Recipes with Essential Oils

Back to School Diffuser Recipes

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 21:31:07 +0200

Going back to school can be mentally and emotionally challenging for kids and parents alike. Essential oils can help make the transition easier! Diffuse essential oils on school days to boost energy, increase focus, and calm an anxious mind. Here are 8 Back to School Diffuser Recipes for a successful year!

I have a love-hate relationship with Back to School. On one hand, it’s nice to get back to a regular routine and structure. Summer can get monotonous. A new school year brings new experiences and new friends. It’s also exciting (for kids at least) to shop for new clothes and school supplies.

As summer comes to an end it’s back to early mornings, busy afternoons, and hectic evenings. Once school starts, we tend to spend less time together as a family. It’s also a sad reminder that we are one year closer to our babies leaving the nest. I get all the feels on the first day of school!

Essential oils can make going back to school easier! Here are the Best Essential Oils for School:

Peppermint ~ energy
Rosemary ~ mental focus
Lavender ~ relaxation
Orange ~ memory aid
Basil ~ concentration
Stress Away ~ emotional balance
Lemon ~ cheering
Thieves ~ immune support
Bergamot ~ motivating
Ylang Ylang ~ eases anxiety
Cedarwood ~ clarity
Grapefruit ~ mood-lifting

Diffusing is a wonderful way to experience the benefits of essential oils throughout the day. Get the diffuser going before the kids wake up for an added boost of energy in the morning.

If you are doing school at home, keep the diffuser going with a focus blend to keep everyone on task. Once school is done and the kids are home, mix up a diffuser blend to help them wind down and get homework done.

Ready to try essential oils? Purchase the therapeutic grade essential oils used in these recipes here.

8 Diffuser Blend Recipes for Back to School

Perfect Attendance

This diffuser blend is great for supporting a healthy immune system all year round.

3 drops Thieves
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Oregano

Sweet Dreams

Calm an anxious mind after a long day and ease into restful slumber with this dreamy blend.

3 drops Cedarwood
3 drops Lavender
1 drop Vetiver

Wake Up

Start the day with a pep in your step! Wake up with this energizing diffuser blend.

6 drops Peppermint
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Lime

Chilled Out

Sit back and chill out after a long day at school. This blend helps your body and your brain relax.

3 drops Geranium
2 drops Bergamot
3 drops Lavender

Serene Students

Step into a moment of calm and serenity when the day is done. This blend is perfect for the hectic time between dinner and bedtime.

2 drops Ylang Ylang
3 drops Orange
2 drops Cedarwood

Homework Helper

This focus blend helps with mental sharpness and clarity. Homework time doesn’t have to be a battle.

3 drops Clarity
2 drops Vetiver
2 drops Lemongrass
2 drops Cedarwood

Smarts On

Got a big project or a test to study for? Get your smarts on with this perky diffuser blend.

4 drops Peppermint
2 drops Rosemary
4 drops Orange

Be Brave

Say goodbye to first-day jitters and face challenges head-on with this brave blend.

2 drops Grapefruit
3 drops Stress Away
2 drops Basil

Got little ones heading back to school? Check out my favorite ways to make the school year a success with essential oils! Plus, get 3 roller blend recipes that will keep kids calm and focused. Find out how to have Back to School Success with Essential Oils.

More essential oils recipes for Back to School:

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Mermaid Hair Spray

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:06:37 +0200

I picture mermaids with long, beachy windblown locks that look effortlessly beautiful. Mermaid hair, don’t care as they say. This Homemade Mermaid Hair Spray supports stronger, longer, and healthier hair. Your hair will look healthy and natural with a mermaid vibe!

I’ve always had thick hair that was the envy of my three sisters. When I had my daughter, her hair did not disappoint. Not only is her hair thicker than mine, but it’s also wild and curly. She constantly gets compliments on her hair.

I struggled with caring for her hair the first few years. It didn’t have the same texture as mine, and sometimes brushing it was a nightmare. I knew that any product I used on her hair would need to be free of parabens, surfactants, and synthetic fragrances.

I turned to essential oils and homemade recipes to keep her hair healthy, and also to keep her safe from unwanted chemicals. It took me some time to find the right balance that worked for her unique head of hair. A quality shampoo & conditioner, detangler, and a wet brush worked like magic along with this essential oil mermaid hair spray recipe.

This Homemade Mermaid Hair Spay uses a combination of essential oils that promote hair growth, balance oil, and restore moisture.

Best Essential Oils for Healthy Hair

chamomile
cedarwood
clary sage
eucalyptus
geranium
jasmine
lavender
lemongrass
peppermint
rose
rosemary
sandalwood
tea tree
ylang-ylang

Mermaid Hair Spray Ingredients

Rosemary essential oil improves circulation which can stimulate hair growth. It may also help a dry or itchy scalp
Lavender essential oil reduces hair loss, thinning, and breakage by conditioning hair follicles and reducing bacteria
Cedarwood has similar benefits to rosemary and lavender. It is a wonderful choice to promote thick and healthy hair
Tea Tree has so many uses, and it can even benefit your hair. Tea Tree supports hair growth by clearing your follicles and moisturizing your scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Witch Hazel acts as a base in this recipe and helps the essential oils homogenize. It can stimulate blood flow in the scalp area and reduce build-up and flakes. Use alcohol-free witch hazel to avoid drying out the hair

DIY Mermaid Hair Spray Recipe

Ingredients

15 drops Rosemary (where to buy)
15 drops Lavender (where to buy)
15 drops Cedarwood (where to buy)
15 drops Tea Tree (where to buy)
witch hazel
4-oz glass spray bottle

Directions

Using a funnel, add essential oils to a 4-oz glass spray bottle. Fill to the top with witch hazel. Swirl to combine. Store in a cool and dark place for up to 6 months.

Notes and Substitutions

A carrier oil is optional in this recipe, but if your hair needs extra moisture you can add a teaspoon of argan oil for an added benefit.

You can substitute frankincense, clary sage, or geranium in this recipe for any of the essential oils.

How to Use Mermaid Hair Spray

Spray generously onto the roots of your hair and gently massage it into the scalp. Lift up bottom sections and spray onto roots. Add a few sprays to the ends if hair seems dry or in between cuts.

You can use this spray on wet or dry hair. I like to use it after a shower when my hair is damp, but not fully dry. Use daily for best results.

More essential oil hair recipes you might enjoy:

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How to Stay Safe Using Essential Oils in the Sun

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 21:43:02 +0200

One of life’s greatest pleasures is soaking up the sun outdoors. If you regularly use essential oils and spend time in the sunshine, you run the risk of irritating or even burning your skin. Some essential oils can cause photosensitivity. Stay sun safe! Find out How to Stay Safe Using Essential Oils in the Sun.

One of my all-time favorite essential oil blends to use is stress away. I keep a roller bottle in my purse or pool bag at all times. If I’m out in public I often pull it out of my bag almost unconsciously and apply it to my wrists and forearms.

I once made the mistake of applying a generous amount of stress away to my forearms and spending some time sitting in the sun at the park. The next day I had a red mark that resembled a sunburn, exactly where I had applied the oil. Lesson learned.

Stress Away contains lime essential oil, which is phototoxic. If you try to avoid citrus oils when in the sun, be sure the essential oil blends you apply are safe in the sunshine.

Which Essential Oils are Photosensitive?

Essential oils that are cold-pressed, like citrus oils, are photosensitive. They contain unique compounds called furanocoumarins that increase UV sensitivity.

Photosensitive essential oils can cause chemically induced skin irritation when the skin is exposed to UV rays, similar to a sunburn. This also applies to tanning beds. The sun and photosensitive essential oils don’t mix!

Here is a list of photosensitive essential oils that you need to avoid when directly in the sun. Avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours with the following essential oil singles:

Angelica
Cedarwood
Cinnamon Bark
Clary Sage
Ginger
Grapefruit
Jade Lemon
Lemon
Neroli
Ocotea
Patchouli
Tangerine

Essential oil blends that contain one or more of the essential oil listed above should also be avoided for at least 12 hours:

Abundance
Acceptance
Australian Blue
Awaken
Brain Power
Build your Dream
Celebration
Christmas Spirit
Clarity
Common Sense
Deep Relief Roll-on
DiGize
Dragon Time
Dream Catcher
Egyptian Gold
Excite
Forgiveness
Gentle Baby
Joy
Peace & Calming
Stress Away
Thieves

*for a full list of photosensitive blends, see the graphic below.

Avoid the sun for 24 hours after using:

Citrus Fresh
Live with Passion

Avoid the sun for 48 after applying:

Bergamot
Lime
Orange

Which Essential Oils are Safe to Use in the Sun?

The majority of photosensitive essential oils come from citrus fruits, making them easy to remember. However, there are other oils that can be phototoxic. Paying close attention to labels is the best way to protect yourself from the sun when using essential oils.

Young Living labels all of their essential oil bottles with usage directions. If an oil may cause photosensitivity, it will be listed there. If the label does not mention photosensitivity, you can assume it is safe to apply and spend time in the sun.

Some popular essential oils that are considered sun-safe include:

Eucalyptus
Frankincense
Geranium
Lavender
Lemongrass
Peppermint
Pine
Purification
Palmarosa
Rosemary
Tea Tree
Ylang Ylang

How to Stay Safe Using Essential Oils in the Sun

Essential oils are a wonderful addition to daily life, especially in the summertime. There are steps you can take to stay sun-safe when enjoying an essential oil lifestyle:

1. Only use photosensitive essential oils in the evening or at bedtime

Peace & Calming is one of my family’s favorite essential oils to apply at bedtime. Peace & Calming is a photosensitive oil due to the orange and tangerine in the blend, both of which should be avoided in the sun. Although I enjoy using this oil topically, it is also great in a diffuser with no added risk.

2. Follow the directions on the label

It can be hard to memorize every single photosensitive essential oil. If you are new to oils, or just need a reminder, the label on each bottle of oil will guide you.

3. Be mindful of the essential oils you apply each day

Sometimes we hastily apply our favorite essential oils in the morning and go on with our day. In the summer, this can be problematic. Apply oils with intention and purpose when the sun is shining. If you do experience irritation after sun exposure, get relief with this Soothing After Sun Spray.

4. Cover Up

If you decide to use essential oils in the sun, wear clothing over the exposed area. Apply oils to the back or lower chest to be on the safe side. If you regularly add essential oils to your beauty routine, wear a hat, sunscreen, and stay in the shade.

More essential oil tips and strategies you may enjoy:

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11 Simple Diffuser Bomb Recipes

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 21:03:13 +0200

Deciding on a diffuser blend can be difficult. It can be influenced by how you are feeling that day, the season, or even by what oils you have on hand. Here are 11 Simple Diffuser Bomb Recipes you can make in advance to save time, and simplify your oil life. Keep your favorite blend next to your diffuser so you can enjoy the aroma of essential oils faster!

Every day I set the intention to diffuse essential oils. Unfortunately, there are those days where the diffuser never even gets turned on. On super busy days I don’t always take the time to mix up a blend and get my diffuser going.

Sometimes I can’t find the oil that I’m looking for (learn my tips and tricks for organizing essential oils). Other days, I overthink what to diffuse, I get sidetracked, and no oils make it into the diffuser. Fail.

Diffuser bombs make it so easy to enjoy the blends you love, without the added time of mixing and blending oils.

What is a Diffuser Bomb?

A diffuser bomb is a pre-mixed blend of essential oils. You simply combine your favorite oils into a glass bottle with a dropper lid. When you are ready to start your diffuser you only have to reach for one bottle to enjoy your favorite blend. No more searching for oil bottles or struggling to create a unique diffuser blend on the fly.

How to make a Diffuser Bomb

The first step in making a diffuser bomb is choosing the perfect essential oils to add to your blend. I like to choose everyday essential oils that are in my budget. Energizing blends are my go-to in the morning and relaxing blends in the evening.

Once you’ve selected the oils, add them directly to the bottle with a funnel. You will not add a carrier oil to the mixture since it is going directly into the diffuser. A 10ml bottle holds about 120-150 drops of oil. It’s the perfect size if you don’t want to drain your oil stash all at once.

When you are ready to start diffusing, gently swirl the oils together to recombine. Add 8-10 drops to your diffuser and start it up. A 10ml bottle should last through about twelve diffuser cycles. You can also reuse a 15ml oil bottle for these recipes, just increase the drops by 20 for each oil.

You can make a diffuser bomb out of your favorite essential oils, or try one of these 10 recipes below:

11 Diffuser Bomb Recipes to Try

Seasonal Support

40 drops Lemon
40 drops Lavender
40 drops Peppermint

Weekend Retreat

30 drops Geranium
30 drops Grapefruit
30 drops Orange
30 drops Idaho Blue Spruce

Beach Day

60 drops Stress Away
40 drops Lime
20 drops Spearmint

Inner Peace

60 drops Peace & Calming
60 drops Lavender

Liquid Sunshine

40 drops Lemon
40 drops Orange
20 drops Tangerine
20 drops Grapefruit

Oh, Joy!

60 drops Joy
60 drops Orange

Pumpkin Spice

40 drops Orange
20 drops Cinnamon Bark
20 drops Clove
20 drops Nutmeg
20 drops Ginger

Unicorn

60 drops Stress Away
15 drops Grapefruit
15 drops Ylang Ylang
15 drops Spearmint
15 drops Orange

Key Lime Pie

60 drops Lemon Verbena
40 drops Lime
20 drops Copaiba

Immune Support

60 drops Thieves
60 drops Lemon

Clear the Air

60 drops Purification
40 drops Lavender
20 drops Bergamot

Ready to get started with essential oils? Get oils here.

More essential oil diffuser recipes you might enjoy:

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Roller Blends for Him

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 15:25:28 +0200

Men and women benefit from essential oils in similar ways. Oils can be used to improve the appearance of the skin, soothe minor muscle discomfort, and even for emotional balance. Get the men in your life excited about using essential oils with these Roller Blends for Him. Let’s face it, we don’t all enjoy the […]

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6 Best Essential Oil Recipes for Men

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 19:52:06 +0200

Do you have a man in your life that enjoys using essential oils in his everyday life? Or maybe you know a guy who isn’t quite ready to jump in. Personal care recipes are a great way to introduce men to essential oils. Dive right into an oily lifestyle with the 6 Best Essential Oil […]

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All About Cedarwood Essential Oil

Sat, 22 May 2021 19:56:15 +0200

With a warm, woodsy aroma cedarwood essential oil will fill your environment with feelings of comfort when diffused. Use cedarwood to wind down after a long day and sink into a moment of peace. It is a wonderful addition to your skincare and household routine. Cedarwood is a must-have for any essential oil lifestyle.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedrus atlantica

Botanical family: Pinaceae

Extraction Method: Steam distilled from the wood of the cedar tree

Fun Facts

Cedarwood is thought to be one of the first essential oils ever extracted in nature. It originally came from the wood of the Cedrus libani or Lebanon cedar tree
The Cedars of Lebanon have significant religious importance and are mentioned in the Bible over 70 times
Very few of these ancient trees remain alive today. Most of the cedarwood essential oil sold today comes from the Cedrus atlantica tree, which is considered a subspecies of the Lebanon cedar

Historical Uses

Cedarwood was first used by ancient Egyptians in the embalming process. Ancient Sumerians later used cedarwood oil as a base for paints. In India, cedarwood was frequently used to ward off insects. Its wood was used by Phonecians to build strong ships that would withstand battle. Historically, cedar is considered an item of luxury and wealth.

Aroma and Tips for Blending

This essential oil has a sweet and woodsy aroma that is both comforting and grounding. It is considered a base when blending with other essential oils. Cedarwood blends well with lavender, cypress, bergamot, orange, and patchouli.

Uses for Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood is approved for topical and aromatic uses. Do not use internally
Apply directly to the skin or use a carrier oil for a long-lasting effect
Diffuse cedarwood before bed to promote relaxation and a more restful sleep
Add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer or toner and apply topically to improve the appearance of skin
Use cedarwood as part of your hair care regimen to promote thick and shiny hair
Make an outdoor spray using cedarwood to ward off unwanted pests
Keep your clothes smelling fresh by adding a few drops of cedarwood to a sachet and placing them in drawers
Use cedarwood all over your home for a fresh and natural deodorizer

Cedarwood Essential Oil Recipes

Make a sleepytime blend using cedarwood essential oil and doze off to dreamland fast. Cedarwood is featured in these Diffuser Recipes for Sleep
Got a man in your life? This Homemade Conditioning Beard Oil recipe promotes a healthy, neat, and well-groomed beard
Create ambiance and set the mood with an essential oil candle. Cedarwood adds a delightful, woodsy aroma that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors
Wood floors require particular care and attention to keep them looking new. This Wood Floor Cleaner will leave your floors clean, shiny, and polished, with no harmful chemicals involved
Leave your worries behind with an essential oil roller blend for emotional balance. Feel more peaceful and grounded with this No Worries Roller Blend
Cedarwood makes a wonderful addition to a homemade men’s cologne due to its rich, woodsy aroma

Find all of our recipes using Cedarwood essential oil by clicking here.

Click the banner above to see all of the featured oils in our Getting to Know Essential Oils series!

*Disclaimer: The statements made on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition.

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Diffuser Recipes for Sleep

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 18:43:06 +0200

Sleep doesn’t come naturally to all people. Our bodies and minds function at their best after a good night’s rest, but falling asleep and staying asleep is another story. Essential oils can help you relax, put aside the worries of the day, and calm your mind. Add these diffuser recipes for sleep to your nighttime routine, and settle into a more peaceful sleep.

My children have been horrible sleepers since birth. It is one of the reasons I initially turned to essential oils. Diffusing essential oils and applying them topically has been a huge part of our nighttime routine. Every night we get the diffuser going with a sleepytime blend, rub their little toes with their favorite oils, add a quick spritz of a goodnight spray, and off to dreamland they go.

Aromatherapy is frequently associated with relaxation. Most essential oil users turn to aromatherapy to increase or improve sleep. Essential oils contain powerful constituents that can lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Essential oils such as lavender calm the central nervous system and prepare the body for sleep. Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for sleep. It is an excellent remedy for improving sleep quality and duration.

When choosing essential oils to use before bed, select oils that help calm and relax you. Energizing essential oils like peppermint and rosemary may have an opposite effect and may make falling asleep more difficult.

Best Essential Oils for Sleep

Lavender
Cedarwood
Peace & Calming
Gentle Baby
Valerian
Vetiver
Tranquil
Clary Sage
Rutavala
Ylang Ylang
Roman Chamomile
Bergamot
Orange
Frankincense
Copaiba
Geranium

If you or someone you love is not getting enough sleep, incorporate these diffuser blends for sleep into your nighttime routine for a more restful sleep.

6 Best Diffuser Recipes for Sleep

Sleep Support

This blend is safe for most people so it would be good to try with the whole family. Even children and those who might be sensitive to other oils can benefit from diffusing this recipe.

3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Silent Slumber

This blend is perfect to diffuse while practicing deep breathing. Continue to diffuse during the night for uninterrupted sleep. Diffuse this blend on the intermittent setting to keep the effects going as long as possible.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Marjoram
2 drops Roman Chamomile

Cozy and Comfy

Before bed, read a book by lamplight while you breathe deeply for the full calming effect of this blend. This blend will help clear your mind completely and help you focus on sleep.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Cedarwood
1 drop Vetiver

Sweet Sleep

Relax into this blend and dream of a tropical rainforest below a cloud forest. The intoxicating aroma of this blend creates a tranquil environment conducive to sleep.

3 drops Ylang Ylang
3 drops Clary Sage
2 drops Orange

Hush Little Baby

Sleep like a baby with this blend of Peace & Calming and lavender. Peace & Calming is a blend of blue tansy, orange, tangerine, patchouli, and ylang-ylang. This diffuser blend promotes deep feelings of peace.

4 drops Peace & Calming
4 drops Lavender

Vanilla Dreams

This blend is simply dreamy! The rich vanilla top notes are warm and comforting. You’ll be off to dreamland before you know it!

2 drops Vanilla
2 drops Cedarwood
4 drops Lavender

Be sure you are effectively using your essential oil diffusers by checking out our free Comprehensive Diffuser Guide here!

More diffuser recipes you might enjoy:

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Natural DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 03:22:36 +0200

No matter how clean you keep your kitchen, grimy stainless steel appliances can make it look dingy. This DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner will help your kitchen sparkle and shine. Use it all over to clean, polish, and protect stainless steel against fingerprints, watermarks, and grease.

We spend a lot of time in our kitchen. It’s truly the heart of our home. Open floor plans don’t leave much to the imagination. If my kitchen is dirty, the whole house seems untidy. Once the dishes are done and the counters are clear, I always take an extra minute to wipe down the stainless steel.

This safe and natural recipe is perfect for little ones who touch everything. When my kids were babies and learning how to walk they would use the bottom door of the refrigerator to practice standing. As cute as it was, the refrigerator was constantly covered in tiny fingerprints that I couldn’t stay on top of.

Rather than use a store-bought product, I started making my own stainless cleaner that was safe and affordable.

How to Clean Stainless Steel without Chemicals

Stainless steel is not only trendy, but it’s also practical in a kitchen. It is one of the most durable, versatile, and worry-free metals available. It is commonly used on the face of refrigerators, dishwashers, sinks, ovens, and other small appliances. Cleaning stainless steel is easy to do with simple household ingredients you probably already have.

When cleaning stainless steel, start by removing any caked-on food with warm water. If the gunk persists, make a paste with baking soda and wipe clean with a wet cloth. Always use a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge so you don’t scratch the steel. Abrasive cleaners like Windex should be avoided because they can damage the sheen. Be sure to follow the grain, similar to how you would clean wood.

Warm water and a bit of dish soap can tackle larger stains and hard-water marks. Use essential oils to finish the job and give stainless steel a sparkling shine.

The ingredients in this DIY stainless steel cleaner recipe come together to create an effective cleanser that leaves surfaces shiny and streak-free!

Vinegar is a key ingredient in many of my household cleaning recipes because it’s a versatile and affordable cleaning product that you can use all over your home. It’s natural, non-toxic, and effective.

Rubbing Alcohol is an effective degreaser, disinfectant, and general cleaner. The alcohol helps to dissolve the cornstarch so no residue is left behind.

Cornstarch is the secret to a streak-free shine. It dissolves easily in water and doesn’t leave a residue. Cornstarch cuts through stains and polishes the surface, without damaging it.

Essential Oils like Citrus Fresh packs a serious cleaning punch. This oil adds an amazing fragrance to this recipe while wiping out grease stains and grime. You can also use lemon, orange, tangerine, bergamot, or lemon verbena.

Distilled Water is recommended when making DIY household recipes since it contains fewer minerals than tap water. This helps reduce the growth of bacteria and extends the shelf life of the cleaner.

DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner

Ingredients

¼ cup distilled white vinegar
¼ cup rubbing alcohol
1 Tbsp cornstarch
10-12 drops Citrus Fresh essential oil (purchase here)
2 cups distilled water
16 oz spray bottle

Directions

Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of cold water. Add to a 16 oz spray bottle
Use a funnel to add in vinegar, alcohol, and essential oils
Top with distilled water and shake to combine
To use: spray directly onto a stainless steel surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge. Shake before each use

More essential oil recipes you might enjoy:

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Essential Oil Substitutions for All Your Favorites

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 23:05:53 +0200

Running out of your favorite essential oil is the worst! Trying to mix up a diffuser blend becomes impossible. Those roller blends just aren’t the same. The kids aren’t sleeping well and everyone’s cranky. Don’t fret! There are substitutions for almost any oil, so you can get back to oiling fast. Check out these easy essential oil substitutions for all your favorites.

Every essential oil is made up of specific compounds and properties that make it unique. This is influenced by botanical family, native soil, and even climate. Essential oils can be grouped into categories by scent, usage, and individual system support. Finding a good substitute for an essential oil will depend on your use for that oil.

We use essential oils for a variety of reasons. They make a wonderful addition to your cleaning, beauty, cooking, and wellness routine. The most common use is perhaps for scent when diffusing essential oils.

How to Find a Substitute for Your Favorite Essential Oil

Substitution by Scent

Many essential oils have similar aromas, which makes finding a substitution easy. A diffuser blend mixed with Bergamot would smell very similar if Grapefruit was used in its place. Tangerine and Orange, for example, are nearly identical in smell. Nearly all citrus oils have a parallel scent.

Tree oils like Idaho Balsam Fir and Idaho Blue Spruce could be aromatic twins. Floral essential oils like Ylang Ylang and jasmine are delightfully similar. If you run out of a blend, it can easily be recreated by combining the individual blend ingredients. Thieves, for example, can be made by combining Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary.

Substitution by Usage

Some essential oils are polar opposites when it comes to the aroma but they can be used in the same way. Frankincense and Geranium would probably not make the best diffuser blend, but together they can give skin a more youthful appearance.

Tea Tree and Lavender are both wonderful choices for supporting healthy skin, but they smell very differently. Rose and Geranium can both be used to promote radiant skin. A good substitute for Rose would be Geranium. Geranium has similar constituents to Rose such as citronellol and geraniol but in different strengths. If Rose is not in your budget, try Geranium instead.

No two essential oils are identical, but finding a substitution is achievable when you understand their compositions.

Essential oils can also be used as powerful cleaning agents. Limonene, found in citrus oils like Lemon and Orange, has anti-viral properties. It is wonderful for sanitizing and degreasing. When making your favorite DIY cleaner, you can substitute Lemon, Orange, or Lime with a similar effect.

Substitution by System Support

If you’re using essential oils to promote health and wellness, look for substitutes with similar compositions. Think of essential oils like vegetables. Not all vegetables have the same nutrients or even the same chemical makeup. If you are trying to improve your health with vegetables, you would select vegetables that contain the nutrients you may be lacking.

When looking for a substitute, look for oils with similar therapeutic actions. For respiratory support, tree oils have been shown to have a positive effect. Eucalyptus Radiata and Eucalyptus Globulus have similar amounts of the constituent eucalyptol, so they could both be used to support a healthy respiratory system.

When you find yourself in need of a specific oil but don’t have it on hand, try using one of these essential oil substitutions instead!

Easy Essential Oil Substitutions

Essential Oil Singles

Out of this —> Try this

Bergamot – Grapefruit
Ylang Ylang – Jasmine
Rose – Geranium
Frankincense – Elemi
Helichrysum – Lavender
Orange – Tangerine
Peppermint – Spearmint
Thyme – Basil
Lemon – Lemongrass
Lime – Lemon
Copaiba – Myrrh
Cassia – Cinnamon
Sandalwood – Cedarwood
Ginger – Cardamom
Cypress – Pine
Rosemary – Thyme

Essential Oil Blends

Valor – Harmony
Gentle Baby – Peace and Calming
Purification – Citrus Fresh
Christmas Spirit – Winter Nights
PanAway – Cool Azul
Thieves – Cinnamon Bark
Sacred Mountain – Believe
Northern Lights Black Spruce – Pine
Joy – Palmarosa

This is not an exhaustive list. There are more than 90 essential oils and nearly as many blends. Play around with how an essential oil makes you feel when you make a substitution. Keep trying until you find the perfect fit! These are the therapeutic-grade essential oils I use in my home.

More essential oil strategies and tips you might enjoy:

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How to Strip Towels with Essential Oils

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 20:34:17 +0200

If you have stinky, musty towels that never seem to smell clean, it may be time to strip them. Over time hard water can deposit minerals, dirt, and bacteria on your towels and clothes. Renew and refresh your laundry in just three easy steps! Learn how to strip towels with essential oils.

I wouldn’t call myself a hoarder, but I like to get my money’s worth out of things. I love a good deal, but I am always willing to spend more on quality items that will last. Especially when it comes to nice sheets and towels.

Towels should be replaced about every two years, but with regular stripping, they can last much longer. Residue can remain after each wash and little by little that residue builds up, leaving towels stiff and stinky.

Regularly cleaning your washing machine and using a natural laundry detergent will help extend the life of your towels.

You might even notice that towels start to feel heavier when they are wet, and they become less effective at drying. That is a clear sign that it’s time to strip your towels!

What is Laundry Stripping?

Laundry stripping is the process of removing build-up from towels and laundry. It’s easy to do with hot water and a detergent mixture.

Simply soak your towels or laundry in a bathtub with a mixture of washing soda, borax, and detergent. This effortless process leaves towels feeling soft, fluffy, and smelling amazing!

Laundry Stripping Ingredients

Borax is an underrated, lesser-known household cleaning product. It’s a natural mineral also known as sodium tetraborate. Its uses include stain removal, treating mold and mildew, and neutralizing odors. It’s a wonderful addition to any laundry routine
Washing soda, or soda ash, is similar in composition to borax. It can be used as a laundry additive to degrease and deep-clean clothes and towels
Detergent is added to cleanse and sanitize. A powered detergent is preferred since it will dissolve easier in the water. You can use liquid detergent if you are in a pinch, just be sure to stir well before the soaking stage
Essential oils are added due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties. They are great at removing odors. Essential oil like tea tree, lemon, purification, thieves, and eucalyptus are wonderful choices for cleaning

Renew and refresh your laundry in just three easy steps!

How to Strip Towels using Essential Oils

What you’ll need:

¼ cup borax
¼ washing soda
½ cup powdered free & clear detergent
30 drops essential oil (I used Purification)

Step 1: Prep the tub – fill a bathtub or a large bucket with hot water. Combine borax, washing soda, detergent, and essential oils in a glass measuring cup or bowl (essential oils are added to the dry mixture so they disperse evenly into the water). Stir with a large wooden spoon until the powders dissolve

Step 2: Soak the laundry – add clean towels or laundry to the tub. Press towels down with the wooden spoon to fully submerge. Let soak for 4 hours, or until the water cools to room temperature

Step 3: Rinse and dry – drain the bath and remove towels. You’ll be amazed by how much gunk will be left behind in the tub water. Wash in a water-only cycle and dry as normal. Once towels are dry they will be softer, brighter, and smell fresh!

More Essential Oil Laundry Recipes:

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Diffuser Recipes for Every Month of the Year

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 23:55:16 +0200

A New Year is a time for setting goals, making plans, and starting over. It’s a fresh new chance to get it right. Diffuse your way through an amazing year with these Diffuser Recipes for Every Month of the Year.

My diffuser helps me get through the long days and short months that make up a year. Each month of the year comes with a new set of challenges and joys, but essential oils are always by my side.

Have the best year yet with these 12 Diffuser Blend Recipes for Every Month of the Year!

January

January opens the door to a brand new year. Most people start January with some sort of resolution to be the best version of themselves. Hit the ground running in January with these 8 Get Up and Go Diffuser Recipes. This blend with peppermint, rosemary, and marjoram will jumpstart your morning and your year:

3 drops Peppermint
2 drops Rosemary
2 drops Marjoram

February

Love is in the air and warm-fuzzies are plentiful in February. Valentine’s Day is more of a feeling rather than a day, so the entire month of February is best spent celebrating love. This set of Romantic Diffuser Recipes are filled with sugar and spice and everything nice. Set the mood with this romantic blend of grapefruit, jasmine, and black pepper:

4 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Jasmine
1 drop Black Pepper

March

Spring is the season of new beginnings. The weather starts warming up and the leaves and flowers wake up from their slumber. These Spring Diffuser Recipes are perfect for ushering in a new season and bringing on feelings of positivity. This perky blend of ylang-ylang and citrus fresh is a breath of fresh air for the new season:

3 drop Ylang Ylang
5 drops Citrus Fresh

April

April showers bring May flowers! It’s time to get outside and enjoy the smells of spring. When indoors, open the windows and let the fresh air fill up your space. Use your diffuser to purify the air, cleanse the atmosphere, and refresh your mind. Here are 7 Purifying Diffuser Recipes for April. This blend of tea tree, cypress, and lavender is peaceful, crisp, clear, and calm:

3 drops Tea Tree
2 drops Cypress
2 drops Lavender

May

In May the school year comes to an end and stress runs high. With so many loose ends to tie up, it can be hard to relax and unwind. These 10 Soothing Diffuser Recipes for Stress Relief are meant to help you take a deep breath, relax, and clear your mind. This decompression blend is wonderful at the end of a long day:

3 drops Frankincense
2 drops Pine
2 drops Cedarwood

June

The warm weather in June serves as a reminder to get outdoors and soak up the sun! Any of these 6 Summer Diffuser Blend Recipes will help you bask in the vibrant, active life of summertime. Take a brisk walk in a sunny field with tangerine and lemongrass:

4 drops Tangerine
2 drops lemongrass

July

Summer is in full swing in July and it can be hard to keep up with energetic kiddos. Long summer days are often jammed packed with excitement. When you need an extra boost of energy to keep the fun going, reach for an Energizing Diffuser Blend. The aroma of this combination is green and bright with an uplifting feel:

3 drops Lemongrass
2 drops Eucalyptus Radiata
2 drops Rosemary

August

Relaxation is on the menu in August, and it’s time to soak up what’s left of summer. Make some time to do nothing after the hustle and bustle of summertime. These Relaxing Diffuser Recipes will help you kick back and sink into a moment of peace. This blend of valor and palo santo provides a sense of grounding and certainty:

3 drops Valor
3 drops Palo Santo

September

Summer is over and it’s back to school in September. There’s no time to slow down or lose focus. Reach for essential oils that help us with learning, focus, memory, and more. These Diffuser Recipes for Focus are perfect for getting back to business after a long summer. The herbal essential oils in this recipe bring a crisp, freshness to any environment that makes it easier to focus:

3 drops Lemongrass
2 drops Basil

October

Fall is just getting started and it’s going to be a spooky month! These Halloween Diffuser Blends will take you back to a fun-filled night packed with mystery and excitement! This graveyard blend with northern lights black spruce and cedarwood was were inspired by the woodsy trees in a dark forest:

3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
3 drops Cedarwood

November

Certain smells can bring back memories and positive feelings. The smell of cinnamon, apples, hay, and pumpkins remind us of fall. These Fall Harvest Diffuser Blends feature lots of woodsy and herbal scents, accented with citrus and spice.

2 drops Cardamom Essential Oil
2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
3 drops Orange Essential Oil

December

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! December is a time for family and togetherness. Cozy up by the fire and enjoy the twinkling lights and the smells of Christmas time. Try a classic touch of Christmas aroma with cinnamon goodness wrapped in citrus flourishes:

4 drops Tangerine
3 drops Christmas Spirit

If your New Year’s resolution includes making life easier and simpler, these essential oil blends are pre-mixed and specially formulated by Young Living. Use these blends to rediscover peace, balance, and joy in the new year:

Best Essential Oil Blends for the New Year:

Abundance
Release
Harmony
Inspiration
Hope
Clarity
Motivation
Highest Potential
Into the Future
Magnify Your Purpose
Grounding
Awaken

Be sure you are effectively using your essential oil diffusers by checking out this free Comprehensive Diffuser Guide here!

More diffuser recipes you might enjoy:

The post Diffuser Recipes for Every Month of the Year appeared first on Recipes with Essential Oils.

Body Spray with Essential Oils

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 03:23:38 +0200

A Body Spray is perfect for those casual days when you want just a touch of fragrance. Perfume is slightly richer and better suited for an evening on the town. This homemade body spray with essential oils is mild enough for daily use when you’re out and about. Feel confident that you are always smelling fresh!

In the 90s, body sprays were all the rage. I would go to the mall and shop for fun scents like cucumber melon, strawberry nectar, and peaches and cream. I had quite the collection going that was the envy of all my friends. Little did I know at the time, they were incredibly toxic.

Manufacturers are not required by law to disclose the specific ingredients that make up a fragrance. Man-made fragrances contain phthalates to help the smell last longer.

Chemicals from artificial fragrances can pass from the skin into the blood. These chemicals are known carcinogens and neurotoxins and in my opinion, they should be avoided at all costs. None of my beauty recipes contain fragrances.

Make an essential oil body spray that smells amazing and is free of additives and fillers!

Essential oils are the purest form of fragrance in the world. There simply is no substitute. Artificial fragrances often try to replicate the delightful smells of nature. Here are my favorite essential oils to use in body sprays:

Best Essential Oils for Fragrant Body Sprays

Neroli
Lavender
Vanilla
Stress Away
Geranium
Jasmine
Grapefruit
Cedarwood
Lime
Palmarosa
Sandalwood
Bergamot
Orange
Joy

When Vanilla Oleoresin was released by Young living I knew that it would be absolutely perfect to add to a body spray recipe. It has a rich, warm aroma that adds a sweet scent, making it a great choice for a personalized fragrance. I used Joy, Grapefruit, and Vanilla in this body spray recipe. This combination is sweet, cheery, and uplifting.

How to Make a DIY Body Spray with Essential Oils

The best base for a body spray is high-quality clear grain alcohol like vodka. Ethyl alcohol contains a preservative to inhibit microbial contamination and growth. This will give it a long shelf life and keep the oils blended.

Alcohol also properly dissolves and blends the essential oils to disperse the scent evenly. You can always substitute witch hazel, but it will not last as long. My personal preference is 80-100 proof vodka, but you can also use white rum with a similar proof.

Vegetable glycerin is added as an emulsifier to keep the body spray combined, and help the scent stay put. It also has a moisturizing effect, making it gentle on the skin. Distilled water is added to dilute the vodka so the smell is not so overpowering.

Sweet Joy Body Spray

Ingredients

1 oz vodka
1 oz vegetable glycerin
2 ounces distilled water
8 drops Joy essential oil
8 drops Grapefruit essential oil
4 drops Vanilla

Directions

Add vegetable glycerin to a 4-oz spray bottle and drop in essential oils. Use a funnel for easy pouring. Add remaining ingredients and shake well to combine

To use: Swirl gently before use and spritz 2-3 sprays on your chest, neck, and shoulders. Spray directly on the skin, or spray into the air and walk through the mist slowly. You can also spray directly on hair and clothes to intensify the fragrance

More body spray combinations to try:

Mojito Magic

8 drops Stress Away
8 drops Lime
4 drops Vanilla

Citrus Vanilla Splash

6 drops Orange
6 drops Tangerine
4 drops Vanilla

Coconut Dreams

8 drops Ylang Ylang
8 drops Orange
4 drops Ginger
substitute fractionated coconut oil for vegetable glycerin

Have fun mixing different combinations to create your own body spray scents!

Notes and Substitutions:

If you don’t have vegetable glycerin or want to add a carrier oil instead, you can substitute jojoba oil, almond oil, or apricot oil
If you want to add a touch of sparkle, try adding 1 tsp mica to the mixture. It adds a glamorous look for a night on the town!
Citrus oils like grapefruit, orange, and lime are photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight if applied directly to the skin

More essential oil beauty recipes you might enjoy:

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Homemade Essential Oil Gifts for the Holidays

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 01:33:26 +0200

Homemade gifts are sometimes the most thoughtful gifts we can give and receive during the holidays. If you want to surprise and delight your family and friends with a sweet homemade gift, then look no further! These Homemade Essential Oil Gifts are perfect for everyone on your list.

These DIY Homemade Essential Oil Holiday gifts are sure to bring someone joy and merriment this holiday season.

Peppermint Foot Scrub

Give the gift of soft hands and feet this year, without an expensive trip to the spa. This peppermint foot scrub is easy to make and makes a wonderful gift. Wrap it up in a cute jar with a label and you’re done!

Frankincense Body Butter

This luxurious, creamy body butter with Frankincense essential oil is a great gift idea. Make some for yourself and an extra batch to gift for teachers, friends, and pretty much anyone with skin. It’s perfect for the winter months!

Perfume Spray: Floral and Non-Floral Scents

Kick the store-bought perfume to the curb and make your own! These scents are not super sweet, yet still feminine, beautiful, and completely unique. Or, if you are making it for a special man in your life, try one of these cologne recipes.

Holiday Room Sprays

The scents of the holidays can be enjoyed year-round with these festive holiday room sprays. Enjoy the smell of apple cider simmering in the kitchen, toasted spices, and fresh-cut wreaths. The smells of holiday memories!

Christmas Spirit Lip Balm

Make someone you care about a sweet homemade gift filled with the delightful scents of cinnamon, citrus, and spruce. This Christmas spirit lip balm is moisturizing and soothing and is sure to bring its recipient lots of cheer this holiday season.

Vanilla Lip Balm

Soft lips are on everyone’s list! This moisturizing vanilla lip balm is nourishing and gentle, even for sensitive skin. This balm goes on smooth and you can feel it giving you that extra layer of moisture.

Homemade Body Wash

This body wash is so easy to make in small batches and contains just a few ingredients. It rinses clean and leaves my skin feeling fresh. Add your favorite essential oils and whip some up for all your friends and loved ones!

Bath Bomb

Everyone loves bath bombs! This simple homemade bath bomb recipe uses quality ingredients to create an all-natural, affordable bath bomb. You can customize the essential oils to meet anyone’s needs.

Hand Sanitizer

You can never have too much hand sanitizer, especially in the fall and winter. It’s perfect for those times when you can’t get to a sink. Add a cute label and you have a sweet, yet practical gift.

Spa Bath Salts

These spa bath salts will make a wonderful gift. Himalayan pink salt and Epsom salts deliver precious minerals to bath time that can help ease stress and even relieve mild physical discomforts. Give the gift of relaxation!

Homemade Essential Oil Candle

Candles are a popular holiday gift, but unfortunately, store-bought candles are full of chemicals. Make a special someone a homemade candle with essential oils! Candles give off a cozy, relaxing, and comforting ambiance that everyone can appreciate.

You might also enjoy these edible homemade essential oil gifts:

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Cucumber Under-Eye Serum

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 00:08:43 +0200

The skin around the eyes is particularly sensitive and needs extra attention, especially as you age. Stress and lack of sleep can make eyes look puffy, discolored, and tired. An eye serum is a great addition to your nightly skincare routine. This Cucumber Under-Eye Serum helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes.

Use an under-eye serum at night to promote a more youthful appearance in the morning. Wake up looking well-rested and awake. No more tired eyes!

This recipe uses nourishing carrier oils, skin-renewing essential oils, plus a secret ingredient to rejuvenate the skin under your eyes. This serum is lightweight and absorbs easily. It can also be used in the morning under makeup. Don’t skip this important step in your skincare routine!

Eye Serum Ingredients

Cucumber seed oil is the key ingredient in this recipe. Cucumbers are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They also have a high water content, making them great for adding moisture to the skin. Cucumber seed oil nourishes and moisturizes delicate skin, leaving even the most sensitive skin feeling softer. This ingredient adds a delightful, mild scent that is not overpowering.

Boost the hydrating power in this recipe with vegetable glycerine, calendula, and vitamin E for smoother, healthier under-eye skin. Calendula is a key ingredient in our amazing owie ointment. As an added benefit, the calendula may stimulate collagen turnover and restore elasticity.

Essential Oils for Under-Eye Skin

Frankincense and Copaiba essential oils are perfect for the delicate skin under the eyes. Frankincense helps to improve skin tone while reducing the appearance of fine lines. Copaiba was chosen for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce puffiness and minimize dark circles and discolored skin. These oils add a pleasant fragrance that works well with the cucumber and calendula.

This DIY eye serum is all-natural, easy to make, and affordable. Skip the expensive eye creams and make your own at home!

Cucumber Under-Eye Serum Recipe

Ingredients

1 teaspoon cucumber seed oil
1/2 teaspoon calendula gel
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1/4 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
10 drops Frankincense essential oil
10 drops Copaiba essential oil
2 lipgloss tubes (10ml size)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and stir to combine.
Carefully pour the mixture (or use a funnel) into the lip gloss tubes and label.

To use: Using the tip of your ring finger, apply a few drops of the serum under and around your eyes. Your ring finger will have a more gentle touch than your other fingertips to take care of the undereye area which can be more sensitive and delicate. I use my fingertip to spread a thin layer of the serum down and away from the inside of my under eye area. Take great care not to get any serum in your eye.

To store: Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight. This mixture will last up to 6 months in storage.

Note: Other essential oils that you could substitute in this recipe would be Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, Geranium, or Elemi essential oils.

More essential oil recipes you may enjoy:

Want more essential oil recipes for healthy skin? You can find this recipe, plus over 60 more in our digital e-book Essential Oil Recipes for Healthy Hair and Skin.

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All About Vanilla Oleoresin

Sat, 07 Nov 2020 19:03:55 +0200

Like a plate of freshly baked cookies, the scent of vanilla is rich and comforting. It is one of the most recognizable scents in the world. Although not technically an essential oil, vanilla oleoresin can be used in the same way. Use it in personal care recipes, aromatically, or topically. Vanilla is great for lifting moods and promoting feelings of happiness.

Vanilla Oleoresin

Botanical Family

Orchidaceae

Botanical Name

Vanilla planifolia

Common Names

Vanilla C02
Vanilla Extract

Historical Uses for Vanilla

Vanilla originally hails from South America, although most vanilla today comes from Madagascar. It was originally harvested by the Totonacs in Mexico before they were conquered by the Aztecs in the 1400s. They used it as a flavoring for food, drinks, and even cigars. Vanilla was brought to Europe where it became a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. It made its way to America and is now a staple flavoring in almost every home.

Fun Facts

Vanilla is a member of the orchid family. It grows on a vine in long bean pods. The seeds are used to produce vanilla extract
Vanilla oleoresin is not technically an essential oil since it cannot be produced by steam distillation or mechanically extracted from the plant. The solvents are removed from vanilla extract to produce vanilla oleoresin
It is the second most expensive spice behind saffron

Aroma and Tips for Blending

Vanilla has a rich, warm, comforting aroma with sweet top notes
It blends well with most essential oils including mints, citrus, spicy, woodsy oils
Try blending vanilla with peppermint, ylang-ylang, lavender, cedarwood, or pine

Benefits of Vanilla Oleoresin

Vanilla can be used to calm an anxious mind and elevate mood. It contains the compound vanillin which gives it its unique smell and taste. The smell of vanilla can trigger happy memories. Use vanilla to promote feelings of relaxation and relieve nervous tension. It can also help promote healthy sleep when used at bedtime.

How to Use Vanilla Essential Oil

Vanilla oleoresin can be used for topical and aromatic applications. It should not be taken internally
Apply vanilla with a carrier oil for a more long-lasting effect on the skin
Add 1-2 drops to the neck, chest, and stomach to ease anxiety
Add vanilla to a homemade perfume spray for a sweet burst of fragrance
Diffuse vanilla to create a comforting and calm atmosphere in your home
Use vanilla in a good night bedtime spray to promote a restful sleep
Make a DIY foaming hand soap using vanilla to add a delightful fragrance
Incorporate vanilla into a foot scrub or a lip scrub for a sweet DIY gift
Mix with distilled water to create an uplifting holiday room spray
Add the sweet scent of vanilla to a sugar cookie body butter

Diffuser Recipes Featuring Vanilla

Vanilla Dreams

2 drops Vanilla
2 drops Cedarwood
4 drops Lavender

Sweater Weather

2 drops Vanilla
2 drops Pine
3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce

Rootbeer Float

2 drops Vanilla
2 drops Wintergreen

Tropical Creamsicle

3 drops Vanilla
3 drops Orange
2 drops Lime

Vanilla Chai Latte

2 drops Vanilla
2 drops Cardamom
2 drops Cinnamon Bark
1 drop clove
1 drop ginger

Sugar & Spice

3 drops Christmas Spirit
3 drops Vanilla

Click the banner above to see all of the featured oils in our Getting to Know Essential Oils series!

*Disclaimer: The statements made on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition.

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Pumpkin Preserver Spray + Thieves Pumpkin Seeds

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 18:05:58 +0200

One of my favorite fall pastimes is carving pumpkins into grinning jack-o-lanterns and roasting the seeds. Scooping out the oozy, gooey insides of a pumpkin is a fall right of passage. Once you’ve carved a pumpkin, you only get to enjoy its toothy grin for a few days. It’s a lot of work to carve a pumpkin, so make it last longer with this Essential Oil Pumpkin Preserver Spray.

Follow along as I discuss How to Preserve a Pumpkin with Essential Oils, plus a yummy recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Thieves Vitality.

How to Make a Pumpkin Last Longer

Be sure to remove all the seeds and pumpkin guts and fully scrape down the sides so the surface is clean. A large metal spoon works great for this
Refrigerate your pumpkin at night to rehydrate. An ice bath in the sink also works if you don’t have room in your fridge
Avoid using real candles since prolonged heat can start to bake the pumpkin. Try LED candles or glowsticks instead
Spray it down with a DIY pumpkin preserver daily to prevent mold and mildew, and extend the life of your pumpkin

Essential Oil Pumpkin Preserver Spray

Spraying the inside of a carved pumpkin with essential oils can help extend its life and keep it from rotting prematurely. Enjoy your jack-o-lantern longer, even after Halloween.

Ingredients

15 drops Thieves Essential Oil (where to buy)
15 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (where to buy)
2 oz witch hazel
2 oz distilled water

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a 4 oz spray bottle. Shake gently to combine. Generously spray the inside and outside of the pumpkin. Repeat daily until pumpkin begins to mold and soften. Then discard.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

If you plan on carving a pumpkin this fall, don’t forget to save the seeds to roast! You can add Vitality essential oils to roasted pumpkin seeds to intensify the flavor and add a festive spin. This recipe uses Thieves Vitality for a touch of spice, and honey to add sweetness.

Whip this recipe up for a healthy snack you’ll want to eat all season long!

Thieves Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients

2-3 cups raw pumpkin seeds, cleaned
2 drops Thieves Vitality (where to buy)
3 teaspoons cooking oil (avocado or coconut)
1 teaspoon honey or agave
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons Himalayan sea salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl
Fully coat the seeds with the spice & oil mixture
Spread evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet
Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown
Add additional salt to taste

More essential oil recipes you might enjoy:

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Diffuser Blends for Halloween

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 22:54:57 +0200

There’s nothing spookier than toxic chemicals! The ingredients in a scented candle can be quite frightening. Diffusing essential oils is a much safer way to enjoy the smells of the season. Keep the spirits away on all-hallows-eve with one of these Diffuser Blends for Halloween.

Mixing your own Halloween essential oils blends almost feels like you are whipping up a magical concoction. Every day can feel like Halloween!

I love Halloween so much it’s scary! We usually celebrate by carving pumpkins, decorating, and drinking apple cider. My kids are still little, so we keep it pretty mild. Trick or treating in the crisp fall air is a must, followed by a few pieces of a favorite candy. Halloween will always be one of my favorite holidays!

Certain smells can bring back memories and positive feelings. The smell of cinnamon, apples, hay, and pumpkins remind us of fall. These smells might bring on feelings of happiness. Inhaling essential oils can activate fond memories of enjoyable situations.

We diffuse essential oils for many reasons. They can help set a mood and contribute to a peaceful atmosphere. Although a candle is great for adding fragrance to the air, it is not the healthiest choice. Firing up a diffuser blend can feel like the equivalent of lighting a candle. If you are missing candles this fall, try one of these Diffuser Blends Inspired by Candle Scents.

Best Essential Oils for Halloween

The essential oils used in these recipes were inspired by the woodsy trees in a dark forest, the rich earthy smells of a corn maze, and the spicy aroma of a freshly brewed potion.

Patchouli
Frankincense
Black Pepper
Rosemary
Cedarwood
Ginger
Nutmeg
Cinnamon Bark
Thieves
Orange
Copaiba
Grapefruit
Sage
Tangerine
Stress Away
Northern Lights Black Spruce

These Halloween diffuser blends will take you back to a fun-filled night packed with mystery and excitement!

Hocus Pocus

2 drops Pine
2 drops Patchouli
2 drops Lavender
1 drop Frankincense

Pumpkin King

3 drops Copaiba
3 drops Orange
1 drop Cinnamon Bark

Graveyard

3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
3 drops Cedarwood

Frankenfruit

3 drops Grapefruit
3 drops Frankincense
1 drop Black Pepper

Spooky Cider

1 drop Ginger
2 drops Cinnamon Bark
3 drops Lemon

R.I.P

3 drops Rosemary
2 drops Idaho Blue Spruce
2 drops Peppermint

Harvest Moon

3 drops Orange
2 drops Sage
2 drops Patchouli

Candy Corn

2 drops Tangerine
3 drops Stress Away
2 drops Orange

More Ways to Enjoy Halloween Scents:

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a festive felt pumpkin or pad. Place around your house as decoration
Hollow out a miniature pumpkin and fill with Epsom salts. Add 2 drops Cinnamon Bark, 2 drops Nutmeg, and 2 drops Orange essential oils. Use in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room for a portable burst of fall freshness
Make a spooktacular room spray with any of the recipes above. Fill a 4oz spray bottle with equal parts of distilled water and witch hazel. Add the essential oils of your choice

You might also enjoy these diffuser recipes:

Be sure you are effectively using your essential oil diffusers by checking out our free Comprehensive Diffuser Guide here!

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8 Diffuser Blends Inspired by Candle Scents

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 00:09:13 +0200

Candles are great for setting a mood and adding a fragrance to your home. Some of the best smells of the holidays can be found packaged in a candle. If you want to enjoy fragrances in your home, but don’t want to sacrifice your health, diffuse essential oils instead! Here are 8 Diffuser Blends Inspired by Candle Scents.

What is Essential Oil Diffusing?

Ultrasonic diffusers distribute the tiniest components of essential oil into the air through super-fast vibrations. Essential oil diffusing allows you to enjoy the aromatic benefits of essential oils in a safe and beneficial method for your entire family. This comprehensive diffuser guide is a great place to start learning more about diffusing oils!

Dangers of Candles

Most candles are made with paraffin wax. Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum or coal. It’s a cheap alternative to soy and beeswax. Burning candles made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde into the air.

The long term health risks associated with breathing in VOCs include asthma, allergies, and cancer. Candles made with artificial fragrances emit harmful chemicals into the air, ultimately contributing to poor indoor air quality.

Candle companies are not required to disclose the ingredients list in their products. Although they are banned from using lead wicks, it is unknown how many hazardous ingredients a candle may contain.

There is also a fire risk when using candles. Over 15,000 house fires are the direct result of burning candles each year. Most of these fires occur in December when people are more likely to be burning holiday scented candles. Candles come with risks.

Diffusing vs. Candles

Diffusers and candles are both used to disperse fragrance into the air. Candles made from paraffin wax release compounds such as acetone, benzene, and toluene. Pure essential oils, made without fillers, will add fragrance to the air without adding toxins.

Sure, there are quality candles out there that are made using safe ingredients like beeswax or soy wax and essential oils, but at a high cost. A homemade candle is an economical and safe option. You can easily recreate your favorites with these diffuser blends inspired by candle scents.

The cost of diffusing essential oils is considerably less than buying a candle. The average cost of a pumpkin scented candle is about $28 and gives you 70 hours of burn time.

Cost Comparison

5 drops Thieves = $0.70

5 drops Orange = $0.22

70 hours diffusing = $10.73

If you are missing the soft glow of a candle, most diffusers offer relaxing light settings and soothing sounds, giving you the full aromatherapy experience.

Skip the candles this year and reach for a diffuser blend to replace your favorite candle scents!

8 Diffuser Blends Inspired by Candle Scents

There is nothing better than the smell of an apple pie baking in the oven. This blend uses cinnamon, clove, and a hint of citrus to recreate the delightful smell of pie.

Apple Pie

2 drops Cinnamon
3 drops Lemon
1 drop Clove

This spicy diffuser blend will remind you of all the things you love about fall. It is cozy and comforting and will bring on nostalgic memories of hayrides and pumpkin patches.

Pumpkin Spice

3 drops Orange
2 drops Cinnamon Bark
2 drops Thieves
1 drop Clove

The sweet scent of fresh-baked cookies can be found in this blend. Stress Away adds a hint of vanilla to air while the cinnamon and nutmeg give it a touch of spice.

Oven Fresh Cookie

3 drops Stress Away
2 drops Cinnamon
1 drop Nutmeg

The intoxicating scent of Ylang Ylang will take you away to a tropical island paradise. Take a walk through a rainforest with the striking blend of orange, Ylang Ylang, and ginger.

Tropical Island

3 drops Orange
2 drops Ginger
3 drops Ylang Ylang

The majestic trees in the forest are both comforting and restorative. Cedarwood adds richness to this blend, while the cypress and pine usher in the enjoyable scent of evergreen trees.

Evergreen Forest

3 drops Cypress
2 drops Pine
2 drops Cedarwood

This blend brings on the comforting scents of burning wood and leather. Vetiver and spruce are rich, woodsy, and masculine, while the black pepper gives it a touch of smoke.

Fireside Chat

3 drops Vetiver
3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
1 drop Black Pepper

Bring the vibrant scents of summer into your home with this citrusy diffuser blend. Lemon Verbena is the best part of this blend, giving it a rich and cheery finish.

Lemonade Stand

3 drops Lemon
3 drops Lime
2 drops Lemon Verbena

Fresh cut flowers are wonderful in the spring, but you can enjoy them year-round with this blissful floral blend. The exotic combination of jasmine and Ylang Ylang is complemented by the light floral scent of lavender.

Blissful Bouquet

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Jasmine
3 drops Ylang Ylang

Be sure you are effectively using your essential oil diffusers by checking out our free Comprehensive Diffuser Guide here!

You might also enjoy these diffuser recipes:

The post 8 Diffuser Blends Inspired by Candle Scents appeared first on Recipes with Essential Oils.

All About Lemon Verbena

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 02:58:41 +0200

Meet your new favorite essential oil…Lemon Verbena. Brand new to Young Living’s lineup, this essential oil can be used all over your home. Add it to your household cleaning routine, your beauty regimen, or use lemon verbena to freshen the air in your space. The scent of lemon verbena essential oil will stimulate your senses and brighten your day.

Use this zesty essential oil for home fragrance, cleansing the skin, or as a burst of midday freshness with its lively, citrusy aroma.

Lemon Verbena

Botanical Family

Verbenaceae

Common Names

Lemon beebrush
Vervain

Historical Uses

Lemon verbena has South American origins. Its leaves were traditionally used to make a cleansing tea. It was brought to Europe in the 17th century by the Spanish and Portuguese. The oil was then cultivated for use in the perfume industry. Verbena leaves are frequently used to add a lemon flavor to food and drinks.

Fun Facts

Despite its name, lemon verbena is not a citrus oil
In Little House on the Prairie, Laura’s teacher, Miss Beadle, wore lemon verbena oil as her signature scent
The long green leaves of the verbena plant emit a strong lemony scent, repelling certain insects and pests
Ancient Greeks placed dried lemon verbena leaves under their pillows to promote pleasant dreams

Aroma and Tips for Blending

Lemon verbena essential oil is steamed distilled from the long green leaves of the verbena plant
It has an intense, lemony scent with grassy and floral top notes
This essential oil blends well with peppermint, spearmint, lemon, neroli, and palmarosa for a unique fragrance

How to Use Lemon Verbena Essential Oil

Lemon verbena essential oil can be used for topical and aromatic applications. It should not be taken internally. It is gentle and safe for most users
Apply lemon verbena with a carrier oil for a more long-lasting effect on the skin
Add 1-2 drops to the abdomen to aid in digestion
Lemon verbena is a great choice for a custom energizing perfume spray
Use this essential oil in a diffuser for a cleansing, elevating aroma in your home
Make a DIY foaming hand soap or dish soap using lemon verbena to add a burst of fragrance
Incorporate this oil into your favorite facial moisturizer for a cleansing effect
Mix with witch hazel and distilled water to create an uplifting room spray
Adds a lemony cleaning boost to your favorite household cleaning spray

Benefits of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil

Lemon verbena contains high amounts of the constituent citral, which is also found in lemongrass
It contains antioxidants, making it great for the skin
Lemon verbena can be used to calm an anxious mind
Helps promote healthy rest and sleep

Diffuser Recipes Featuring Lemon Verbena

2 drops Lemon Verbena
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Peppermint

3 drops Lemon Verbena
2 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Palmarosa

3 drops Lemon Verbena
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Bergamot

3 drops Lemon Verbena
2 drops Spearmint
2 drops Lemon
1 drop Eucalyptus Globulous

2 drops Lemon Verbena
2 drops Stress Away
2 drops Lime

Click the banner above to see all of the featured oils in our Getting to Know Essential Oils series!

The post All About Lemon Verbena appeared first on Recipes with Essential Oils.