Spotlight Oil - Breathe

Does the constant running around of everyday life, and pressure of stress leave you breathless?

Stop and BREATHE!

Allergies, asthma, or snoring keeping you or your spouse up all night?  

Stop and BREATHE!

Spring has sprung!  Well, at least here in Florida it has. Yellow-green pollen dust is EVERYWHERE!  On the cars, windows, screened porches, outdoor grilles, chairs, EVERYWHERE!  When it rains or we have dew in the mornings, there are yellow marbled puddles left behind.  If you are like me, then this stuff makes you sneeze and wheeze until it's gone.  I take care of my allergies with a daily "allergy bomb" - a gelatin cap filled with 2 drops Peppermint, 2 drops Lavender, and 2 drops Lemon.  I have not had an over-the-counter or prescription-strength allergy medicine in 3 months.  If I start feeling a little congested, I add 2 drops Oregano to the bomb.

When I know I'm going to be out and about, or driving with the windows down, I dab on a few drops of my Breathe Oil Blend on my chest, wrists, or on a diffuser necklace so I can inhale the vapors.  I only reapply as needed.  This blend is no joke. It works. I even used this oil instead of my rescue inhaler last month while taking a small hike at Torreya, behind the historic house. (Anyone who has been there knows that there is a hiking trail that goes down one side of the house, goes along the river and comes back up the other side of the house. While one side is a nice, gentle winding slope, the other side seems like zig-zag uphill climb.)  It is this second half that has always taken my breath away.  Last month, I decided to leave the inhaler in the car and carry with me a small travel bottle of Breathe oil.  Before I started the hike, I put a few drops on my chest.  It was halfway up the zig-zag hill, I stopped and put drops on my wrists and inhaled deeply.  I could feel my chest loosening up.  I continued and finished the climb.  At the top, I breathed in deep from the scent of the oil left on my wrists, and I was able to breathe just fine.  I was not huffing and puffing like I had in the past.  This oil made a believer out of me!

Breathe is not just for asthma and allergy sufferers.  It is great for people who snore!  5 drops in a diffuser, or a drop on each side of the nose (one drop will cover both sides), or even a drop rubbed in to the bottom of each foot will help tame the snoring monster and allow you to get a better, more restful sleep.

What makes it work? It's not just PFM...   it's "A proprietary blend including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara, and Cardamom cleanses and soothes the airways... Its pleasant aroma is calming to the senses and perfect for nighttime diffusion allowing for restful sleep." ** doTerra

doTerra's Recommended Uses:

• Diffuse, inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest when seasonal threats are high.
• Use when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal changes.
• Diffuse in room to help calm the senses before bedtime, allowing for a restful sleep.
• For the snorer in your family, rub Breathe on his or her chest before bed for a better night's rest.

**Properties of the Single Oils contained in this blend:

Laurel Leaf has antiseptic and antifungal properties. It may also help with asthma, bronchitis, and viral infections.

Peppermint is antiseptic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory. It is soothing, cooling, and dilating to the system.

Eucalyptus may have a profound antiviral effect upon the respiratory system. It may also help reduce inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane.

Melaleuca has antibacterial, antifungal, and expectorant properties. It may also help with bronchitis, coughs, and inflammation.

Lemon promotes health, healing, physical energy, and purification. Its fragrance is invigorating, enhancing, and warming. It is an antiseptic and is great for the respiratory system.

Ravensara is a powerful antiviral, anti fungal, and anti-infectious oil. It may help dilate, open, and strengthen the respiratory system. As a cross between clove and nutmeg, it may also help support the adrenal glands.

Cardamom has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help with congestion and other respiratory problems.

If you have problems with asthma, allergies, congestion, snoring or all the above, give Breathe a try.  It really works!  I'm always interested in comments and feedback... so if you read a post, please comment!  Thank you!

Mel

http://www.mydoterra.com/melkiper/

http://melkiper.earths-gift.com/

Spotlight Oil Blend - Purify

Lately there has been a lot of illness going around, at home, at school, at work... and it gets spread from one person to another to another.  Some people don't know they've been exposed and inadvertently pass it on to others.  This is where the doTerra oil blend Purify comes in to play.  I love the clean smell of this blend - considered to be fresh and airy - I concur with its blend of Lemon, Lime, Pine, Citronella, Melaleuca, and Cilantro  - it helps clean the air, deodorize, and makes everything smell fresh while killing germs at the same time. 

Here are some ways I have recently put this blend to use for me:

• I made a spray bottle for work - bathroom sharing with all men, I need all the fresh air I can get!  
• I also made a diffuser for my car, and another spray bottle to spray down the car seats.  Between Strep, Viral Infections, bad colds, the flu and who knows what other illness floating around, I figured it couldn't hurt the car to have a fresh scent with the benefit of protection against the illnesses. 
• At night, I have been putting Purify in my diffuser along with a few drops of On Guard and Serenity. It helps clean the air we are breathing at night, and helps us get a more restful sleep.

Here are some additional ways I have found around the web that you might find useful:

• Apply to insect bites for fast, soothing relief
• Add a few drops to the rinse cycle when doing laundry to help eliminate odor
• Sprinkle a few drops on to the filter of your home AC to help freshen the air
• One lady suggested putting a few drops in a spray bottle and spray the garbage can every time it is emptied  (Love this idea!!)
• One woman adds a few drops to her wash when she washes her cloth diapers instead of bleach (which, I personally know firsthand, can dissolve cloth diapers)
• Spray down refrigerator when the veggies turn bad
• Use as an alternate to On Guard on the bottle of feet at night
• Wipe down countertops to clean and disinfect
• Soak a clothespin in water, then add a drop or two and clip on to car vent

So many different uses... search the web, Pinterest, Facebook, blogs... Look for personal tips and tricks.  I cannot say enough about the fresh smell of this oil blend.  It is definitely a new staple in my house.  As always, a little goes a long way!  Enjoy!

Mel
doTerra - Earths-Gift

www.mydoterra.com/melkiper

Spotlight Oil - Oregano

Oregano - it's not just for cooking Italian food.  The story of Oregano for wellness goes back to at least the time of Hippocrates, when he wrote about the Wild Oregano oil and it's healing qualities for digestion, skin ailments, and respiratory problems.  Oregano oil is considered to be anti-microbial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal... the list is long.  I looked online to find some ways to use Oregano, and I found many!  Keep in mind that Oregano is "neat", which rhymes with heat - it's a hot oil that needs to be diluted for many people who may not react well to the burning sensation Oregano can have.

Some of the documented uses of Oregano oil:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Athletes Foot
• Bacterial Infection
• Boils
• Bronchitis
• Candida
• Chronic Pain
• Cold Sores
• Cough
• Dandruff
• Digestive Problems
• Ear Aches (never put oil directly IN the ear)
• Fatigue
• Flu
• Headaches
• Immune System
• Metabolism
• Oral Infection
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory Infections
• Ringworm
• Strep Throat
• Tooth Aches
• Warts - Common and Plantars
• Arthritis and Rheumatism
• and so many, many more...

Here are a few ways I have used Oregano recently:

• Recently when I felt the beginning of a cold, I went home and put 8 drops of Oregano, 5 drops of On Guard and 1 drop of Frankincense in to a gelatin capsule, and washed down with water.  Sure, I burped Oregano, but I was confident that the Oregano was going to help nip this cold in the bud.  For the next few days, I put 3 drops Oregano, 3 drops Melaleuca, and 3 drops On Guard in a gelatin capsule and took twice a day for 2 days.  The next few days, I've been making P.O.O.F (see below).  I did get the cold, but it was not as bad as my husband or co-worker, nor was I in bed. I was just a little congested, and the sore throat was only for about a day. And not succumbing to the cold was the point of taking the Oregano.  Overkill?  Some people may say so.  But this is what worked for me.  For someone who is sensitive to Oregano, I would cut the Oregano in half on the first day, and reduce the twice daily mix down to 2 drops. 
• Oregano also makes a good gargle for numbing a sore throat and canker sores.  I've seen someone post a recipe that put 2 drops Oregano in 4 oz water with 1 drop Melaleuca, and gargle. I tried this - it was very spicy, and it numbed my lips. My daughter tried it too - she was not keen on it, numbed her mouth and tongue.  I tried it again the next morning with just one drop - worked much better, with less bite.
• P.O.O.F. - 4 drops Peppermint, 3 drops On Guard, 2 drops Oregano, 1 drop Frankincense (www.essentialoilsforthefamily.com) - I liked this combo - loved the cooling affect of the Peppermint.
• Sanitizer - Add a few drops of Oregano, and a few drops of On Guard to Fractionated Coconut oil in a glass roller bottle. Mix well and use as needed.

Some ways I have found around the web, and plan on trying as needed:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Massage oil on to hands, wrists, and up the arms, moving up towards the heart.
• Immune System Booster - Use daily on the soles of the feet (one drop per foot), or add 1 drop to food, bathwater, or a cup of steaming water to inhale.
• Inflammation - Massage gently into the inflamed area, massaging towards the direction of the heart.
• Staph Infection, Parasites, Pneumonia, MRSA - Rub oil into the soles of the feet for fast absorption.
• Ringworm - Mix a 1:3 ratio of Oregano, Lavender and Melaleuca oil to Coconut oil and massage directly over the site.
• DIY Candida Cleanse - 5 drops Lemon, 5 drops Melaleuca, 3 drops Oregano - put in gelatin capsule and take twice daily for 10-14 days. Rest for 2 weeks and repeat. (this was found on www.campwonder.com - a great place for lots of EO ideas!)

There are so many healthy ways to use this oil.  Look online, read, research and find what works for you. Just remember that a little goes a long way!  I would love to hear stories of how Oregano worked for you.

Mel
doTerra - Earths-Gift

www.mydoterra.com/melkiper

Spotlight Oil - Lemon

Lemon Oil is easily one of my favorite scents of the entire planet - Fresh, clean, invigorating, and pure.  With the scent of lemon, your mind believes that whatever you just cleaned is CLEAN.

The doTERRA website says this about Lemon Essential Oil:
"This essential oil powerhouse is cold pressed from lemon rinds to preserve its delicate nature and potent properties. Lemon is known as a powerful aromatic, topical, and internal cleanser and can be used to complement many other oils. Diffusing lemon in a room can cleanse the air and uplift mood. It can also be used on surfaces throughout the home as a non-toxic cleaning booster."

A few of the benefits of Lemon Oil: 

• Naturally cleanses the body and aids in digestion - Lemon is known as a great, healthy way to detox your body - I add a drop or two to 16 oz of water (in a glass or stainless bottle), and drink up!  This is a great way to get all the water my body needs throughout the day, while getting rid of all the nasty toxins that try to build up in my body.  I've also known people who swear by drinking hot Lemon water first thing in the morning to help rid their body of toxins that slow them down. They drink this Lemon "tea" and feel ready to face the day!
• Supports healthy respiratory function - A great way to open the airways - Fresh, clean, pure - add a drop to your hand, rub your hands together, and cup over your mouth and nose to inhale the fragrance. Helps you breathe while lifting your mood at the same time!
• Promotes a positive mood and cognitive ability - The lively, invigorating scent of Lemon perks up anyone's senses!  Put a few drops in a diffuser, or in a glass bottle with reeds to reap the benefits of the fresh, crisp scent. 
• Cleanses and purifies air and other surfaces - Add a few drops to water in a glass bottle with a spray pump to clean and disinfect surfaces.  Lemon is also a natural "goo-be-gone" component - add a drop to whatever has sticky residue (like a countertop), wait a second or two, then wipe away.  <- I just used this last night when the color logo of a plastic package of tortillas decided to rub off on my counter. Vinegar, dish soap and water did not get it so I added a drop of Lemon to the larger color spots, waited a second and wiped away the mess. Two drops total cleaned up about 7-10 various spots of where the logo die came off of the package on to my counter.  A few weeks ago, my boss was wiping down a large dry-erase board with vinegar and complained about the overpowering smell of it.  I grabbed my Lemon oil from my purse and added a drop to his moistened paper towel.  As he wiped across the board, the vinegar smell went away - replaced with the refreshing Lemon.  Just one drop was all I gave him.
• Fresh breath - Add a drop to your tongue for a burst of freshness (especially after a meal!)
• Cough Relief - I found a recipe that I gave to one of my daughters recently when she had a cough: in one teaspoon of honey add 1 drop of Lemon, 1 drop of Peppermint, and 1 drop of On Guard.  Soothes the throat and calms the cough. Take as needed.

A few more ideas I've seen:

• Laundry Fresh Boost - Ever forgot your wash overnight?  Add a drop of Lemon and rewash to help with the "sat-too-long-in-the-washer" smell.
• Immune Support - Mix with coconut oil and rub on the back of the neck for immune boost against a cold.
• Wood and Silver Polish - Ever wonder why many wood polishes smell like Lemon?  A few drops to a cloth will help remove tarnish from silver and jewelry, and helps restore shine to wood.
• Face Wash - Lemon oil can improve complexion and leave skin soft and nourished. Add a drop or two of Lemon to a small amount of baking soda and honey to wash face and help with acne.

There are so many more ways to use Lemon - If you would like to try it, check out my website: www.melkiper.earths-gifts.com

Enjoy!

Mel
doTerra - Earths-Gift

www.mydoterra.com/melkiper

Spotlight Oil - On Guard

With all the colds, flu bugs seeming to run rampant this winter season it seems only fitting to post about an oil that can help fight these nasty germs.  I fought for over a month with a nasty cold or something I like to call "The Tallahassee Crud".  It would NOT let go of me!  I tried so many medications, and nothing worked.  I just happen to see someone offering essential oils samples on FB, and asked if she offered something that would help with my cold.  She sent me On Guard - and she made a believer out of me.

A few weeks ago, I ordered my Enrollment pack, and I have been sharing them and oil information with family and friends.  I put On Guard beadlets that I put in a gelatin capsule every morning with my 2 drops of Peppermint, 2 drops of Lavender, and 2 drops of Lemon for my allergies.  I have not had to reorder my prescription medicine since.  It was a medicine for allergies and asthma, and I have been on it for years. It was the only thing that worked for me, and during some years, when it was considered "non-preferred" by my insurance, I was paying up to $70 per MONTH for this medicine!  Needless to say, I would prefer not to put unnecessary chemicals in my body for a high cost when I can get better results for a lesser cost from Mother Nature herself.

Here are some of the ways I and my family have used them so far:

My oldest was sick the other week. I found a recipe for sore throat that consisted of "a teaspoon of honey with one drop of On Guard, one drop of Lemon and one drop of Peppermint. Take as needed."  She admitted that it did help soothe her throat.  I sent her home with the ingredients and told her to take as she needed it.  She reported after a few days that she was taking the "meds" and was feeling better.  Considering her line of work (retail) and all the interaction she has with various unknowns day in and day out, I'll chalk this one up to a success.

Besides putting an On Guard beadlet in my "Allergy Bomb" every morning, I add a few drops to my diffuser at night for a little extra protection while my husband and I sleep.

I added 5 drops On Guard, and 5 drops of Citrus Bliss to a 10mL roller bottle, and filled the rest with liquid coconut oil - for an easy-to-use, easy-to-carry-in-my-purse hand sanitizer. Added bonus, the coconut oil moisturizes my hands.

A drop of On Guard can be added to a glass of water for a refreshing picker-upper. My co-worker put a drop directly on his tongue and then drank water. Whichever you can handle best, go for it.

Recently I made a "Flu Bomb" Roller Bottle with a recipe I found online: 
15 drops Lemon
15 drops On Guard
10 drops Melaleuca
10 drops Frankincense
10 drops Oregano
"Put in roller bottle and fill with fractionated coconut oil"
Since I don't have the fractionated oil yet, I made mine with liquid coconut oil, found in most health food stores.  I put in on my feet before I go to bed - added protection for my immune system.

Also found on the web, and I tried: Put 7 drops of On Guard in a shot glass of water and keep your toothbrush in it.  Sanitizes your toothbrush between uses, and adds extra immune booster while brushing your teeth. (Note: It left a slight tingling sensation on the outside of my mouth when I did this, but the sensation went away after a few minutes and did not give me any discomfort.)

These are just a few uses for this wonderful product.  There are so many more that have been posted online.  Do research, and see what others have done.  I'm interested in feedback - comment or message me with your stories.  I'd love to hear them!

When it comes to any oil, I keep this in mind: "When in doubt - dilute."

Mel
doTerra - Earths-Gift


www.mydoterra.com/melkiper