by Gessell | Dec 12, 2019 | Natural Living, Toxin Free
Here are my easy tips to become a toxin free family without stressing out about it. Reduce toxic chemicals in your home and begin to learn new healthy habits for a “green” lifestyle.
I’ve always been a fairly “green” person,I try to be eco-friendly, I try to eat well, following a plant based diet, and have always avoided obvious toxic cleaners and chemicals. But there are still areas I need to improve in and learn more about.
If I’m honest, one of the hardest things for me about going toxin free is finding a balance between educating myself on the dangers we are surrounded by while not freaking out or becoming overly paranoid.
Accepting that I don’t live on a “non-toxic island” and can only do the best I can do, while continuing to make small steps towards improvements seems to be the best strategy for me.
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Although I am not even close to making all of the changes in my life that I want to, I feel like I have made a lot of progress and continue to do so! As I research and learn more, I will post about what I have learned here on my blog, so be sure to subscribe to stay updated.
3 EASY TIPS TO BECOMING A TOXIN FREE FAMILY
DON’T GET OVERWHELMED. TAKE SMALL STEPS
I’ll say this over and over: ONE STEP AT A TIME. While it might be tempting to jump in and try to do it all overnight, you’ll soon find yourself too overwhelmed with information and all of the changes that need to be made. It’s too much to tackle in one go around, so pace yourself and remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Pick one new thing to focus on a week (or month) and just focus on that.
One you feel comfortable with that change, and have developed a solid new habit, then add something else.
For example, I focused on first replacing any chemical cleaning products I had with more natural options, like making my own homemade laundry detergent. I have a free ebook about non-toxic cleaning using essential oils if you would like to download it here:
After that I upped my game with organic foods. Though I’ve always eaten largely organic, getting more organized with my meal planning and budget has helped me to be able to afford even more organic produce and even packaged foods. I also have a free ebook that you can download called EATING ORGANIC ON A BUDGET that contains some helpful resources, including the Dirty Dozen List. You can snag it here:
I also have invested in a quality water filter to focus the chlorine and other chemicals from our family’s drinking and cooking water.
Whatever you decide is the highest priority for you and your family is where you should start. Just remember that it’s a process and to enjoy the journey!
USE ONLINE RESOURCES TO HELP
There are a handful of really helpful resources that you can use as you learn more. Here are some of the best:
Environmental Working Group:
I’ve found The Environmental Working Group consumer guides to be a helpful resource. Be sure to check out their Skin Deep guide and Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
You can use this resource to find ratings on almost any baby, kid or adult products. So if you’re going to buy something, look it up here first. You want to use products that are close to a “ZERO” rating, or an “A”. These are the products that contain the least chemicals and are the least harmful.
Other resources:
Some other great sites are:: Safe Mama, EcoLife and Think Dirty. Also check out healthystuff.org for ratings on toys, car seats baby items and healthychild.org for baby and household products.
Don’t hesitate to contact a company directly and ask for more information about their products. Research, research and research!
DON’T GET FANATICAL. IT’S ABOUT BALANCE
Do your best to keep away from all the toxins out there, but don’t stress it. It’s basically impossible to avoid ALL of the bad stuff out there these days, so do your best and then let it go.
Do what you can, but don’t be afraid to trust your body. Remember that your body is an INCREDIBLE machine and can take care of you in ways you never even imagined. Besides, I think getting too stressed about it is probably a bigger hit on our health in the long run.
Life is about finding BALANCE, and you will eventually find the balance that works best for you and your family. There is no right and wrong, and you’ll find your needs and priorities will change over time. And that’s ok.
Give yourself the space and time to figure out what works for you.
Just remember, you CAN do this, but it’s better to take baby steps than no steps at all.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! I’ll do my best to help you on your journey!
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by Gessell | Dec 9, 2019 | Essential Oils, Natural Living, Oil Highlights
Frankincense essential oil is has many beneficial uses and benefits and is one of the most valued and popular essential oils. Best known for it’s powerful ability to rejuvenate the skin when applied topically, and to promote cellular health and immunity when taken internally
Feeling stressed? Frankincense can help! The chemical components of Frankincense essential oil create a powerful aroma that can help to get rid of negative feelings—like stress.
Frankincense essential oil was used in ancient times for salves, perfume and religious ceremonies. It is perhaps most famous for being one of the gifts given to baby Jesus after his birth.
The aromatic compounds of frankincense promotes feelings of peace, relaxation and satisfaction, helping to relieve stress and support a balanced mood.
Grab my free ebook USING ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATICALLY:
PIN FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL BENEFITS AND USES
(This post contains referral links and Amazon affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love! Read my full disclosure here)
HOW TO USE FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL
Aromatically
Using essential oils aromatically is so powerful because the tiny molecules from the oil enter the nasal cavity, and then the limbic system. The limbic system is part of the brain that controls emotions and memories. So smelling essential oils can be a great tool for assisting the mood.
- Diffuse frankincense in your Diffuser
- Inhale frankincense directly out of the bottle.
- Add a few drops to your cupped hands and inhale deeply.
- Apply on a holiday diffuser ornament and enjoy throughout the house.
Topically
Frankincense safe to apply directly to the skin, but diluting is always recommended when using essential oil on a child, or if you have sensitive skin.
- Apply frankincense essential oil directly to the area of concern.
- Apply to the bottoms of feet, along the spine or on acupressure points.
- Make a roller bottle for easy topical usage. Simple put 15-20 drops into a 10mL roller bottle, then fill with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil.
Internally
Frankincense essential oil has amazing properties that help to reduce inflammation, promote cell health and increase overall wellness. Before using any essential oils internally, make sure your oil is pure and exceedingly high quality. I personally use and love certified pure, therapeutic grade DoTERRA essential oils.
- Put 1-3 drops in a few ounces of water.
- Drop 1-3 drops under the tongue.
- Add 1-3 drops to a veggie capsule and swallow with a glass of water
10 USES AND BENEFITS FOR FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL
- Make your own toxin free DIY Room Spray. Add 15 drops of Frankincense oil, 15 drops of Grapefruit oil and 30 drops of Douglas Fir oil to an empty Spray Mist bottle.. Top the bottle off with water. Then simply spritz on carpet, furniture or in the the air of any room.
- Add a few drops of Frankincense into your shampoo for healthy hair and hair growth. Put a drop on your nail beds for stronger and healthier finger nails.
- Frankincense is one of the top oils for the skin. It can help to reduce blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines and age spot. Simply apply it directly to your skin, or add a few drops into your moisturizer.
- Diffuse Frankincense during your yoga or meditation practice. It’s powerful aromatic qualities will help to encourage peach and relaxation while providing a focused and positive outlook to your entire day.
- Take Frankincense internally to promote healthy cellular function. Add 1-2 drops to a gel capsule and take with a glass of water, or try the doTERRA Life Long Vitality Pack .
- Frankincense essential oil can promote a healthy respiratory system. Apply topically to the chest, diffuse it, or take it internally to help break up mucus and promote clear breathing.
- Use Frankincense to help with digestive issues by taking a drop internally or applying it topically over the stomach region to help calm and soothe the stomach.
- Frankincense is one of the best oils to reduce tension in the head. Add a drop to the thumb and press it against the roof of the mouth and/or apply it topically to your forehead, temples, and back of the neck.
- Because frankincense is so good at relieving tension, it can be extremely useful when you have a stiff neck or back or achy joints. Simply apply topically to the area of concern with a roller bottle or lotion.
- To help boost the immune system when you’re feeling icky, combine 4 drops lemon oil, 2 drops melaleuca oil, 2 drops oregano oil, 2 drops on guard oil and 2 drops frankincense oil in a gel cap and swallow with a glass of water, up to three times a day
FUN FACT ABOUT FRANKINCENSE
“If the Boswellia sacra tree can produce a couple of pounds of resin each year. If Boswellia sacra trees are properly cared for, the tree can produce resin for hundreds of years.”
FRANKINCENSE PLANT DESCRIPTION
Frankincense comes from the Boswellia sacra tree and other similar species. This tree is known for it’s thin, peeling bark, tangelos branches and clusters of leaves that grow at the ends of the branches. They are grow up to 8 meters high and are usually found growing rocky slopes. The Boswellia sacra is found in Ethiopia, northern Somalia, Yemen and south west Omand clustered leaves at the end of the branches.
HOW FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL IS MADE
“Frankincense oil is produced from the resin of the Boswellia sacra tree. The resin of a tree is a sap-like substance with a high viscosity. For centuries, the resin of the tree has been obtained by slashing or making an incision into the tree, which then emits large amounts of resin. After the resin secretes from the tree, it is then scraped off or collected as it drips onto the ground. When doTERRA obtains the resin from trees, the trees are carefully scored or “bled.” From there, the resin is delicately distilled and essential oils are extracted.”
OILS THAT BLEND WELL WITH FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL
Frankincense oil blends well with a lot of different oils. Try it with citrus oils like Lime, Lemon, and Wild Orange. Or diffuse it with oils such as Geranium, Rose, Sandalwood,Cypress, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Clary Sage.
Find all of these oils here
WHERE TO BUY FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL
Purchase a single bottle of dōTERRA Frankincense here.
Or, get a bottle of Frankincense in an Essential Oil Starter Kit along with 10 other basic oils for everyday use.
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Essential Oil Blends for Mood Support
SHOP THIS POST
Frankincense essential oil
Life Long Vitality Pack
Frankincense Roller Bottle
Diffuser
Carrier Oil
Spray Mist bottles
Essential Oil Starter Kit
by Gessell | Nov 27, 2019 | Essential Oils, Natural Living
DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Ornaments are so easy to make and make your home smell festive for the holidays, while also offering healthy aromatic benefits. With just a few simple ingredients and some essential oils, you can decorate for the holidays this year with handmade and healthy ornaments.
DIY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER ORNAMENTS INGREDIENTS
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- Essential Oils
Want more great ideas? Grab my free ebook HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATICALLY
DIY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER ORNAMENTS INSTRUCTIONS
- Stir the water, baking soda and corn starch in a small pot over medium heat until heated.
- Stir continuously until the mixture forms into a ball.
- Allow the mixture to cool until comfortable to touch and then roll it out to around 1/2″ thickness
- Use holiday cookie cutters to cut the dough into different shapes.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to poke a small hole near the top of each ornament for hanging.
- Bake at 175 degrees for about an hour.
- Allow them to cool, and then sprinkle them with one of the essential oils below. I use about 10-12 drops per ornament.
Grab my free ebook AROMATIC USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS here
PIN DIY ESSENTIAL OIL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
(This post contains referral links and Amazon affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love! Read my full disclosure here)
HOW TO HANG DIY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER ORNAMENTS
Option 1: Poke a small hole in the top with a skewer, or pencil, before baking, then put a string or ribbon through the hole to hang.
Option 2: Depending on the shape of the ornament, you can wrap string around it in an X shape. (Star shapes work well for this). Secure the string in the back and tie a small loop at the top to hang it with.
DIY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER ORNAMENTS -THE BLENDS
Here are some perfect essential oil blends for your DIY ornaments! I have a list of even more Christmas and Holiday Essential Oil blends here.
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BLEND
Get these essential oils in a set.
CHRISTMAS TREE BLEND
- 4 drops white fir essential oil
- 2 drops cypress essential oil
- 1 drop sandalwood essential oil
Get these essential oils in a kit
HOLIDAY JOY BLEND
- 4 drops cassia essential oil
- 3 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 2 drops clove essential oil
- 1 drop wild orange essential oil
Get these essential oils in a set.
MERRY CHRISTMAS BLEND
- 4 drops white fir essential oil
- 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 1 drop grapefruit essential oil
- 1 drop wintergreen essential oil
Get these essential oils in a set.
NOTES ABOUT DIY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER ORNAMENTS
Don’t worry about having every single essential oil in a blend…just use what you have and have fun making your own holiday combinations. Any of the following oils will create an aromatic holiday atmosphere:
Oils from evergreen trees such as spruce, cypress or fir. Any citrus oil, (like orange or lemon), and minty oils, (such as peppermint and spearmint) will all put you in the Christmas Spirit.
Warming winter baking spices always smell festive together. Use a combo of oils like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger.
DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Ornaments
DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Ornaments are so easy to make and make your home smell festive for the holidays, while also offering healthy aromatic benefits. With just a few simple ingredients and some essential oils, you can decorate for the holidays this year with handmade and healthy ornaments.
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- Essential Oils
Stir the water, baking soda and corn starch in a small pot over medium heat until heated.
Stir continuously until the mixture forms into a ball.
Allow the mixture to cool until comfortable to touch and then roll it out to around 1/2″ thickness
Use holiday cookie cutters to cut the dough into different shapes. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke a small hole near the top of each ornament for hanging.
Bake at 175 degrees for about an hour .Allow them to cool, and then sprinkle them with one of the essential oils below. I use about 10-12 drops per ornament.
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by Gessell | Nov 18, 2019 | Essential Oil Education, Essential Oils, Natural Living
Learning how to use essential oils aromatically is something I am SO grateful for! Not only because they smell heavenly, but because diffusing oils can have so many benefits.
I used to think that essential oils were just about smelling pretty.
When I learned about how beneficial essential oils could be to our well being, I was immediately hooked. And when I discovered what life savers they could be when raising children, there was no going back!
I already knew that harmful compounds, like chemical cleaners or gases, could be absorbed into our blood stream simply by inhaling them. But I hadn’t realized that the opposite can also be true…that POSITIVE properties, like the ones found in essential oil, can also be absorbed into the blood stream through inhalation.
Once inhaled, essential oils are processed by the olfactory bulb and limbic system, which is the part of our brain that processes memories, thoughts and emotions. This is why inhaling certain oils can be so helpful in promoting feelings of calmness, reducing anxious feelings and reducing stress.
Grab my free ebook AROMATIC USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS HERE to learn even more!
PIN HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATICALLY
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BENEFITS OF USING ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATICALLY
If you are brand new to using essential oils, you might find yourself a little overwhelmed by how many different ones there are, and how many things you can do with them. If that’s you, then I recommend starting by reading about the 10 basic oils for beginners. These are the oils I use the most frequently in my home, and wouldn’t want to be without!
Applying essential oils aromatically can:
- Be supportive to the respiratory system and sinuses.
- Have a supportive affect on moods and the hormonal system.
- Protect against environmental threats by increasing indoor air quality.
- Encourage our immune system response and promote well-being in a multitude of different ways.
The reason using essential oils aromatically is so powerful is because the “aroma” you are breathing is actually a fine mist of tiny oil particles that all contain the same properties of the oil itself. And because the olfactory system (which is what our sense of smell is part of) is so closely connected to the limbic system in the brain, then the oil particles create an extremely positive affect on both the physical and psychological systems of the body.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR AROMATHERAPY
Here’s 8 ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy:
- Diffusing: A good diffuser is invaluable, and I usually have at least one running in my home! Make sure you use one that does not use heat, as that will diminish the quality of the oil.
- Direct Inhalation: Simply inhaling the oil directly from the bottle can be one of the simplest methods to use essential oils aromatically. You can also add a drop to your hands and then cup your hands over your nose and mouth while taking a few deep breaths. Some of the “hot” oils, like cinnamon and oregano should be diluted before inhaling directly.
- Indirect Inhalation: Add a drop to your sheets or pillow case, your shirt collar, hair etc. and inhale throughout your day and night.
- Hot Water Vapor/Steam Tent: Bring a pot of water to a simmer, remove from heat and add 1-3 drops of essential oil. Place a towel over your head and lean over water while inhaling deeply. This is a great method for respiratory challenges, to help promote feelings of easier breathing.
- Humidifier: Just like a withe the diffuser, cool air humidifiers are best. Essential oils can damage plastic over time, so choosing a humidifier made especially for essential oils
is recommended.
- Fans and Vents, Etc: Add a few drops of oil to a cloth and place it in a vent or in front of a fan. This also works great in the car! (My husband sometimes puts a few drops on the heater filter and diffuses it throughout the entire house)
- Perfume or Cologne: Not only will you smell lovely, but it is healthier and safer for your body. Simply dab a drop to the wrists and behind the ears, or add about 10 drops to 1-3 teaspoons of water to mist onto yourself.
- Non-Toxic Room Deodorizer: Avoid the harsh chemicals so often found in room deodorizers and use essential oils instead. Mix half a cup of alcohol (such as vodka) with a half cup of distilled water. Add 20-40 drops of your favorite essential oils and pour into a pretty jar or vase. Then place about 10 bamboo skewers into the jar so that they are sticking out of the top. They will soak up the oil and spread the aroma throughout the room. Or, create a room spray using a home mister like this one and mist throughout your home.
How to Use an Essential Oils Diffuser
There are several different kinds of diffusers. I recommend either a nebulizing diffuser or an ultrasonic diffuser. The main differences in the two is that an ultrasonic diffuser uses water, whereas a nebulizing one does not.
I have several different diffusers I use, but the most common one is the Petal Diffuser.
Here’s How to Use the Petal Diffuser:
1. Choose Location for the Diffuser
Any flat location near an outlet will work. If diffusing in a larger room, you may want to start the diffuser a little earlier to allow the oils time to circulate. If I am diffusing in a bedroom at night, I will usually start the diffuser a little bit before bedtime and close the door, so that the aroma fills the room before we head to bed. Avoid placing in direct sunlight or near a fan or blowing heat.
2. Add Water
Fill the diffuser to the red fill mark using tap or distilled water.
*DON’T OVERFILL or the diffuser may not work properly.
3. Add Essential Oils
Add 3-10 drop of your favorite essential oils to the water. You can use a single oil, or a blend of oils. Usually around 6 drops is plenty, but if you’re wanting a stronger mix you can experiment with the amount to see what works for you.
4. Set the Time/Light
The Petal Diffuser has a built in light that you can leave on or off. It gives off a nice soft glow which makes a perfect night light. It also has 1, 2 and 4 hour timer settings. The diffuser will automatically turn itself off after the allocated time, or when the water runs out.
5. Clean Your Diffuser
To clean your diffuser, wipe it out with a soft cloth or paper towel and a drop or two of lemon EO. Don’t run your diffuser through the dishwasher or submerge it under water.
How to Use Essential Oils to Scent a Room
It’s so easy to create a beautiful aroma and set the mood in a room using essential oils! Here are some of my favorite blends for scenting a room:
How to Use Essential Oils on the Skin
Where do you apply essential oils on your body?
The most common places to apply essential oils on your body is:
- Bottoms of the feet
- Along the spine
- On the area of concern
Many oils are safe to use topically. I cover where to apply essential oils on your body in more depth here: How to Use Essential Oils
BEST ESSENTIAL OILS TO USE AROMATICALLY
I personally love and use DoTerra Essential Oils. There are lots of essential oil companies out there, but there’s a reason why doTERRA is the most recommended one – because of their PURITY & INTEGRITY.
For me, it came down to which worked the best. I tried a few different brands but doTERRA was the oil that I could get a result from just 1-2 drops. That spoke volumes to me about their purity.
A few other things that have impressed me about doTERRA:
- doTERRA oils are beyond organic standards. They are sourced all over the world and each batch of oil is tested 7 different ways for purity and potency.
- doTERRA’s Co-Impact Sourcing model enables growers to be paid fair and predictable prices (think fair-trade coffee) and the resulting crops benefit from improved growing practices.
- doTERRA’s company culture is outstanding. They operate with an incredibly high degree of integrity, and I am proud to be associated with them.
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by Gessell | Nov 9, 2019 | Essential Oils, Natural Living
Diffusing Essential Oils during the holidays is my favorite thing to do to get into the Christmas spirit! Here are the 11 Best Essential Oil Diffuser Blends for Christmas.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!
Nothing makes me happier than the nostalgic smells of the Christmas season. Diffusing essential oils through the holidays has become one of my favorite holiday traditions.
Going through my oils and picking out new combinations to recreate the aroma of Christmas just makes my heart happy. I love the scents of essential oils like cinnamon, clove, white fir, and peppermint.
With these and a few other essential oils I came up with 11 Christmas diffuser blends that I’m you will love as much s I do!
PIN BEST ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER BLENDS FOR CHRISTMAS
(This post contains referral links and Amazon affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love! Read my full disclosure here)
WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS ARE GOOD FOR CHRISTMAS?
If you’re wondering how to make your house smell like Christmas this holiday season, then essential oils are the way to go.
Not only do they smell amazing and support healthy immune function, but they can lift the mood and encourage a happy holiday spirit, to boot!
Here are the best essential oils for Christmas:
- Pine
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Clove
- Wild Orange
- Anise
- Ginger
- Cedarwood
- Cassia
- Cypress
- Bergamont
- Eucalyptus
- White Fir
- Sandalwood
- Juniper
- Wintergreen
- Grapefruit
ESSENTIAL OIL CHRISTMAS DIFFUSER BLENDS
There are many ways to use essential oils for the holidays, but I’ve found that diffusing is the best and easiest way to encourage the Christmas spirit.
I love making homemade Christmas diffuser blends both to diffuse in my home and to give as gifts.
An added bonus is that using essential oils for Christmas aromas also helps keep the winter germy bugs away!
THE BEST ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER RECIPES FOR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT DIFFUSER BLEND
Get in the Christmas spirit with the sweet, yet spicy blend! This beautiful aroma smells like Christmas and is full of immune boosting benefits.
Get these essential oils in a set.
by Gessell | Nov 5, 2019 | Essential Oils, Natural Living
These 5 Fall Essential Oil Diffuser Blends are perfect for diffusing in your home for a festive fall season. Enjoy the cozy fall weather with these DIY essential oil recipes!
The fall season is especially cozy when your home is filled with the scent of pumpkin spice and warm cider. With essential oils, you enjoy these nostalgic scents while gaining the health supportive benefits of essential oils.
Since the cooler weather often brings with it season health challenges, the powerful immune boosting properties in several of these fall themed Diffuser Blends are a much appreciated added benefit.
PIN FALL ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER BLENDS FOR LATER
BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR FALL
