Stress Soothers

Therapeutic treatments using aromatic essential oils are both pleasurable and effective.  The oils draw on the healing properties of plants, and with regular use they can stimulate the immune system to strengthen the body against disease. 

One of today’s biggest health problems is too much stress.  Our bodies pump extra blood and the heart rate speeds up while the digestion slows down.  We all react to stress in different ways, but we can all benefit from the balancing and calming effects of essential oils.  

Essential oils, when inhaled, stimulate the limbic portion of the brain which is responsible for all of our feelings of well-being and discontent.  Aromatherapy can help reduce your levels of stress enabling you to lead a happier and more fulfilled life. 

- Anxiety can be reduced by using uplifting and calming essential oils such as: basil (uplifting), bergamot (uplifting), geranium (relaxing), lavender (soothing), neroli (sedative), and sandalwood (calming). 

- Mild shock is a temporary form of stress and needs a fast-acting remedy.  The following essential oils can help: chamomile (calming), Melissa (anti-depressant), neroli (relieves anxiety), peppermint (invigorating pain-reliever), and rosemary (stimulating).  (Please talk with your doctor first about this condition.) 

- Headaches are one of the first signs of stress.  Cold compresses of lavender or geranium across the forehead provide some relief.  Peppermint across the temples, forehead, and back of neck also provide some relief.

- Depression hits us all from time to time and if untreated, it can lead to lowering our immune system and worsening our mental and physical health.  These oils tend to lift our spirits: bergamot, cypress, lemongrass, and rosemary.  Oils that are soothing are chamomile, geranium, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.  Always consult a doctor.

- When you feel exhausted or can’t concentrate on one thing at a time, take time to unwind by taking a walk, deep-breathing exercises, or taking a bath.  Then, revive yourself with eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary.

- Sleeplessness is a common response to stress and learning how to relax can be difficult.  By getting into a more regular pattern by a healthy diet and regular exercise, will help.  Try drinking milk or tea with an essential oil in it like tangerine or lavender.  Taking a relaxing bath with any of the following oils that have sedative properties: cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, Melissa, neroli, orange, patchouli, rose, sage, sandalwood, or ylang ylang.  Breathing the following essential oils will help to induce sleep: frankincense, lavender, marjoram, neroli, and peace & calming.

- Whenever you are under a lot of stress for any length of time, your body tenses up.  Your muscles ache, feel tired and are sluggish.  As you massage the aching muscles at the surface, the essential oils work at the deeper levels as they are absorbed.  Pepper and peppermint are good oils for aching muscles.  Clove is very anti-inflammatory.

Disclaimer:

- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

- The information provided herein is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription for any disease or mental illness. The author, publisher, and distributors accept no responsibility for such use. Those who may be suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult with a physician.

- The names of the essential oil blends and nutritional supplements listed are trademarked by Young Living Essential Oils. Mention of Young Living products does not imply endorsement by Young Living. All content is the work of Young Living Independent Distributors.

Sources and resources: “The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy”

For more information: www.oilsforhealthyliving.net

Love and Romance

The season of love is here!

The hypothalamus is the hormone control center in the body, so regulates and stimulates sex drive, energy levels and healthy production of hormones. Aromas and scents are so tied in with memory and emotional associations. Essential oils for love can enhance your Valentine’s Day fun by assisting in opening the heart and acting as aphrodisiacs and mood enhancers.

Here are 5 essential oils that can help bring a little more love, beauty and sensual magic your way:

1. Sandalwood is specifically recommended as a fragrance for men. It's rich, sweet, warm, and woody aroma is enticing, erotic and soothing.

2. Rose is known as the “Queen of Flowers”. Probably the most common scent associated with love and romance. Rose is also the oil of the heart chakra, and associated with the archetype "The Goddess of Love." It carries a beautiful, strong floral and sweet fragrance that is highly romantic. It's also known to help balance hormones in the female reproductive system.

3. Ylang Ylang is a sweet, soft, flowery fragrance has become a romantic favorite. Ylang ylang elevates sexual energy and enhances relationships.

4. Jasmine’s floral fragrance is warm and exotic and has been used throughout history for romance and attraction. It helps balance the feminine energy of the body and is often used during childbirth.

5. Lady Sclareol is nicknamed “The Great Intoxicator.” This is a blend of some of nature’s most exotic and aromatic essential oils. It is a natural aphrodisiac for both men and women, calming and balancing, and can help unblock emotional issues associated with low libido, infertility and frigidity, as well as enhance romance. 

I'll have to say that my favorite oil to diffuser is a blend called Joy.

Sources and Resources:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7761/5-essential-oils-for-love-sensuality.html

For more information: www.oilsforhealthyliving.net

Focus and Relaxation

Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils, to relax, balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. It is both an art and a science.

Lavender contains aldehydes and esters that are very calming and sedating to the nervous system (including both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems). These substances allow us to relax instead of getting caught in our usual anxiety downward spiral. Some researchers at the University of Miami found that inhalation of lavender oil increased the beta waves in the brain, suggesting heightened relaxation! A 2001 Osaka Kyoiku University study found that lavender reduced mental stress and increased alertness.

All citrus oils contain d-limonene in varying amounts. D-limonene is an oil nutrient called a ‘terpene’ and is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory! This is great when it comes to stress, since most stress is ‘oxidative stress’ which is stress caused by oxidation from free-radicals. So when you add an oil to your body (internally or externally) that is an ‘anti-oxidant’ you are ridding your body of stress on a cellular level! A 1995 Mie University study found that citrus fragrances boosted immunity, induced relaxation, and reduced depression. Below is a list of citrus oils and their respective d-limonene levels:  Grapefruit: 88-95%, Lemon: 59-73%, Lime: 50-60%, Orange: 85-96%, and Tangerine: 85-93%

Valor contains Frankincense essential oil, which is high in sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes can increase oxygen levels in the brain. The stimulation of both aroma and oxygenation seems to affect the amygdala (the part of the brain that controls your mental and emotional states) in ways that facilitate the release of stored emotional blocks! So next time you feel that nervous tension build up, grab your Valor (which even comes in a roll on!), take deep breath and keep on going. You never know what is around the next corner!

Oils that I recommend for relaxation Lavender and Peace & Calming for relaxation. Tangerine, which is in P&C, is supposed to help with relaxing your mind. It will help you slow down when your mind is racing with all of the things you have to do. There's also a blend called Joy that I really like when I have a little anxiety going on (Jasmine helps with that).

Oils that I recommend for focusing are peppermint (which is great to perk you up when you are sleepy especially when you rub it on the back of your neck), clarity, en-r-gee, and brain power.
The Essential Oils Desk Reference book suggests the following other oils: spearmint, black pepper, sage, nutmeg, pine, envision, valor, motivation, frankincense, cardamom, rosemary, vetiver, and cedarwood.

Diffusing the oils would be an excellent way to breathe it in. Also, apply a few drops to the brain reflex centers (forehead, temples, mastoids) and/or brain stem (back of neck) as needed. Applying the oils to the Via Flex points on your feet a few times a day would be beneficial as well. Any oil that is massaged on the bottom of our feet will touch every cell within your body within 20 minutes. It's amazing!

Young Living's oils are undiluted and are grade A (therapeutic grade) in which the plants are organically grown.


Sources and resources:
http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/ar_basicaroma.html
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/blog/2013/01/essential-oils-to-help-you-relax-reduce-stress-and-stay-calm-in-the-new-year

For more information: www.oilsforhealthyliving.net

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders trouble millions of Americans annually and cost an estimated $16 billion in medical expenses each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. 58% of adults experience symptoms of insomnia a few nights or more per week and 35% of adults report at least one symptom of insomnia every night or almost every night.

Most of us have experienced trouble sleeping at one time or another. This is normal and usually temporary, due to stress or other outside factors. But if sleep problems are a regular occurrence and interfere with your daily life, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders cause more than just sleepiness. The lack of quality sleep can have a negative impact on your energy, emotional balance, and health. If you’re experiencing sleeping problems, learn about the symptoms of common sleep disorders, what you can do to help yourself, and when to see a doctor.

In many cases, people in good health tend to sleep well, whereas those suffering from repeated sleeping problems might have an underlying medical or mental health problem, be it minor or serious. Sleeping well is essential to your physical health and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, even minimal sleep loss can take a toll on your mood, energy, efficiency, and ability to handle stress. Ignoring sleep problems and disorders can lead to poor health, accidents, impaired job performance, and relationship stress. If you want to feel your best, stay healthy, and perform up to your potential, sleep is a necessity, not a luxury.

It’s not normal to feel sleepy during the day, to have problems getting to sleep at night, or to wake up feeling exhausted. But even if you’ve struggled with sleep problems for so long that it seems normal, you can still learn to sleep better. You can start by tracking your symptoms and sleep patterns, and then making healthy changes to your daytime habits and bedtime routine.

Fortunately, there are aromatherapy approaches for stress reduction and sound sleep that can be used with both adults and children. The agency states that aromatherapy shows promising sleep-inducing effects, though further research is needed.

Melatonin is the most powerful natural remedy for restoring both quality and quantity of sleep. It improves the length of the time the body sustains deep, stage 4 sleep. ImmuProcontains melatonin as well as mineral and polysaccharide complexes to restore natural sleep rhytm and eliminate insomnia. Valerian has been shown to be effective in calming the mind, enabling one to fall asleep easier. Some essential oils that help with sleep are ruta vala, lavender valerian, orange/tangerine,peace and calming and stress away. I would diffuse the oils all night and put them on the bottom of my feet (vita flex). There are some supplements that also help like sleep essence and immupro.

Essential oils specific to apnea are: spruce, idaho balsam fir, cedarwood, juniper, ylang ylang, clarity,valor, common sense, stress away,ruta vala, white angelica, sacred mountain, and present time. Supplements include thyromin, multigreens, super B,inner defense, and ultra young + Oral spray.
Taking enzymes may help with sleep disorders.

Sources and Resources:
http://aromatherapy4u.wordpress.com/2007/03/15/sleep-disorders-and-essential-oils/

For more information: www.oilsforhealthyliving.net

Homeostasis and Weight Loss

It’s a fact that humans crave sugar.  The body craves what it feels that it is missing.  Unfortunately, we now tend to crave sugary foods that are less nutritional than we did long time ago. 

Feed your body, not the craving.

Homeostasis is a biological balance, the body’s method of keeping internal stability.  It is a state of perfect wellness.  Your body stores fat and will shift it to another area of your body rather than release it as energy.  When you exercise, try to get total body workouts.  When you diet, do it gradually. 

“With obesity being the Number 2 cause of preventable death in America and a 76% increase in Type II diabetes in adults 30-40 since 1990, people are looking for alternative, healthy ways to lose weight and change their lifestyle.”

Essential oils can complement or offer an alternative solution to mainstream diet plans because they can address various areas of health and wellness that are often the core of the issue.  Essential oils address the emotional and physical components of these issues.  Essential oils kill the bad bacteria and leave the good, they can combat viruses and fungi, they don’t have any negative side effects, and they help alkalinize the body (better health).

Using essential oils on a daily basis helps to maintain vitality and wellness. 

The primary reason is that natural products help us reduce weight by bringing the body back into a state of balance or homeostasis. When this happens the body is supported in returning to its original state; and therefore long term weight loss is possible.

What oils can help with weight loss?

-      Cypress, oregano, and peppermint help strengthen us mentally and emotionally

-      Lavender and ylang ylang help us during times of stress

-      Grapefruit, peppermint, and rosemary give us energy

-      Peppermint and grapefruit help curb our appetite

-      A blend of basil, lavender, cypress, and grapefruit helps to reduce fat in the body

-      Cypress, lemon, oregano, and grapefruit are diuretics

Diffusing the oils, massaging them on your skin, or ingesting them are all good ways to use them.

When the body is out of balance – it will not let go of the weight!

Sources and Resources:

http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/all-natural-herbal-weight-loss.html

http://www.everythingessential.me/HealthConcerns/WeightLoss.html#page=page-1

Related Blogs:
New Year, New You - The Slique Experience
Aroma and Satiation: Do They Go Hand in Hand?


For more infomation: www.oilsforhealthyliving.net

New Year, New You – The Slique Experience!

A new year probably means a resolution, one of which might be to lose weight.  Losing weight is one of the best things you can do for your health.  There are so many different weight loss plans, but which to choose from?  Involve your doctor, consider your personal needs, who is behind the diet, what are the risks and the results to name a few considerations.  Be sure to look for a safe and effective weight-loss program.

80% of your health is determined by stress factors such as poor nutrition, environmental chemicals and negative emotions.  67% of people in the US are over-weight and 34% are obese.  Here are some of the causes of weight gain: decreased leptin sensitivity, clogged liver, clogged colon, hormone imbalance, lack of enzymes, nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, genetics, yo-yo dieting, xeno-estrogens, lack of sweating, lack of breakfast, pasteurized foods, eating before bedtime, lack of sleep, processed foods, lack of exercise, trans fats, poor circulation, poor eating habits, and irradiated foods.

Any weight loss diet must bring three parts of your body – brain, stomach, and tongue to satisfaction.  Most diets fall short because they do not have the aromatic component necessary to satisfy the brain.  The Slique Experience is a starting point on your journey to wellness, purposes, and abundance.  This is an opportunity to transform a new you.  The Slique Weight Regimen features the following weight-management products:

-          Slique Slim Caps may induce feelings of satiation, increase metabolic activity, and decrease excessive eating and over indulgence.  These caps swell in your gut to make you feel fuller.

-          Slique Gum offers the same benefits of chewing frankincense resin that helps control food cravings and improves oral health.  If you chew it for 45 minutes, it stops cravings.  You can chew this gum for 3 days, just put a drop of the Slique oil on it to freshen it up.   

-          Slique Essence Oil reduces cravings and supports digestion.  It was formulated specifically to ward off hunger.  Add 2-4 drops to your Slique Tea or water when you are hungry or you can inhale the oil from the bottle.  The citrol in the citrus essential oils helps to metabolize fat, eliminate excess fluids and toxins. 

-          Slique Tea controls appetite, supplies flavonoids and catechins, and provides natural energy

-          Balance Complete is a nutrient-rich, balanced-fiber meal replacement and can replace your least nutritious meal each day.  Whole food formulas nourish, sustain, and keep you full longer.

-          Ningxia Red is a juice drink that has powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients and sustains natural energy. 

-          Essentialzymes-4 helps with the breakdown of fats and enhances nutrient absorption.  Enzymes are essential for the proper breakdown of fats, proteins, fiber, and carbs, efficient digestion, and optimum nutrient absorption.  Take two caps with your two largest meals.

These products work together by:

-          Providing nutrient-dense, low-calorie supplements rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and catechins (a type of antioxidant vital for healthy body systems).

-          Helping with the breakdown of fats and complex foods.

-          Lowering excess daily calories by helping control appetite and food cravings.

-          Suppressing your appetite so you will easily reduce your calorie intake.

-          Simulating your metabolism so your body will more readily convert excess calories to energy.

-          Improve your overall digestion so your body will process food more efficiently.

-          Energize your body so you have no need to resort to unhealthy stimulants.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

If you are interested in ordering this kit, you need to become a member and purchase the Start Living with Slique (Enrollment) Kit for $275.

Related Blogs:
Homeostasis and Weight Loss
Aroma and Satiation: Do They Go Hand in Hand?

For more information:  www.oilsforhealthyliving.net