Using Lemongrass to Kill Chiggers!

We live on a farm in Tennessee, so we have a lot of pests hiding out in the tall grass and bushes. Chiggers are one of them.



(This is a chigger. Nasty huh? They are too small to see with the naked eye, but deliver some nasty bites! Did you know they are actually spiders too??)

Well, my husband likes to do landscaping and maintenance on the property, so every now and then he has an encounter with these microscopic spiders. He usually does just fine with bug bites, but chiggers drive him nuts!

A few days ago, he had a huge breakout of chiggers because he spent about two or three days cutting down tall grass, weed whacking, and trimming bushes and trees. Lavender wasn't providing enough relief. Usually, when he gets chiggers, he itches and has bright red welts all over his legs and feet for about a week. I wanted to find a good essential oil solution. So I thought for a minute, and Lemongrass and Melaleuca popped into my head.

Before we went to bed, I massaged four drops of Lemongrass with a dollop of coconut oil per leg (enough to cover his entire leg and foot), and followed with two drops of Melaleuca.

The next morning he woke up, but he was still itching a bit although it wasn't as bad as the day before. I had him take a shower and then do the four drops of Lemongrass per leg/foot with coconut oil. Later that day, I checked my Facebook and saw he had posted a status saying that his new favorite oil was Lemongrass cause it kills chiggers!

I was surprised how quickly the Lemongrass worked for killing the chiggers. It's now been about four days since he's been bitten by the chiggers and the bites are no longer red and welted, just little pink dots healing up. Keep in mind that normally he goes a week itching like crazy and then it takes another week for the welts to disappear! Huge difference.

Here's a run down of the protocol I used on my husband for his chigger bites:

4 drops of Lemongrass per leg/foot with enough carrier oil to cover the area. (I used coconut oil as my carrier oil.)
2 drops of Melaleuca (We only used this one time, but I'd recommend using it after applying the Lemongrass.)

Apply morning and night. Use Lavender carrier oil with to help calm the bites and itching in between. (If it's really bad, you can apply Lemongrass three times a day instead of two.) Continue until itching is no longer an issue. You can use Lavender or Melaleuca to help the redness go away faster.

Note: Remember that everyone's skin sensitivity is different. Lemongrass is a "hot" oil, meaning it can irritate sensitive skin. If you are prone to sensitive skin, use more carrier oil and maybe less drops of Lemongrass. If irritation or a burning sensation occurs, the best thing to do is add more carrier oil and wipe off, then apply carrier oil again. DO NOT try to wash off with water! Water and oil do not mix and water will just drive the oil deeper into the skin. Use "hot" oils with caution, especially with children and infants.

Questions and comments are more than welcome! Please feel free to contact us at:
journeytopersonalfreedom@gmail.com

Sign Language Interpreting with Essential Oils: Managing Joint, Nerve, and Muscle Discomforts Associated With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Every year, interpreters all over the world suffer from some form of a repetitive stress injury coming to be known as interpreter's wrist. The most common of these injuries is what we know as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is not unique to Sign Language Interpreters alone, it is also common among grocery store workers, computer programers, pianists, women who are pregnant, smokers, etc.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is typically caused by repetitive wrist movements, but can also be caused by other things. One of the nerves in your wrist known as the median nerve becomes irritated or receives too much pressure. This causes numbing, tingling, shooting pains, etc.

As someone who suffers from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I have had many times where I have lost functionality of my arm and have suffered the numbing, tingling, and shooting pains.

There are some exercises that you can do to help such as stretching your wrists, circling your wrists, clenching your fists, spreading your fingers, fingerspelling the alphabet, and so on. All of these things help with prevention. However, there is still always a chance of getting it.

The question may be asked, "Why is it that interpreters get CTS, but Deaf people don't?" The answer to this is in the process of interpreting. You see, when people just sign, typically they are relaxed and casual with their wrist movements. But when interpreting, you become more tense and stressed because you are trying to convert an idea from one language into another while trying to keep up with the speaker, and maintaining composure. It's not as easy as it sounds, especially when some people speak or sign so fast you can't even process a few words.

Even for Deaf Interpreters (This is a Deaf individual that interprets what an ASL Interpreter is interpreting), CTS is a possibility, because the strain is still there.

A few weeks ago, I was interpreting at an essential oils seminar, my arm began to give and I started having the tingling and sharp pains. When the seminar finally had a break period, I was massaging my arm and stretching my wrists, trying to get them loosened up. My wife Laura took me aside and with concern asked me if I was alright. I explained to her what was happening. Laura took me in to a different room and opened up her bag of oils and had me take off my shirt. She pulled out a bag with her Massage and Soothing blends, and began with the Soothing Blend. She placed a few drops in her hand and began to apply it in to my arm and around my shoulder. After working in the Soothing blend she went on to use the Massage blend by the same method. When a couple of minutes went by, the pain in my arm began to let up. From then on, I was able to finish interpreting the seminar with minimal pain and by the time the seminar was over, the pain had subsided.

Since that experience, I began an investigation into the practical use of essential oils with discomforts associated with CTS. As I studied it out, I found some very helpful and useful information, and have begun using some protocols with success.

Here are some recommendations I have for preventing and managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Prevention: It is important to stretch before you interpret, but I would also recommend massaging either Cypress or Lavender with a carrier oil (a oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc. to help with dilution) to your hand, wrist and arm before interpreting. These oils will assist with relaxing the muscles and increase blood circulation. Coconut Oil is my preferred carrier oil, however, Olive Oil works as well. When you are finished interpreting, I would recommend using the Wintergreen by the same method.

Management: If you develop CTS, you may want to try a different approach. For general discomforts, the Soothing blend is one of the best blends to use. Following the Soothing blend, I would apply the Massage blend. To help prevent nerve damage, massage Helichrysum over the affected areas. To assist your body with healing connective tissues, use Lemongrass. For muscle discomforts, Marjoram would be best. Frankincense is wonderful for promoting healing. These treatments should be used as needed and will make all the difference in your experience with CTS.

The way I see it, is you can live with pain, or you can live with relief and using essential oils to help your body heal itself!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at:
journeytopersonalfreedom@gmail.com

The Aji Sparq Vaporizer: A New Kind of Inhaler!

Today I want to tell you about a cool inhaler product called Aji Sparq. We were introduced to it a couple of weeks ago by my friend Tim Gates. But first, let me tell you about our search for such a product.

It all started this last summer (2013), my wife Laura and I were out in Utah visiting her family. During our visit we discovered that my sister in-law has asthma and an allergic reaction to the dander on her dogs and horses. She wasn't willing to give up her animals, so she chose to live with it. Eventually she made a doctor visit, and was prescribed an inhaler. My sister in-law decided that it would be a good idea to read about her inhaler before she used it. While reading about it she discovered that some of the side effects would not be pleasant at all. She began to stress out and worry because one of the side effects included the possibility of a fungus growing in her mouth, (which I completely understand why she was upset). She concluded that she didn't want to use the inhaler anymore. My mother in-law said that if she didn't want to use the inhaler, that she could get the allergy shots, which would be a five year process of going in once a week to receive an injection. From this, Laura and I began to think about how we could help my sister in-law.

One day she came in from tending to her horse having a hard time breathing. Laura and I had been talking about for a few days and had decided that the next time she had a difficult time breathing that we would have her use a respiratory blend of oils. Laura pulled out the blend and had her sister hold out her hands. She then placed two drops of the essential oil blend in her sister's hands, had her rub them together, then cup her hands over her nose. Laura had her follow these steps: take deep breaths through the nose, breathe out, then take a deep breath in through the mouth, breathe out, repeated twice. After the first round of breathing the oil blend she said that she already began feeling relief. Laura encouraged her to continue anyway. She continued and found complete relief. You can imagine the excitement Laura and I had at the success of the essential oils.

After this event we recalled hearing a rumor of an essential oil inhaler, we decided to investigate. We found out during our search that an essential oils accessory store had a product they claimed to be an essential oil inhaler. We went to the store and found one, before we bought it we had the cashier explain exactly how it worked. It sounded questionable but we were unsuccessful at finding anything else from anywhere else that was remotely similar to an inhaler than this tiny tank. After our purchase Laura and I tested it out to see how it worked and we were sourly disappointed. We had some serious reserves about giving this "inhaler" from the essential oils accessory store to my sister in-law, but we gave it to her anyway. We both kind of hoped that she wouldn't use it, and don't know now if she ever did.

The inhaler from the essential oil accessory store.

A few months after our visit to Utah, doTERRA had a convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Laura and I could not attend, however, we were able to go to a post convention meeting in Nashville three weeks after. While we were at the event, there were a couple of booths set up. At one of them I saw my friend Tim Gates setting up a product. 

Now, a little about Tim Gates. During my time as a young man, around high school age, Tim & Roberta Gates moved in my Church's congregational boundaries. Tim was called to be the Young Men's President shortly after they moved in. I was in the Young Men's program during his service as president. Tim did an outstanding job as a youth leader and made many friends among the youth. We all became admirers of him and how he was pursuing his dreams of becoming a country singer. After a few years, the Gates moved to Nashville to to further Tim's career in the music industry. We've kept in touch ever since and seen each other here and there. Tim & Roberta have also been in doTERRA for several years. Since our time in the same congregation, he has found success in the music industry. You may recognize him in the band Due West or The Nashville Tribute Band.

Tim Gates

Due West

The Nashville Tribute Band

To find out more about these bands and their music, click on one of these highlighted links: Due West and The Nashville Tribute Band.

Now, on with the story. Tim was standing at his booth when I walked up to it. We both greeted each other with a warm embrace and how do you do's. I then asked him about what he had at his booth. With a big grin, he said, "Aji Sparq." He then proceeded to tell me a little about his problem with allergies and asthma. He said he didn't like using an inhaler because of the side effects affecting his throat, and as a country singer, his voice was the means of his living. One day he noticed an e-cigarette and got an idea. He went out and bought an e-cigarette, took it apart, and replaced the Ethylene Glycol with Vegetable Glycerin* and added doTERRA's "Breathe" essential oil. He said he took one breath and exhaled, repeated, and found that it helped clear his airways amazingly. Well, from there he made some more modifications and started the Aji Sparq product line.

*Note: (Added 8/17/2014) We recently discovered that you can use Fractionated Coconut Oil as a more natural and better alternative to Vegetable Glycerin.

The Aji Sparq Vaporizer

Tim then reached down, picked up a box, and said, "You've got to try this." He pulled the vaporizer and started setting it up with the Vegetable Glycerin and "Breathe". I was kind of reluctant to try it because it looks like a cigarette. He finally talked me in to trying it. Once I agreed, he set it up for me and handed it to me. I put it up to my mouth placed it on my lips and inhaled. I felt the sensation of the Breathe oil blend in my throat and lungs, and as I exhaled and began to explain the sensation I was experiencing, vapors were expelling from my mouth. It kinda took me off guard, and Laura just looked at me as if it took her off guard as well. Tim started laughing and said, "No worries, it's just from the Vegetable Glycerin." He then told me a story about a time that he had to use it while preforming with The Nashville Tribute Band and he had some people freaking out thinking he was smoking. 

From this experience Laura and I became very excited, and we look forward to sharing it with her sister who has respiratory difficulties, as well as any other friends or family that have breathing problems. We've seen how it works and know that it does work! 

I've included a message from Tim Gates on the Aji Sparq. There is a link to the website where you can order an Aji Sparq from Tim. I've also added how you can get the doTERRA essential oils from us, either by signing up with a wholesale membership or buying retail. 

"I suffered with allergies my whole life, and used every prescription

medicine I could find, with no relief.  I notice that with all the medications

I was taking, I would constantly get sore throats, bloody noses and become

very fatigued. 

As a professional singer I was looking for something to help me that

wouldn’t cause these side effects.  I turned to an all-natural solution to my

problems, 100% pure essential oils ... with no side effects.

I needed a way to get these oils into my body as fast as possible and that’s when I started to develop a vessel that would do just that.  I also wanted something that could pass through my dry nose and thus we created the AJI-SPARQ. 

My friend Lucas, also a professional singer, had chronic dry throat and would use sprays while performing to keep his vocal cords fresh.  When he tried my Sparq, it too changed his life.  Together, we began perfecting the Sparq.  When we began sharing our product with other singers, friends, and family members, they instantly felt a change on their first inhale and that's when we knew we needed to share it with the world.

The Aji-Sparq is a high-end vaporizer that diffuses these oils instantly by simply inhaling them through our Sparq.  Based on the principals of the electronic vaporizers on the market today, Aji Sparq is the only one that is designed to vaporize pure grade essential oils.

I am a true testimony that this vaporizer is changing lives, as I no longer use any prescription medication for my allergies. I only use my Aji-Sparq with my 100% pure essential oils.  So I challenge you to 'Inhale the Sparq'."

You can access the website for the Aji Sparq by clicking on here --> Aji Sparq

Also, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact my wife and I at: journeytopersonalfreedom@gmail.com

Flea Bites and Essential Oils

Before we begin here, I'll warn you that there are pictures of my infected feet that some might find gross. But, my purpose here is to tell and show you yet another successful personal experience using essential oils.

This last summer (2013), my husband and I went to visit my family in Utah for a couple months. It was a wonderful visit and we wanted to stay longer, but we had to head back to Tennessee to work again. A couple weeks before we decided to go back home, my husband's 12 year old family dog, Lil'Bit, got infected with fleas.

Lil'Bit was a mostly outdoors dog, despite being a Chihuahua. We were living at his parent's house on the farm, and Lil'Bit loved to wander the farm, so who knows what kind of flea-infested animals he decided to become friends with while he was out and about. The point is, he got fleas. By the time my husband and I got home from Utah, the fleas were completely out of control.

I don't know why, but I was the only one in my family who experienced any reaction from the flea bites. Within days, I had over a hundred bites on my legs and feet only. And they itched! No one else was having any major problems with the pests. My husband and his parents only had a few bites, and they didn't bother them too bad. However, I was being tortured. It was the kind of torture that was slow and creeping, increasing in intensity with each day. I hardly slept for two weeks. I couldn't lay down and relax, even in my own bed. So, obviously, that took quite a toll on my sanity. I felt like I was going crazy.

I had tried EVERYTHING to get rid of the fleas, doing everything from vacuuming to natural solutions to poisonous flea bombs. Nothing worked, not even the bombs. (From the hours of research I did on killing fleas during my sleepless nights, I found that fleas are very difficult to get rid of, and when developing inside their cocoon, they are nearly impossible to kill.) Essential oils did a great job of repelling them, and I was able to snag a few hours of sleep at a time by covering my body with Eucalyptus or Peppermint essential oil before bed.

I wish there was a success story for me to tell about getting rid of the fleas with essential oils...  but there was just something very strange about the fleas that were invading us. We tried natural remedies, as well as a few brands of flea poisons. Nothing worked. Our neighbor also had fleas, but were able to simply get rid of them by spraying Eucalyptus essential oil mixed with water on all surfaces throughout the house. Those fleas were gone within days and never came back. I had tried that multiple times, but I think the infestation was already too out of control, which is why it didn't work for me. Now, it did repel them, but it didn't get rid of them.

Anyway, within about a week of getting flea bites, I noticed a few of my bites were becoming these huge blisters. After a few days, my legs were covered  with those huge, itchy, and painful blisters. My legs, ankles, and feet were swollen and I could barely even wear flip flops.

This is my right foot at its worst.

 (My left foot a few days after I took the picture of my right foot.)

I decided that I couldn't do this anymore. Nothing was working. My mother in law was in Utah during the time all this was happening. She is an herbalist and knows a ton about health issues and how to resolve them naturally. I took pictures of my feet and sent them to her and explained what was going on. She determined that there was something wrong with my lymphatic system and for some reason, it was clogged up and not able to clean the toxins from my blood. So when I got bitten by the fleas, the toxins were not cleared out, but rather just stayed and festered in my skin. My mother in law suggested that I try a detoxification blend of oils and herbs. 

Along with taking the detox blend multiple times daily, I also had to change my diet. I had to eat all natural foods, meaning I couldn't go out to eat, or eat frozen pre-prepared food. Everything was made from scratch. I may have cheated a couple times, but for the most part, I was diligent in sticking with my diet. I also took hour long baths with lemon essential oil and Epsom salt, sometimes up to twice daily.

Within a few days, I started noticing a HUGE difference. My legs and feet weren't swollen, and the blisters were starting to reduce.

(This is about four days after taking the Zendocrine, changing my diet, and taking Epsom salt baths with Lemon essential oils.)

(Both feet together after 5 or 6 days of taking Zendocrine, changing my diet, and taking Epsom salt baths with Lemon essential oils. There are still red dots which are scars and scabs from the blisters, but barely any festering blisters present.)

(A side by side comparison of my feet...The worst being at the left and the healed at the right.The red dots on my healed feet are the scars from the blisters.)

Shortly after I started taking the essential oils and changing my diet, I had a friend in the military who suggested to me that I get a concentrated poison that the Army uses for the soldiers out in the field to keep fleas out of their sleeping bags, clothes, etc. I was hesitant to use poison in the home, but I also had no choice. I bought the concentrated poison and sprayed it directly on the floors, tiles, mattresses, couches... everywhere I could reach. The fleas immediately reduced by 3/4 and when I sprayed for the second time a few days later, they were gone. I sprayed a third time a week later... just in case. (Can you blame me??) We've never had a problem with the fleas again.

As of December 31st, 2013, it has been about over 3 months since this happened.  My scars have slowly disappeared... the scars from the most infected blisters are still present. I'm so happy I was able to figure out what my problem was and able to take care of my body's problems in the healthiest way possible. What I learned from this experience is that it's important to take care of your body in the best way possible. The reason why I had a problem with my lymphatic system was most likely because of years of toxic buildup from eating fast food or unhealthy foods in excess, as well as taking many medications that were not good for me. With the essential oils and my diet and exercise improvements, the problem was 100 percent resolved. 

The amazing thing is that after I did my detoxing, I noticed that I stopped reacting horribly to mosquito bites. All my life, if I got bitten by a mosquito, I'd swell up so much it'd look like I had a golf ball or a tennis ball under my skin, and it would be hard and hot to the touch. It would last for days too. Well, after my detox, when I got bit by mosquitoes, I noticed that the bites itched a little and bumped up slightly, but then was gone the next day and didn't bother me anymore. 

I'm so happy to have yet another success story with essential oils. They have blessed me tremendously throughout this past year and are SO worth looking into, if you haven't yet. 

If you want more information, or have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at journeytopersonalfreedom@gmail.com

What Are Essential Oils and How Can They Change Your Life?

Essential oils have been around for centuries, used all around the world in many different countries and cultures. Within the last century, the use of these essential oils and many herbal medicines have diminished and been forgotten with the introduction of Penicillin and the building of today's western medicine.

However, with dramatic side effects, allergic reactions, dangerous prescription errors, and rising medical costs; the use of herbal medicines and essential oils in these modern days is making its comeback.

Many people are familiar with herbal, or "home" remedies. But, many people haven't heard about essential oils, or have heard of them, but have no clue what they are and what they do.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in parts of plants, such as: leaves, bark, flowers, roots, seeds, berries, or shells. These oils are located in microscopic sacs all over the plant to protect it from disease and impurities. The aroma of the oils also attracts certain insects and creatures that will help with pollination, and repels others that are harmful to the plant.

A neat thing to try at home: Peel a ripe orange, then squeeze the peel with your hands. The fragrant residue on your hands is full of essential oils.

The photograph on the left is a peppermint plant. The photograph on the right is a microscopic close up of the peppermint plant and its essential oil sacs. 

How Do Essential Oils Help My Health?

Essential oils help the plants fight off diseases and impurities, and since the human body has similar chemistry as plants, the oils can work with our bodies to kill off  harmful bacteria, viruses, and any other impurities that do not belong in us. They also have great effect on improving emotional wellness through aromatic, topical, and/or internal use.There is so much information and research on essential oils that I can't even include a portion of it in this article. www.aromaticscience.com is an amazing website to go to that has a lot of information from researchers and medical professionals about essential oils and how they work.

How Can I Use Essential Oils?

There are three ways to use essential oils: (Note: Before using ANY brand of essential oils, confirm with the brand that the oil is safe to use aromatically, topically, or internally.)

Aromatically:

The stimulation of hormones and other metabolic processes are influenced by our sense of smell. Essential oils are often used with Aromatherapy. When diffused in the air, some oils can be very stimulating, while others are soothing and calming. Other than emotional benefits, diffusing essential oils can purify the air of bad odors and some airborne pathogens.

The most popular way of using essential oils aromatically, is with a diffuser. Be sure the diffuser you use is low or no-heat, as they will not change the chemical structure of the oil being diffused. Another way of using the oils aromatically, is to make homemade laundry and surface cleaners to use throughout the home.

 

Topically:

Essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin. Due to their natural molecular composition, essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and can be safely applied topically. Application of essential oils can have immediate, localized benefit to the target area of application. They have restorative and calming properties and can be used effectively with massage and beauty therapy. They are also natural disinfectants. The chemical structure of essential oils also allows them to be absorbed into the bloodstream via the skin for internal benefit throughout the body.

When using essential oils topically, the oils can be applied in two ways: neat or diluted. Neat means applying the oil directly on the skin. Diluted means adding another oil (such as vegetable oil, olive oil, or coconut oil) with the essential oil when applying on the skin. You will want to dilute if the essential oil will be used on infants, children, people with sensitive skin, or "hot" oils.

When applying the oils, be sure to massage the oil(s) in for about 20-30 seconds, or more. When the oil is massaged into the skin, the bloodstream is able to absorb 80% more of the oils, making the effects of the oils more efficient.

Internally:

Note: Many essential oils are generally regarded as being safe for dietary use, but some oils should not be taken internally. Do not use any essential oil product internally that does not have the appropriate dietary supplement facts on its label. 

Essential oils can be used as a dietary supplement to support health and wellness. Some essential oils can have powerful antioxidant properties, while others help support healthy responses in cells.

There are several ways to take essential oils internally.

Gel/Veggie Capsules: If you don't like the taste of the oils, or if the oil is too hot for your mouth, you can take the oils in an empty gelatin or veggie capsule and wash it down with water. Empty capsules can be found in many health food stores or online.

Shots: A quick and very effective way to take the oils internally is to make a "shot". Using a small shot glass place a few drops of the desired  oil(s) and a small amount of water and drink it down. Be sure to fill the glass up with water and drink one more time to get the extra oils that may be left in the glass.

Under the Tongue: Applying a few drops of essential oils under the tongue is one of the fastest way to send the oils directly to the bloodstream, therefore making the effects happen faster. However, the taste can often be very powerful, so be sure you have a glass of water on hand to wash it down.

If you want more information, or have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at journeytopersonalfreedom@gmail.com

Tis' the Scents of the Seasons! Holiday Scented Essential Oils

During the holiday season there are many scents that fill the air that make it known that it is that time of the year! I wanted to share some of our favorite essential oil scents that remind us of Christmas and the happiness that comes this time of year. May your Christmas be full of the smells of the season!

dōTERRA's Holiday Joy Essential Oil Blend

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon: Essential oils taken from trees can be processed from both the inner bark or the leaves of the tree resulting in much different properties. dōTERRA's  Cinnamon oil is taken from cinnamon bark grown in Indonesia and is steam distilled or water extracted from the inner bark of the tree.

As a physical stimulant, it can be mixed with a carrier oils and applied topically to assist with relieving sore and painful muscles and joints. Some suggest for digestive discomforts, use simply a drop of Cinnamon mixed with warm water and a sweetener, then slowly sip.

Diffuse Cinnamon to help eliminate airborne bacteria. Cinnamon is also great for decreasing inflammation and to promote healing.

Wild Orange Essential Oil

Wild Orange: The orange fruit has been used for years as a scent used to create fragrance-filled detergents, soaps, perfumes, and added to different foods and drinks for flavoring. The essential oil extraction method for dōTERRA's Wild Orange essential oil is a little different than most others. Because of its nature, it is best extracted by cold press rather than steam distillation  and is actually extracted from the rind rather than the fruit itself.

Wild Orange is one of the most dynamic fragrance of essential oils. Its chemistry is comprised of proven properties that support uplifting moods, is anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial.

Additional therapeutic properties of Wild Orange Essential Oil are in aiding as an anti-inflammatory product, is an antioxidant, stimulant, antiseptic, choleric, sedative, and a great digestive aid.

Wild Orange also has a main constitution of limonene, which has strong cancer fighting activities.

Wild Orange is a wonderful holiday favorite for its rarity and tropical feel during the Christmas season in the early parts of the century.

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh: Over 3,700 years ago, Myrrh was implemented in to medical use. Highly sought after for its healing and spiritual powers, Myrrh has one of the greatest sesquiterpene concentrations. Sesquiterpene is a compound that can have a direct affect on the pituitary, hypothalamus and amygdaline glands in your body. The ancient Egyptians used Myrrh in religious ceremonies and meditation. 

Myrrh can have many effects on a person's physiology in supporting the immune system to skincare. A few examples of effects Myrrh can have are with breathing and digestion, discomforts, ringworm wounds, and skin conditions. 

The modern herbalist often suggests Myrrh for cleansing of the mouth and throat, as well as other areas. Throughout the world Myrrh is noted during the holiday season for its important significance during Christ's infancy.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense: Like Myrrh, Frankincense is most well known for its place in the story of the first Christmas. It is one of the most valuable essential oils for slowing and deepening breathing, helping to dissipate fear, anxiety, nervous tension, and stress. To some, it smells divine, and was traditionally burned as an offering to the gods. Useful in massage and bath oils, Frankincense is also excellent in diffusers and mood blends. It is wonderful for relieving respiratory discomforts. 

Frankincense has profound psychological and spiritual benefits. Many religious and spiritual traditions all over the world use Frankincense. Its centering effect enables people to clearly focus and is perfect for use when meditating, contemplating, and praying. It can suppress the voices in your head that can distract you when trying to focus. Also facilitating a state of single-pointed concentration, it allows the spirit to soar. It is helpful in letting go of the past. Frankincense also creates an environment in which optimism is present and reminds of current successes that allow peace and self-acceptance to take place.  

Frankincense, when used with skincare, is particularly helpful for older skin. It has a definite tonic effect, which has the ability to restore tone to drooping facial skin, and slows down the appearance of wrinkles. 

Frankincense has been used traditionally to expel and ward off evil spirits. This can be seen in Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, French, and Asian folklore and rituals. These spirits could be thought of as obsessions, fears and anxieties which can manifest itself as a physical illness. We can see the benefits of using Frankincense for all occasions. 

Balance Essential Oil Blend

Balance: This blend has a warm, piney smell that creates a sense of grounding, connectedness and well-being. It contains many essential oils within and as I inhale the smell, it imprints in my mind and heart the feeling of Christmas. In times when you feel doubtful, confused, or unsettled; this balancing blend may be the best option to help. Balance is an amazing aromatherapy blend that has a powerful calming effects on the central nervous system. 

Let's take a quick look at what is in some of the oils in Balance.

Spruce: Used by the American Indians for medicinal and spiritual purposes. They believed it had the power to capture the universal energy on earth. Spruce has been used for back and joint discomforts, assisting for healing of infections, and immune support.

Rosewood: Brazilian famed tree whose wood has a strong sweet smell, yielding the name Rosewood. This essential oil has properties that have antidepressant, antiseptic, cephalic, stimulant, and even aphridisiac qualities.

Frankincense: This essential oil has profound psychological and spiritual benefits. Frankincense promotes self-acceptance as well as counteracts respiratory problems and is useful in relieving respiratory and throat discomforts.

Blue Tansy: Contains chamazulene; a derivative of asulene, which has a chromophore (meaning a part of a molecule that is responsible for its color), resulting in it's blue-violet color. The color as well as the anti-inflammatory properties are a result of the steam distillation process. Blue Tansy is excellent for easing stress and nervous tension.

Coconut: Though it is often only considered for it's application as a carrier oil, coconut has its own properties to positively contribute to the human physical condition. Coconut oil has the ability to help the body's resistance to bacteria and viruses. It is also supportive in the defense of fungus, yeast and candida. 

Holiday Joy Essential Oil Blend

Holiday Joy: It is dōTERRA's most popular essential oil blend during the holidays.  People actually wait all year just to be able to buy Holiday Joy. This essential oil blend comes out just before Thanksgiving and sells through Christmas. While it is not the strong vanilla-piney you would expect, its smell resembles that of wassail.

Let’s take a look at each essential oil in the blend and how they can benefit you:

Wild Orange: Supports the immune system and has the ability to awaken and energize the senses. Also good for anxious feelings and elevating ones mood.

Pine: This essential oil has antibacterial properties, which when diffused, helps lower the airborne pathogens in your home keeping your family healthy and happy through the Christmas tree season.

Cassia: Has properties to help with physical and emotional well being. Similar to Wild Orange, Cassia is known for its ability to calm ones anxiety.

Cinnamon Bark: Cinnamon essential oil has stronger antimicrobial properties than other essential oils. This essential oil has the ability to assist your body in fighting viral and infectious disease.

Nutmeg: More than just a sweet and spicy scent, Nutmeg supports a comfortable and relaxed emotional well-being.

Vanilla: Helps calm and relax, uplifts moods, and can help reduce stress, anger, tension, and irritability. Many people love vanilla ice cream not only because of the flavor, but also because of the smell! Every home could use a little more relaxation during the holidays.

Holiday Joy does more than just smell good! Make sure you diffuse this in your home to keep your family happy, healthy, and joyful during the holidays this year.

Do-It-Yourself Blends

Here are a few more do it yourself blends suggested by the dōTERRA corporate team. Try them out and let us know which one you liked the most!

1. 3 drops Bergamot 1 drop Ginger 1 drop Cassia (optional: 1 drop White Fir)	2. 2 drops White Fir 1 drop Grapefruit 1 drop Frankincense
3. 2 drops Clove 3 drops Wild Orange	4. 2 drops Slim & Sassy 2 drops Peppermint
5. 2 drops Slim & Sassy 2 drops Lemon	6. 2 drops Serenity 2 drops Peppermint
7. 2 drops Holiday Joy 2 drops Peppermint	8. 3 drops Wild Orange 2 drops Cinnamon
9. 2 drops Frankincense 2 drops Wild Orange 1 drop Peppermint	10. 2 drops White Fir 2 drops Cassia 2 drops Wild Orange

If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to contact Adam and Laura Farley at journeytopersonalfreedom@gmail.com