In this time of fear and
uncertainty, I want to express my gratitude. I’m grateful that I live in a safe
country, in a comfortable home, with plenty of food in my fridge and pantry. I’m
grateful that my family and I are healthy and that we have access to good
doctors and hospitals. There are people all over the world, and right here in
the United States without many of these benefits. Right now, we are all in fear
of this pandemic, and fear spreads faster and wider than any virus. Fear will
cause anxiety, which will cause stress and that will cause you harm in the end.
All we can do is be vigilant and do what experts say, keep your distance from
others. Stay home and be grateful.
During this time, we get to enjoy the company of our families. We need to be present and calm. Our uncertainty and fear overflows to our children, for them and for ourselves we need to focus on the good and practice gratitude. Take advantage of this time and teach your children to meditate, practice mindfulness, get organized, learn to cook, sketch, or just read a book or two. Take a walk as a family, watch movies together, take an online course and have virtual discussions with friends and family.
We are lucky enough to have the ability to see and communicate with one another. It can be reassuring to be together virtually. Recently I saw a birthday video that was created for a close friend of mine. It was messages from her loved ones about what an amazingly positive source of love she is to them. How wonderful that they were able to extend their love and celebrate her birthday virtually.
Don’t listen to people who believe it’s the end of the world. Choose to see the positive in your situation. Do whatever you can to feel in control of the situation, like frequent hand-washing. Boost your immune system with healthy habits and activities, such as regular exercise. Stock up on food just in case the authorities order you to stay indoors for a while. That’s all you can do. You can choose to see the glass half empty or half full. Your choice. Be safe and grateful. Thank you for reading my perspective.
If you’ve never used essential oils, it can be somewhat overwhelming. A friend of mine recently asked me to give her a list of my “go to” essential oils, so this is for her and for those of you who want to learn how to use them. Here are four essential oils that I recommend you start with.
1) Lemon, The cleansing, purifying, and invigorating properties of Lemon make it one of the most versatile oils, it can be added to your diffuser to freshen up a room. Lemon essential oil is used in many natural cleaner recipes as well as beauty product recipes. You can always add a drop to your water for taste and health benefits. And, it’s probably most well known for removing sticky residue. There are so many ways to use this essential oil but I’ll focus on just a few.
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice. Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid. Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
You can use a drop or two of lemon essential oil on a microfiber cloth to clean the surface of your phone.
Add 5 drops of lemon essential oil to a 4 ounce glass spray bottle filled with water and you can clean tables countertops and all other surfaces.
Add a few drops of lemon oil to a spray bottle and fill it with olive oil, spray to clean, protect and shine wood.
Add a few drops to a soft cloth to polish your tarnished silver or other metals.
Add a few drops to your to a box of baking soda and place in the fridge as a deodorizer.
Add a few drops to a basin of water to wash away chemicals and grim from produce.
Add a few drops to your diffuser to uplift your mood.
2) Frankincense is called the king of essential oils. That’s because It has so many health and wellness benefits. It’s great for your skin and hair. Frankincense is also used in a lot of beauty products, and supports your immune system.
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice for relaxation or for your morning yoga practice. Internal use: A drop of Frankincense under your tongue to promote overall wellness. Topical use: Apply one to two drops to your moisturizer to give your skin an extra boost.
If you are feeling under pressure, you can use a drop or two of Frankincense essential oil along with fractionated coconut oil and rub it to the bottoms of your feet.
Use as toner by putting a few drops of Frankincense in 11/2 oz of water and use a cotton ball to refresh skin and tighten pores.
Apply to cuticles and nail beds to maintain healthy looking fingernails.
It can help with acne, just take one tablespoon of Jojoba oil mix 2 to 3 drops of Frankincense essential oil with it, apply it twice a day on the area concerned.
Take a tablespoon of Argan oil add a 2-3 drops of Frankincense oil and apply it to your skin twice a day . This helps tighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores.
Take one tablespoon of coconut oil and add 2-3 drops of Frankincense essential oil and apply to scars. It works on the cellular level to repair damaged skin cells and stimulate the healthy regeneration of new cells to fade away scars and dark spots.
3) Lavender is probably my favorite essential oil. Not only does it smell amazing, it’s also great for inducing sleep, reducing anxiety and soothing skin irritations. It’s a must have for essential oil beginners!
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser for relaxation Topical use: Apply one to two drops to your moisturizer for a stress-relieving massage.
Use with bath salts for a relaxing spa bathing experience
Lightly apply to soothe sun-exposed skin
Mix a drop or two with Fractionated coconut oil and apply to the bottoms of the feet of a restless or agitated child
Use to calm and soothe occasional skin irritations by adding a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
Place a few drops on pillows to help induce sleep.
Calm sensitive skin and soothe pores after hair removal
Apply a few drops directly on rashes and insect bites
Apply a few drops to cuts, scratches and scrapes.
Put a few drops in your shampoo to help with dandruff, and use with Peppermint essential oil for a healthy scalp massage
Add to lotion for a stress-relieving hand massage
Place a few drops to on cloth or laundry dryer sheet to freshen laundry scent and naturally deodorize.
4)Peppermint is another great essential oil to have in the house, it can be used aromatically, topically and internally. It’s well known for helping with allergy, digestive and energy issues. I love to add a drop in my water for a little energy boost and it tastes great.
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice. Internal use: A drop of Peppermint essential oil in 4 fl ounces of water. Topical use: Apply one to two drops with fractionated coconut oil to dilute it.
Use a drop of peppermint essential oil with lemon in water for a healthy refreshing mouth rinse.
Dilute with a carrier oil and rub on your stomach to relief occasional stomach discomfort, or put a drop your in water and drink it.
You can also use it topically with a carrier oil to get relief from itching, muscle pain, and headaches.
I’ve been using essential oil for the past eight years and I’ve learned that all essential oils are not alike. So don’t be fooled, many oils being sold today are synthetic. Your body processes synthetic oils as a toxin so that’s not what you want. Please do your research before purchasing essential oils.
If you need any help I would be glad to share what I know.
Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
