Enriching Home Cleaning with Essential Oils

Connie Scheel, a two time cancer survivor enjoying remission today, believes she has enhanced her life and her health by choosing many complementary and alternative approaches for herself and her family. I've invited her to share some of her story below along with recipes for simple, effective, and cost-effective recipes for green and healthy cleaning products created with Young Living essential oils. She would enjoy hearing your feedback. Please leave comments. You may learn more about Connie and the Young Living oils by visiting her on her Facebook page -- Catalysts to Connie's Wellness. 

Do you want it all when it comes to Spring cleaning? Perhaps quick, easy, inexpensive, pleasantly fresh smelling cleaning products that are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-septic and anti-fungal without any harsh chemicals? Therapeutic grade essential oils offer all of this along with a boost to the immune system and mood.

This may sound nerdy but I was really excited and relieved when I discovered 2 simple cleanser recipes that use essential oils.

I’m a two time gynecologic cancer Survivor enjoying 2 years and 4 months of Remission. Essential oils and I met shortly after my last chemo treatment. My body was suffering the side effects of chemo. My knees were extremely sore and my feet were numb. I was only 36, but struggled to walk, move and sleep. I was often exhausted yet fought insomnia and anxiety. My reflexologist friend suggested I try peppermint essential oil. I welcomed the suggestion since the medications my oncologist had prescribed to bring my relief only caused more side effects. Therapeutic grade peppermint essential oil delivered quick relief from my knee pain, brought feeling back to my feet, and nurtured my energy back. And I never have to worry about side effects as there aren’t any!

Then came therapeutic grade Lavender. Sweet, multi-talented Lavender. It lulled my body into blissful sleep and my anxiety faded. I became more intrigued with essential oils as my body and Soul healed from treatment, and so I began studying them. I was hungry to learn of more ways to use them to enrich my life.

Lavender comes from the Latin word lavare which means ‘to wash’. The Ancient Romans recognized lavender for it’s healing, antiseptic and cleansing properties. In 16th Century France it was regarded as an effective defense against infection. And it was used to dress wounds during WWI. Lavender is the most versatile essential oil, and is an adaptogen which means it literally aids in restoring overall balance to our bodies. It’s also well known for it’s relaxing properties. Lavender helps to restore emotional balance and soothes your nervous system. What an incredible combo!

My studies of essential oils also brought me lessons in the dangers of many of the cleaning and personal care products in my home. If you’re curious, check out this article from Organic Consumer Alert- How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies? I was shocked, and had an urgent need to find an inexpensive, quick but very effective ways to clean my home.

So, cleaning with therapeutic grade essential oils became a life enriching experience for me. It’s allowed me to remove toxic and harmful chemicals from my life while make cleaning an immune system boosting adventure. I hope it will for you, too.

All Purpose Anti-Everything-Bad & Mood Boosting Cleaning Spray

12-16  oz spray bottle

1 cup white vinegar

Add water, fill almost of the top

Add 10 Drops of Young Living Lavender Essential Oil

For a stronger degreasing cleaner solution replace the 10 drops of Lavender essential oil with 5 drops of YL Lavender essential oil and 5 drops of Young Living’s Orange essential oil.

Gently shake to mix.

Kitchen and Bathroom Essential Oil Scrub

Fantastic for tubs, sinks, countertops

Empty clean, perhaps recycled, 12- 16 ounce glass jar with a tight lid

Fill the jar 3/4s full with baking soda (or Super Washing Soda for even more cleaning power)

Add 10 drops of Young Living’s Lavender essential oil

Gently shake to mix.

Green Facts for Footsteps In Eden Reflexology

 

Does Footsteps In Eden Reflexology in Bartlett, TN, have eco-friendly practices, and what are they? While I have been pondering a blog post on this topic for awhile now, I was smacked in the face with it this morning as I was registering my business with Angie's List. That was a 'surprise' question to me in that 'setting,' but a great one as well to make me think how to answer. Kudos to Angie's List for asking!

First of all, don't you just love the green footprint?!?! How perfect to find that little jewel for a post on eco-practices in my reflexology business. Just love it! Now on to what Footsteps In Eden Reflexology does do to be green.

• Just the very nature of reflexology makes it a VERY GREEN business. There's really nothing actually required for this therapy except a client and a reflexologist's hands (OK, they will need to be attached to the reflexologist - LOL).
• I work from my home. Situated in a park like setting, it is surrounded by GREEN.
• Products that are organic and sustainably produced are used whenever possible. These include, but are not limited to lotions and aromatherapy essential oils.
• Paper waste is greatly minimized by reusable linens and hand towels.
• All linens are laundered with eco-friendly products.
• The Thieves® line of products from Young Living,* provides anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-fungal protection for cleaning routines, personally and within the space. Thieves® products are all natural and plant-based, with no added toxic ingredients.
• Recently, we invested in a BioCerra pitcher. This allows us to provide our clients with filtered high pH, electrolyte added water in their own cup or a biodegradable to go cup. This is allowing us to eliminate the use of plastic water bottles.
• Our space is located where heat and air are only used when necessary for clients' comfort, saving precious energy resources.

Do you have suggestions for more green ideas we might use? We would love to hear about them.

*Use "Thieves" as your search term on this website to learn much about these wonderful products.

Above photo from canstockphoto

Look What We Just Received to Enhance Our Clients' Reflexology Sessions

Yesterday on Facebook we announced we had received a new treasure. Here it is! And here's what it means for you. Beginning next week we will be offering our 
Pool of Delight in Eden
At Footsteps In Eden Reflexology we will prepare for you a delightful foot bath of sea salts and aromatherapy. The properties of the salts and therapeutic essential oils provide the potential for warmed muscles, increased circulation and detoxification. We add strokes of relaxing massage, preparing your feet and your whole body for the beautiful reflexology treatment to follow. We use an ionized copper foot basin, providing a healthy environment for your feet. Offered as add-on service to foot reflexology only. Sessions are extended 10-15 mins. This Lovely Delight will be available beginning the week after Thanksgiving. To learn more check out the "Sessions" link on our website.

2nd Question! Your Answer/Comment is Another Opportunity in Our Give Away

We continue in this month of counting blessings and thankfulness with our celebration of Footsteps In Eden Reflexology's 4th Birthday.

From our very beginning, Footsteps In Eden chose to offer you way more than a reflexology "session." Our goal was to offer you an experience of delight for all the senses. We appeal to your sense of smell through the use of aromatherapy. In our case, high quality therapeutic grade essential oils from Young Living.  Did you know that of all of our senses, the sense of smell is the only one where we react first and think about our response later? Something to think about, but not the question for today.

So, the question is, what is your favorite essential oil, how do you use it, and why? 

To familiarize yourself with essential oils and their benefits, begin your journey of discovery here.

Staying Healthy with Thieves®

We've had a few cooler days, the kids are back in school in many areas of the country, and you may have thought about fighting germs and colds and flu bugs in the months ahead.

In our home we have found the Thieves® line of products from Young Living™ to be most helpful. We clean with it, we diffuse it, we wash with it and more. My clients often comment on the fresh and clean fragrance of my hand soap. It is diffused at my husband's office. While not everyone there may be in agreement about its effectiveness, the fact that when it runs out they ask for more, speaks for itself. The purse sprays are a healthy option for spraying shopping cart handles, and use in public restrooms. There is also toothpaste, mouthwash and hand sanitizers -- all made with wholesome, good-for-you ingredients. Thieves® has also been shown to be highly effective in removing mold and mold spores. Here's a little history of this great line. It just may surprise you to learn of its origins.

"A blend of highly antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-infectious essential oils,  Thieves® was created from research of a group of 15th-century thieves who rubbed oils on themselves to avoid contracting the plague while they robbed the bodies of the dead and dying. When apprehended, these thieves disclosed the formula of herbs, spices, and oils they used to protect themselves in exchange for more lenient punishment."

The entire Thieves® line is available at www.richinoils.com, where you have the opportunity to learn much more about the high potential of therapeutic grade essential oils.
 

*Quote above from Essential Oils Desk Reference, Third Edition, published by Essential Science Publishing.

Ruby Rose

It's Ruby Tuesday over at Work of the Poet. This is only my second time to participate, but really enjoy showing off my reds. And, even more, I love to visit the other Ruby Tuesday postings too. Always colorful and fun, and we may learn a few things along the way!

Little difficult (okay -- a whole lot difficult) to read the label on the little bottle. So, I'll tell you, this is the most prized oil in the collection. It is rose oil.

A couple of facts:

It takes 2,000 pounds of fresh, hand picked, prime rose petals to yield 1 pound of pure Rose (Rosa damascena) essential oil.

"The healing properties of the rose have been utilized throughout the ages and (rose) still plays an important role in the East. It has been used for digestive and menstrual problems, headaches and nervous tension, liver congestion, poor circulation, fever (plague), eye infections and skin complaints."***

~~ Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Alan & Connie Higley

"Rose has been used for the skin for thousands of years. The Arab physician, Avicenna, was responsible for first distilling rose oil, eentually authoring an entire book on the healing attributes of the rose water derived from the distillation of rose. Throughout much of ancient history, the oil was produced by enfleurage, a process ofpressing the petals along with a vegetable oil to extract the essence. Today, however, almost all rose oils are solvent extracted.....

....It's beautiful fragrance is intoxicating and aphrodisiac-like. It helps bring balance and harmony, allowing one to overcome insecurities. It is stimulating and elevating to the mind, creating a sense of well-being."***

~~ Essential Oils Desk Reference (compiled by Essential Science Publishing)

Young Living's absolutely pure unadulterated and optimally produced rose oil is made from a variety of roses grown in Bulgaria, and a 5 ml bottle (about 80 drops) retails for a mere $236.51. I was so blessed to receive a FREE bottle as a bonus with an order I recently placed. As quoted below, Veronica believes its value is well above that of gold. (It is important to note that the information supplied here is in consideration of using these high quality therapeutic grade essential oils.

"I use to have bloating in my abdomen before my cycle along with cramping and other female 'symptoms'. I now use 1-2 drops of pure 'wonderful' rose oil on my abdomen starting 10 days before and up to my menstual cycle, no more bloating! Even during the month for other symptoms (depression, melancholy, etc.) I also apply it in circular motion on my heart, breath it in and apply to my ankles. Some may think it costly but believe me it is well worth more than gold. Give it a try!"***

~~ Veronica Mitchell, San Jose, CA, "oil-testimonials"

To learn more about essential oils please visit Heaven Scent Essentials. It is akin to an encylopedia of information on these wonderful oils and their benefits for holistic health and wellness -- body, mind, and spirit.

Again, be sure to visit Work of the Poet to see all the lovely Ruby Tuesday posts. And, of course, your comments are a blessing! Thank you for visiting Alive!

***DISCLAIMER: This is for informational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical care. Please consult and obtain permission from your doctor or health care professional before using essential oils and other complementary therapies.

Overcoming the Blues

Saturday I bought some beautiful sunflowers and some red flowers of which I'm uncertain of their identity. I'm always delighted with the colorful selection of beauty in Mr. Chandler's flower booth at our local farmers' market. These were no exception. I brought them home and chose to display them in my only blue vase (which is normally in the back of the top cabinet on the top shelf because, as you know, blue is not my favorite color). After all it would make a great post for Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally.

Of course, with my passion for wellness and a blog that features suggestions for holistic health and wellness, I had to find a way to bring that in also. Consider these sunflowers would definitely be a sunny and uplifting spot in an otherwise BLUE day. The number of people suffering from the blues to mild or severe depression seems to be growing continuously. Perhaps it is our over committed lifestyles, relationship challenges, poor health, problems with the children, finances -- There are just so many challenges that will steal our joy and even cause an onset of depression in our lives. Where do we turn to combat the blues or worse. As my blog them goes, King Solomon words surely apply here: "Tranquility is life to the body.... (that Scripture finishes with ) stress is rottenness to the bones."

In my reflexology practice I'm saddened by the number of individuals who are finding it necessary to take medications for depression and anxiety. Some of these are some very young adults. While these medications may be helpful they also carry side effects. You hear those listed on every drug advertisement which bombards your senses as they are broadcast straight into your living room. Are there other options? (Please see note below.)

When you are feeling down, is the first place you turn to the Lord? I pray it is so. There is no burden we carry that is too big for Him. Jesus tells us, "Come to me all you are are weak and weary and heavy ladened. Cast your cares upon Me, because I care for you." He'll take care of the worries and stresses that easily take us down when we fret about them and take them on in our own strength. God through nature and human touch has also provided us with some amazing natural resources for improving our lives.

In the photo above you will notice little bottles of essential oils. Allow me to share with you how these may be helpful in cases of blues, depression, anxiety and similar challenges.

*Peace and Calming® -- The oils in this blend (tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli and blue tansy) may help it be effective for dealing with various problems related to the nervous system and emotional balance. This blend of oils is perfect for calming nerves or emotion at the end of a long day or in times of stress. (Apply to navel, feet, back of neck or wear as perfume.)

*Hope(TM) -- The single oils in this blend (melissa, myrrh, juniper and spruce) have the ability to help support the body physically and mentally to give us hope. Those oils when inhaled together may give us the feeling of going forward with hope and achievement. It reconnects us with a feeling of strength and grounding. It may also help relieve depression and suicidal thoughts. (Apply on outer edge of ears, chest, heart, temples, nape of neck feet and wrists. Wear as perfume or cologne.)

*Joy(TM) -- This blend is a beautiful complimentary blend of oils (lemon, mandarin, bergamot, ylang ylang, rose, rosewood, geranium, palmarosa, roman chamomile, and jasmine). When inhaled it brings back memories of being loved, being held, sharing loving times, feeling and opening those blocks in our lives where perhaps we have shut down to love or receiving love or love of self. When there is grief, the adenoids and the adrenal glands shut down; Joy opens these glands. (Rub over heart, ears, neck, thymus, heart chakras, temples, across brown and wrists. Put in bath water, wear as cologne, or put two drops on a wet cloth and put in the dryer for great smelling clothes.)

Also, reflexology is an incredible natural therapy for helping to overcome depression. An article at GoToSee, a complementary therapy website in the UK, presents the case for this so well I won't even begin to describe it here. You are invited to visit their website to learn so much more about the number one benefit of reflexology to reduce stress and bring a sense of tranquility to the body. May I strongly encourage you to take a little side trip to this site especially if you or someone you know suffers regularly from depression, anxiety or just the plain old blues. While there are no guarantees, some of my clients have reduced the amount of medication they are taking after receiving regular reflexology sessions. (Please see note below.) You may also learn more about reflexology at my Footsteps In Eden site.

*The descriptive information on these oils comes from the book, "Reference Guide for Essential Oils" by Connie and Alan Higley. The oils are proprietary blends from Young Living Essential Oils.

PLEASE NOTE: This post is informational only. My reflexology registration with the state of TN is under the department of Health Related Boards. I am in no way advocating that anyone go against physicians' instructions or stop medications. I am not a medical doctor and I do not diagnose, prescribe, or alter medications. That is outside the scope of my practice.

Essential Oils to Kill the Insects that Eat Your Plants

This is very exciting. Those of us that know the potential of essential oils have been aware of their potential to be an highly effective pesticide without the toxic effects to humans and animals and the environment. Now National Geographic is reporting it as news in their Green Guide. They are calling them "killer spices." I'll call them essential oils. The article refers to both. You may read the whole story here. This is such valuable information.

Wonder what took them so long to figure this out? Cedarwood (discussed for many interesting reasons in a post a day or two ago) has long been used to line closets and chests to keep insects from eating their way through clothing, linens, etc. Citronella is sold in candles and sprays, which often contain other more toxic ingredients in their formula as well. Those are just two common ways essential oils from plants are used for the critter battle already. And without the side effects of the toxic chemical solutions. It makes me almost sick to even walk down the aisle in the local "do-it-yourself center" where these are stocked. Think someone would have gotten it sooner.

You may find that growing these plants in your garden may be beneficial for insect control. To purchase small amounts of these oils (in highly concentrated form & which may be significantly diluted) for your own gardening needs, please visit Heaven Scent Essentials website.

Juniper, Tiny Detail May = Great Rx

"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers."
I Kings 19:4 (New American Standard Bible)

He sat down under a juniper tree -- of what importance was the type of tree anyway that the author of I Kings was inspired to include this tidbit in his writing. That question jumped out at me as I studied I Kings 18 & 19 in preparation to lead the women's Sunday School class this week. The author's focus is "The Faith Test." (You may wish to read the account to refresh your memory on the details. The NIV calls it a broom tree, by the way. King James and New American Standard refer to a Juniper tree.)

Elijah's faith is certainly being put to the test here. He has just asked God to call down fire on the very wet offering in the showdown with Baal's followers. WOW! Has he ever seen some incredible proof of The Living God! So did all the Baal followers; and now Elijah's life is threatened. In just a few short verses we find him sitting under a tree bemoaning his condition to The Living God -- the same ONE. Eventually, Elijah did hear God in the midst of his life seemingly gone awry. . . but why under the Juniper tree?

Here comes the aromatherapist part of me seeking some insight. It's just no mere incidental that the author of I Kings was divinely inspired to include the make & model of the tree. Juniper has historically been used for physical and spiritual purification. It's aromatic influence is noted today for evoking feelings of health, love, and peace and may help to elevate one's spiritual awareness. Sounds like exactly the Rx Elijah needed. Isn't God's Word just full of amazing details!?!?!

Photo above, "Beautiful Tree at Echo Lake" is by Jessica Merz from the Every Stock Photo website.


If you would like to experience the benefits of juniper just as Elijah did, pure therapeutic grade Juniper Essential Oil and essential oils diffuser are available today from Young Living Essential Oils.

Essential Oils & Mainstream Medicine

Essential Oils beginning to be used in a hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas, as what appears to be an effective therapy. It is exciting to see this happening. Young Living features high quality oils as mentioned in the article.

Below is the first portion of a report from a Ft. Worth, TX, News show. You may read the complete article by clicking on the link above.



Essential Oils Now Used In Mainstream Medicine
Reporting
Mark Johnson
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―

"The healing powers of essential oils have been known for centuries. Now a Fort Worth hospital is the first in North Texas to take those powers to a clinical level.

Megan Morrison's high risk pregnancy has kept her on bed rest for the past six weeks. Her clinical aromatherapy sessions at Harris Methodist Hospital are new.

"'I can definitely tell a big difference,' Morrison said. 'I'm definitely much more relaxed than if I was just to go take a hot bath.'

"Nurse Susan Shields is trained in clinical aromatherapy. It's centuries-old tradition which uses pure essential oils. Harris Methodist has the only certified program in North Texas.

"She said, 'What we're using is a combination of bergamot, [and] citrus vergania, which is the true lavender--the relaxing lavender. It does not replace any of the medical treatment that goes on here. It is in addition to; it is complimentary; it enhances.'"

Green Cleaning for Your Home & Your Family

Dr. Mehmet C. Oz,M.D., author of You: An Owner's Manual and regular guest on Oprah has this to say about Deirdre Imus' book, green this!

Packed with practical insights and solutions to protect our families. Deirdre Imus asks the provacative question, 'Is the way we clean really good for us?' Read on to find the startling answer."

Learning of a new Young Living Distributor in my organization who found about our healthy and pure oils from this book by Deirdre Imus, it became a must read on my list! I've spent some hours over the weekend being enlightened even further on cleaning ideas and potential hazards in our homes. The ideas, suggestions, cleaning recipes, etc. are indeed most practical for every day!

With small grandchildren in my home very often, I'll be choosing growing up green! for a near future read. Both of these books have been BEST SELLERS on Amazon. growing up green! and green this! have earned their place on the New York Times Bestsellers list as well.

This book is readily available at local bookstores, and through Amazon. Both have been bestsellers on Amazon, and have earned placement on the New York Times bestsellers list. You will find a quick link to these specific books at Amazon in the column to the right.

Essential oils do play a BIG, BIG role in the suggestions Deirdre shares. She heartily recommends purchasing them from Young Living! We whole-heartedly agree.

Valor® - A Staple in my Aromatherapy Collection

Valor®, is a proprietary blend of therapeutic grade essential oils from Young Living. Young Living offers over 100 different essential oils and essential oil blends. This specific blend reached out and caught my attention in a BIG BIG way . . . That experience, which I'll share today, not only grabbed my attention, it hooked me on the oils that I love so much. Young Living also incorporates these therapeutic grade oils into a host of personal care products, dietary supplements, and household products that are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and wonderful to use.

Now for my personal story of Valor® -- A bit long, but I truly wished to share the whole traumatic experience for you to know how truly blessed I felt upon the discovery of this great essential oil.

Three years ago this past December -- it was the day after Christmas -- the Mid-South section of the county was recovering from a major ice storm & a devastating tsunami was hitting Thailand. That was the day!

Our son and daughter-in-law were returning home to Nashville from celebrating Christmas with her family in Chicago. The ice storm had struck as they were leaving Nashville and they became stranded in their car overnight on the interstate in Kentucky. It was a quite traumatic experience. They would be arriving home in time for our son to return to work the next day. Our daughter-in-law had a bit more time. The plan was to meet them at a pre-determined location and bring her back to Memphis for the week. Our son would join us for New Year's!

It was 65 and sunny in Memphis when I left driving my daughter's all-wheel drive Honda Accord. My very old and very squirrely car didn't seem to be appropriate since we weren't sure what conditions I would encounter. The trip was fairly smooth, but the entire time I drove an overwhelming heavy feeling pushed at my back. . . It was a dark, dark feeling. For me personally it felt almost sinister. Knowing my daughter would have worship CD's in the car, I fumbled around looking for them as I drove. NOTHING! Feeling compelled to continuously move forward, I never stopped to really look for them, even though I knew that playing that music would be of great benefit for keeping any invisible, but marauding characters from being very effective.

At last reaching my destination, I opened the door, stepped out, looked around, and there they were right behind the driver's seat. Of course! Where were they while I needed them.

So, now I'm waiting quite some time for son and daughter-in-law to arrive. Their projected ETA was an hour or so off. . . AND family Christmas party was that evening. We planned to be back in Memphis in time to attend.

Back on the road, this feeling swept over me once again. I never mentioned it. We just talked and shared and kept moving. I spoke with my husband as we came closer to Memphis. We discussed my intended route to the party and that we were still coming even though we would be a little late now. He suggested a different route, but never mentioned that it was because the warm temperatures and sunshine had not been effective in removing all the ice from the streets.

We exited the interstate and were headed up the highway toward the tree lined country road that would take us to the party. Hesitation would certainly be a great word here as I neared that intersection. I could see that it didn't look very friendly. Seconds before my daughter called and was saying they were ready to exchange the gifts, and what did I wish her to do about this one or that. So, I was preoccupied as well. That feeling came bearing down on my harder than ever, along with a couple of other vehicles. A hasty decision to turn instead of just going straight home was an incredible mistake!

I knew it immediately after turning. There was no where to turn around. We navigated through the first half mile or so when the car began spinning. There were lots of trees and a small lake at the bottom of a hill in the direction we were headed. I couldn't see them in the dark, but I knew they were there.

Now, I really choose to give God much glory here! The enemy may have won the battle here as we crashed broadside into some of those trees and bounced out completely turned around across a slick as glass driveway. But he didn't win, really! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt the way the car was moving that angels were all around us positioning that car in such a way that neither of us would be seriously injured. Anyone who saw the car would have never believed that, or even that our daughter-in-law was alive!

No serious ihttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifnjuries, but definitely some stained and twisted muscles plagued us. After a few days we each had some cranial sacral and trager massage. This in and of itself was an enormous blessing. Even after being detangled I was feeling the strain of those previously kinked places in my neck and shoulders for days to come.

My limited collection (at the time) of aromatherapy oils included Valor®. I had absolutely no idea what to do with it, but I remembered that Valor® had been introduced to me as "a chiropractor in a bottle."

I began to apply Valor® to my neck and shoulders and was amazed at the relaxation this brought to this part of my body and how the pain subsided. Of course, I thought, I'm just getting better. After a couple of weeks my supply was exhausted. The few days it took me to obtain some more were all it took for me to realize that this little bottle contained some very precious healing abilities for me.

Distilled from spruce, blue tansy, rosewood & frankincense -- Valor® is truly a gift of God's creation. I've not been without it again!

Young Living's catalog describes it in part like this:

"Valor® is an empowering combination of terapeutic-grade essential oils that works with both the pysical and spiritual aspects of the body to increase feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem in the face of adversity. . . "

Since then, I've learned of Valor's® use on the feet for a very relaxing experience. I often use it in my reflexology practice and on my own feet, neck, and shoulders to bring about a balanced and relaxed state of being.

Aromatherapy for Sleep

Aromatherapy oils have shown in many cases to be highly effective when used on the feet to promote health & wellness for the entire body. This was a significant factor in my personal decision to pursue reflexology training. It was my desire to intentionally introduce more people to the therapeutic effects of the oils by using them in a reflexology setting.

The following aromatherapy tip comes directly from a Young Living distributor through the Young Living weekly newsletter. I'm passing it on to you. This is an awesome testimony to the power of Young Living essential oils.

“My husband has a hard time sleeping at night, especially when he travels away from home. He uses lavender and Valor® essential oil blend together on his feet and sleeps all night long!


(The author of this post, the Young Living distributor from which the tip comes, and the Young Living Company assume no liability for any damage caused by use of this tip.)

Thieves® -- Thankful Today for this Green Cleaner

The thought of sending my king size bedspread to the dry cleaner was distasteful for a couple of reasons. Only one (kinda large) corner needed cleaning. The dry cleaning solvents would be quite noxious to my way of thinking. Never the less, the whole bedspread would certainly not fit in my washing machine.

What happened? Our precious little 2 year old granddaughter was sleeping on our bed when an upset tummy presented itself in quite a yucky way. You probably get my drift here.

Carefully wiping it off and then allowing it to dry out gave me a bit of time to think this one through. Thieves™ in its many forms has come to my rescue before. One corner of the bedspread would easily fit in my oversize kitchen sink. So, with a bar of Thieves™ Soap and some cold water the spots were gently coaxed from the bedspread. Wrapped in towels to absorb the water, the bedspread is now clean and spread out to dry.

The greater benefit is the antibacterial properties of Thieves®, and essential oil blend from Young Living, and the fact that Thieves® products also are made without the toxic ingredients found in most household cleaners. This stuff will even remove mold (and it doesn't come back.) That's pretty powerful stuff. Check out my Young Living website where you will find Thieves® bar soap, Thieves® Household Cleaner, Thieves® essential oil blend, Thieves® tootpastes, Thieves® mouthwash, Thieves® hand sanitizers, and Thieves® personal sprays.

Theieves® products have proved to be great immunity builders and infection fighters for our family!

Dr. Approved Essential Oils for Sinuses

It's that time of the year...at least in Memphis it is...

It's beautiful!!! The azaleas and dogwoods are producing their short but spectacular spring extravaganza showtime! All of this also produces lots of allergy and sinus issues for many people.

My discovery of high quality (therapeutic or medical grade) essential oils has contributed greatly to my ability to enjoy this season with much less of the itchy, watery eyes, irritated nasal passages, sinus drainage and all the rest of what this season often brings. Accordingly, I've shared what I've learned and experienced with others. Occasionally I'm believed. More often my audience is considerably more skeptical.

Recently I came across this article featuring a doctor's suggestions of essential oils for sinus problems. To find the medical community encouraging the use of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is always exciting.

Please take the time to check out Dr. Mao's thoughts on the subject of essential oils for sinuses. You'll find it here. You'll also find a whole site loaded with information he has discovered in his journey bringing the best of eastern and western medicine together to treat the whole person.

ALIVE! My Morphed Newsletter

SENSE ABOUT SCENTS has morphed. As an Independent Representative of the Young Living Essential Oils company, many received a monthly newsletter via email, SENSE ABOUT SCENTS. Since discovering the wonderful ONEGroup miessence® line of organic skincare and cosmetics, and launching my FOOTSTEPS IN EDEN reflexology business I've seen what I believe are some awesome reasons for morphing that newsletter into this wonderful blog.

Since late October I have been working to bring blog readers helpful information on a variety of health and wellness topics. I've also included links to fun, informative, and educational spots on the web offering products and services I believe my readers will love and enjoy.

When I am forced to categorize this blog, it's under health and wellness, but my readers also find posts and links relating to greening our world, family, spiritual matters, shopping, and more.

In the last couple of weeks I've learned to offer an opportunity for readers to become subscribers. (I'm learning this blogging stuff slow but sure -- smiley face here) I'll be emailing my newsletter list today to introduce them to this expanded version of the newsletter. What an exciting new step for ALIVE!

Abundance Essential Oil

Abundance™, one of my favorite essential oil blends, is said to "resonate at the frequency of attraction." Now I'm not exactly sure of the technical explanation for that one, but as its name might indicate, the use of this oil has been known to have a magnetic influence drawing blessings to the user.

There is a living energy captured when plant materials are distilled at optimal low temperatures and pressures for all the hours it takes to bring every tiny valuable constituent of the flower, leaf, bark, or root into the final product. Young Living works patiently to assure their oils are of the finest quality produced at these most exacting standards.

The aromatics of essential oils do have some incredible influences over the mind, body and spirit. It's interesting that Young Living's Abundance™ Essential Oil Blend contains to single oils, frankincense and myrrh, oils that have been highly cherished for centuries for their spiritual, emotional, and physical healing powers -- So cherished, in fact, they were rarely obtained by anyone who did have an abundance of resources to purchase them.

If you receive and read the Young Living e-news last week, you read of a distributor who placed drops of Abundance™ on every piece of business material she distributed or mailed. In just a few months time she was amazed at the abundant increase in her Young Living business.

On oil-testimonials.com, there is a report of rubbing Abundance™ on the stomach of someone with a 6 pound tumor. Although the patient was receiving chemo, the doctors were absolutely amazed at how quickly the tumor shrunk to just 2 pounds in size and was operable. Frankincense and another ingredient, Clove, are known for their anti-tumoral properties. You may read the whole story HERE.

Centuries ago, the oils like those in Abundance™ were available only to those with abundant resources. You will find them very easy to obtain for you and your family today by visiting my Young Living site.

Sweet Smelling Favor for Your Health

A certain brand of room fresheners you plug into your wall may cause home fires. An email with this message came across my screen this morning with an origination date of Sunday, March 23, 2008. All indications were that I was in the 2nd generation of readers after the originator of this WARNING!

This sent me on a quick search of the internet. Would you believe that the same message has been circulating verbatim for four (4) years now?!?! Yep! Four big years. What did I learn? There had been a concern that a "lot" of them may cause fires, and were recalled by the manufacturer before any did. A child stuck a copper penny in one once. The penny and the electricity didn't quite mix well. The current arced the penny and a fire was started.

And then there was the information that I already know. The ingredients in these air fresheners may be rather noxious and toxic to your health as you breathe the fumes into your lungs.

Allow me to offer you what I believe to be the better choice. Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils from Young Living are the purest of oils available. Inhaling the aromas of their marvelous scents create many incredible benefits for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They may be diffused in beautiful diffusers as shown above. Only the pure oils with no other additives are being dispersed into your air (and therefore your nostrils, brain, lungs, etc.

So do your health & wellness a sweet smelling favor. Visit Diffuser World by clicking on the Photo above.

One more thing: Using the coupon code A32SAVE5 (case sensitive) will award you a 5% savings on your purchase.

Diffuse Tranquility

True pure AROMATHERAPY has limitless possibilities for health and wellness. We keep so many of these in our home, that most people are delighted and intrigued by the beautiful aromas when they enter. While we love the mingling of the aromas, we also diffuse specific essential oils for individual needs.

One of my very favorites is Peace & Calming®. This proprietary blend of essential oils includes tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli and blue tansy. This gentle blend often helps calm tensions and uplift the spirit, promoting relaxation and a deep sense of peace. That sounds like tranquility to me.

Find a wide variety of styles and great prices on some excellent diffusers