How To Use Essential Oils Throughout The Home

Guest Author: BusyBee Cleaning Services

Essential oils may be great for aromatherapy, but can they really be used to help clean your home? In fact, lemon, tea tree, rosemary, lavender, and peppermint essential oils are all naturally antibacterial, whereas many more, like orange, pine, and eucalyptus, are often major ingredients in less-natural cleaning products. For me, the initial purchase of a bunch of essential oils was absolutely worth it; only a few drops are ever used at once, and they have plenty of uses around the home. Here are just a few of the ways you can clean and freshen your house with them.

Create Your Own, Cheaper Air Freshener

  • This is an obvious one, but it’s very useful. Pick your favorite scent and put it in a spray bottle with some distilled water. Spray as necessary. I like to spray a lavender freshener on linens.

Repel Pests

  • Put a drop of oil on a cotton ball, and scatter a bunch of these around your kitchen. Peppermint oil repels mice and spiders, while lavender, citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary oils repel flying insects.

Freshen Clothes

  • Either put a nice scent, like lavender oil, on cotton balls and put them in your dresser, or create a sachet out of rice, a few drops of oil, and spare cloth.
  • You can also put a few drops of your favorite oils onto a damp cloth and throw it in the dryer as an alternative to scented dryer sheets.

Take Deep Breaths

  • Eucalyptus oil in the shower, in your humidifier, or just in a pan of simmering water on the stove can help you breathe easier.

Kill or Prevent Mold

  • Mix tea tree oil and water and spray onto the affected area to get rid of mold and mildew. Let it sit and then wipe it away.

Deodorize Trashcans

  • Mix hot, soapy water with some eucalyptus oil and swirl it in the bottom of your trash can if it needs a freshened smell.

Repel Foot Odors

  • Use basil or lavender oil in your shoes. I like to put a cotton ball with basil oil on it in my shoe caddy.

Make Your Dishes Sparkle

  • Put a few drops of lemon oil into your dishwasher before running it.

Create a Dry Wash

  • If you have non-leather upholstery, you can freshen it with oils combined with baking soda. Dust it on and then vacuum it off. Lemon, peppermint, lavender, and ylang-ylang oils work best.
  • Combine baking soda with the powerful germicide eucalyptus to destroy dust mites on your mattress or your child’s stuffed animals.

Repel Pet Odors

  • Mop up strong pet odors with hot water, a cleanser, and either lemongrass or geranium oils.

Keep the Toilet Fresh

  • Add drops of tea tree oil to your toilet tank so every time someone flushes, it fills the bathroom with a nice scent. It also cleans the inside of the toilet.

Get Gum Off

  • Lemon and orange oils can get rid of many different sticky materials. (Launder immediately after using it on clothing to avoid stains.)

Clean Wooden Cutting Boards

  • Use the powerful thyme essential oil to destroy germs.

And there are plenty more ideas out there! I have to admit that whenever I see a new cleaning tip that includes essential oils, I get a little excited. They can make your house smell great in no time!Source: Busybee Cleaning Services


Essential Oil Bruise Blend Roll-On

Bruise Blend Essential Oils

Sunday Afternoon Concocting Session

A good friend & I spent about 6.5 hours on Sunday blending essential oils, mixing up foaming soap, hair treatment, shower gel, moisturizing body butter & a number of specific essential oil roll-on blends. I had so much fun!!

One of the blends is a bruise blend I really like.  I have found that using this blend on bruises (even on some of my really painful bruises) reduced the pain significantly in about 10 minutes.  In my experience, I noticed that the black and blue of the bruise lightened up and swelling went down.

There are 4 essential oils in this blend.  A snap shot of each oil is listed below:

Helichrysum – Helichrysum italicum

Country of origin: North Africa

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Plant Parts Used: Flowers

Botanical Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

Aroma: Deep, Herbaceous, Warm

Note: Middle-Base

Precautions:  1) Can be irritating if used in excess or not diluted properly.  2) If pregnant, check with your doctor prior to use.

Blue Tansy – Tanacetum annuum

Country of origin: Morocco

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Plant Parts Used: Aerial parts of the flowering plants

Botanical Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

Aroma: Warm, Sweet, Soft,  Herbaceous

Note: Middle

Precautions:  Avoid with epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease

Lavender –  Lavandula angustifolia

Country of origin: France

Extraction Method:  Steam Distilled

Plant Parts Used: Flowers

Botanical Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Aroma: Floral, Fresh, Herbaceous, Sweet

Note: Middle

Precautions:  1) Don’t use if you have low blood pressure.  2) Moderate and low dilution is okay for kids.  3) Use only with doctor’s OK when pregnant.

Frankincense – Boswellia carterii

Country of origin: Egypt, Somalia

Extraction Method:  Steam Distilled

Plant Parts Used: Gum Resin

Botanical Family: Burseraceae

Aroma: Balsamic, Earthy, Resinous, Warm

Note: Base

Precautions:  1) Can cause skin irritation. Skin test on a small area. Dilute with carrier oil if needed. 

I thought I’d share the bruise blend with you.

Bruise Blend Roll-On Recipe

Disclaimer:

Statements concerning essential oils contained in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article and the products discussed  are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

This article is a conversation concerning essential oils, diet options= and the author’s personal experiences.

Follow the general safety guidelines and discuss essential oil treatments with your healthcare provider prior to treating a specific disease or ailment.

 

 


DIY A Roll-On Migraine Blend

Do you get migraines? I’ve got a blend for you!

I gave my migraine blend so some people who suffer from migraines to the point where they are unable to function.  They all said that about 1 minute after they rolled the blend on the back of the neck, forehead & behind the ears.  I was ecstatic!

This is an easy blend, requiring only 4 essential oils, fractionated coconut oil and a roller ball bottle.

Migraine Roll-On Blend

Add the following essential oils to a 10 ml roller ball bottle.

20 drops Basil essential oil.

22 drops Copaiba essential oil

25 drops Lavender essential oil

20 drops Peppermint essential oil

Fill the remaining space in the bottle with fractionated coconut oil.

Roll the bottle to blend the oils.

Apply to forehead, back of the neck & behind the ears as often as needed to take the edge off  of a migraine.

Shop for essential oils HERE.

Disclaimer:

Statements concerning essential oils contained in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article and the products discussed  are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

This article is a conversation concerning essential oils, diet options= and the author’s personal experiences.

Follow the general safety guidelines and discuss essential oil treatments with your healthcare provider prior to treating a specific disease or ailment.

 


Essential Oils as Spices

Easily Use Essential Oils as Spices

Here are a few recipes

Tip: 1 drop (or less)  of essential oil = 2 tsp dried herbs

Italian Seasoning Blend

Ingredients:

Basil Essential Oil

Marjoram Essential Oil

Oregano Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil

Thyme Essential Oil

2 TB Garlic Powder or 1 Garlic Clove (use amount to taste)

Marinera

 

 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients into 2 large cans of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes or whatever you use as your marinara base.

 

 


Herbs De Provence Blend

Ingredients:

Thyme Essential Oil

Marjoram Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil

Fennel Essential Oil

2 Tsp Dried Orange Zest

Directions:

Add to soups, on chicken or on roasted veggies.


Herb Oil Dip

Ingredients:

1 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper

1 Tsp Ground Black Pepper

Oregano Essential Oi

Rosemary Essential Oil

1 Tsp Granulated Garlic

1 Tsp Minced Garlic

1 Tsp Kosher Salt

1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

  1. Combine all
  2. ingredients except olive, on a deep plate or bowl.
  3. Pour olive oil over mixture.

Restless Leg Blend

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually due to leg discomfort. It typically happens in the evenings or nights while you’re sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily. (source: MayoClinic.org)

What can I do about my RLS?

Essential Oils can be used to ease the frustration experienced with RLS.  Try the Restless Leg Blend displayed below:

Restless Leg Essential Oil Blend

Blend 2 – 5 drops each of the the following oils:
Basil
Lavender
German Chamomile (blue)
Cedarwood

Massage blended oils on lower legs and feet prior to going to bed.

Update 10/19/2020:

While we are on the subject of RLS, I want to share an article about pain & sleep.  The author, Jennifer Walker-Journey, presents a very thorough article on the many conditions that cause pain and keep us from getting the rest that we really need.  Included, is a section on RLS. I recommend this article to RLS sufferers.

You can read the article on The Mattress Nerd site.

Pain and Sleep

by Jennifer Walker-Journey

If you are losing sleep due to a painful condition, you could be making your condition worse with each night that passes. In this guide, you’ll learn more about how pain & sleep are connected and find a way to get a good night’s sleep once and for all. (read more)

Excerpt: RLS and Sleep

RLS is most often classified as a neurological sensory disorder. But it is also considered a movement disorder because symptoms are relieved by moving the legs, as well as a sleep disorder since symptoms are generally worse at and can disrupt sleep.

About 7-10% of U.S. adults have RLS, and about 80% of RLS sufferers also experience periodic limb movement of sleep, or PMLS, a condition in which a person involuntarily twitch or jerk their legs or arms every 15 to 40 seconds during sleep. For some people, these movements continue throughout the night.  (Read Entire Article)

Disclaimer:

Statements concerning essential oils contained in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article and the products discussed  are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

This article is a conversation concerning essential oils, diet options= and the author’s personal experiences.

Follow the general safety guidelines and discuss essential oil treatments with your healthcare provider prior to treating a specific disease or ailment.


Spikenard Essential Oil – Pantry Staple

All about Spikenard

Uses

  • Diffuse or apply one to two drops to back of neck or to temples to promote feeling of calmness and relaxation.
  • Create a personalized fragrance by combining Spikenard with Clove, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Myrrh, Wild Orange, Rose, and Vetiver.
  • Combine with a hydrating cream to soften and smooth skin.
  • Add one to two drops to your favorite cleanser or anti-aging product to promote healthy, glowing skin.

Diffuse 2 drops Spikenard, 2 drops Lavender, and 2 drops Ylang Ylang to help reduce stress and relax the body.

 

https://www.mydoterra.com/terisalisbury/#/


Gluten Free Blueberry Lemon Muffins

Use your doTerra Lemon essential oil in this recipe!

Sugar Free Gluten Free Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients:
2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
½ cup brown rice syrup
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Directions:
  1. Mix flour, xanthan gum, baking
  2. Beat egg in medium bowl; add milk, butter, brown rice syrup, and Lemon essential oil and blend together.
  3. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients.
  4. Mix in blueberries.
  5. Fill lined muffin tins 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

See original post at https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/recipes-sugar-and-gluten-free-blueberry-lemon-muffins


Hummus Recipe – Optional Ingredients for Added Variety

Basic Hummus Recipe

During our online Rosemary conversation, Mark asked for a basic hummus recipe and ideas for optional ingredients, which of course include essential oils 🙂

I wrote up the recipe and sent it, but then decided to share it with with everyone.  So, here it is

Basic Hummus Recipe Including a Variety of Optional Ingredients

(Gluten Free of course)

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas (do not drain)

Minced garlic to taste

Sea salt to taste

Lemon juice (about 2-3 Tablespoons — to taste)

About 1/4 cup Tahini

About 3 tbs Olive oil

In a sauce pan, heat chickpeas, garlic, salt, (if using cayenne, add it now). Let the chickpeas come to a boil, then turn down and simmer for about 10 min.

After the chickpeas are done simmering, pour the chickpea mix into a food processor.

Add olive oil, tahini, & lemon juice. You can add any optional ingredients at this time.

Process until smooth. Taste and if needed add ingredients, process again & repeat.

When done pour into serving dish & drizzle olive oil on top. Add your choice of garnish (I like kalamata olives 🙂

For variety try adding one or more of these during the food processing stage:

1-2 drops Rosemary Oil

1-2 drops Basil oil

1-2 drops Ginger oil

1-2 drops cilantro oil

1-2 oregano oil

Black olives

Green olives

Kalamata olives

Diced red, green, orange or yellow peppers

Parsley

Roasted red peppers

Crushed nuts

Avocado

Pine nuts

Sunflower seeds

Crushed nuts

Cayenne pepper to taste

Black truffle olive oil

Green chile olive oil

Substitute white beans or black beans for chickpeas to change it up

Shop for essential oils here:  https://www.mydoterra.com/terisalisbury


Relax – Detoxify – Destress – Reenergize

Relax & Rejuvinate


Soak: Run a warm (I like mine very hot) bath, filling the tub full but not overflowing J

Add 3 lbs Epsom Salts (Walmart has least expensive)

10 – 15 drops Lavender

10 – 15 drops Rosemary

10 – 15 drops Peppermint

If you have Jacuzzi jets, let them run before you get into the bath, this mixes the oils in the water.

The oils lease stress (lavender), soothe & rejuvenate sore muscles, as well as energize your mind (rosemary & peppermint).

Epsom salts pull toxins & muscle soreness from your body.

Diffuse Lemongrass in a diffuser that has a light (I like to set the diffuser to blue or purple lights for relaxing).  To set a calm mood, use the diffuser as the only light.

Listen: Play music from a nice relaxing playlist that is unobtrusive and calming.

Block Out the World for at least 30 minutes while you soak and enjoy a nice chilled glass of Prosecco.  Remember to also drink lots of water while soaking in the bath.

Shop for essential oils here:  mydoterra.com/terisalisbury


Supporting Gout Sufferers Using Essential Oils

Have you ever thought about gout?

A friend of mine asked me if there was an essential oil blend for gout.  GOUT????  I really didn’t think that was a real thing.  If it was, I thought only old people had gout.  How could I support a gout sufferer?

I told him I would do a little research and find out if there was anything we could do to support him and help ease his gout symptoms.  I learned a lot!

Here are a few facts about gout:

Gout Signs & Symptoms
www.scientificanimations.com/

About half of the time, the first attack of gout causes the sufferer intense pain in the first joint of the big toe.

The initial gout attack almost always happens at night.

Men over the age of 30 are more apt to experience a gout attack.

The Mayo Clinic lists the signs and symptoms of gout on their site.  I’ve listed them here:

Intense joint pain. Gout usually affects the large joint of your big toe, but it can occur in your feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.

Lingering discomfort. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks. Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints.

Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red.

Limited range of motion. Decreased joint mobility may occur as gout progresses.

GO TO THE DOCTOR IF:  You experience sudden and intense pain in a joint.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE FAST IF:  You have a fever and a joint is hot and inflamed.  You might have an infection.

So what is it that puts people at risk for gout? Here’s what the Mayo Clinic says about the risk factors:

You are more likely to develop gout if you have high levels of uric acid in your body.  The things that can raise your uric acid level are:

  • Diet. Eating a diet that’s high in meat and seafood and high in beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) promotes higher levels of uric acid, which increases your risk of gout. Alcohol consumption, especially of beer, also increases the risk of gout.
  • Obesity. If you are overweight, your body produces more uric acid and your kidneys have a more difficult time eliminating uric acid, which greatly increases your risk of gout.
  • Medical conditions. Certain diseases and conditions make it more likely that you’ll develop gout. These include untreated high blood pressure and chronic conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart and kidney diseases.
  • Certain medications. The use of thiazide diuretics — commonly used to treat hypertension — and low-dose aspirin also can increase uric acid levels. So can the use of anti-rejection drugs prescribed for people who have undergone an organ transplant.
  • Family history of gout. If other members of your family have had gout, you’re more likely to develop the disease.
  • Age and sex. Gout occurs more often in men, primarily because women tend to have lower uric acid levels. After menopause, however, women’s uric acid levels approach those of men. Men also are more likely to develop gout earlier — usually between the ages of 30 and 50 — whereas women generally develop signs and symptoms after menopause.
  • Recent surgery or trauma. Experiencing recent surgery or trauma has been associated with an increased risk of developing gout.

All of this is interesting – but what was I going to do to help my friend?  I went back to researching and came up with a few different things.

I created an essential oil blend for topical use:

To affected joint, gently apply 1 to 3 drops each of:

 frankincense (Chosen for its following properties: pain reliefantirheumatic, reduces anxiety)

 lavender (Chosen for its following properties: analgesic, nervine, reduces fever)

peppermint (Chosen for its following properties: ant-inflammatory, reduces fever)

fractionated coconut oil – use enough drops so the combined drops of essential oil is diluted to 50%

Dose:  Several times a day.

See additional essential oil therapies to support gout sufferers.

I had my friend put an ice pack on his toe for about 5 minutes, in order to get his circulation moving.  Following the ice pack, he then applied 1 – 3 drops of the gout blend.  If you choose to invest in quality essential oils, please try shopping here: Shop for Essential Oils

Juice for gout:

I found information that suggested that juice made from the ingredients Breville Juice Fountainbelow can help reduce uric acid in the body.

Cabbage (1/4 head)

Carrots (1 very large)

Celery (3 large stalks, including leaves)

Lemons (1 large, to help balance PH)

I use a Breville Juice Fountain  This thing is super speedy.  I don’t chop, peel (except lemons) or remove extraneous leaves.  I can get a great glass of juice in just a few minutes!

Just like most health issues, changing your diet is a good solution.  In the case of gout, balancing the alkaline in your body is a good first step.   When an abundance of uric acid is in your system, you can guarantee your system is too acidic.    A diet that is gluten free (gluten causes inflammation) and high in alkaline could be a real healer.  Greenopedia has a nice downloadable alkaline-acid food chart.  Going gluten free has never been easier!  Shop the gluten free sections in the grocery store, ask for gluten free menus at restaurants, buy gluten free ingredients to use in preparing meals at home.  It really has gotten easy!!

Do you suffer from gout?  See your doctor, consider adjusting your diet, make use off essential oils,  and juicing therapies.

Disclaimer:

Statements concerning essential oils contained in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article and the products discussed  are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

This article is a conversation concerning essential oils, diet options= and the author’s personal experiences.

Follow the general safety guidelines and discuss essential oil treatments with your healthcare provider prior to treating a specific disease or ailment.