It’s that time of year again. The kids are heading off to school. With that comes more exposure to whatever will be going around this season. That is one reason I always have Thieves essential oil blend with me as well as all the Thieves products.

Thieves Oil Blend was created from research about four thieves during the 15th-century covered themselves with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing the dead and dying. Thieves is one oil that is wonderful for diffusing.

NingXia Red is a powerful antioxidant drink that contains whole Ningxia wolfberry puree and a super blend of blueberry, aronia, cherry, pomegranate, and plum juices, natural stevia extract, grape seed extract, vanilla extract, and orange, yuzu, lemon, and tangerine essential oils. Its health benefits include support from head to toe, via a whole body nutrient infusion.

There is often anxiety on returning to school at the beginning of a new year. There are always many changes: New teachers, new classes, peer pressure, worries about fitting in, bullies, studying for tests, and the list goes on.

The next three oils may be helpful to ease the stress of going back to school.

Stress Away Roll-On – This unique blend of vanilla, lime, copaiba, and other essential oils relieves daily stress, encourages relaxation, and reduces nervous tension. This oil can be used in the morning before heading off to school or after school to unwind from a stressful day. Apply generously to wrists, temples, neck, or any desired area as needed.

Peace & Calming is a gentle, fragrant blend specially designed for diffusing. It promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace, helping to calm tensions and uplift spirits. When massaged on the bottoms of the feet, it can be a wonderful prelude to a peaceful night’s rest. This is important for kids in school.

Brain Power is especially designed essential oil blend rich in sesquiterpenes. Use it to clarify thought and support concentration. Apply over the back of the neck, on the temples, on the soles of the feet, and under the tongue.

Valor helps balance electrical energies within the body, giving you courage, confidence, and self-esteem. It has also been found to help the body self-correct its balance and alignment.
How to use: Apply on bottoms of feet and to throat, wrists, chest, and the base of the neck. When using a series of oils, such as in Raindrop Technique, apply Valor first and let it work for five to ten minutes before applying other oils.

Clarity promotes a clear mind and alertness. The rosemary and peppermint found in this blend have been used for years for mental activity and vitality. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati discovered in a research study that inhaling peppermint oil increased the mental accuracy of the students he tested by 28 percent.
Clarity is one oil I like to use when I am writing. It helps me think clearly so

Cedarwood – contains the highest level of sesquiterpines. When inhaled, sesquiterpines have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, after which they can provide more oxygen to the brain! Place Cedarwood on your thumb and the roof of your mouth to release blocks to learning!

Peppermint – Diffuse Peppermint oil in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy. Inhale Peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.

Joy – This oil is very mood uplifting. If the children are feeling bummed out because the summer is over and they have to get back into the grind of the school schedule, Joy oil may be helpful in lifting their spirits.

Motivation may enable a person to surmount fear and procrastination and stimulate feelings of moving forward to accomplish new things. This is always a good one when starting a new school year or any other project.

 

smoothieSmoothies are a great way to get more veggies into your diet. Let’s face it. In this fast paced lifestyle, most of us don’t get enough vegetables in our diet. Smoothies can help. especially if you have family members who don’t love their vegetables. Add fruit and it’s a flavorful way to enjoy more vegetables. Try some of these smoothie recipes.


Ginger Protein Smoothie


2 handfuls of spinach or kale
5 stalks of raw asparagus
ginger root – I like my smoothie very strong in ginger so I add a piece about 3 inches long.
1/2 banana
1 cup whatever fruit I have on hand
2 scoops Young Living Pure Protein Complete
1 tbsp flax seeds
1-4 ounces NingXia Red
1 cup water
4 drops tangerine or other essential oil – Slique Essence is AWESOME in smoothies!


Directions: Combine ingredients in blender or NutriBullet. Fill liquid to the line. Blend until you reach the desired consistency. I like to freeze peeled bananas so they are like banana ice cubes. I cut them in half and put them in ziploc bags.


Blueberry Almond Smoothie
2 handfuls spinach or kale
1 cup blueberries
1/2 banana
2 scoops Young Living Pure Protein Complete
10 almonds
optional: ginger root – I LOVE ginger root in almost all smoothies. I can’t get enough of it! 🙂


Directions: Combine ingredients in blender or NutriBullet. Fill liquid to the line. Blend until you reach the desired consistency.


NingXia Peach Smoothie


1/2 c. frozen peaches
1/2 c. frozen strawberries or blueberries
2 scoops Young Living Pure Protein Complete
4 ounces NingXia Red
Water (whatever amount to the line on your NutriBullet cup)
4 drops Orange or Tangerine essential oil


Place ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. In NutriBullet, fill liquid to the line. Frozen fruit gives the smoothie a cold, thick consistency but can be replaced with fresh fruit. Makes one serving.


Here are two smoothie recipes I found on Young Living’s Product Blog:


Nitro and Protein Smoothie


This protein-packed treat is the perfect way to refuel after an intense workout or as an on-the-go meal replacement. Formulated with Korean ginseng and B vitamins, NingXia Nitro delivers sustained amounts of energy and alertness. Pure Protein Complete™ and avocado add nearly 15 grams of protein and a boost of omega-3 essential fatty acids to support muscle repair. Plus, the bright taste of fruit and Lime essential oil will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed!


Ingredients:
1 tube NingXia Nitro
1 scoop Pure Protein Complete
4 drops Lime essential oil
1/2 c. coconut water
Handful of spinach
1/2 c. diced pineapple
1/2 c. diced mango
1/2 c. sliced banana
1 avocado, pit and skin removed
1 tsp. flax seed
1/2 tsp. Blue Agave
1 cup cubed ice (optional)
Shredded coconut (optional)


Directions: Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until you reach the desired consistency. If smoothie is too thick to blend, add additional coconut water.


Sunrise Nitro Smoothie


If protein and workouts aren’t your focus, the Sunrise Nitro Smoothie is a delicious way to start the day. By providing the necessary nutrients for sustained energy, this delightful beverage is the perfect alternative to your morning cup of coffee. In addition to alertness, this smoothie combines the hydrating effects of coconut water; fiber and omega-3 fatty acids from chia seeds; and the antioxidant properties of green tea extract. It’s the perfect way to start an impactful day!


Ingredients:
1 tube NingXia Nitro
4 drops Orange or Tangerine essential oil
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1 peeled navel orange
1/2 tsp. chia seeds
1/2 cup cubed ice (optional)


Directions: Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until you reach the desired consistency. If smoothie is too thick to blend, add additional coconut water.


Young Living Products used in these recipes:
#3644 Tangerine oil
#3602 Orange oil
#3291 Pure Protein Complete
#3042 NingXia Red
#4586 Slique Essence
#3064 NingXia Nitro
#3074 Lime oil
#3221 Blue Agave


Essential oils have been used for skin care since ancient times. They are a much healthier option than most of the chemical laden products on the market today. What you do today in the name of beauty may affect your health in the years to come.

Our skin is our largest organ; it is also the most noticeable. The skin acts as a protective barrier for our body. Many people don’t realize how absorbent the skin is. They use all kinds of products that are full of harsh chemical ingredients, which are absorbed by the skin.

There are many essential oils that are good for the skin. Young Living has a full line of skin care products with essential oils. I love Young Living’s skin and personal care products but I also like to make up my own.

Essential oils that are good in skin care products: Geranium, Frankincense, Myrrh, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Rose, Lavender

DIY Healthy Skin Care with Essential Oils

skin care with essential oils


How To Make A Sugar Scrub
This is effective for your whole body. If your facial skin is sensitive don’t scrub as hard as you would your feet.


Combine:
1/2 cup olive oil (or coconut oil)
1 cup of sugar
Few drops of essential oil


Store in a glass container. Use small amounts at a time and massage gently on the skin. You can leave it on for a minute or two for a tightening effect. Rinse.


Makeup Remover Pads
2 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil
2 Tbsp witch hazel
2 Tbsp water
2 drops of lavender and frankincense (or any other skin loving oil!) .

Facial Steam Treatment
4-6 cups hot water
1 drop bergamot
2 drops lemon
a bowl
towel
For oily skin, rosemary and cedarwood can be used.


Pour the hot water in ceramic bowl. Add the essential oils.
Drape the towel over the head, bending over the bowl at least 8 inches above the water, to form a tent. Keep eyes closed during the steam treatment, for 15-20 minutes or until water has cooled. Gently pat face with a towel to dry.


Essential oils can be helpful in maintaining beautiful skin. Frankincense, sandalwood, geranium or rose oils are excellent oils to use for this purpose. Put them in carrier oils or in fragrance-free lotions to rub on the face.


Beautiful Skin Blend
1 Tbs. Almond oil
1/2 Tbs. Jojoba
1 Vitamin E capsule
12 drops Patchouli
5 drops Geranium
3 drops Frankincense
4 drops Myrrh


Beautiful Skin Blend 2
2 drops Rose
2 drop Frankincense
2 drops Myrrh
3 drops Sandalwood


Blend in 1 oz of Rose Hip Oil and apply as needed.


Beautiful Skin Blend 3
5 drops Sandalwood
5 drops Vetiver
5 drops Geranium
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Frankincense
Mix with Lavender Body Lotion. You can add it directly to the lotion bottle or make smaller batches.
Mix with 2 OZ Lavender Body Lotion store in a container.


Facial Mud Mask
2 TBS clay (powdered)
Mineral or floral water – enough to form a paste
Mix the clay and water to form a smooth consistency. Add the essential oils. Mix well. Apply with fingertips, avoiding the eye area and hairline. Leave on 10-15 minutes but do not allow to completely dry and crack. Remove the mask with a warm wet wash cloth.


Oils to add for oily skin:
Rosemary, geranium, basil, cypress, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, eucalyptus, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, rose, lemongrass, patchouli, sandalwood, melaleuca alternifolia and ylang ylang.

Oils you can add to the Moisture Facial Mask:
Frankincense, sandalwood, myrrh, geranium, jasmine, lavender, patchouli or ylang ylang.


Combine: 1/2 cup olive oil, wheat germ or coconut oil
1 cup of fine sugar
Add 5 or 6 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Pick oils from these for your skin type:

Normal skin

    : lavender, neroli, orange, cedarwood, geranium, jasmine, geranium, roman chamomile, rose, rosewood, Ylang-ylang, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)

Combination skin: Geranium, rosewood, Ylang-ylang, rose, geranium, neroli

Dry skin: cedarwood, carrot seed, clary sage, jasmine, geranium, lavender, orange, neroli, sandalwood, rosewood, rose, vetiver, ylang ylang

Oily skin: cedarwood, geranium, clary sage, lavender, ylang ylang, peppermint, cypress, frankincense, patchouli, Roman chamomile, German chamomile, sandalwood, juniper, melissa, coriander, grapefruit, lemon, rose, rosemary, eucalyptus, myrtle, neroli

Sensitive skin: rose, helichrysum, neroli, rosewood, jasmine, Roman chamomile, German chamomile, neroli

Preparation: Mix all ingredients well in a glass or stainless steel bowl, mug or cup. (DO NOT USE PLASTIC or Foam cups or containers, the oils will ingest it).

The sugar scrubs work best on dry skin so apply the mixture before washing face or showering. If you are using it as a body scrub, you may want to use a loofah mitt.

Using small amounts of your facial scrub in your hands, rub the mixture over your face or body in a circular motion.
Using a clean washcloth, (little or no soap) wash your face, removing the dead skin cells. Rinse well then with a towel, pat yourself dry.

Follow up with a nice moisturizer.

 

Body Scrubs can be a soothing way to nurture and show your body some love while supporting the immune system and some body functions.


Here are a few body scrub recipes that you may enjoy:


Ingredients:
1 Cup of Fine Sea Salt – 2-3 T Olive Oil (or any fine vegetable oil)
1-3 drops of the essential oils of your choice.
Make it to your own consistency.


Preparation: Mix all ingredients well in a glass or stainless steel bowl, mug or cup. (DO NOT USE PLASTIC or Foam cups or containers, the oils will ingest it).


1. Using small amounts of your body scrub in your hands, start scrubbing at your toes, push back your toenail cuticles, and scrub all the way up the body in a circular motion.


2. Shower, using a clean washcloth, (little or no soap) or take a plain water bath (little or no soap). Using a wash cloth will remove all of the dead skin cells. With a towel, pat yourself dry.


Spicy Body Scrub:
Ingredients:
Your Choice
Grapefruit
Vetiver
Nutmeg
Ginger
Lavender
Myrrh


Woody Body Scrub:
Ingredients:
Your Choice
Cedarwood
Cassia
Cinnamon Bark
And Nutmeg, Vetiver, and/or Ginger.


Citrus Body Scrub:citrus
Ingredients:
Your Choice
Grapefruit
Orange
Tangerine
Rosemary
and/or Vetiver, Nutmeg, or Ginger.


It’s easy to get started right away. Just Click HERE to start shopping with Young Living Essential Oils.