Soothing Salve

soothingsalve2

This is an amazing soothing salve for irritated skin.  From rashes to bug bites to dry skin.  This soothing salve can be customized for your individual needs.  I found that the honey made the mixture stick better to the skin for a lasting effect.  Chamomile has the ability to regenerate skin and help the liver to reject poisons and discharge them.  Honey if full of antioxidants and naturally antibacterial.  Have fun customizing your own soothing salve.

Why Don’t Essential Oils Work?

question

I’ve come across a few people who say, “The oils just don’t work,” or “I’m not impressed by the oils.” My questions to them are, “How did you use them?”, “What did you use the oil for?” and “Which oil did you use?”

I believe that the oils are amazing, but a little knowledge is needed when using them. Here are some basic guidelines as to “why the oils may not be working for you.”

1. You may not be using enough of the oil.
When I say enough that doesn’t mean use the whole bottle. It means small amounts (1-2 drops) consistent and frequent.   When you are using the oils for an acute benefit (something that just started) consistency and frequency are the key.  I diffuse 1-5 drops,  topically I use 1 drop of essential oil (most of the time with 5 drops or more of a carrier oil), and slowly increase the frequency until the desired therapeutic effect has been achieved (up to every 30 minutes). Smaller doses administered throughout the day have been proven to be more effective than a single large dose. Internally I use oils about every 4 hours.   If you have something you’ve dealt with for some time use the oils 2x a day,  morning and night.

2. You may be using the wrong oil.
We all have a unique body chemistry.  Although most people respond to the chemistry of the oils the same there are some times that your body is showing a symptom and it’s totally unrelated to the problem you think it is. Perfect example is a headache. I knew a person that was getting migraines and the oils she used didn’t work.  She discovered her migraine was related to a stomach issue so she started using digestzen oil.  It eased her migraines.

3. The third reason is that you may not be made of cells.
It’s scientifically proven that essential oils interact with you on a cellular level.  So if you are following rule 1 & 2,  you should have an oil experience … that is unless you’re not made of cells.

Are oils the only answer? No.  Essential oils are safe, effective, convenient, and an inexpensive way to assist you with your overall well being.  Have realistic expectations with them.  You don’t want to be the person that says,  “Oh, I tried that once. It didn’t work, so I don’t like the oils.”  Explore the oils, use them, and be open minded to the nature God created.  We can all benefit from nature in some way.

To get started with essential oils go here.

Snow Ice Cream Recipe

image

Ingredients

1 cup cream
1/2 cup real maple syrup
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract 
Pinch of sea salt
10 cups of fresh snow

Whisk together cream, syrup, vanilla, and salt.  Pour mixture over snow and stir.

*note – you can substitute cane sugar for maple syrup and whole or coconut milk for cream. Cream does taste better:)

And if you have little girls they will want sprinkles. Here’s my 3 year olds creation.

image

Have fun and make some memories.

Homemade Ginger Ale

gingerale copy

Ginger ale helps with an upset stomach, but most commercial brands of ginger ale contain little to no ginger, and they’re loaded with sugar and other unwanted additives.

The perfect solution is homemade ginger ale.  It’s super easy to make homemade ginger ale and only calls for a few ingredients.

Homemade ginger ale is an excellent choice to help with the flu, motion sickness, or digestive support. It’s also a wonderful tonic to try if you have joint stiffness or pain, since ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

This homemade ginger ale contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors like store-bought brands. You can play around with the ingredients to make it more citrus-y or more ginger-y, whatever floats your boat!

Homemade Ginger Ale

  • 1¼ cups organic cane sugar (honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar. Start with 2 tbsp and increase to taste)
  • 2½ cups filtered or bottled water
  • natural, unflavored seltzer water or club soda
  • 2 drops doTERRA Ginger essential oil
  • 2 drop doTERRA Lemon essential oil

Make ginger syrup

Add sugar, and water to a pot. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil.  Boil until sugar is dissolved.  Allow mixture to cool then add essential oil and transfer to a canning jar with a lid. Refrigerate until ready to mix drinks.

Make soda

Add about 2 tablespoons of syrup (to taste) to 1 cup of seltzer water or club soda and stir gently. Add ice, if desired, and enjoy your homemade ginger ale.

Calming Sweet Massage Oil

calmingoil copy

This massage oil does triple duty, this sweet oil recipe will relax the body during massage, nourish the skin, and calm emotions with the combination of geranium and ylang ylang oil.

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup sweet almond oil
  • 8 drops geranium essential oil
  • 8 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Directions:

  1. Blend sweet almond oil and essential oils.
  2. Apply quarter-sized amount of oil into palm of one hand. Rub hands together to warm the oil.
  3. Apply over body and massage.

Natural Teething Relief

IMG_20150207_092730

1 drop doterra clove essential oil

1 drop doterra lavender essential oil

1 drop doterra frankincense essential oil

Fill remaining part of roller bottle with fractionated coconut oil.  Roll on outside of jawline.  Safe for all ages.  This recipe has worked so well for both of my children.  I used it on my youngest for teething pain.  I used it on my oldest for cleft palet surgeries and braces.  It controlled their pain.  I was amazed and thankful.

Natural Earache Relief

image

I love using basil essential oil for earaches.  I used to get them frequently.  I still get them on occasion.  I have a rollerbottle of 2-3 drops basil, lavender and melaleuca. I rub it on the bone behind my ear.  Small amounts frequently until its gone.   I’ve tried just lavender and melalueca but for me I need the basil.  Personally..I think I struggle with this because of a root canal, but thats a story for another day.  I also cook with Basil by starting with the toothpick method.  Dip a clean toothpick into the basil oil and stir your food.  Doesn’t take much to flavor food.

To order retail: mydoterra.com/essentialhomestead

To become a wholesale member – click here.