I don't think a day has gone by, in the last five plus years, that I haven't reached for this blend of Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove and Peppermint essential oils.  It smells so good but it also works so well and is soothing to a variety of temporary discomforts.  Wintergreen leaves have been chewed by Native Americans when running long distances and performing difficult labor.  The settlers from early America had their children chew the leaves for several weeks each spring to help prevent tooth decay and it was used as a substitute for black tea during the Revolutionary War!  Helichrysum is also known by the names of Immortelle and Everlasting.  Clove oil kept the people on the island of Ternate healthy until Dutch Conquerors destroyed the clove trees that used to flourish on the island and the primary constituent in Clove oil, Euganol, uses to be used in the dental industry for years to help numb gums before procedures.  Peppermint is probably one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion and it's ability to directly effect the brain's satiety center was studied by Alan Hirsch, MD.  These four together are wonderfully soothing, comforting and helpful for some of the more common, every day issues we might face.   Here's how I use it most often:

10 Ways To Use Panaway:

1.)  Diffuse to process through grief, sadness and loss. 

2.)  Apply to joints to maintain health plus function and movement. 

3.)  Apply to shoulders to help relax and soothe temporary discomfort from typing, yard work or other chores/work. 

4.)  Diffuse to help open up my sinuses. 

5.)  Diffuse it with Thieves and it smells like CANDY!  

6.)  Rub on chest first thing in the morning to help you wake up!

7.)  Dab on wrists before sitting down to work at the computer for long periods of time. 

8.)  Diffuse while driving to stay refreshed!

9.)  Massage on feet after being on them for long periods of time or when they feel tired. 

10.)  Use on muscles and joints after a work out.   Combining with a carrier oil helps to ensure even distribution.  

It is such a helpful little blend to have around to help me feel better and move better!  How do you use Panaway?  

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I'm not talking about birds, but a blend from Young Living!  Raven is a blend of Camphor (Ravintsara), Lemon, Wintergreen, Peppermint and Eucalyptus Radiata.  The aroma of this blend is very spa-like and is soothing to the senses.  I love the very mild scent this blend has, it's like a comforting embrace..... ahhhhh

Interesting fact about Ravintsara, one of the singles in this blend, it is referred by the people of Madagascar as the "oil that heals", supports the nerves and respiratory system.  It is said to be clarifying to the mind, stimulating and purifying, helping to clear brain fog and strengthen motivation.  

Like many other essential oil singles, or blends, from Young Living it has multiple uses. 

10 Ways to Use Raven:

1.)  I like to diffuse it with Peppermint and Lavender to support clear and easy breathing. 

2.) Apply to sore muscles, backs and bruised areas along with Panaway, Lavender and Peppermint to soothe and comfort. 

3.)  Combine with Peppermint and Lemon then mix with my base ointment of shea butter and beeswax to make a chest rub to soothe temporary stuffiness, coughing and congestion. 

4.)  Diffuse it to create that relaxing spa-like environment; It has a very soothing aroma while also refreshing the mind and spirit. 

5.)  I love to add it to my diffuser with Lemon and Frankincense to support my overall wellness and health of my respiratory system. 

6.)  Apply to chest area and diffuse with Lemon and Peppermint during workouts, before and after too!

7.)  Going for a run?  Apply a couple of drops to your chest to help you breath deeply during your run.  (This suggestion came from a friend... I don't run, unless someone is chasing me!  lol)

8.)  Add a few drops to 1/2-1 cup of Epsom salts, then pour into very warm water. Soak in the warmth while you soothe those aches from exercise, workouts, yard work or just ease the stress of the day. 

9.)  Very beneficial to diffuse at night because of it's cleansing abilities.  Help to clear away the junk from the day before and start the next day fresh!

10.)  Apply to toenails and feet to support overall wellness and health of nails.  It's a boost to the immune system!

If you have another way you use Raven or if you have any questions, please leave it in the comments!  Happy Oiling!  

(If you're ready to get started oiling, then I'd love to help you in your journey and be your "oily mentor"!  I've been using them for over five years and they have been instrumental in keeping my family well, most of the time, and also in supporting our bodies when we feel less than our best!)  Go here to get started!

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Sprays that promise to freshen up our furniture, pillows, blankets and carpets are very popular but did you know that they contain a lot of harmful ingredients that present some very real health risks??? Their use is increasing and with it the risk of health issues associated with the ingredients.  We have the power to reduce our body's burden!  For more information about those ingredients, go here.  

I like to make my own air fresheners, room sprays and fabric fresheners.  It's so easy to do with Young Living Essential Oils and very inexpensive too!  Citrus Fresh blend is one of my favorites to use because of it's very clean, fresh, citrus-y aroma!  It is a blend of Orange, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin and Spearmint and it is really wonderful!  I probably use this the most often in my DIY sprays, diffuser and on wool dryer balls!  

Here are 10+ Ways I use Citrus Fresh:

 1.)  Deodorize and freshen furniture, throw blankets, pillows, rugs and other linens.....even curtains with a simple spray of distilled water, witch hazel, a pinch of coarse ground sea salt and Citrus Fresh!

2.)  Diffuse it to cleanse the air, deodorize and freshen!  It smells so good and helps to elevate mood and stimulate creativity!

3.)  Add a drop or two of Peppermint and this is a combo that helps to wake you up and stimulate focus and mental clarity. 

4.)  Combine with a carrier oil like jojoba oil and apply over sinuses to maintain sinus health. 

5.)  Add to water for some flavor and encouragement to drink more H2O!

6.)  This blend is very helpful to encourage overcoming winter blues or Post Partum changes.  Diffuse it, inhale from the bottle or your hands; Put on diffuser jewelry 

7.)  Use it during massage to enhance lymph drainage, especially in the neck and thyroid area. 

8.)  Use with Witch Hazel to tone and smooth the appearance of skin.  (Be sure to use at night if going out in the sun because it does cause photosensitivity)

9.)  Put a few drops on a cotton balls to help remove the sticky residue from labels or to remove a particularly stubborn label.  Use this for removing scuff marks from floors too. 

10.)  Make a roll on to take with you, use to cheer up after a long, stressful day or to change the mood of cranky kids after a long day at school.  This blend just encourages happy thoughts and feelings! 

11.)  Add to baking soda for a deep carpet freshening treatment.  Just sprinkle on and let sit overnight, vacuum up the next day!

12.)  Add to baking soda, then sprinkle on your tub and sinks after spraying with white vinegar.  Let sit for a few minutes then scrub up the yuck!   

I hope you'll give this blend a try!  It's one of my all-time favorites!

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I'm not talking about the kind of thieves that rob you, but the Thieves Essential Oil blend from Young Living!  This is one of our most popular blends and a definite member favorite!  No one runs out of Thieves! (well, at least they shouldn't!)  Once you use it, you will love it! 

So, how is it used?  A lot of ways, but I'm going to tell you about THIRTEEN ways I use it in my home!  There are probably easily 100 ways to use it, but I think you'd get tired of reading all of that!  

This blend is made up of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata and Rosemary essential oils. 

13 Ways to Use Thieves Essential Oil Blend:

1.) I add my Thieves Vitality to oatmeal!  It's a great flavor and wellness boost!

2.) I make a roller with Thieves, Lemon, Frankincense and Copaiba (all from my Premium Starter Kit).   After I add my drops of essential oils, I add a carrier oil, like Jojoba or Avocado, to my roller and then apply daily to my feet.   My kids get one too!  This helps us maintain our health and wellness!

3.)  It's great to use on gums to soothe minor discomfort and promote dental health!

4.)  Diffuse it to clean the air!  It helps to get rid of odors and that musty smell!  Spring brings rain, so I've been diffusing this one a lot lately! I don't want that dampness in the air to cause anything to grow! 

5.)  Put a few drops on cotton balls and place in the vents of your home, under your car seats, in gym bags, or other places to freshen it up!

6.)  You can mix Thieves blend with witch hazel and spray on your pumpkins to help preserve them after carving;  Add to the water for your real Christmas tree to help prolong it's life during the Holidays!

7.)  Add to your homemade hands soap recipe!  It's strong enough to clean dirty hands but gentle on skin!  I use a foaming bottle for this, and add water and castile soap. So easy! 

8.)  Use in a home made deodorant recipe. 

9.)  Add to a DIY toothpaste recipe.  It has lots of health boosting benefits for gums and helps your mouth feel nice and clean!

10.)  I add a few drops to my dishwasher rinse compartment along with vinegar.  It helps to sanitize!

11.)  Add to home made chocolates!  Yum!  A nice spiced chocolate flavor!

12.)  Add a few drops to pecans you are getting ready to roast!  So good!  Stir to coat evenly!

13.)  Need a midday freshening??? Put a drop on your fingertips and rub on each armpit!  Deodorizes and freshens!  Just don't do this right after shaving!  

Those are my favorite ways to use Thieves blend!  Do you have a use you could share?  Drop it in the comments!  Have a question? Drop that in the comments too!

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DiGize is a blend of Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Fennel, Lemongrass, Anise and Patchouli.  This blend does not smell good, I ain't gonna lie, but I always have a bottle, or two or three, on hand.  One in my purse, several at home.  Why?  Because when my tummy feels rumbly, I reach for DiGize!  

8 Uses for DiGize:

1.)  Use daily to maintain digestive health and function.  I put it in a capsule or take with raw honey. 

2.)  I travel with a bottle.  It keeps my tummy happy and with sensitivities to gluten and the risk of cross contamination in restaurant, I never leave home without a bottle of it in my purse. I know I'd especially want this with me if I were traveling out of the country!  

3.)  Add to coffee for a health boost.  I have to admit, I've never tried this so I have no idea how this tastes.  I am not a coffee drinker.  

4.)  It can be used to help support a healthy weight with daily use.  Some of the oils in this blend, can help curb those sugar and carb cravings! 

5.)  Women Only:  Use on your tummy during your cycle to help with the accompanying tummy and abdominal discomfort that comes with our cycle. 

6.)  Add to a glass of water with an additional drop of Peppermint Vitality or Spearmint Vitality.  It can be a soothing drink that you can sip on to calm temporary nausea and discomfort. 

7.)  Take along with Young Living's EssentialZymes-4 to offer further to digestion and elimination.  

8.)  Holidays:  We all over eat and over indulge, a drop on the belly or under the tongue can help sooth the accompanying discomfort and bloated feelings. 

This blend is a Young Living member favorite because of what it does, not for it's aroma!  Once you experience the power of this blend, you will never want to be without it!

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I'm talking about Frankincense today!  Frankincense Essential Oil comes in the Premium Starter Kit and has so many benefits and uses!  If I'm unsure of which oil to choose or if good ole Frank is all I've got, I can be confident that it will help me solve my problem!  Here are the ways I use it most often:

1.)  Skin Brightening-- I combine it with my ART Light Moisturizer from Young Living for skin brightening! 

2.)  Anti-Aging.  Another benefit of Frankincense for skin is that it helps fight the signs of aging.  So, adding it to my moisturizer not only helps brighten my skin but it helps my skin look younger.  

3.)  Calm the mind, enhance quiet time and prayer while diffusing Frankincense.  I usually add some Lavender or Stress Away (both are in the Premium Starter Kit too!)

4.)  A drop on the tongue, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth to help ease head tension

5.) Apply a few drops to a favorite scarf, a diffuser necklace or bracelet and take a deep breath during stressful times throughout your day. 

6.)  Dab on skin spots that you'd like to reduce the appearance of. 

7.)  Adding a drop to my toothbrush boosts my Thieves Toothpaste! #oralhealth 

8.)  Apply to cuticles-- it helps to strengthen nails and promote health of your nails

9.)  Very soothing to owies and boo-boos--I like to make a small spray bottle with a few drops of Frankincense and distilled water. 

10.)  Support overall wellness by adding a few drops to a capsule or NingXia Red!

Essential oils are not just for smell!  Their aroma has benefits for our mind and emotions, but topical use and ingestion offers additional support for wellness!

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I don't know too many people who don't love the smell of a fresh cut lemon!  It just reminds us of summer, sunshine, the pool and fun!  It's a happy smell that evokes good feelings.  

Lemon Essential Oil has that same aroma of fresh cut lemons!  Your whole home can smell like the brightest sunshine-y day all year around.  Here are some ways I use Lemon Essential Oil:

10 Uses for Lemon:

1.) Add a drop, or a few, to a cotton ball, use to remove:
    Scuff marks on floors
    Stickers, labels, other gooey, sticky substances
    Crayon, sharpie and pencil marks

2.) Make a DIY furniture polish with Lemon, Olive oil and vinegar

3.) Flavor your water

4.) Laundry freshener and odor remover

5.) Use in recipes that call for lemon flavoring 

6.) DIY glass cleaner

7.) Lymph massage drainage

8.) Natural skin cleanser-- make a scrub or a cleanser (just avoid the sun for 24 hours after as citrus oils make our skin more photosensitive.  You could use at night as well)

9.) Soften skin callouses

10.)  Diffuse to cleanse the air, lift moods and spirits. 

As you can see, Lemon Essential Oil is very versatile and a useful tool to have your home!  It's part of the Premium Starter Kit from Young Living too!  Go here, if you'd like to see more of what Young Living offers  and to get your own kit!  10 Uses for Frankincense is coming up next!  

How do I love the, Lavender, let me count the ways.... 

Lavender is like the Swiss Army Knife of essential oils;  It's uses are nearly countless and it is something I use literally every day.   Here are some of my favorite ways to use these amazing drops of plant juice:

1.)  Combine with coconut oil, or any fatty type oil, for a soothing balm for skin.

2.)  Apply directly to skin to even out tone and diminish redness. 

3.) Add a few drops to a small, glass spray bottle along with some pure Witch Hazel and a bit of distilled water for a restful and relaxing pillow or linen spray. 

4.)  Add a few drops to your mascara, it helps lashes be strong, healthy and longer!

5.)  Add to your dryer balls to scent sheets, blankets and pajamas! 

6.)  Apply to your feet at night to promote rest and sleep, also helps to relax our tense muscles. 

7.)  I keep a bottle of this in my kitchen at all times; It comes in handy for those common kitchen mishaps. 

8.)  Diffusing this one not only helps to relax the mind, but also contributes to focus and attention;  A relaxed and calmed mind can pay attention better!

9.)  After sun skin support.  I use this oil along with Frankincense and Copaiba (both are in the Premium Starter Kit along with Lavender) to sooth my warm skin, nourish and rehydrate.  

10.)  Attitude Adjustment:  For adults and kids, just swipe a drop across their forehead as they run by and for you, inhale a few drops from the bottle or your hands!

As you can see, Lavender is versatile and easy to use!  How do you use Lavender? Share in the comments!

Peppermint is a Young Living member favorite!  It's versatile, effective and it WORKS!
Here are several other ways I use my Peppermint EO or Peppermint Vitality Oil:

1.)  I combine it with Frankincense, Panaway, Lavender and Copaiba for a soothing muscle rub or massage blend. (*Those other oils I mention, come in the Premium Starter kit too!)

2.) I diffuse it to help me wake up, focus and be alert!

3.)  I diffuse it with Lemon or Citrus Fresh for a perk me up afternoon blend and to freshen the air in my home. (I use this combo a lot for my kids as it helps them focus on their lessons!)

4.)  I love to add my Peppermint Vitality to my favorite gluten free brownie mix or hot chocolate!  YUM!

5.)  A long day of working, homeschooling and all my other responsibilities might find me a little stressed in the head, so I'll apply a drop to my forehead, right at the hair line, and my neck for a soothing, cooling feeling. 

6.)  I've also added some to my water for some extra energy, pep in my step or to soothe my tummy. 

7.)  It is great to add a drop to your shoes;  Whether running or walking, it helps keep feet feeling fresh and cool!

8.)  Diffuse it in your car to keep you alert and awake!

9.)  For long car tips, it's really great to keep in your purse or console in case of motion sickness.  It can help calm those feelings of nausea. 

10.) Add a drop to the toilet before you sit down.. to get things moving!

11.) Use behind your ears to enhance massage and get fluid moving.  Works wonders when paired with Lavender and Cedarwood!

12.) I use this a lot on my tummy and back during my cycle to soothe any discomfort I might be having, it keeps my tummy happy. 

13.)  A drop to the roof of my mouth really clears up my sinuses and helps me take a big deep breath!

14.)  In the hot summer days, I have a bottle with me all the time;  I will put a drop on my wrists and the back of my neck to help feel cool and comfortable.  

15.)  Year around, I use it in a spray to prevent bugs, like spiders, from feeling welcome in my  home.  

As you can see, Peppermint oil has a lot of uses!  This isn't even all of them, but it is the most common ways I use it.  If you use Young Living Peppermint Oil, and want to share a tip, put it in the comments!  I'd love to know your favorite ways to get the benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil!

**I only use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils.  They are the best and have been in business for 25 years!  To learn more about their Seed to Seal promise, go here. 

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about Peppermint Essential Oil, Valor is coming up next!