. The maximum concentration with mixed with a carrier oil should be 20% (to achieve, mix 20 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil).

Learn more about Beeyoutiful’s Eucalyptus Essential Oil and watch a delightful 1-minute video here.

For even more ideas on how to use eucalyptus essential oil, read longer articles here and here.

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!

A Small Miracle- Summer 2007 Catalog

Posted on January 29, 2009 by stevetallent Leave a comment

by Maranatha Owens

I have a good friend who has five kids, the youngest of which is still a baby. One day I left a small sample of Miracle Salve balanced precariously on her doorknob since nobody answered when I knocked. (It didn’t have it’s name at that time and was simply known as propolis salve.) I had pretty much forgotten all about it until I ran into her two months later. “It’s a miracle!” she exclaimed. “Uhhh…. What’s a miracle?” I was clueless until she told me the story. It went something like this:

One summer day she had her baby in the backpack and was walking in her backyard. Her twelve-year-old son who was a few steps in front of her pulled back the metal clothesline to duck under it, not thinking that mama and baby were behind him. He let go of the line which immediately flew back and struck the six-month-old across the cheek. It lacerated the skin which instantly grew inflamed and bright red, swelling before their eyes. There was a thick welt in the shape of the clothesline and bruises were forming rapidly. Mama didn’t know what to do and was in quite a panic (so was the screaming baby). She then thought of the little salve container that I had left without much explanation as to its usage. She packed the green goo generously on the little one’s cheek not thinking it could possibly help this horrible sight. But as she watched the wound over the next day, the healing power of the salve became more evident. The bruising disappeared. The inflammation subsided. The clothesline mark was still there, but faint. Healing was well underway-with no sign of infection. She related to me her awe that the bruising seemed to just disappear. It was a small miracle.

Another friend of mine who has two older sons is one of my very best product testers. She is the one person I can trust to try my products on every imaginable ailment-even problems that I wouldn’t have suggested using the product for. Even so, she discovers new practical uses for various herbal concoctions all the time. She says that Miracle Salve works great on chigger bites, mosquito bites, kitchen burns, rashes (although not those that are a side-effect of prescription drugs) and certain face blemishes, but not acne.

From my own experience with my four children, I can say that I’ve observed it to work great on scrapes, bruises, burns, sliver sites (sometimes they get little embedded slivers which they don’t want removed with a needle), dry wind-chapped skin and lips, diaper rash, and mosquito bites. My two-month-old had a horrible face rash that I think might have been yeast related, which seemed like it would never go away. Yeast can’t thrive without moisture, so I experimented by lightly coating her face with Miracle Salve. Now I can’t prove that she had a yeast infection, but after applying the salve for two days, the rash went away and did not return. It is my theory that the oil and beeswax formed a vapor barrier which starved the “yeasties”, while the propolis inhibited infection from spreading. The comfrey and plantain nourished the skin and sped healing–as they are both famous for doing.

Miracle Salve is excellent for hemorrhoids because of plantain’s cooling action. It has also been observed to reduce scarring after extreme staph. infection (applied daily for approx. 2 months) and after skin cancer surgery (applied daily for 3 months).

The beauty of this product is that you will probably find new uses for this salve that I’ve never even thought of. Does Miracle Salve really work miracles? You’ll have to see for yourself.

A note of caution: Although I have never heard of any adverse reactions to this product, it is always wise to test any product on a small patch of skin before going hog wild. This will let you know if you have any sort of allergic reaction to any of the ingredients.

So how does Miracle Salve work?

There is so much to know about the incredible ingredients in its formulation, but a brief explanation will have to suffice. Read more about any of these ingredients at the library or online-the sheer volume of beneficial properties is staggering.

Extra virgin olive oil: If you’ve done your research on olive oils, you know that unless it says “extra virgin” it has been chemically extracted. Light, dark green, the word “pure,” these all mean nothing-only the words “extra virgin.”

Coconut oil: Is known for its skin-softening qualities. Coconut oil strengthens connective tissue, reduces free radical production, and contains high levels of special fatty acids that boost the immune system.

Beeswax: Our beeswax is bright yellow, sweet smelling, and collected by local beekeepers. It is the natural alternative to all petroleum-based waxes which have numerous toxic elements known to be harmful to humans.

Certified organically grown comfrey root: This herb has a long, rich history and is also known as “bone-knit,” as it well should be. Comfrey speeds healing to skin abrasions as well as bruises, bone breaks and fractures. The leaves can be used to make poultices. My knee was once hit by a heavy weight. It turned every shade of green, yellow, purple and blue you could imagine. I pounded fresh comfrey leaves until they were damp and packed them around my knee, securing them with an elastic bandage. Within a day, the knee hardly hurt and had no bruising…a truly amazing herb.

Certified organically grown plantain leaf: Plantain spells relief. My four children will agree. All but the newborn can identify it wherever we go, and they have many times served their brother or sister who was stung by a bee or wasp by running to the nearest plantain plant, ripping a leaf off, chewing it up, and smacking it onto the sting. It usually only takes a minute to feel the relief that plantain brings. Plantain is an astringent and works by drawing out infection, venom, or sting from burns. It also works wonders on diaper rash. You can even apply the masticated leaves directly to baby’s bottom for relief you will be sure to notice!

Calendula: Gentle, healing and emollient, calendula is wonderful for rashes, skin inflammation, and dry, sensitive skin.

Propolis: Also known as bee glue, propolis has strong antibiotic, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It promotes wound healing, fights bacteria, and is useful on various skin infections.

Lavender essential oil: Lavender is known as the Swiss Army knife of the herbs. Few match its abilities. It is an antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, sedative, diuretic, and calmative. It is very useful in treating minor burns.

Rosemary essential oil: We have included rosemary in this formula because of its power as a natural preservative and for its pain relieving qualities.

Beeyoutiful Products Mentioned in This Article

Miracle Skin Salve