Citrus and the Sunshine

by Mary Howard RN

Photosensitivity and Essential Oils

When certain essential oils, mostly the citrus oils are exposed to untraviolet light (UVA) they cause inflammation, blistering, reddening and burning to the skin. (1)

Distilled essential oils do not have this side effect. Cold pressed essential oils or Expressed essential oils can be photosensitive to the skin. doTERRA’s citrus essential oils are expressed (cold pressed) so we do need to be careful.

Now the question is how careful? for how long after application?

It is recommended not to use the citrus oils to areas of the skin that will have extended, direct exposure to sunlight within 12 hrs. (1) You can have reactions to sunshine up to 36 hrs after the essential oils have been applied (2)

It is fine to use citrus oil in shampoos. Also if you wash your skin before sun exposure you should be fine.

Some oils are more likely to cause photosensitity that others. For example in a base lotion of 30 ml (2 Tablespoons):

• 1 drop of Bergamot Essential oil can cause photosensitivity
• 24 drops of Grapefruit Essential oil can cause photosensitivity
• 12 drops of Lemon Essential oil can cause photosensitivity
• 4 drops of lime Essential oil can cause photosensitivity
• 8 drops of Bitter Orange Essential oil can cause photosensitivity (3)
• The doTERRA Wild Orange does NOT cause Photosensitivity

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The Benefits of Sauerkraut

The Benefits of Sauerkraut –
Old time foods made easy

What is Sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by the formation of natural lactic acid bacteria. It has a long shelf life and a distinctive sour flavor. During the fermentation process the natura sugars in the cabage leaves are used up leaving a tangy, crunchy, Kraut.

Here is a short video we did that explains what we did and the health benefits.
Our video will show how to make Sauerkraut in a Jar

Here is our recipe for Sauerkraut

• 1 cabbage grates or finely shredded
• 1 onion grated
• 2 cucumbers finely sliced
• 1.5 TBSP  of pickling salt. (You want to use an Iodine free so your kraut stays crunchy)
• 2 – 1 quart jars

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Petitgrain: The Manly Lavender

See why Dr. Hill calls Petitgrain the “Manly Lavender.”

Petitgrain Essential Oils is used both in colognes and to help create a restful environment before bed.

The Amazing Health Benefits of Petitgrain Essential Oil

• Petitgrain is an excellent substitute when you want the relaxing benefits of Lavender in a more masculine scent.
• Petitgrain Essential oil has helped people come off of tranquilizers and other things and help them find restful sleep without the use of addictive medications.
• May help support healthy cardiovascular function*
• May provide antioxidant support*
• May support healthy immune function*

The Origin of Petitgrain Essential Oil

Petitgrain is from the bark of the bitter orange tree.  Petitgrain oil is taken from the tree’s twigs and leaves and steam distilled to produce a refreshing, floral, and herbaceous essential oil. Neroli essential oil is derived from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, and bitter orange essential oil comes from the rinds of the fruit through the process of expression. Petitgrain oil has been used historically for traditional health practices and has been a popular ingredient for the perfume industry since the 18th century.

Benefits of Petitgrain Essential Oil

Due to its chemical makeup, Petitgrain essential oil can be helpful in creating a calm, relaxed environment to promote feelings of relaxation.

How to Use Petitgrain Essential Oil

• Consider placing a few drops of Petitgrain on your pillows and bedding before going to bed in order to enjoy its aromatic benefits.
• Taking Petitgrain internally can help benefit internal systems like the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and immune systems.*
• To enjoy the internal benefits of Petitgrain oil for the body’s systems, add one to two drops of the oil to water or other beverages. (1)

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Rejuvenate Your Lymphatic Glands with an Exfoliating Brush

Did you know we have more lymphatic fluids in our body than blood?

Yup! And the Lymphatic system is extremely important in protecting our body from harmful elements in the environment.
The lymphatics don’t have a system that moves the fluid like the veins, the movement we get in the lymphatics system is moved by us. We have to walk, run, jump or otherwise actively stimulate our lymphatic system.

What is the Lymphatic System?

• By definition – The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body. The vessels are connected to lymph nodes, where the lymph is filtered. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system. (1)

Lumps and bumps in the lymphatics can be things that your body is protecting you from.
Lymphatic massage or even something as simple as dry body brushing or dry cellulite brushing is a great way to stimulate the lymph nodes and help them to function normally.
Here is a YouTube video about Dry Skin Body Brushing

that you may find helpful.

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Clear Thoughts – Stop the Brain Fog!

Brain Fog can have symptoms of things like memory issues, a lack of mental clarity, and just not being able to think properly. Stress can also be a factor. 

Support your memory and focus naturally with tools that you can reach for during these times of brain fog. 

All of the Essential oils together in the Clear Thoughts RollerBall are known for their ability to promote calming, to promote focus, and to promote a balanced state of mind.

Clear Thoughts Roller-ball

Roller recipe to Clear the Brain Fog:

• 8 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 7 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
• 6 drops Cypress Essential Oil
• 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

put in 10 ml roller & fill with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil

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Suffering from PCOS? Try These Natural Remedies

PCOS is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

We are going to try to help you understand the basics. Then below we added some additional research on a few of the things suggested in this original article that we found on the subject. 

At the end are some product suggestions that you may find helpful.

The research I found on Nattokinase & Phytoestrogen was info I felt was so important to share with you, so here we go… 

What Is The Best Diet For PCOS?

A balanced diet using whole foods that stabilize your blood sugar levels is the key. Banishing sugary food is especially important. Foods containing too much sugar cause rapid spikes in your blood sugar levels, placing unnecessary stress on your body. Over time this leads to the development of insulin resistance syndrome. Fast carbohydrates work just like sugar in the body so this includes white flour products like bread & pasta. 

What is Insulin Resistance Syndrome?

Insulin Resistance Syndrome is a condition marked by poor blood sugar control and weight gain. Insulin resistance is usually an underlying problem in women suffering PCOS, even when they are not overweight.

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Herbs the Support Healthy Blood Pressure

Here are a few herbs that can support a Healthy Blood Pressure. These can be used in Herbal format or in Essential Oil format. 

Basil – A culinary favorite also helps with hypertension.

Basil is a delicious herb that goes well in a variety of foods. Basil also supplies beneficial plant compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other health properties In addition, these compounds give basil its “essence” — or distinct aroma and flavor. It also can help to lower your blood pressure. The chemical eugenol, which is found in Basil, may block certain substances that tighten blood vessels. This may lead to a drop in blood pressure. Adding fresh basil to your diet is easy and certainly can’t hurt. Keep a small pot of the herb in your kitchen garden and add the fresh leaves to pastas, soups, salads, and casseroles. Oils derived from Basil are very beneficial. 

Clary Sage  – The Go to Essential Oil For Many Reasons

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Kristin Wood – Health Coach

Kristin Wood, Health Coach
Don’t become Stagnant in you life. Move more, remove chemicals from your food and manage your stress…

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Top 5 Essential Oils & DIY Allergy Relief Home Remedies

Natural remedies for allergies. So a friend of mine asked me, Mary, what kind of things would you use if you were struggling with allergies right now?

What essential oils are good for seasonal allergies?

Pollen Is high these days, right away my mind comes back to the basics. Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint. They have such an amazing synergistic effect.

What essential oils are a natural antihistamine?

Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint are natural antihistamines. Combining the three together they complement each other well.

If you would prefer to listen to this content here is a handy video:

How do you use essential oils for allergies?

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Eczema – A Grandmother’s Journey to Save Her Grandson

A Grandmother’s Journey to save her Grandson from the pain of Eczema

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