Emotions: Naturally!
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I'd like to backtrack today and talk a little about oils and emotions. Emotions are something we ALL deal with on a daily basis. At some point in history, we (in the United States) began treating emotions with drugs instead of learning to process and walk thru them as our forefathers did, and as people in other countries still do. Did you know that the United States is the largest consumer of prescription drugs on the planet? Yep. The citizens of the good ol' US of A are responsible for consuming 75% of all prescription meds on the planet.
God gave us emotions, and He gave us community to help each other walk thru some of the more difficult emotions that we bear in life. For whatever reason, the community component is not as strong as it used to be for most (not all) people. We are taught thru media that it's ok.... in fact promoted..... as a positive thing to reach for medicine to dull our senses.... to keep us from "feeling". What the media doesn't tell you is that one medication used long term for this purpose will likely lead to needing 1 or 2 more to simply manage the side effects from the first medication. This is ESPECIALLY true for medications that purposefully dull emotions and affect neurotransmitters. While there is certainly a time and a place for medicine, we are clearly in a system that has swung to the extreme. A few ways to manage emotions holistically:
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- Another internal driver of emotions is our thyroid and endocrine system, and a system out of whack will definitely affect balance......but that's another post for another day!
- Regular exercise and spending time outdoors is yet another modality that soothes emotional distress.
- There is also significant positive impact that spirituality has on one's mental health.
- I'd also like to bring home the part essential oils can play in taming certain emotions.
Using essential oils is not a new found fad... it is something that has been used for thousands of years in nearly all countries to help balance emotions. When Big Pharma entered into the picture, oils and herbals fell by the wayside in the United States. There is a saying that if you want to sell water, start a fire, and there are some VERY wealthy companies and people out there because of this very thing.... this type of marketing strategy.
Young Living oils are an amazing herbal alternative to helping manage emotions. I'm sure you've seen 'me too' oils in many stores now as they try to jump on the wagon. Do not be fooled by the others..... Young Living is THE world leader of Essential Oils... the oldest essential oil company in the world with oils that have therapeutically effective constituents.... AND the only company with with its own farms and Seed to Seal guarantee..... something that protects the integrity of the product from start to finish. No other company has the ability to do this.
Can you imagine how the spritz of fragrance from a fresh orange peel can brighten your day? Within the oil of the peel lies a constituent called Limonene. This is a naturally made chemical that works almost magically on our Limbic system as described above to promote feelings of calm and happiness. I encourage you to do some research on your own as each of the citrus oils (Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Bergamot, Orange) do this very very well. Other oils can be very helpful with different emotions and feelings.....
- StressAway: a blend of 5 oils known for their abilities to relieve daily stress and tension. This is a blend unique to Young Living, and is a personal favorite of mine. I carry it in my lab coat at work, and use it daily.
- Lavender: probably the most well known of essential oils, and best known to create a calming and relaxing environment. When you are preparing your bag for the day, this is one oil you won't want to be without due to its many functionalities.
- Anger is another emotion that can be difficult to harness and manage and can often lead to escalated issues. You may find that some or all of these oils of benefit if this is something that is struggled with: Tranquil (a blend unique to Young Living), Bergamot, Lemon, Ylang ylang.... and many more...
- Lack of concentration and focus can be detrimental, especially when focus is of utmost importance. Oils that may help with this would include Lemon, Rosemary, Peppermint, Clarity (another powerful blend). For someone with focus and attention issues, any or all of these can be gamechangers. Additionally, if concentration is further hampered by fatigue, it might be beneficial to try Ningxia Nitro. It is a healthy alternative to those little high caffeine energy shots.
- Grief and sorrow are both something we have to deal with on occasion. Oils that may help with this would include Bergamot, Joy (a blend), Juniper, White Angelica (a blend), and Gentle Baby (also a blend).
- Fear is an emotion that none of us enjoy experiencing, and we all feel it on occasion.... whether that be thru our jobs, as we drive, or simply as we prepare for the unknown. Oils known to help alleviate these feelings may include Bergamot, Cypress, Geranium, and Valor II (a blend)
Many of the oils mentioned above can be found in the Premium Starter Kit.... so you likely have them on hand. If you'd like to learn more about managing emotions with oils, I'm happy to help!
The Enzyme Connection
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Have you given your digestive enzymes any thought recently? Ummm no. I didn't think so. Well, it's high time we gave a high five and a locker room fist bump to these team players. Digestive enzymes are easily overlooked because they (normally) do their job quietly and efficiently..... Kind of like the trash guys...... we don't think about them until they cease to do their job..... and then, boy o' boy... do we notice!
Our body has a well orchestrated process for making and releasing digestive enzymes. However enzyme production can be compromised in the presence of processed foods and other chemicals (ie: antibiotics and certain medications, household cleaners, petrochemicals). Production can also be hampered by diet, disease, age, and stress. When production declines, food begins to ferment in our gut..... and if it sits there long enough, the food rots, causing major discomfort, additional GI dysfunction, and a whole slew of clues that something is awry. |
Symptoms of digestive enzyme deficiency include:
For the most part, foods should naturally contain the enzymes your body needs to properly digest them. Unfortunately, cooking and pasteurization usually kills those enzymes, and as a whole we do not eat enough 'live' food. If you suspect that your digestive enzyme production team is not producing adequate enzymes for your digestion needs, it may be time to bring in some contract labor: Essentialzyme or (the big guns) Essentialzymes-4. Both are formulated to help supply enzymes for those who have difficulty digesting or assimilating food, but the E-4 is formulated specifically to aid in the breakdown of fats, proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates. And of course, true to Young Living form.... both contain important digestion supporting essential oils: including Anise, Fennel, Peppermint, Tarragon & Clove (The E-4 also contains Rosemary, Ginger, & Lemongrass). If you'd like to learn more, there is a great Young Living blog article about E-4 here.
If you struggle with digestive issues, identifying the root cause can require a bit of detective work. I would suggest that you start with these very basic steps:
I know I speak a great deal on digestion, but when approximately 75% of US Adults suffer from digestive disorders, I think it's a worthy subject to address often. Remember, gut dysfunction, will ultimately affect your overall health AND emotional health. If you'd like to know more about gut health, consider attending my free monthly gut health class. You can find the next class scheduled here.
If you've found a supplement that rocks your world, don't forget to utilize Essential Rewards when ordering. This program is a great way to get your supplements AND get cheaper shipping, freebies, and points for free product!
Be well, and be kind to your gut!
- undigested food in the stool (or an oily sheen in the toilet)
- feeling full after eating only a few bites
- indigestion
- gas and bloating after meals
- constipation or diarrhea
- headaches
- joint pain
- insomnia
- hair loss
- dull skin or unexplained rashes
- mood swings
- weight gain
- weak nails
For the most part, foods should naturally contain the enzymes your body needs to properly digest them. Unfortunately, cooking and pasteurization usually kills those enzymes, and as a whole we do not eat enough 'live' food. If you suspect that your digestive enzyme production team is not producing adequate enzymes for your digestion needs, it may be time to bring in some contract labor: Essentialzyme or (the big guns) Essentialzymes-4. Both are formulated to help supply enzymes for those who have difficulty digesting or assimilating food, but the E-4 is formulated specifically to aid in the breakdown of fats, proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates. And of course, true to Young Living form.... both contain important digestion supporting essential oils: including Anise, Fennel, Peppermint, Tarragon & Clove (The E-4 also contains Rosemary, Ginger, & Lemongrass). If you'd like to learn more, there is a great Young Living blog article about E-4 here.
If you struggle with digestive issues, identifying the root cause can require a bit of detective work. I would suggest that you start with these very basic steps:
- Get on a good probiotic. I've discussed Life 9 in past emails and it is a excellent building block for good gut health.
- Utilize your Digize and Peppermint Vitality oils ( get some empty capsules at your local health food store or on Amazon. I prefer the "00" size... they are larger and easier to fill with a couple drops of oil). The vitality oils are meant to be consumed, and can be incredibly helpful in these instances.
- Improve your diet. Remove as much processed food as you can.
- Focus on eating fresh enzyme rich foods. You can find a list here .
- Give Essentialzyme or Essentialzymes-4 a try!
I know I speak a great deal on digestion, but when approximately 75% of US Adults suffer from digestive disorders, I think it's a worthy subject to address often. Remember, gut dysfunction, will ultimately affect your overall health AND emotional health. If you'd like to know more about gut health, consider attending my free monthly gut health class. You can find the next class scheduled here.
If you've found a supplement that rocks your world, don't forget to utilize Essential Rewards when ordering. This program is a great way to get your supplements AND get cheaper shipping, freebies, and points for free product!
Be well, and be kind to your gut!
Fertility
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Fertility. It's kind of a taboo subject in our culture. Few affected people seem willing to talk about it openly, as if it's something to be ashamed of. I find that in itself astonishing given that our culture is so wrapped in sexuality these days. I worked in a pharmacy which specialized in fertility (among other specialties) for 12 years. I had fertility issues myself. So you see, this topic is dear to my heart.
Bare naked facts: 11% of women in the US struggle with fertility issues. 7% of men also have this same health concern. In roughly 1/3 of all couples, it is the male bringing some form of infertility issue to the table (er... bedroom). Due in great part to environmental toxins, the average man today has nearly HALF the sperm count that his male ancestors did just 30 years ago. Whoa Nelly. What could be causing this? |
Several reasons.... but I'm going to focus on a few that are relative to our changing society, and that which we do have control over:
So What Can I Do?
There are other physiological reasons why fertility may be hard to come by, but starting with these basic steps ensures that you have begun to control those areas in life that you can control. Fertility treatments are expensive, and they hold no guarantee. They are also damaging to a woman's body, and stressful for all parties involved. Even if the fertilization of the egg occurs thru scientific manipulation, there is an ever decreasing success rate of implantation and viable long term pregnancy depending upon the amount of manipulation necessary. If fertility treatments are your only option due to reproductive complications, I would still highly encourage you to control what you can (toxin free environment, Vitamin D, plenty of good fats, managing stress), so that the doctor can do his job to the best of his ability.
You say you are not considering babies in your future? These are all important hints for managing a healthy body, healthy hormones, and a healthy reproductive system too.
- Daily chemical exposure to common Xenoestrogens and parabens found in everything from shaving cream, to shampoo, to plastic water bottles. You can learn more about what constitutes a Xenoestrogen here.In short, daily Xenoestrogen exposure short circuits a man's testosterone production. They are equally harmful to a woman's reproductive system.
- Frequent chemical exposure to organophosphates....chemicals typically found in pesticides and herbicides. Other organophosphate offenders include plasticizers, solvents, and even lubricants in gearboxes (if you are a gearhead or are married to one!). This is one more reason to seek organic foods whenever possible.
- Sunlight, or lack thereof. America (and many other 1st world cultures) have become societies of desk jockeys, indoor athletes, and electronics obsessed individuals, all leading to less time in the sun. Adequate exposure to sunlight is important for several reasons.... not the least of which is an adequate supply of Vitamin D. Vitamin D actually boosts fertility — doubling the rate of (all) successful pregnancies from 20% up to 31%.
- Stress. Stress is a horrific inhibitor of pregnancy..... and it's a vicious cycle. The more stressed you get about not being pregnant... well.... the less likely you will be to get pregnant. They are inversely proportional.
So What Can I Do?
- Get the Xenoestrogens, parabens, and other chemicals out of your home. Young Living has an enormous list of product options that you will find helpful as you clean your home, and your body. You've heard about their complete skincare line, right?
- Wash your hands! Washing hands isn't just about germs... it's also about getting the chemicals you are exposed to in daily life off your hands before eating with them! I'd highly recommend a NON-Xenoestrogen containing soap like Thieves Foaming Hand Soap or if you are a DIY'er.... make your own! Essential oil based recipes for foaming hand soap can be found online and they are easy (3 minute) peasy to make. I'd also recommend the Thieves Hand Sanitizer instead of some of those other harsh chemical based brands if germs aren't your jam! If you are married to a gearhead, encourage him/her to double down on those greasy hands with a little extra Lemon Oil or Orange Oil in your foaming hand soap recipe.
- Sunlight and Vitamin D. The winter months can be especially hard on Vitamin D production, but regardless of the season, if you and your spouse are looking for a bambino in your future.... now's the time to consider OmegaGize capsules (the both of you!). Good fats are also necessary for healthy hormone production in addition to Vitamin D. This amazing product is packed with Omega-3's, DHA, EPA, Vitamin D3, coQ10, and of course essential oils to enhance their effects.
- Stress. Seriously work on this. Get plenty of exercise and plenty of sleep. Take time for yoga and prayer. In a perfect world, stress would not be an issue... but sometimes, just GETTING to work can be stressful! Plan accordingly, and give oils that alleviate stress a try. Did you know that there are awesome diffusers for your car? Have you tried Stress Away, Lavender, or Frankincense from your Premium Starter Kit yet? (I sure hope so!). Tranquil, or Bergamot? What about White Angelica, Peace & Calming, Valor, or Sacred Mountain blends? The point is this... there IS an oil for everyone to help manage stress.... it's up to you to find which ones give you that peaceful easy feeling. If you've not found one you like, but would like to try one, message me and I will send you a sample (if I have it on hand!).
There are other physiological reasons why fertility may be hard to come by, but starting with these basic steps ensures that you have begun to control those areas in life that you can control. Fertility treatments are expensive, and they hold no guarantee. They are also damaging to a woman's body, and stressful for all parties involved. Even if the fertilization of the egg occurs thru scientific manipulation, there is an ever decreasing success rate of implantation and viable long term pregnancy depending upon the amount of manipulation necessary. If fertility treatments are your only option due to reproductive complications, I would still highly encourage you to control what you can (toxin free environment, Vitamin D, plenty of good fats, managing stress), so that the doctor can do his job to the best of his ability.
You say you are not considering babies in your future? These are all important hints for managing a healthy body, healthy hormones, and a healthy reproductive system too.
Liver Support: Lovin' your Liver
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Just a few generations ago, liver was considered one of the best foods you could eat.... it's loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins and fat. It is particularly rich in the key nutrients that help keep our brains healthy; the essential fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docasahexaenoic acid), and AA (arachidonic acid)..... a nutritional goldmine!
You don't hear about eating liver much anymore.... (when was the last time you had a plate of liver and onions?), and thankfully, I'm glad. I can hear you thinking.... "But wait!... You just said it was a nutritionally dense food." I did.... nutritionally dense, but now also loaded with toxins and chemicals. You see, nowadays we (and our animal protein food sources) are exposed to hundreds of chemicals every. single. day. Our liver is working overtime to clear those toxins and metabolize them for us. When it can no keep up with the supply chain (our daily toxin load), our body begins storing them elsewhere in our body. Eventually we become a walking toxic swamp, and that's when we typically begin experiencing body system or emotional dysfunctions. This is why it is so critically important to remove harmful chemicals from the ingredient list in your cleaning supplies, food supply, body care products, cosmetics, yard, and wherever else you can 'clean house'. Our bodies cannot take the constant assault without consequence. |
Other ways we can unknowingly impair our liver (contributing to fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver inflammation) include:
In Eastern medicine, the liver (and the gallbladder) is thought to store emotions relating to anger. It makes sense... anger, rage, resentment, irritability, and frustration are all toxic emotions.... and the liver is our faithful garbage man.... attempting to remove ALL aspects of toxins in our body.
The liver, with the help of vitamin K, produces proteins that are important in blood clotting. It is also one of the organs that break down old or damaged blood cells and holds a major role in all metabolic processes in the body.... including fat metabolism. It is considered an accessory organ to the digestion process , and if the liver isn't functioning well, chances are, you may experience some symptoms that may mimic a chronic gut dysfunction.
Some signs that may indicate it would be wise to "up the TLC quotient" on your liver include:
Young Living has done a pretty remarkable job of providing us with several options to support, nourish, and cleanse our livers.
GLF vitality & essential oil blend (grapefruit, helichrysum, celery seed, ledum, hyssop, and spearmint oils). Think "Gallbladder Liver Flush". Take 2 drops daily in a clear vegetable capsule as a dietary supplement.
Juva Cleanse vitality & essential oil blend (helichrysum, celery seed, ledum). Suggested dosing: Take 2 drops daily in a clear vegetable capsule as a dietary supplement.
The essential oils blends mentioned above may also be applied directly over the liver and/or on the liver and kidney vitaflex points on the foot.
JuvaTone : a powerful herbal complex (tablets) designed to promote healthy liver function. It is an excellent source of choline, a nutrient that is vital for proper liver function and necessary for those with high protein diets. JuvaTone also contains inositol and dl-methionine, which help with the body's normal excretion functions. Methionine also helps recycle glutathione, a natural antioxidant crucial for normal liver function. Other ingredients include Oregon grape root, a source of the liver-supporting compound berberine, and therapeutic-grade essential oils to enhance overall effectiveness. Suggested dosing: 2 tablets twice daily, taken between meals.
JuvaPower: a high antioxidant vegetable powder complex and is one of the richest sources of acid-binding foods. JuvaPower is rich in liver-supporting nutrients and has intestinal cleansing benefits. It is very cleansing to the colon and the liver, and can be taken daily. Suggested dosing: 1 Tablespoonful on food or stir into purified drinking water.
JuvaSpice: a delicious blend of rice seed bran, spinach, tomato flakes, beet root powder, flax seed, oat seed bran, broccoli powder, cucumber powder, potassium chloride, Redmond RealSalt®, dill leaf, barley seed powder, cayenne pepper, ginger powder, slippery elm bark, L-Taurine, psyllium seed husk, anise seed, fennel seed, aloe vera leaf extract powder, and peppermint leaf. Sprinkle it on food such as eggs, baked potatoes, rice, or salads for extra fiber and to support proper digestion.
Digestive cleanses can be a gentle way to jumpstart the detox process. Medical professionals who support detoxing suggest doing so 1-4 times a year (with the season changes if you opt for the latter). Stay tuned, I'll be addressing digestive cleanses a bit later!
We all need to love our liver a little more than we probably do. I'll be adding JuvaTone (I love the tablet option) to my order at least 4 times a year to give our livers some extra TLC. While there are some supplements I take daily (Agilease, Sulfurzyme, Longevity, and Life 9), there are others that I rotate thru our monthly ordering program. I usually order a few replacement oils every month, bu t my orders are predominately supplements. This makes Essential Rewards such a valuable program for my family. , and probably for yours too (if your orders exceed $50/month). The added bonus of free product, discounted shipping, and store credit for more free product every month simply can't be beat. Additionally, every person in my oily tribe who is enrolled in Essential Rewards is automatically enrolled in a monthly drawing for the coveted Essential Oil Desk Reference. This is a terrific reference for ALL products that Young Living offers to us.
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Obesity (leads to fatty liver disease)
- Diabetes
- High salt intake
- Smoking
- Certain medications (antidepressants, mood stabilizers, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and pain relievers especially)
- Infections and illness (especially hepatitis)
- Intestinal infections caused by Candida
- Pesticides and heavy metals: Exposure to chemicals in pesticides and heavy metals through vegetables, fruits and adulterated foods and can also damage the liver. These toxins get stored in liver over a lifetime to cause liver damage.
In Eastern medicine, the liver (and the gallbladder) is thought to store emotions relating to anger. It makes sense... anger, rage, resentment, irritability, and frustration are all toxic emotions.... and the liver is our faithful garbage man.... attempting to remove ALL aspects of toxins in our body.
The liver, with the help of vitamin K, produces proteins that are important in blood clotting. It is also one of the organs that break down old or damaged blood cells and holds a major role in all metabolic processes in the body.... including fat metabolism. It is considered an accessory organ to the digestion process , and if the liver isn't functioning well, chances are, you may experience some symptoms that may mimic a chronic gut dysfunction.
Some signs that may indicate it would be wise to "up the TLC quotient" on your liver include:
- Bloating and gas
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Constipation
- Skin and/or eyes that are yellowish (a symptom of jaundice)
- Inability to lose weight
- High blood pressure
- Moodiness, anxiousness, or depression
- Dark urine
- Rosacea
- Chronic fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Bruise easily
- Poor appetite
Young Living has done a pretty remarkable job of providing us with several options to support, nourish, and cleanse our livers.
GLF vitality & essential oil blend (grapefruit, helichrysum, celery seed, ledum, hyssop, and spearmint oils). Think "Gallbladder Liver Flush". Take 2 drops daily in a clear vegetable capsule as a dietary supplement.
Juva Cleanse vitality & essential oil blend (helichrysum, celery seed, ledum). Suggested dosing: Take 2 drops daily in a clear vegetable capsule as a dietary supplement.
The essential oils blends mentioned above may also be applied directly over the liver and/or on the liver and kidney vitaflex points on the foot.
JuvaTone : a powerful herbal complex (tablets) designed to promote healthy liver function. It is an excellent source of choline, a nutrient that is vital for proper liver function and necessary for those with high protein diets. JuvaTone also contains inositol and dl-methionine, which help with the body's normal excretion functions. Methionine also helps recycle glutathione, a natural antioxidant crucial for normal liver function. Other ingredients include Oregon grape root, a source of the liver-supporting compound berberine, and therapeutic-grade essential oils to enhance overall effectiveness. Suggested dosing: 2 tablets twice daily, taken between meals.
JuvaPower: a high antioxidant vegetable powder complex and is one of the richest sources of acid-binding foods. JuvaPower is rich in liver-supporting nutrients and has intestinal cleansing benefits. It is very cleansing to the colon and the liver, and can be taken daily. Suggested dosing: 1 Tablespoonful on food or stir into purified drinking water.
JuvaSpice: a delicious blend of rice seed bran, spinach, tomato flakes, beet root powder, flax seed, oat seed bran, broccoli powder, cucumber powder, potassium chloride, Redmond RealSalt®, dill leaf, barley seed powder, cayenne pepper, ginger powder, slippery elm bark, L-Taurine, psyllium seed husk, anise seed, fennel seed, aloe vera leaf extract powder, and peppermint leaf. Sprinkle it on food such as eggs, baked potatoes, rice, or salads for extra fiber and to support proper digestion.
Digestive cleanses can be a gentle way to jumpstart the detox process. Medical professionals who support detoxing suggest doing so 1-4 times a year (with the season changes if you opt for the latter). Stay tuned, I'll be addressing digestive cleanses a bit later!
We all need to love our liver a little more than we probably do. I'll be adding JuvaTone (I love the tablet option) to my order at least 4 times a year to give our livers some extra TLC. While there are some supplements I take daily (Agilease, Sulfurzyme, Longevity, and Life 9), there are others that I rotate thru our monthly ordering program. I usually order a few replacement oils every month, bu t my orders are predominately supplements. This makes Essential Rewards such a valuable program for my family. , and probably for yours too (if your orders exceed $50/month). The added bonus of free product, discounted shipping, and store credit for more free product every month simply can't be beat. Additionally, every person in my oily tribe who is enrolled in Essential Rewards is automatically enrolled in a monthly drawing for the coveted Essential Oil Desk Reference. This is a terrific reference for ALL products that Young Living offers to us.
Manly Hormone Support
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So, our Henri LOVES Shutran! We discovered her passion on Sunday when Charlie went outside (wearing it). We had so much fun watching her reaction to Shutran that we ended up being late to church!
Henri's reaction was so interesting. We already knew that she is easily repelled by chemical odors and attracted to natural ones. (Smart girl!) She is fond of lavender too, but nothing like her reaction to Shutran. She followed us all around the porch and scolded us when we went back inside with the bottle ....3 TIMES! Backstory: In an effort to clean up the chemicals in our lives, Charlie traded in his 'man care products' for all things Shutran. Whereas there are endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and other harmful chemicals in nearly all standard personal care products, Shutran does the opposite... it contains none of that bad stuff and ALL kinds of good stuff that support male hormones naturally. And it smells divine!.... enough to make a girl a little squirrelly for her man. |
Just like women, men can begin showing signs when their hormones wane. After the age of 30, men begin experiencing a gradual decline in testosterone production. Generally, this decline may not be too noticeable until after the age of 50, unless a health event has occurred. Symptoms of low T include a decline in muscle mass, fatigue you can't shake, lower sex drive/libido, rapid hair loss, and increased body fat. Men with low T may also experience a depressed mood, lack of focus, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.
Causes of low Testosterone are diverse:
Male hormone support using Shutran is a great way to upgrade your man's fragrance and gently support his hormones. Toxin free! If you are a gal, you've been doing this for yourself, so don't leave your guy behind.
Have you smelled Shutran yet? Oh my word. Seriously. This is one of the best fragrances you can imagine! While the bottle might be small by cologne industry standards, it is uber concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Charlie's bottle easily lasts him a couple of months...... just like his old cologne did. If you'd like to take a whiff of Shutran, please let me know, and I'll get a sample in the mail to you.
Shutran is available as a cologne style oil, but it is also available in the following forms:
Remember, Essential Rewards is your friend when ordering from Young Living. The longer you utilize the program, the more money you save! I've been on the program since day 1 (thankfully!), and currently get 25% back on my ER orders..... in addition to all the freebies that come with the program. It really is a no brainer! Please contact me if you have any unanswered questions about this incredible program.
Causes of low Testosterone are diverse:
- Chronic exposure to endocrine disruptors .... the likes of which can be found in the very skin care products you may have been using daily (unless you've already gone toxin free!)
- The simple natural decline as a man ages (just like women, only usually very gradually)
- Type II Diabetes (this disease can be a mood killer in the bedroom due both to the medications used and low T itself)
- Chronic liver, kidney, or lung disease (both the disease and the medication used to treat it can cause a decline)
- Steroid use (both cortico and anabolic). I fill so many prescriptions for synthetic testosterone for men generally considered too young to need supplementation. While anabolic steroids can be known for causing 'roid rage' (ie: foul tempers), too much testosterone can also cause permanent damage to various body symptoms. Please.... if you are a man (or if you love your man), understand that there can be health consequences caused by sustained overuse of testosterone injections.
- Chronic stress
Male hormone support using Shutran is a great way to upgrade your man's fragrance and gently support his hormones. Toxin free! If you are a gal, you've been doing this for yourself, so don't leave your guy behind.
Have you smelled Shutran yet? Oh my word. Seriously. This is one of the best fragrances you can imagine! While the bottle might be small by cologne industry standards, it is uber concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Charlie's bottle easily lasts him a couple of months...... just like his old cologne did. If you'd like to take a whiff of Shutran, please let me know, and I'll get a sample in the mail to you.
Shutran is available as a cologne style oil, but it is also available in the following forms:
Remember, Essential Rewards is your friend when ordering from Young Living. The longer you utilize the program, the more money you save! I've been on the program since day 1 (thankfully!), and currently get 25% back on my ER orders..... in addition to all the freebies that come with the program. It really is a no brainer! Please contact me if you have any unanswered questions about this incredible program.
Respiratory Support: Introducing Raven
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Did you know that Young Living has roughly 200 oils just for us? Have you ventured beyond the 11 oils in your original kit? If not, I'm going to start introducing you to a few blends that you might find to be helpful in supporting specific body systems and functions. The following is written by fellow YL teammate and contributing writer, Terry Billups:
"We live out in the country on a small farm. We’re constantly breathing in all kinds of stuff that blows in from faraway places and we never know what to expect. Then suddenly, during the early spring when everything starts to bloom, we start getting “that tingly feeling” knowing that something is trying to knock us to our knees… what do we do? How can we maintain that health and wellness that we all come to know and respect (maybe that’s expect)? Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so important when trying to stay above the wellness line. Now a-days, my family reaches for our Young Living Raven essential oil blend. So, what’s in Raven that makes it so appealing? |
Raven is a blend of 5 five different essential.
Raven is a powerhouse of potent essential oils! It supports the respiratory system and promotes healthy lungs.
It can be applied to the chest and throat for soothing relief, and it promotes a great night’s sleep when diffused at night. You can also put a few drops on your pillow.
An unusual thing happened the first time when I reached for my YL Raven. I had just applied a little to the back of my neck, my chest, and on my temples, when one of my dogs ran up to me, lay down beside me, and stayed by my side. She rarely does that when I use oils. What was it that attracted her? She is very high-strung, always on alert, rarely rests well!
This was it! Raven helped her relax and rest. She slept next to me as I slept.
Good for me; good for her! Great combo!
If you are still struggling with 'thinking outside the (premium starter kit) box' when it comes to your oils, never fear! The oil blends that Gary Young has formulated are synergistically designed to provide maximum support of various body functions and systems. This takes the guesswork (and expense!) of buying a bunch of oils and trying to master your own aromatherapy blending of oils. Stay tuned, there's lots to talk about in this department!
- Ravensara Essential Oil (or Ravintsara) is part of the laurel family, and it has multiple uses (like lavender). It has purifying properties that support the immune and respiratory systems.
- Eucalyptus radiata is one of many eucalyptus essential oils… my personal favorite! It is primarily used to for cleansing and purifying. It supports the respiratory system and promotes healthy skin.
- Wintergreen Essential Oil is useful in massage for calming head tension and muscles after exercising. Wintergreen supports the bones and muscles.
- Peppermint Essential Oils is one of well-known herb used to support normal digestion, promotes healthy intestinal function and gastrointestinal system. In addition, it helps support the nervous, respiratory systems, and muscles, bones, and skin. You’ll find it to be one of main oils used in the Raindrop Technique.
- Lemon Essential Oil is 68% d-limonene. It has cleansing and purifying properties. It is extracted from the rind of the lemon, not the juice....and therefore not acidic. It is another essential oil that supports the respiratory, digestive, and immune systems.
Raven is a powerhouse of potent essential oils! It supports the respiratory system and promotes healthy lungs.
It can be applied to the chest and throat for soothing relief, and it promotes a great night’s sleep when diffused at night. You can also put a few drops on your pillow.
An unusual thing happened the first time when I reached for my YL Raven. I had just applied a little to the back of my neck, my chest, and on my temples, when one of my dogs ran up to me, lay down beside me, and stayed by my side. She rarely does that when I use oils. What was it that attracted her? She is very high-strung, always on alert, rarely rests well!
This was it! Raven helped her relax and rest. She slept next to me as I slept.
Good for me; good for her! Great combo!
If you are still struggling with 'thinking outside the (premium starter kit) box' when it comes to your oils, never fear! The oil blends that Gary Young has formulated are synergistically designed to provide maximum support of various body functions and systems. This takes the guesswork (and expense!) of buying a bunch of oils and trying to master your own aromatherapy blending of oils. Stay tuned, there's lots to talk about in this department!
Skincare and Beyond
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You have kicked the household chemicals to the curb and replaced them with all things Thieves (please tell me you have done this!). Then, you began getting smart and realizing that hidden toxins were still lurking in the dark corners of your bathroom... so you began replacing those too...... booting out your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, and soap.... and replacing them with their toxin free counterparts Young Living offers us. That was a hard thing (it was for me too!), because I believed that the skin care industry had my best interests at heart. They wanted me to have shiny bouncy hair and squeaky clean skin and fresh smelling pits regardless of the cost. We (yes, you and I) are just like the rest of the masses. We don't care about cost when it comes to beauty. We just want to look and smell our very best, right? I guess that's why you and I (and millions of other peeps in North America) spend over $500 BILLION per year on chemical beauty aids and beauty treatments.
But then we found out that cost was not just monetary. Those products (some of them quite pricey!) were filled with harsh chemicals that were having their way with our bodies in a very insidious manner. They worked their way into our homes, and onto our skin. Then, 26 seconds later... SNAP.... they were in our cells. Thanks in part to these products, the Number One Health Problem in the world today is due in great part to toxic chemical exposure. Every single disease and or emotional imbalance can be attributed in some way to toxic chemical exposure, and the worst offenders are those that we willingly invited into our homes. They were our friends.... and our friends began stealing from us. They began stealing our health and our emotional wellbeing. What kind of friend does that?!?!?!? Those dirty rats. They knew we wanted to be beautiful, regardless of cost. But we wised up didn't we? And we broke it off with our skin's former backstabbing |
BFF's. We found a new set of friends.... ones that literally love us through and through. Friends like Lavender Mint Shampoo and Conditioner, fragrant and uplifting Bath & Shower Gels, pit safe Deodorant, Lotions, Soaps.... really anything your skin desires. These too enter the body amazingly fast.... SNAP.... 26 later, and even your cells are happy!
I love that Young Living is transparent. They don't hide anything with the ubiquitous term 'fragrance' (a term that can legally hide the nasty side of upwards of 300+ toxic chemicals... all for the sake of preserving their trade secrets). Nope. Young Living is proud of their fragrance because their fragrance comes 100% from nature itself. You will find that each product is properly labeled with both common and Latin name for the plants used. No hidden toxins (or agendas!).
Your commitment to clean up your life should make you proud! Are you feeling better overall? You should be. Does your skin look better? I'll bet it does! Is you brain fog diminishing? All of these things will begin happening gradually as you remove toxins from your life. And lastly...... are you seeing such amazing results eight months into your journey with Young Living by your side that you want to shout from the rooftops? (If so, let your leader or myself know.... because there are ways to get paid for shouting from the rooftops!)
Yes, I know it can be expensive to be beautiful. After all, according to this survey, the average North American woman spends 8$/day on makeup and skincare products. That's roughly $250/month. Let's make that money count shall we? Why would we spend that much on makeup and skin care products that are sabotaging our efforts to be well... and healthy?
Brownie points for Young Living too.... how many skin care companies do you know that pay you for utilizing their product? Because I have been on Essential Rewards for more than 25 months, I receive 25% back on nearly all purchases. Even if you are just starting Essential Rewards, you will get 10% back (1st three months), or 20% back (months 4 thru 24). Frankly, I don't spend $250.00 per month on skincare, but if I did.... I'd be receiving $62.50 back each and every month that I DID spend that much on skincare. Give Essential Rewards a whirl... there are no penalties, and you can discontinue at any time.
Be you, Beautiful. And be healthy and financially smart while you're at it!
I love that Young Living is transparent. They don't hide anything with the ubiquitous term 'fragrance' (a term that can legally hide the nasty side of upwards of 300+ toxic chemicals... all for the sake of preserving their trade secrets). Nope. Young Living is proud of their fragrance because their fragrance comes 100% from nature itself. You will find that each product is properly labeled with both common and Latin name for the plants used. No hidden toxins (or agendas!).
Your commitment to clean up your life should make you proud! Are you feeling better overall? You should be. Does your skin look better? I'll bet it does! Is you brain fog diminishing? All of these things will begin happening gradually as you remove toxins from your life. And lastly...... are you seeing such amazing results eight months into your journey with Young Living by your side that you want to shout from the rooftops? (If so, let your leader or myself know.... because there are ways to get paid for shouting from the rooftops!)
Yes, I know it can be expensive to be beautiful. After all, according to this survey, the average North American woman spends 8$/day on makeup and skincare products. That's roughly $250/month. Let's make that money count shall we? Why would we spend that much on makeup and skin care products that are sabotaging our efforts to be well... and healthy?
Brownie points for Young Living too.... how many skin care companies do you know that pay you for utilizing their product? Because I have been on Essential Rewards for more than 25 months, I receive 25% back on nearly all purchases. Even if you are just starting Essential Rewards, you will get 10% back (1st three months), or 20% back (months 4 thru 24). Frankly, I don't spend $250.00 per month on skincare, but if I did.... I'd be receiving $62.50 back each and every month that I DID spend that much on skincare. Give Essential Rewards a whirl... there are no penalties, and you can discontinue at any time.
Be you, Beautiful. And be healthy and financially smart while you're at it!
Sleep: Better ways than counting sheep!
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As much as this oily farmgirl loves her animals,counting sheep as I lay in bed is NOT my favorite thing to do. In fact, it's downright annoying and, over time, it can actually become destructive to the body. Usually, I have no trouble falling asleep, but there are times when I wake up with some thought that is front and center in my brain and refuses to leave. That's a problem. Thankfully, it isn't a chronic issue for me, but when it does happen, it sure makes the following day a little more challenging.
If you do suffer from chronic sleep dysfunction, ultimately your health will be affected. Heart disease, cancer, mood disorders, immune system function, the healing process, memory loss, diabetes, and increased speed of aging..... all of these (and more!) become more likely to occur with chronic insufficient sleep. Sleep issues are incredibly diverse, and this email will certainly not do the topic justice. Some of the most common reasons for not falling asleep, not achieving deep sleep, or nocturnal awakenings (my occasional complaint) can be blamed on everything from health conditions to bad sleep habits. |
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- vitamin (D) or mineral (magnesium or potassium) deficiency
- decreased melatonin production
- hormone imbalances (especially common in menopause and 'man'opause)
- thyroid or adrenal imbalances
- pain
- diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
- heartburn and reflux (GERD)
- kidney disease and/or bladder dysfunction
- respiratory disorders (including sleep apnea)
- poor gut health (our gut bacteria is largely responsible for neurotransmitter production that facilitate sleep)
- a bad mattress or pillow (or one that doesn't suit your body's needs)
- stress, depression, and/or anxiety
- the result (a side effect) of many many medication's side effects
- caffeine (especially in the afternoon/evenings)
- not enough exercise during the day (preferably early in the day)
- money! (this is actually THE #1 reason people lose sleep)
- poor sleep hygiene habits:
- not dark enough in the bedroom
- temperature of the bedroom is not cool enough
- light emitting technology (TV's, ipads, phones) in the bedroom
- heavy meal at dinner time
- not enough 'downtime' (including technology) before bed
Recognizing that one or more of these factors may be affecting your sleep quality is the first step to achieving a better night's sleep. Many of these factors are physiological dysfunctions and the 'cause and effect' can become cyclical very quickly. For example, pain can prevent sound sleep. Conversely, lack of sleep can magnify pain and lower the pain threshold. It is situations like these that can easily develop into chronic sleep pattern disruptions.
Lest you think "My doctor can give me a pill for that, right?", let me lay out some facts. I see far too many people at the pharmacy assume that taking a pill is an easy fix for a sleep disorder, and this group of medications is a classic example of cause and effect.
- Prescription sleeping pills are designed for short term use only. None of the narcotic sleeping aids are approved by the FDA for daily longterm use (Ambien, Lunesta, etc).
- Narcotic sleeping pills increase the risk of:
- developing a rapid tolerance to the prescribed strength and bear the risk of addiction (if you have been using them regularly, tapered discontinuation is generally recommended because of this)
- falls
- drowsy driving
- erratic behavior/ memory issues
- DEPRESSION (can cause and actually make existing depression worse)
- increasing the risk of infection
I am all about sustainable living in all aspects of life. Long term nightly use of prescription sleep aids is not sustainable, safe, or approved by the FDA..... and yet nearly 9 million Americans take prescription sleep aids on any given night.
By far, the majority of sleep dysfunction can be corrected by simply improving sleep hygiene habits, improving diet ( and adding a probiotic like Young Living's Life 9), adding activity and exercise to a life schedule, and most importantly managing stress in a holistic manner. The limbic system within our brain is a powerful tool we can utilize to help us fall and stay asleep. If you have been around oils for any length of time, you understand the important role that the limbic system also plays in memory and in our body's physiologic response to odors...... odors including those of our beloved Young Living oils. There has been a tremendous amount of research on this topic, especially regarding fragrances with very specific constituents that have therapeutic properties. Fascinating stuff. So, in addition to modifying your sleep habits, it may behoove you to experiment with a few of the Young Living oils or oil blends known for their sleep support:
Any or all of the above may support your sleep in ways you never imagined possible. Tranquil and Rutavala are designed to be used topically, and come in a roller bottle ready for use. I use Tranquil nightly at the bottom base of my big toes (vitaflex points) to help me sleep at night. All of the other oils can either be applied topically (same location) or on the wrist or neck, diluted and spritzed on a pillow, or diffused.
Two other products, Sleep Essence and Immupro are Young Living sleep support supplements that may also keep you from having to count sheep. Both are oil infused and contain melatonin, a key hormone needed for healthy sleep patterns. Additionally, 1-3 drops of Lavender Vitality oil under the tongue may also prove to be your best nighttime friend.
As mentioned previously, there is a tremendous amount of information on sleep, and I always feel like understanding a body process (or dysfunction) is key to finding a solution that affects the root of the problem.... not a band-aid to simply address the superficial symptoms. Moving forward, I will be offering an online class on Sleep at least every 6 weeks if you'd like to learn more. You can watch for class dates (as well as other classes) on my blog: https://thewellnessprepper.com/ , where upcoming classes are posted regularly.
I hope that this email has encouraged and inspired you to give your sleep a little support. So put that flock of sheep away, and work towards getting at least 7 hours of quality ZZZZZZ a night!
And remember, if you find you are ordering at least 50$/ 50PV per month, you are really missing out on free stuff if you are not utilizing Essential Rewards. Friends don't let friends waste their money!
Dental Care & Support: A Tale from the Tooth Fairy
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The following (tooth) fairy tale is brought to you by Valor & Tranquil Essential Oils, Thieves Toothpaste, and Thieves Mouthwash.
Once upon a time, not so very long ago, there was a girl who was constantly pursued by the stress monster . The evil monster cast a spell on her, causing her great distress in her sleep. She grit her teeth so hard, that eventually her teeth began breaking.... one by one. Her hard working dentist repaired her chompers diligently, and even suggested a mouth piece to wear at night, but alas, she began biting thru it too. (She was a bit of a snapping turtle at night apparently). One day, one of the girl's fairy godmothers suggested that she try Valor on her toes and on her jawline at night as a potion to keep the stress monster away. Nearly overnight, a miracle of the a miracle of the fairy tale variety occurred, and the girl's jaw began relaxing at night...... so much so, that she frequently left a puddle of drool on her pillow (ewww!) But then tragedy struck, and the girl couldn't find Valor in all of the land. All was nearly lost, until one of her fairy godmothers then recommended the potion, Tranquil Essential Oil. And all was well again. Sadly, the evil stress monster had done its damage on the girl's teeth. Repairs to the teeth were good, but they were just not the same as her original chompers. Additional repairs were suggested by the good dentist, but the girl said no.... not yet. The girl had begun using other potions suggested by her fairy godmothers...... Thieves Toothpaste and Thieves Mouthwash. She used them faithfully morning and night.... day in and day out..... for months. The months turned into years. |
Meanwhile, the girl returned to the den of the dentist every 6 months.... hoping that the spell of the stress monster had been broken. Each time, the kindly dentist looked at her teeth, and suggested minor repairs to the damage the stress monster's curse had inflicted on the girl, and each time, the girl said no.....not yet.
Then one fine summer day, the girl trudged back to the dentist for yet another polishing of her pearly whites. She braced herself for yet another 'no.... not yet'. Her dentist took another look at her teeth. "BEHOLD!" he cried..... "How is this possible?? Your teeth should only continue to decline. The seals have improved. This cannot be..... it simply cannot be. The curse of the stress monster is forever" .The girl sat straight up in her dental chair (where she was watching a good episode of HGTV) and said "BEHOLD!.... what is this you speak of? Do tell me more!".
And then the good dentist proceeded to tell her that the curse of the stress monster appeared to have been broken by her devotion to the gifts and potions her fairy godmothers had bestowed upon her. The girl got up from her perch and proceeded to do the happy dance with the kindly dentist , and all was well with the world.
The girl left the den of the dentist, and she was very happy indeed. The dentist gazed with wonderment after the girl after she told him of the gifts and potions that had broken the eternal spell of the stress monster.
The End.
Of course there is always a moral to every fairy tale..... Persistence pays off, and consistent use of your Young Living products pays you especially well when you are an Essential Rewards member.
Then one fine summer day, the girl trudged back to the dentist for yet another polishing of her pearly whites. She braced herself for yet another 'no.... not yet'. Her dentist took another look at her teeth. "BEHOLD!" he cried..... "How is this possible?? Your teeth should only continue to decline. The seals have improved. This cannot be..... it simply cannot be. The curse of the stress monster is forever" .The girl sat straight up in her dental chair (where she was watching a good episode of HGTV) and said "BEHOLD!.... what is this you speak of? Do tell me more!".
And then the good dentist proceeded to tell her that the curse of the stress monster appeared to have been broken by her devotion to the gifts and potions her fairy godmothers had bestowed upon her. The girl got up from her perch and proceeded to do the happy dance with the kindly dentist , and all was well with the world.
The girl left the den of the dentist, and she was very happy indeed. The dentist gazed with wonderment after the girl after she told him of the gifts and potions that had broken the eternal spell of the stress monster.
The End.
Of course there is always a moral to every fairy tale..... Persistence pays off, and consistent use of your Young Living products pays you especially well when you are an Essential Rewards member.
Tranquil
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We all have rough spots in our lives, and sometimes it seems like they might accumulate rapidly. If you've not yet found an oil or two that help you thru these moments (or days!), I'd highly encourage you to take a moment to think about this, and add at least one of them to your oily arsenal. Friend, when the rough spots come, they usually come without warning, so having something on hand is always a good idea. Young Living gives us so many different opportunities to help our bodies 'kick it down a notch (or three)', and we owe it to ourselves when our bodies give us the hints that the stress of 'life' is starting to get the better of us.
If you've been reading these once weekly emails, you know I've addressed the long term ramifications of chronic stress awhile back. It's not pretty. Nobody (not even you!) can live under chronic stress without consequences to your health. Surges of adrenaline and cortisol are good to get us thru 'fight or flight' situations in our lives, but when the supply switch is never tu rned off (thank you constant stressors!), bad things start to happen in our bodies. |
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heart Disease
- Weight Gain
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Stomach issues
- Thyroid malfunctions
- Memory and Concentration impairment
I use several oils in my world to help keep myself emotionally balanced. For day to day stress, you can find my bottle of StressAway close by me. I keep one in my lab coat at work, one in my home office, and one in my purse.
At night, I turn to a different oil blend: Tranquil. I find that for me, chronic stress most manifests itself as sleep disturbances, although I'm sure I am affected in other ways too.... that one is just the most obvious to me. Tranquil applied to the bottom of my big toes (the vitaflex point for the brain) puts me in a very relaxed place as I get ready for bed, and also speeds up the time it takes for me to fall asleep (instead of laying there, rehashing the events of the day that got to me)
My dear friend Terry and I were talking about this just the other day. Terry likes to use Tranquil during the day for moments of heightened stress. I like to use it at bedtime. Two people... two different ways to use the same oil. That's the beauty of these oils of ours.... they are versatile, and their use can be determined by the user (us!).
Terry wrote the following a few days later:
When I think of the favorite “run-to” for a little soothing and unwinding, my mind goes directly to Young Living’s oil blend, Tranquil. Tranquil is the oil blend that fits its name perfectly. This blend may be used for promoting a restful night’s sleep, relaxing while emerging into a stressful situation… including traffic, after a crazy day at work or school, or just enjoying a lovely aroma. It may help in dealing with problems that may be related to the nervous system and/or emotional balance. Tranquil is a blend of three amazing oils that have calming and relaxing properties:
Cedarwood promotes a sense of security. It is calming, purifying, and grounding. It supports the nervous and respiratory system.
Lavender promotes relaxation. It may also help with sore muscles and ease tension. This oil supports the cardiovascular and nervous systems and promotes emotional balance.
Roman Chamomile is a calming oil that is used to help balance emotions. Roman Chamomile supports the nervous system and promotes emotional balance.
Fractionated virgin coconut oil is this blend's carrier oil.
Where do I use it?
Sometimes I just inhale it and enjoy the sweet aroma to promote relaxation.
Or, I may roll it onto my wrists and/ or forearms if I anticipate a demanding situation.
If I am driving in traffic, I apply it generously to my shoulders and wrists.
For a good night’s sleep, I use it on the soles of my feet or on my temples.
Young Living has several blends to help us manage stress. This is just one of them. Do yourself a favor, and find one that works for you BEFORE the going gets really tough. When the going gets tough for this farmgirl/pharmacist, Tranquil helps me keep it together.