​👅Geographic tongue (erythema migrans) is a benign condition easily confused with lichen planus (an autoimmune disorder). A geographic tongue will be pink to reddish in color with slightly depressed lesions with irregular white or yellow borders. Geographic tongue usually has hereditary and environmental components (epigenetics!)..... meaning that environmental factors may intensify genetic expression.
Some of the more common environmental factors contributing to magnifying geographic tongue characteristics are endocrine disruptors (including birth control pills). Common endocrine disruptors include BPA (found in plastics), Phthalates (found in most mainstream beauty and skin care products), perchlorate (commonly found in tap water), PFC’s (used in nonstick cookware and fast food containers), and organophosphate pesticides.
Reading labels is a royal pain in the tushie, and all of these environmental toxins are not so nicely found everywhere despite having been banned in many other countries. Even if you are not predisposed to a geographic tongue, endocrine disruptors wreak havoc within all of us, and vigilance is needed. Scientists have pointed to all of these toxins as being key players in the more than 50% decline in fertility (for both men and women)  in the USA in the last 30 years.  
I am so thankful that Young Living has a full line of  skin and body care products for both men and women, as well as gorgeous makeup (#SavvyMinerals)  that is safe and free of hidden dangerous chemicals. I could stand on this toxic soapbox for hours, but let’s return to the tongue! 
Geographic tongue is often a clue indicating a disposition towards psoriasis, reactive arthritis, allergies, and type I diabetes. That is not to say someone with a geographic tongue will definitely acquire one or more of these dis-ease states. Rather, it’s important to be aware of the possibility and do “all the things” to minimize the chance of acquiring a chronic autoimmune condition. Chronic stress can also magnify the characteristics of a geographic tongue.
👅A fissured tongue is notable for its deep furrows and cracks. Genetics and environmental factors also play a role. Tobacco use, and iron or B12 deficiency are common influencers of a fissured tongue. This particular tongue characteristic is also often seen in patients with psoriasis, Sjogren's Syndrome, and other autoimmune disorders. 
👅A swollen, inflamed tongue is sometimes seen in celiac disease (an autoimmune intolerance to gluten).
Did you notice a trend? Many of today's tongue clues are tied to autoimmune disorders which ultimately are connected to gut health and environmental toxin exposure and it's so very important to recognize clues and be proactive instead of reactive!  
👅A “scalloped” tongue (ridges or teeth marks on the sides of the tongue) is indicative of fluid retention.
👅Tingling of the tongue may be a symptom of hypoglycemia.
👅 Tongue strength also reveals important clues! Is a person able to stick out his/her tongue, and if so, does it tremble? Remember, the tongue is a strong and very vascular bundle of muscles, much like the heart. Scientists have found that a quivering or trembling tongue is often indicative of a neurological disorder. A tongue quiver may also appear both before a stroke and as an aftermath of a vascular event.
👅As you look at your tongue for any tips or clues, make note of any unusual lumps, discoloration, or localized swelling or sores that do not go away, and contact your favorite health provider should you find something suspicious!
Caring for your tongue is similar to caring for your teeth. A fluoride free toothpaste (have you tried Young Living’s Thieves toothpaste?), oil pulling, and using a copper tongue scraper are all healthy ways to keep your tongue happy!
xoxo~ liz 
#sharingiscaring
#healthcluesyoucanuse
#thetonguespeaks
#goodmedicine
#ThanksYL

No foolin'! Happy April friends!
We will begin to see some slightly different Young Living lingo as we prepare as a company to migrate over to a new gorgeous and easy to use website in the next month. #itshappening !
Our monthly freebies will be called "gift with (qualifying) purchase".... easy enough, right?
Here's a few tips on this month's gift with purchase:
Thieves (15ml): if you haven't popped a roller top on this staple and been applying to the bottoms of your feet on a daily basis, you are missing out on a VIP Immune supportive tool! Remember, what goes on the body affects every cell in the body (good or bad). Thieves is a highly potent "good guy".
Bergamot (5ml): elevate your mood with a few drops of this beauty in your diffuser! It is our pastor's favorite oil to diffuse in his office while he works (one of mine too!).
Grapefruit (15ml): one of my personal favorites! Such a fresh and happy scent in the diffuser, and when applied topically (or using the vitality internally.... remember, same oil different label) it's very supportive of metabolism and lymphatic system flushing.
Jade Lemon (5ml): Another glorious smelling happy citrus oil! I keep a bottle of Jade Lemon in my laundry room and add a few drops to dryer balls to freshen up my laundry.
Tangerine (15ml): My favorite of all the citrus oils! Relaxing and happy ! All of these citrus oils are loaded with limonene...... if you are  inclined..... head over to pubmed.gov and do some digging. You will be shocked (in a good way!) and amazed at what limonene does for us.
Citrus Fresh (15ml): Ya'll, we're all gonna feel like we live smack dab in the middle of a citrus orchard before April is over😍🍊🍋🍈🍊🍋🍈, and I'm good with that! God gave us these fragrances because He knew how impactful they are to our neurotransmitters that need a little happy boost sometimes! I implore you...... grab your books and do some digging. Each one of these oils have powerful jobs beyond just smelling amazing!
Peppermint (15ml): Well now, peppermint anywhere is amazing! Remember that it too comes as both "regular" and "vitality" (same oil, different bottle label). In the diffuser, it's amazing for concentration and focus, and when added to your water it also adds a little pep to your step (and aids in calming unhappy colons!). Topically, it can help cool a hot body (have you ever tried making a "hot day " body spray?). This oil is incredibly versatile and I bet ya'll could drop another 20 ways you have used this oil!
How are ya'll going to use these? Share a way you use one of these oils! You'll be helping others out just by sharing your experiences and victory stories!
xoxo~ liz
www.goodmedicine.info 
Have a great day!

Tongue Clues: Part I
Nobody ever said clue hunting would be glamorous….. Just ask any dental hygienist about health clues found in the mouth! My hat’s off to these health professionals because they see many warning signs and health clues and (hopefully) help save lives in the process! The tongue alone will keep us busy! So grab a mirror and excellent lighting, and let’s proceed!
👅The human tongue is arguably one of the stronger muscle sets of the body. It operates independently of the skeleton and, much like the heart, the tongue is always working. It helps in the mixing process when eating, is crucial to forming letters when we speak and assists in filtering out germs. Even when we sleep, the tongue is constantly working to push saliva down the throat. 
 👅The tongue is also highly vascular. Even the slightest changes in the constituents of an individual’s blood will be reflected in the appearance of the tongue thru color, shape, coating, and markings.
Tongue mapping is an Eastern medicine tool, and Western medicine also uses the tongue’s appearance to provide valuable health information. According to Eastern tongue mapping practices (and I’d encourage you to do a little research on this), the tongue can be roughly divided into 3 sections:
Tip = heart & lungs
Middle = liver, gallbladder, stomach, and spleen
Back = intestines, bladder, kidneys 
As you look at your tongue, take note of where the clues lie on the tongue according to mapping.
In order to identify clues, we first need to establish what a healthy tongue should look like! The best time to look for clues is first thing in the morning (just like the Candida spit test!), before brushing your teeth and tongue.
👅Color should be consistent across the entire tongue, and should be a light pinkish red, with a very thin white coating over it.
👅It should be moist but not too wet or too dry.
👅Small cylindrical taste buds on the entire top surface of the tongue.
👅No cracks, ulcers, teeth marks, lumps, or discolored patches should be present. 
As you look at your tongue, first note the color of the tongue itself (not the film on the tongue just yet).
🔎A very pale or light colored tongue may be indicative of iron deficiency, and is sometimes paired with taste bud atrophy, tongue pain,  and occasionally cracks on the side of the mouth. A pale tongue may also indicate poor circulation in the body. 
🔎A red inflamed tongue (sometimes known as beefy tongue) may indicate a folate or Vitamin B12 deficiency.  Roughly 40% of the adult US population have a B12 deficiency. Frankly, that is not surprising considering the Standard American Diet and extreme overuse of antacids and acid blocking medications which inhibit Vitamin B12 absorption and assimilation.
Now take a look at the “coat” color your tongue is wearing (Remember, a thin white coat is healthy!):
🔎A thicker white or yellowish coating on the tongue may indicate sluggish digestion and even possibly chronic constipation.  Digestive enzymes (Essentialzyme, Essentialzymes-4, Allerzyme, or Detoxzyme) and Life 9 probiotic would be an optimal choice to add to your next Young Living order!
🔎A “sticky looking” coating is suggestive of excess phlegm or mucus production in the body. 
🔎A black or brownish tinted tongue is most often diet and habit related. This is often related to trapped bacteria and yeast. A permanent brown coating may be an indication of lung dysfunction and is often seen in smokers. There are a few medications that can cause a darker coating on the tongue, but this is normally a transient effect that stops once the medication is discontinued. 
🔎Painful white or red patches on the tongue is usually a sign of thrush….evidence of candida overgrowth. It is commonly seen in poorly managed diabetes, after a round of antibiotic therapy, or steroid use (inhaled steroids are notorious for causing this!). All dis-ease begins in the gut, and candida overgrowth anywhere on the body is a sure sign that diet and digestion support desperately need addressing. #lovethegutyourwith
Everything looking good so far? Next week we’ll cover more tongue clues! 
xoxo~ liz 😘
www.goodmedicine.info (just holler if you are in need of a little personalized help!)
#sharingiscaring
#healthcluesyoucanuse
#thetonguespeaks
#goodmedicine
#ThanksYL

Breath Clues: Part II
Becoming aware of HOW you breathe is important both as a health clue and an (inexpensive and valuable!) wellness tool. 
Did you take the quick quiz on the graphic?  If not, take a moment to do so!
Statistically, chronic shallow (mouth, neck, and upper chest) breathing is the most common type of breathing in Westernized cultures. This type of breathing  perpetuates stress and anxiety, activates the "fight or flight" (sympathetic response),  and suppresses the immune system. 
Conversely, diaphragmatic (deep belly) breathing balances the nervous system, supports heart health, improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces stress, calms the mind, and brings the body back into a more homeostatic state. 
Do you notice how some people remain calm, cool, and collected while others become a tightly wound spring with every stressor? The ability to pivot from "fight or flight" to "rest and digest" is incredibly important to health outcomes! ( Pharmacist tip: Learning to do this is helpful in keeping you away from the pharmacy!)  
The longest nerve in the body is called the  👉vagus nerve 👈. It runs from the brain thru the lungs and on to the gut, and affects every organ and body system it comes in contact with along the way ..... stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, heart, lungs, and the immune, endocrine, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. In other words, the vagal nerve pathway is kind of a big deal! 😍
High vagal tone is incredibly important to overall health and wellbeing..... really, it's a use it or lose it situation. Low vagal tone is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, GI disorders, and depression. Diaphragmatic breathing increases vagal tone! 
If deep belly breathing is not something you do on the regular (ie: it's become second nature to you), Here are a few tips and tricks:
👉 Start with just 2 minutes several times a day. 
1. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage, so you can feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.
2. Inhale deeply thru your nose for the count of 6-8 seconds (or 4-5 seconds if that's too much).... allowing your belly to expand. Try to fill your lungs with air. NOTE! The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible.
3. Slowly exhale through your nose for the count of 6-8 (or 4-5) drawing your belly button in and down as your abdomen moves inward.
4. As you breathe inward deeply, envision oxygen flowing inward and recharging your body. As you exhale, envision all the stress and tension leaving your body. 
5. Practice this for 2-3 minutes at a time (20-30 breath cycles). Graduate to 5 minutes as you are able! 
Scientifically noted benefits of diaphragmatic breathing can be further enhanced when you pair your breathing practice with Young Living essential oils known for their supportive roles in  health and wellness goals:
🌿Want to improve mood? Pair your practice with Citrus Fresh eo blend! 
🌿 Looking for better concentration? Try Brain Power or Frankincense!
🌿 Looking to better manage pain? (Yes, deep breathing helps with this too!) Add in PanAway or Deep Relief
🌿 Wanting to lower your blood pressure (Yep, deep breathing exercises does this too!)..... support happy vascular system breathing practices with Joy, Aroma Life, Ylang Ylang, or Lavender.
🌿Lowering blood sugar (amazing what regular deep breathing may do! Consider deep inhalations of Coriander, Melissa, or Christmas Spirit! 
🌿 Improve your sleep. Pair pre bedtime deep breathing with a diffuser loaded with Cedarwood, Orange, and Lavender! 
🌿  Use as a tool in your weight loss journey. Have you tried Grapefruit essential oil or Thieves on the bottom of the feet?
🌿 Strengthen the pelvic floor muscle (which will also improve bladder and bowel elimination function!). Consider pairing with Clary Sage, Cypress, or (Digize 👈 for colon support). 
🌿Better lymphatic flow?.... You'll love Lemon essential oil (both regular and vitality!)! 
Noticing how you are breathing, and then making corrections as needed is a simple, but VIP wellness tool and health clue! Just as diaphragmatic breathing is helpful, chronic shallow breathing will exacerbate many health problems, and over time, may also contribute to lung infections and lung diseases.
Just breathe...... deeply! 
xoxo~ liz
www.goodmedicine.info (👈 if you'd like to know more about additional breathing practices or the oils mentioned above, let's chat!)
#sharingiscaring 
#Godgaveusthetools 
#goodmedicineisgreatbreathinghabits
#goodmedicine 
#ThanksYL

​I’m not going to lie, sometimes looking for clues can get a wee bit uncomfortable. Nobody likes to be told they have bad breath, and this is a clue that will likely require some help from someone who loves you. Kinda like scratching your own back… not easy!..... neither is smelling your own breath!  So grab a partner should you be inclined, and let’s talk about odiferous exhalations. 
There are roughly 10 major causes of halitosis. Gums, mints, and mouthwashes will only do so much good if you don’t address the root of the clue! Of course, some foods can leave malingering odors in the pie-hole and are not of concern. It’s the chronic bad breath that will be leaving you notable clues.

*Rotten or Decaying odors:  This is most commonly caused by gingivitis, a rotten tooth, or medications that cause dry mouth. Dry mouth sets the stage for bacterial invasion, which of course, ultimately leads to tooth decay and plaque-induced gingivitis. There are over 400 medications that are known to cause dry mouth. This is but one reason to work really hard not to need medication in my opinion. Oral health and hygiene goes a LONG way to preventing other dis-ease states in the body (we will chat more about that topic another day). If you are not already using Thieves toothpaste and Thieves mouthwash, I encourage you to add it to your next order! Both are highly effective means for neutralizing odor caused by bad breath bacteria and help fight plaque induced gingivitis.

*A sweet / fruity odor: Officially, this is called ketoacidosis, and some people say it this type of breath also smells like acetone (nail polish remover). An odor like this often indicates an imminent health crisis if related to a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) event. The body is burning fat  instead of glucose at a high rate.  It’s not harmful for the body to burn fat, as long as blood ketone levels do not rise too high in the process. Occasionally, people who engage in a “keto diet” may develop keto breath on the short term. In this instance, it’s not dangerous, but keep your Thieves mints or lozenges handy!

*Sour Acidic: This odor is most often related to reflux. Contrary to common thought, reflux is not often the result of too much acid in the stomach (oftentimes, the opposite is true!). If the very important process of enzymatic & acidic digestion is not occurring in an efficient manner, reflux may result. Essentialzyme caplets might well become your new BFF, should you choose to give them a try! 

*Metallic: This is often a taste as much as a smell. An H. Pylori infection (which can be paired with reflux sometimes too) or certain medications are the most common contributors. Medications that have been found to leave the breath smelling/tasting metallic include some antibiotics, chemo meds, lithium, some arthritis meds, metformin, and some blood pressure meds.

*Faintly mothball like: Chronic allergies, sinus infections, and post nasal drip are the common contributors to this one. Yuck, right? Ya’ll have access to all the healthy tools to make this one go away! Not sure where to start? Ask a seasoned oily pro about their favorite diffuser recipes or DIY nasal spray recipe! Nobody’s got time to run around smelling like mothballs!

*Moldy-Musty: Also called “fetor hepaticus”...this is a symptom of liver disease. 

*Significant morning breath: Everyone has some sort of dragon breath in the morning, but this is the difference between dragon and gecko breath. People who sleep with their mouth open ultimately wake up with a dry mouth which is prime real estate for bacteria colonization. Pair this with certain sleep medications (or any of the other 399 meds) that cause dry mouth, and tooth decay will often soon follow (refer to point #1!)

*Fishy-ammonia: This particular odor is typically related to kidney disease.

*Sour milk: Typically, this odor will be transient following the consumption of dairy products. It is indicative of lactose intolerance.

*Dirty Diapers: Gross, right? An estimated 10% of the adult population is prone to an odd little thing called tonsil stones. A tonsil stone is a semi solid “stone-like”  build up of debris that gets lodged in the folds of the tonsils…… kind of like acne of the tonsils! Tonsil stones don’t generally lead to health complications, but they DO cause gross breath. Other tonsil stone clues may include: (no fever), sore throat, tonsil swelling, and ear pain of unknown origin. Tonsil stones are caused by chronic sinus issues or inadequate dental hygiene. Thankfully there are natural ways to dislodge them and prevent them! Gargling daily (hello Thieves mouthwash!), Oil pulling, staying well hydrated, and consuming probiotics daily are all helpful tools to avoid the dreaded dirty diaper breath! 

If you’re like me, you just went and brushed your teeth and gargled with #alltheThieves oral care products after reading this! Truly tho, these are important health clues and identifying a trending of clues may give you the time to nip a problem before it has a strong foothold.
xoxo~ liz 

#caringissharing
#pharmacistandfarmacist
#applicationofknowledgeispower
#everybreathyoutake 
#goodmedicine
#goodmedicineisknowingthyselfwell
#breathcluesyoucanuse
#ThanksYL

Health Clues You Can Use: The Candida Spit Test
We’ve moved on to the mouth ya’ll! Today we’re only going to cover one topic because it is large and important: Candida. Candida traditionally gets a bad rap as a fungus amongst us, but it actually has a valuable job in digestion and nutrient absorption. The problem is that a little goes a long way, and when its environment is favorable, Candida will take over in a hot minute…...and in our modern world, it doesn’t take long for that to happen! A few of the most common triggers for candida run amok include:
🔥A high carb, high sugar diet
🔥Excessive alcohol consumption
🔥Chronic Stress
🔥Certain medications (eg: Statins, antacids,  birth control pills and synthetic hormone replacement therapies for both men and women,  antibiotics, steroids -including inhaled, immunosuppressants typically given to treat autoimmune disorders)
🔥Heavy metals (think fillings and some tattoo inks)
🔥Even a diet excessively rich in fermented foods can aggravate the healthy gut flora balance. #everythinginmoderationfriends!
A healthy gut generally keeps Candida levels under control. This is but one reason to embrace the daily ritual of taking 👉Young Living’s Life 9 probiotic.  Candida is often a contributor to leaky gut. In a perfect world, everything stays inside the gut, but the little tentacle-like fingers that candida grows may push thru the gut lining causing the digestive tract to leak into the body. This is problematic for many reasons, but for the point here…….Candida can now invade other parts of the body, transitioning into a full-body attack. 
Symptoms of candida overgrowth can be experienced in many different forms:
👉Skin infections and disorders (athlete's foot, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections, ringworm, and fungal infections in folds of skin, eczema, hives and rashes of unknown origin )
👉Nail infections including toenail fungus (go back and check your nail clues notes!)
👉Digestive issues including diarrhea, constipation, and/or bloating
Flareups of autoimmune diseases (including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis)
👉Severe seasonal allergies
👉Itchy ears
👉Strong sugar and refined carb cravings 
👉Difficulty concentrating, brain fog,  poor memory and/or lack of focus
Are your spidey senses humming with some of these clues? If so, it’s time to try the “Candida Spit Test”.
CANDIDA SPIT TEST:
This simple test is best done first thing in the morning before ANYTHING is put into the mouth (even water!). 
Spit into a clear glass filled with water.
Observe your spit every 15 minutes for one hour.
A “positive” test would include the following features:
* Strings of saliva resembling jellyfish tentacles traveling down into the water 
* Cloudy specs suspended in the water
* Cloudy saliva that sinks to the bottom of the glass
If there are none of these features in the glass after one hour,  the odds are in your favor that your Candida population is under control. Remember that our bodies change daily, especially if there has been an extended season of stress or exposure to Candida triggers. This is a good test to consider employing whenever you have a few of the symptoms (ahem, clues!) mentioned above. 
If you discover that you likely do have a candida population explosion, remember to work on eliminating the triggers mentioned above, make sure you are taking Life 9 and one of Young Living’s digestive enzymes (Essentialzymes-4, Essentialzyme, Allerzyme, Detoxzyme, or for the kiddos - MightyZyme) daily for healthy gut support, and consider incorporating  “candida diet” eating habits into your life! 
A healthy immune system will help keep Candida growth in check too! You know what to do, right? Support your body with all the tools available to us through Young Living and nature! 
xoxo~ liz

#caringissharing
#pharmacistandfarmacist
#applicationofknowledgeispower
#guthealthrules 
#goodmedicine
#goodmedicineisknowingthyselfwell
#alldiseasebeginsinthegut
#ThanksYL

* Although we could explore skin clues for the rest of the year, today we’ll wrap up dermal geographical points of interest. You’re getting the idea, right? The body, especially its “packaging” gives loads and loads of early clues as to the direction a body’s health may be headed. As with GPS, you can pay attention to the map and gain control over where you are heading, or you can ignore the map/clues……... and who knows where you may end up! 

* Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin abnormality that results in velvety darker discolorations found most often in body folds and creases. The discoloration develops gradually over time and is most often seen across the back of the neck, armpits, and groin area. Although acanthosis nigricans is sometimes an inherited skin characteristic, the most common cause is diabetes and obesity. Endocrine abnormalities (thyroid) and certain cancers (adenocarcinomas) can also cause this type of skin change. 
Chronic use of certain medications can also cause AN. Birth Control Pills and some hormone replacement therapies, steroids, high dose niacin, and a class of drugs used to treat HIV (protease inhibitors) are the most common offenders. 

* Keratosis pilaris (KP) is an annoying but harmless skin condition which causes dry rough patches and tiny bumps often seen on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. You may have heard it sometimes called “chicken skin”. An estimated 40% of the population has experienced it, and though often related to a Vitamin A deficiency (which is seen in roughly 51% of adults in the USA), KP is most often seen in people who regularly eat a very specific set of food triggers. 
Who’d have thought that 51% of adults in the USA would have a Vitamin A deficiency?.... And yet we do. Vitamin A deficiency will ultimately affect the eyes in addition to the skin. Young Living has a super eye health supplement called Illumineyes  which happens to be loaded with Vitamin A. #killtwobirdswithonestone
Those with KP would do best to avoid common skin irritants found in mainstream bath and body care products. Thankfully, Young Living has us covered here too! They make caring for ourselves so very easy! Have you tried any of the YL bath and shower gels and bar soaps? I’m especially fond of the Morning Start Shower Gel!  
Food triggers are a serious influencer of keratosis pilaris. Thankfully, the foods that tend to trigger the outbreaks are 100% unnecessary and are generally void of  quality nutritional value. These would include:
🔥Refined white sugar
🔥High fructose corn syrup
🔥Trans fats (found predominantly in junk and fast foods)
🔥Refined carbs (white bread, pastries, soda, sugary breakfast cereals, etc)
🔥Artificial flavorings and colorings
🔥Gluten
🔥Commercial (homogenized/pasteurized) dairy
My feeling about KP is that, while annoying and harmless, it is an early red flag clue that bumpy waters may lay ahead if reparations are not in order. If food is a trigger, then the gut is compromised and showing early signs of stress. Don’t let this stress escalate…. It’s a slippery slope. The gut is at the root of all chronic disease throughout the body, not the least of which is digestive disorders themselves! YL’s Life 9 probiotic and a digestive enzyme (Essentialzyme, Essentialzymes-4, Allerzyme, or Detoxzyme) would be excellent supportive measures to get and keep your gut on track.
KP is a common skin condition among children too….. It’s far better to nip things in the bud than it is to let a situation escalate, even if it means going thru a season of junk food withdrawal. Good eating habits are perhaps one of the best gifts you can give a kiddo! Don’t forget that Young Living has Kidscents Mightypro probiotic packets and Mightyzyme chewable digestive enzymes for little tummies too!   
Because KP is actually a buildup of dead tissue, a gentle but effective way to minimize the bumps is by using a “clean” DIY sugar scrub on the areas 3-4 times a week. 
2 cups organic brown sugar
½ cup organic fractionated coconut oil
½ cup honey
5 drops of lavender essential oil

* Dandruff affects roughly 50% of the population and comes in a few common types. It too is more annoying than harmful, but clues are flying with each brushing of the hair! 
Possible causes of dandruff include:
🔥Chronic inflammatory skin condition(s).... Remember skin is a mirror of the gut!
🔥Allergy or sensitivity to something either applied or ingested (again, gut flag!)
🔥Yeast overgrowth (gut flag!)
🔥Omega 3 deficiency
Managing stress is key with any inflammatory condition. Stress reduction techniques  include yoga, prayer, meditation, deep breathing, and utilizing your favorite calming essential oils. 
A whopping 98% of the US population fails when it comes to optimal Omega 3’s in their diet. OmegaGize3 is loaded with what we need so as not to be a part of that epic fail statistic. Other clues of Omega 3 deficiencies may include dry hair, dry skin, depression, dry eyes, joint pain and stiffness.
​
* Thinning hair is something that happens gradually over time. While it is normal to lose around 100 hairs a day, hairs should also be growing back in as they are falling out. Very few people have the hair in their 50’s+ that they had in their 20’s. #aginghappens  
Factors that affect thinning hair may include:
Genetics (family pattern hair loss)
Emotional & physical stress
Medical conditions (thyroid or hormone imbalance, and heart disorders)
Poor nutrition or poor absorption of nutrients
Hair products that make thinning worse
Decrease in collagen production as we age
---Ways to minimize thinning hair include eating nutrient dense foods (and utilizing the YL digestive enzymes mentioned above!), OmegaGize3 !!!, and supplemental collagen (internally). 
Medications will always and forever have side effects. By their very definition they are a toxin, and many of them cause hair loss. Some of the top offenders include:
Certain acne meds
Certain antibiotics
Anti-coagulants (after about 3-4 months)
Statins (cholesterol)
Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, Enbrel, Humira etc)
Some anti seizure meds
Blood pressure meds (those whose generic name ends in -olol or -pril)
Mood stabilizer meds (including paxil, zoloft, amitriptyline, and prozac)
Weight loss meds (eg: phentermine)
Gout meds (allopurinol)
Many chemotherapy agents
Steroids (which are also immunosuppressants)
NSAIDS (ex: ibuprofen, naproxen )
I am not a doctor, and cannot diagnose, treat or cure you. I will however, continue to provide you with clues you can use to help you find your way back to the vibrant healthy person God designed you to be (or to support the vibrant health person you already are!). Which body part should we cover next as we continue to unearth clues?
xoxo~ liz

#caringissharing
#pharmacistandfarmacist
#applicationofknowledgeispower
#skininthegame 
#goodmedicine
#goodmedicineisknowingthyselfwell
#yourskinisamirrortoyourhealth
#ThanksYL

How did we sail (or freeze  😬) thru February so fast? Well, here we are in March 2021 already!
If you are already a Young Living member, take some time today to adjust your Essential Rewards order so you can get the freebies that are calling you name this month.... there are some goodies for sure!  Rutavala and Copaiba are staples at our house. Free is a beautiful thing ( and it means I can get that new tube of YL Savvy mascara and brown multi-tasker I've been needing 😍)!
Here's a little background on the freebies this month from the science side:
👉Blue Cypress: we don't hear about it often...... but I've learned that whenever you see a "blue" oil, sit up and take notice because it's power packed. Not only does it smell AMAZING (one of the reasons it's often found in perfumes), it supports a healthy inflammatory response..... and friends, there is a BIG difference between a healthy and unhealthy inflammatory response 🔥. Do some digging on it...... it also helps create an inhospitable environment for viruses 😉.
👉Idaho Grand Fir (formerly known as Idaho Balsam Fir) is also well known for supporting a healthy inflammatory response. Do you feel like you can breathe more easily when you are in an evergreen forest? Crisp and clean...... but there's more to it than that! These trees have powerful constituents (another word for natural "ingredients") God put in them to help us breathe more easily. Our forefathers (rather, fore-mothers most likely!) used to make syrups and poultices from this tree to help when lungs were not functioning as they should. Do some digging..... our ancestors were some smarties even tho they didn't know the science behind it all!
👉Rutavala is one of my faves! Normally I buy the premade roller bottle to help me sleep at night. ( I Swipe it across the base of my big toes for a great night's sleep). The disadvantage of the roller bottle is that it's premixed with carrier oil and you can't drop it into a diffuser either. This 5ml blend is undiluted, so you can get your relaxation in many different forms! Make your own roller bottle (that's my plan!) or use it however you prefer. Rutavala tends to be seasonal, so it's not uncommon to find it out of stock later in the year....... if you love it, and it serves you well ..... be sure to snag it for free! I believe a good night's sleep is priceless 😴!
👉Copaiba is another of my faves. Frankly, every home should have this one on hand at all times, especially once you realize what it can do. It has a very "quiet" fragrance, but don't let that fool you. It too supports a healthy inflammatory response for everything from teething to sore joints to inflamed tummies or lungs. (Do some digging on this powerful and stealthy oil!)
👉Lavender.... what can I say? It's a Swiss army knife in the oil world. If you aren't sure which oil to grab, 99 times out of 100, Lavender will do the trick! And 15mls on this one friends! ......because you can never have too much lavender in the house! Can I get an Amen??
👉Clary Sage.... it's not just for gals (although gals, it may become your BFF if you need a little assist during "that time of the month" or your spouse or significant other says you have bit of inner dragon * during certain times of the month.) 
Historically speaking, this plant was used to draw thorns and splinters from the skin. I don't know about you, but thorns and splinters still exist.... just ask a farmgirl or farm guy 😂. Did you know.... Clary sage also plays a role in supporting the immune system, calming digestive disorders, and supporting a healthy inflammatory response (especially on the skin?...... perhaps adding a couple drops to your DIY skin serum may be in order? 😉)
All of this goodness is free with qualifying orders.... see the graphic for deets.😍
What's your fave? How do you best use it? Let's help each other out and drop a story about how one of these oils has helped you or your family in the comments below. I might even send someone who comments a little happy mail * just in time for St. Paddy's Day! 
Happy March Everyone!!
xoxo~ liz
www.goodmedicine.info ( 👈 where to go for the good stuff, including a complimentary initial health coaching consult)
#sharingiscaring 
#EssentialRewardsisthepennypinchersparadise
#ThanksYL 
#goodmedicineistheapplicationofknowledge
(PS: if you are already a YL member, but are unsure of what Essential Rewards is or how to use it, please message me or the person who enrolled you for more details!)

 by Stephanie Gregory
Who needs to relax, recenter, or basically just chill out?
Haley Jensen, Senior Manager of Young Livings’ Global Training and Development shows us how to not remain victims of our own lack of self-care.  We can learn to control how we respond to stress.
There are practical tools to help you align yourself, reconnect with your body, your mind,and your spirit.  Incorporating essential oils into these practices creates a synergistic effect.

#1.  Conduct Daily Check-ins in your own sacred space! 
     What do I need to lean into? Say “no” to? Spend my time? What do I need to nourish?  Evaluate your body, your mind, your emotions.
     Sacred Frankincense   Grounding   Sacred Mountain (bottom of your feet, back of your neck, or diffuse)
      Reflecting on your goals?   Envision
      Alignment or clarity?     Cedarwood
      Joy and togetherness      Joy
     Creativity            Lime
     Focus       Peppermint
     Strength & security  White Angelica
     Calm    Lavender
     Motivation    Motivation, Awaken, or Envision
     Passion    Ylang Ylang
     Grounding    Frankincense
     Positive mindset     Lemon
     Positive energy shift   Abundance

#2  Meditating allows you to gain perspective and focus in the present, increases self-awareness, and decreases negative emotions. Depending on what you meditate upon, it changes and rewires your brain. Sit & Breath - align yourself with your values. 
Oils to use to enhance your meditation practice:
            Valor
            Northern Lights Black Spruce
            Sacred Frankincense
            Peace & Calming
            Cedarwood (especially if you are feeling scattered)

#3 Bring positivity!  Smile!
This simple practice releases a cocktail of neuropeptides like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.  Smiling for just 20 seconds will also raise your frequency! 
Essential oils for positive vibes:
Joy
Lemon
Melissa
Orange
Citrus Fresh
Stress Away
White Angelica

#4  Clean up your environment from negative emotions!
Feelings Kit will help you keep your positive mindset and discard the negative. 
For a serious reset use Release or Palo Santo on fingertips of your pointer finger and draw them from your forehead up over the top of your head, down through the back of your neck and out to the tops of your shoulders.  Follow with White Angelica.

#5  Gratitude!  Gratitude releases dopamine. Our brains can only focus on one thing at a time, so thinking about things for which to be grateful is a way to train your brain to look for good things.  
Write a love letter to yourself with everything good about you!   A gratitude journal is a wonderful way to worship our Creator too!  
Gratitude essential oil blend or pick your favorite essential oil to help you think of more beautiful moments.

#6  Daily Movement!   Just 30 minutes will increase your energy and help you process all the things.  
*Exercise will increase: your endorphins, mood, oxygen, immune system, self-confidence 
*Exercise will improve your sleep, digestion and connection with your body.  
          To optimize those workouts by relieving the sore muscles:
               CBD Muscle Rub (you can pair with: PanAway, Camphor, Clove, Helichrysum, Lemon, Peppermint, Tea Tree, or Wintergreen)  
               OTC Pain Relief Cream 
               Agilease
               Powergize 
               Aroma Siez
               Cypress 
                       
                      🔥 Remember, an empty lantern offers no light!
                 Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly!

Someone here needs to hear this good word from my friend Jen Weir. She is the bomb with both words and knowledge!
Know what else is the bomb? The essential oil Kunzea. Have you tried it? If you have a bottle of it at home, but haven't used it, you may find you have a hidden treasure after reading Jen's words.
xoxo~ liz

#sharingiscaring 
#shineon
#JesusandEOs
#ThanksYL
​

​NOT YOURS
Can we talk about energy for a moment? Or, a lot of moments...
According to Mr. Einstein, everything is energy. Yet in many circles, particularly those of the more faith based nature, we shy away from energetics, deeming it woo woo, weird or, gasp, of the devil. 
My soul, who do people think created energy? 
enter exasperated eye roll....
Have you ever been so drawn to an oil but not sure why? Or better still, have you ever given yourself the space in your day to play with the oils, use something you've never tried or even, possibly dare open one that you've been saving for good? Hoarding is so 2020 you know.
Such was the case with me today and Kunzea. Remember her? 
This precious oil was drawing me in, it literally jumped off the shelf and of course I began digging in. 
The interesting part to this experience is that I have been asking the question- why won't my shoulder heal? To be totally transparent, I had struggled with severe pain for eight long years. Ever since my baby girl was in the NICU this pain has been unbearable at times. I don't talk about it because frankly drawing attention to dis ease is not my style. Yet today, I was done. Enough already. 
Emotional releasing, yep, check. 
Using CBD or any other pain essential oil blend, check check. 
Prayed for healing, check check double check.
Short of smoking weed to numb it, I'd say I had done all the things. 
End of rope officially reached. 
And yet...
Knowing what I do about energy I had to ask the question abotu why I was drawn to this seemingly obscure oil. There had to be a connection to needing this one today and this incessant pain. 
One of Kunzea’s unique features is that it can diffuse and transform deep emotional pain, that has hardened in the body. Where there is pain the body, there is always an emotion attached to the pain. Kunzea assists in releasing emotional pain and in transforming the immediate shock of accidents. 
Bingo. 
The emotional pain attached was the burdens others have heaped on my shoulders. 
The opinions of this THE way, rather than simple A way. Can anyone else relate? Just me? 
So, there's THE way to raise your people, not just A way.
There's THE way to hear from God, not A way.
There's THE (newest) way to eat, not A way. 
There's THE (again, newest) way to build a MLM biz, not A way. 
There's THE way to love your neighbor, not A way.
There's THE way to respond to blatant tyranny, not A way. 
You guys feel me? It's heavy to even type all of this. 
Let's just say my entire adult life has consisted of others telling me every way I am doing x,y,z wrong, and possibly, sinning. 
Being type A, wanting to do it all correctly, yet having the personality of non compliance was beginning to take its toll. hence the should and neck pain...
You see, this specific may not be your story, and I pray it's not. Yet some of you have pain, real physical pain that you take meds for, oils, weed, whatever your bandaid is. But healing is possible. It's emotional. 100% of the time, it's an emotion that has hardened itself in your body and needs to be chipped away. It won't happen overnight. Or I don't know, maybe it will. It's really anyone's guess. 
But I can tell you, once I began to speak truth and stop believing other people's truth, my should started to loosen. It was literally the weirdest freakiest thing evah. But it's truth. 
The cracking I heard when I stretch is at an all time minimum. 
I've got a little more to go, a little more truth to tell myself, a little more business to do with Jesus and whole lot less business to do with other people's opinions. But I'm on my way- me, Jesus and a little oil called Kunzea. 
Let me ask you, is there an oil you have been drawn to? Before this did you know that your body/energy is trying to tell you something? 
I don't, just try it. Emotion talk is my jam and not everyone's cup of tea. But I swear to you, not having physical pain feels so much better than having it. I mean, you do you. But I just thought you all should know.