DIY Skin Serum

Coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil, 6 drops lavender EO, 4 drops frankincense EO, and 6 drops valor EO. Mix and add more of above ingredients until desired consistency.  Great for dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, boo boos, scratches, itchy skin, and pretty much anything skin-related.

Where to buy essential oils

How to use essential oils

Skin and BooBoo Roll On

I mix together a witch hazel base with 12-15 drops total. Mix before application.

Want to know more about where to buy essential oils? 

Find out other great ways to use essential oils!

Skin Health

Before I moved to Ohio, I had not experienced the magnitude of dry skin that accompanies the frigid winters of the Midwest. My knuckles and wrists especially get so incredibly dry, that sometimes they will crack and bleed if I do not apply some type of moisturizer. So let’s talk about some ways to keep those dry spells at bay, especially during extreme cold.

Coconut Oil

One of my favorite ways to keep my skin hydrated during cold months is Coconut Oil. I like to create my own moisturizing mixture with coconut oil as my base, along with caster oil, olive oil, vitamin e oil, and essential oil. I keep this mixture in the glass container of a long ago burned and cleaned Bath and Body Works candle. Keep the lid!

Moisturizing Lotion

• Coconut Oil
• Castor Oil
• Olive Oil
• Vitamin E Oil
• Essential Oil 

I don’t measure my ingredients because I just keep mixing until it is to my desired consistency. Start off with about half a cup of coconut oil, a tablespoon both of castor oil and olive oil, teaspoon of vitamin e oil, and about 3-4 drops of your chosen essential oil. See below for different properties of essential oils. Mix the concoction until you get your desired consistency and smell.

I apply this mixture to my whole body and not only does it moisturize those hands, it has so many more amazing properties! See what all the ingredients have to offer…

Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of my all-time favorite things EVER! It is my Jack-of-all-Trades for skin care. At night before going to sleep, I like to get a drop (seriously, less is more) and massage it over my eyelids to aid in peaceful sleep. Make sure not to get it in your eyes, though! While I’m there, I give my eyelashes a good dousing too, which encourages their growth. Don’t forget to get under the eyes too! My reasons are twofold: it helps with under-eye bags and I have a tiny skintag that is attempting to form about an inch under one of my eyes; I am determined that will not happen. Castor oil is supposed to get rid of skin tags over time, so we shall see. If you want thick eyebrows, go ahead and rub your oily index fingers over them too.

Castor oil is wonderful for skin health. Utilizing castor oil in the above-recipe will aid in stretch mark and cellulite reduction, hair growth, and moisturizing the skin while not clogging the pores. Another reason I love castor oil to pieces is that it is highly detoxifying for the liver, especially if you place a heating pad or hot towel on top of your stomach after rubbing castor oil or the above-mixture on.

*Caution: I’ve heard that the stains are impossible to remove if you get them on sheets or clothes. I have not really had this problem, but I don’t mind stains, so maybe I just don’t notice.

Vitamin E Oil

I purchased the vitamin e oil supplement pills from Amazon, and they arrived in tiny pill form. I was hoping for the larger pills, but must have gotten the wrong size. Trust me, you want the larger ones because it takes quite a few of the tiny pills to get the amount you want in the mixture.

Essential Oils

Lavender

Lavender EO wins the prize for best EO for the skin. Not only is it calming and relaxing both mentally and physically, it is a wonderful oil for all types of skin conditions. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bites, stings, bruises, rashes, and many skin irritations. This EO even eases burns!! For our needs, lavender is perfect for dry or chapped skin, including lips. This EO is also great for easing headaches and migraines.

Peppermint

This EO will help to soothe itchy skin as well as reduce inflammation and keep away headaches.

Cedarwood

Cedwarwood is great for dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and/or dandruff.

Find out more on how to use essential oils here!

Find out where to buy essential oils here!

Above are the oils I used in my detox bath last to help with skin issues and to ease some stress and tension.  
Olive Oil

Olive oil is a wonderful ingredient to add to any moisturizing mixture. More on olive oil later!

Oatmeal Bath

Another way to help combat dry skin is an oatmeal bath. Blend or use a food processor to get the oats down to a powder consistency. Move to a glass bowl for mixing, or straight to your bath.

Regardless of the need I may have when taking a hot bath, I have a few items I always add. The hot water will cause your skin’s pores to open, allowing the release of any built-up toxins. You may aid this process with some ingredients such as Epsom salt for detoxification and aching muscles, baking soda to neutralize any toxins being released so your body does not reabsorb them, and peroxide to aid in riding the body of toxins as well as being wonderful for the immune system.

For dry skin, add the oatmeal to the bath along with whole, almond, or coconut milk if you have it. I also like to add coconut oil in some way so I will either add a small chunk or take in my mixture from above and use that while I’m in there. Adding these extras to your bath will also help other areas of your body that may need it, such as your hair.

I would be careful dry brushing if your skin is very dry because it is brittle at the moment and may easily be broken open.

References:

“101 Uses for Everyday Oils Kit” by Young Living Independent Distributor

“Essential Oils Pocket Reference” by Life Science Publishing

“Everything You Need to Know About… Castor Oil” by MyHealthyLifeNow.

Hair Health

We all want beautiful, healthy hair! Some want long hair while others just want their hair to be thicker. I have some great ideas for all desires and needs to keep our hair healthy, shiny, and glorious!

Personally, I have hypothyroidism, which means I battle hair loss regularly and will for the rest of my life. I am always looking for different holistic methods that will aid in thick, healthy hair while combating hair loss. I hope my compilation below of different methods I have found to give me healthy hair will help you also!

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils (EOs) that will help keep your hair healthy. Essential oils are excellent for cleansing, nourishing, and strengthening the hair follicle and shaft. (I just said shaft haha)

1. Ylang Ylang: promotes thick, shiny, and lustrous hair, while also fighting against hair loss.

2. Rosemary: hair loss

3. Lavender: hair loss, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, dry skin/scalp

4. Cedarwood: hair loss, dry scalp, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff

5. Peppermint: oily scalp, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff

Application:

Dilute 2-4 drops of chosen EO with coconut oil or castor oil and rub into scalp and hair. If you’d like to make it even better, apply to dry hair and then wrap a warm towel around it. Keep on for 30 minutes to an hour, and then wash out in the shower or bath. That isn’t necessary, but is still a great deep-conditioning treatment for dry locks.

TIP: When you are done showering, turn your water to a bit cooler, but not goosebumps-cold. When your skin is under the warm water, your pores open up. When you turn it cooler, the cold closes the pores again, and this includes your hair… rinsing it with cool water right before getting out will close in the wonderful oils you just conditioned with!

Learn more great ways to use essential oils here!

Natural Shampoo

The products we normally use are killing our hair! It strips it of any natural oils our scalp naturally produces as well as the beneficial nutrients in that oil. I still use commercial hair care products, but I’m slowly trying to venture to more natural solutions. I’ve found a few ideas in my search:

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
• 1 Tablespoon Water
• 2-4 drops Essential Oil

Mix ingredients together. Apply to wet hair and rinse out.

1-Ingredient Natural Conditioner

You may think I have tricked you on this one, but it’s not a joke! I constantly talk about the amazing (and many) benefits of coconut oil, and this is another instance where coconut oil gets a gold star! Just take a small amount (a little will go a long way) and start at your ends and work your way up. That way, your scalp is not super oily, which can happen with coconut oil, and is why I am still searching for the best conditioner that’s also natural. However, this is a great conditioner if it works for your hair and doesn’t make it too oily. You can also add in other ingredients for your needs, such as castor oil to promote growth and essential oils, explained in detail above.

If I take a detox bath that has coconut oil in it in some way, I usually won’t even use conditioner because the water has already added it to my hair.

1-Ingredient Hair Rinse

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is another one of my favorite ingredients for skin and hair health. I use it in my detox baths frequently. Make sure to use all-natural ACV with “mother”… that’s the magic right there. Mix about ½ cup ACV with ½ cup cool water and rinse hair with mixture. Rinse lightly with cool water again. ACV makes hair healthy and shiny.

Biotin Supplement

I take a biotin supplement (as often as I remember) to help aid in the growth of my hair as well as the health of my skin and nails.

References:

“Essential Oils Pocket Reference” by Life Science Publishing

Sleep: Insomnia, Nightmares

Sleep

Curing Insomnia

Sweet Dreams

Banishing Nightmares

Stones:

• Sodalite
• Amethyst
• Smoky Quartz

Related Chakra: 3^rd Eye

Place the stones on or near your body. The above properties are amplified when placed on the 3^rd Eye Chakra.

Essential Oils*:

Joy

Joy Essential Oil (EO) is one of my favorites! It makes me feel emotionally stable and even gives me a distinct sense of happiness. I found myself falling asleep with a smile on my face last night while diffusing Joy even though I had a trying night.

Lavender

Not only does Lavender calm your senses and promote relaxation, but it also eases headaches and migraines. I have found, personally, that Lavender protects against nightmares as well.

Release

I just received Release EO in my Essential Rewards package today (woot!) and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Young Living boasts that this is one of their most emotionally balancing oils they have. Quite a statement, no? I have found it to be so. As it is diffusing at this moment, I can tell you it is indeed incredible.

Valerian

Valerian has been clinically proven for its tranquilizing properties and calming effect on the central nervous system. Taking this EO as a supplement or diffusing it are both great ways to ease nighttime ailments such as nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness.

Diffuse these oils (separately) while you sleep. Put a few drops in your hands… cup your hands over your nose and inhale. Then take your hands and rub them lightly over your pillow(s).

Learn more ways to use essential oils here!

Find out how where to buy essential oils and how to earn 24% off your order every single time! 

* I use Young Living Essential Oils because they are the highest quality therapeutic—grade oils.

More Great Articles:

• Where to Buy Essential Oils
• How to Use Essential Oils
• Hair Health
• Skin Health

References:

“Essential Oils Pocket Reference” by Life Science Publishing

Where to Buy Essential Oils

I have scoured the interwebs in my search for the most natural, healthy essential oil companies and one conclusion ended all doubt… Young Living (YL) is the best. After trying YL in comparison to other companies distilling the oils, I knew I couldn’t go back. I’ll let the company’s mission statement speak for itself, “We honor our stewardship to champion nature’s living energy, essential oils, by fostering a community of healing and discovery while inspiring individuals to wellness, purpose, and abundance.” Young Living Essential Oils are 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils. They set the standard for purity and authenticity. They carefully monitor every step of the production of their oils from Seed to Seal – from the time the first seed is planted to the time the bottle is sealed.

If you want to get the best deal on essential oils, become a wholesale member to receive 24% off retail prices! You will also then qualify for the Premium Starter Kit! You don’t have to become a wholesale member to buy the oils. You will pay more for the oils at the retail value, but you do have the option to become a retail member instead of wholesale.  Here’s what’s included in the Premium Starter Kit ($300 retail value but wholesale members can get it for JUST $160 <– that’s a great deal!:

• The Everyday Oils collection – 10 of the most popular essential oils from Young Living, including (all 5 ml bottles) Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Frankincense, PanAway, Thieves, Purification, Copaiba, R.C. and DiGize.
• A home diffuser (retail value $96 – this is a staple in my home)
• Essential oils user’s guide
• Stress Away 5-ml bottle
• AromaGlide Roller Fitment (to turn any oil into a roll on)
• 10 Sample Packets (for you to share with your friends!)
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Bottles and Business Cards
• Two NingXia Red 2-oz. samples (energy support)
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine (new!)
• Member Resources and Information

Remember: you’re NOT obligated to make any further purchases after this. Wholesale membership simply allows you to buy the Premium Starter Kit at a huge discount.

How to Sign Up as a Wholesale Member

1. Click over to the Sign-Up page.

2. Select “Sign up as: Young Living Wholesale Member”.

3. The “Enroller ID” and “Sponsor ID” boxes should already be filled in for you. But if not, enter 2529635 for sponsor and 2529635 for enroller. 

4. Fill out your name, billing address, shipping address, and contact info. You’ll be asked for your social security number… that’s for tax purposes. If you make over $600/year PROFIT selling Young Living products, you will receive a 1099 form in the mail, as is required by law. Young Living will never share this info with anyone.

5. Create your password and pin which you will use to log in to your account and order your oils.

6. Select your order: the “Premium”, “Basic “Plus” or “Basic” Starter Kit. I highly recommend the Premium: it comes with everything you need to get started, and it’s the best value of the three.

7. Set up your *optional* Essential Rewards Program (ER). You are NOT required to enroll in this program. This is a rewards program to earn money to pay for your oils. At this point, you can skip this step by selecting: ‘No, thank you. I plan on enrolling in the Essential Rewards Program later’.

8. Agree to the Terms & Conditions.

9. CONFIRM YOUR ORDER! I’ve had many folks miss this step and end up not fully checking out – and I don’t want you missing out on your oils!

That’s really it. Everything else is just a HUGE bonus for you. Tons of resources, free shiz, living a healthy life… you get the idea.

WooHoo!! Your life is about to change. BAM. Do you feel it? It’s exciting, I know. Your enrollment gift is on its way and I will touch base with you soon to see how you like your oils.

There’s More!!

When you sign up as a wholesale member under me, you also get the added benefits of utilizing all the great resources of Don’t Mess with Mama, who I have found to be extremely useful in learning about the oils and then furthering my oil endeavor. She also has a beneficial FaceBook page! Everyone who signs up under me will also get an enrollment gift, which will be given or sent immediately upon sign-up.

No Gimmicks! Seriously!

Here’s the thing… once you try these oils, you won’t go back either. So you can do one of two things… both of which are great!

1. Sign up as a retail member to purchase the oils individually at retail price.
2. Sign up as a wholesale member with no fees, plus 24% off retail value. You don’t have to sell anything. If you want to make this into a business, you absolutely can, but that’s up to you! All that wholesale membership requires is a Personal Value (PV) purchase of at least 50 a year… since the majority of PV are dollar for dollar, the Premium Starter Kit you get at half price for $160 upon registering will satisfy that requirement for this year. You would then want to purchase $50 worth of oils next year, but I doubt you’ll be able to wait that long! Plus, if you decide against it, your wholesale membership will just deactivate and you will lose any points you may have earned on Essential Rewards. Young Living won’t charge your card each year for however many years… if you decided next year you did not want to order, your account would simply be put on hold, in a sense.

If you have any questions about retail versus wholesale membership, Essential Rewards, etc., please do not hesitate to ask! I am here to help!

Other helpful links:

1. Young Living explains essential oils with text, video, and photos.
2. Young Living essential oil guide
3. Ways to Use Essential Oils
4. 20+ Ways to Live a Healthier Life
5. How I Lost 50 Pounds… Without Working Out!!