Welcome
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Hopefully by now you have found your way with oils, and are comfortable with application and use....OR, at least you have your reference materials handy and know how to look up "what to use when, why, and how" (if you were never given a reference book by the person who signed you up, I encourage you to contact me, and I will remedy that situation!) It is super important to me that you know how to do this. If not, please let me know, and we can have some 101 time together online.
I'd like to introduce myself to you. My name is Liz James, and I am in your Young Living family tree somewhere. If you don't know me already, that means that someone in your YL heritage does, and that's where our connection lies. I am a 25+ year pharmacist by profession, but most likely the most naturally oriented one you will ever meet. About 15 years ago, I really started my own wellness journey using proper foods, diet, exercise, and other forms of holistic care... which led me to Young Living a few years ago. My pharmacy background has enabled me to intermarry the knowledge of medicine with holistic care. I love to research and am constantly turning over stones (so to speak) to |
find information that will help my friends and family live healthier lives. Since you are a part of Young Living, you likely are comfortable with your collection of oils, but may be unaware of all the other health & wellness opportunities that lie within our Young Living membership.
Beginning with this email, I'm going to introduce you to some lesser known, but perhaps even more important products that Young Living has developed for our health. Every single product in their expanded supplement line (and there are over 100!) is another health and wellness tool for your toolkit. Many people think Young Living is "only an oil company", and that is hardly the case. The fact is this: While Charlie (my husband) and I use multiple oils in some form or fashion every single day, the bulk of the Young Living products we use multiple times per day are YL Supplements and Homecare/Healthcare products. Our lives and our health have forever changed for the better because of these product. Stay tuned, and learn a little each week about a "showcased" product or aspect of Young Living that you may not know about.
Beginning with this email, I'm going to introduce you to some lesser known, but perhaps even more important products that Young Living has developed for our health. Every single product in their expanded supplement line (and there are over 100!) is another health and wellness tool for your toolkit. Many people think Young Living is "only an oil company", and that is hardly the case. The fact is this: While Charlie (my husband) and I use multiple oils in some form or fashion every single day, the bulk of the Young Living products we use multiple times per day are YL Supplements and Homecare/Healthcare products. Our lives and our health have forever changed for the better because of these product. Stay tuned, and learn a little each week about a "showcased" product or aspect of Young Living that you may not know about.
Do you know your Why? I do!
One of the things I had to learn well in pharmacy school was how to research. One of the other things I learned well were the intricacies of pharmaceutical manufacturing.....even touring a few plants many years ago. This knowledge held me in good practice when I started researching the essential oil company and supplement company I chose to use.
Regardless of whether we are talking about prescription medications or supplements we all want (and expect) a stellar product. The FDA requires rigorous testing and processing standards of each and every batch of prescription and non prescription medication. This is a good thing. We wouldn't want to be taking medicine that had been manufactured in a loosey goosey manner..... otherwise, who would know how "clean" the product was, how much medication was in each tablet/capsule, and what random fillers were used. It could be very dangerous (not to mention simply gross if you think about it too much).
All supplements (and oils) are NOT created equally. The production of this type of health and wellness tool is quite different. Essentially (no pun intended!), it is up to each individual company to do the right thing. Does that always happen? Nope. Read on....
The supplement industry is regulated to a degree by the FDA, but not like you would think. The FDA does not ensure purity, potency, or effectiveness of the ingredients in dietary supplements. There is no registration or clearance by the FDA before a dietary supplement goes on the market. Whoa. Read that last bit again. Are you on supplements now? And if so.... what do you know about the company that you buy your product from?
Regardless of whether we are talking about prescription medications or supplements we all want (and expect) a stellar product. The FDA requires rigorous testing and processing standards of each and every batch of prescription and non prescription medication. This is a good thing. We wouldn't want to be taking medicine that had been manufactured in a loosey goosey manner..... otherwise, who would know how "clean" the product was, how much medication was in each tablet/capsule, and what random fillers were used. It could be very dangerous (not to mention simply gross if you think about it too much).
All supplements (and oils) are NOT created equally. The production of this type of health and wellness tool is quite different. Essentially (no pun intended!), it is up to each individual company to do the right thing. Does that always happen? Nope. Read on....
The supplement industry is regulated to a degree by the FDA, but not like you would think. The FDA does not ensure purity, potency, or effectiveness of the ingredients in dietary supplements. There is no registration or clearance by the FDA before a dietary supplement goes on the market. Whoa. Read that last bit again. Are you on supplements now? And if so.... what do you know about the company that you buy your product from?
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Would you be welcomed with open arms to tour their facility? My guess (if you weren't using YL products) is that you would not. Young Living has one of the most advanced independent laboratories in the supplement industry. If you are one of the millions who do use supplements, how well do you know your company of choice? Better yet, how well does the company you use want you to know them? Young Living strives to be transparent with every member, and their manufacturing standards are unmatched. In addition to their open door policy with us, they are also ranked as an A+ Better Business Bureau Business. Not bad for a company with a 23+ year history!
So if you don't know... now's the time to know! Learn about the company you are buying from. Dig a little deeper. But from this pharmacist's perspective, if you've already joined me in using YL supplements, Congrats on a choice well made! |
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Fragrance does not equal effective
So glad you've jumped on the Young Living oil train with me and millions of other savvy people worldwide! You may have researched oil companies thoroughly and then came to the obvious conclusion that YL's company, ethics, products, and people are unmatched in the industry..... OR, you may have accidentally stumbled across Young Living and joined the wellness journey just because you like things that smell good!
Regardless, I'd like to focus for a minute on the absolute science behind these biblical era products you've brought into your home. You see, as a medical professional with a strong science background....Well......that is what brought me to Young Living. Frankly, I didn't even care what the products smelled like as long as they worked!
At its very core, YL's focus is one of purity and consistent effectiveness. No other essential oil company on the planet is as committed (or able!) as Young Living to ensure that their product (our product) retains its therapeutic effectiveness when that little bottle of magic is sealed. What does that mean?
Think of an essential oil like a chocolate chip cookie (I know, weird analogy... work with me here!). The essential oil that comes from a plant is comprised of natural chemical structures called constituents (think ingredients). Every constituent (ingredient) plays a vital role in making that oil "work its magic" in our bodies. If key constituents are compromised in the process, it will probably smell the same, but it sure won't work! (Just like a chocolate chip cookie.... if you leave out a key ingredient like flour, sugar, butter etc, it might smell similar, but it sure won't taste the same!).
Constituents are very delicate and can be easily altered and destroyed in the oil distillation process, and for maximum therapeutic value, each and every batch of oils must be tested multiple times during the distillation to ensure they are protected. This is done by gas chromatography (see the video below for a little more info on that process). No other company has their own farms and dedicated partner farms who must contractually abide by the same testing procedures to protect these valuable molecules.
In addition to protecting the constituents within the oils, Young Living has several other "non-negotiables" that we can be guaranteed by using YL products. The oils are guaranteed to be free of:
I did not choose to use Young Living products without some serious thought and research. And I'll be honest, it took several years to find them. Looking back, before finding Young Living, I used oils from companies with no true trail, and no commitment to supplying me with superior effective product. My ignorance 'before YL' shames me... especially as a pharmacist.
Know that you have made a brilliant decision in your choice to become part of the Young Living family. Whether you intentionally did it or not, you hit the wellness jackpot. Well done my friend! Well done!
(click on the link below to learn more about how gas chromatography is used in Young Living)
GC Dr. Cole Woolley
Regardless, I'd like to focus for a minute on the absolute science behind these biblical era products you've brought into your home. You see, as a medical professional with a strong science background....Well......that is what brought me to Young Living. Frankly, I didn't even care what the products smelled like as long as they worked!
At its very core, YL's focus is one of purity and consistent effectiveness. No other essential oil company on the planet is as committed (or able!) as Young Living to ensure that their product (our product) retains its therapeutic effectiveness when that little bottle of magic is sealed. What does that mean?
Think of an essential oil like a chocolate chip cookie (I know, weird analogy... work with me here!). The essential oil that comes from a plant is comprised of natural chemical structures called constituents (think ingredients). Every constituent (ingredient) plays a vital role in making that oil "work its magic" in our bodies. If key constituents are compromised in the process, it will probably smell the same, but it sure won't work! (Just like a chocolate chip cookie.... if you leave out a key ingredient like flour, sugar, butter etc, it might smell similar, but it sure won't taste the same!).
Constituents are very delicate and can be easily altered and destroyed in the oil distillation process, and for maximum therapeutic value, each and every batch of oils must be tested multiple times during the distillation to ensure they are protected. This is done by gas chromatography (see the video below for a little more info on that process). No other company has their own farms and dedicated partner farms who must contractually abide by the same testing procedures to protect these valuable molecules.
In addition to protecting the constituents within the oils, Young Living has several other "non-negotiables" that we can be guaranteed by using YL products. The oils are guaranteed to be free of:
- Contaminants (plasticizers, pesticides, trace solvents etc)
- Biocides (chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides etc that are frequently used in agriculture)
- Solvents (benzene... a known carcinogen, cyclohexane) & Phthalates (plasticizing agents commonly used to liquify more resinous oils)
- Adulteration (adding substances in order to dilute an oil). This is a very common issue with other oil brands. If you find a normally 'expensive' oil for an inexpensive price..... don't walk.... RUN.... from that product! Adulteration has taken place.
- Exposure to excessive heat and pressure during the distillation process. (While higher pressures and temperatures do make the distillation faster, it nearly always ensures destruction of key constituents)
I did not choose to use Young Living products without some serious thought and research. And I'll be honest, it took several years to find them. Looking back, before finding Young Living, I used oils from companies with no true trail, and no commitment to supplying me with superior effective product. My ignorance 'before YL' shames me... especially as a pharmacist.
Know that you have made a brilliant decision in your choice to become part of the Young Living family. Whether you intentionally did it or not, you hit the wellness jackpot. Well done my friend! Well done!
(click on the link below to learn more about how gas chromatography is used in Young Living)
GC Dr. Cole Woolley
Amazon Impostors: Don't be fooled
Several days ago a friend and I had a conversation about a Young Living oil purchase she had made on Amazon. She was pleased with herself as she had gotten "our oils" at half the price that you and I would generally pay at our wholesale membership cost. This of course sparked conversation and the resulting Public Service Announcement from me, your Oily Farmgirl.
How can someone sell Young Living oils and other products below our cost and make an income doing it? It simply isn't possible.... unless there has been a bit of subterfuge occurring. It is so easy to adulterate a bottle and then place a brand new safety cap (that can be purchased easily online) back on to the bottle, making you....the buyer.... think you are purchasing a brand new bottle issued straight from Young Living's bottling facility in Utah.
This is fraught with issues:
As a pharmacist, I am very cognizant of the importance of product standardization. Standardization includes quality, purity, and consistent preservation of key constituents (this is what makes the product work for us). We (the consumers) are counting on a product we trust to do the job we expect it to do. Unfortunately, we live in an unscrupulous world and we have to be aware of this possibility, or risk being duped.
Please do not assume that all sellers are honest on Amazon, Ebay, Craigslist, etc. They are not!
I've included a video below so that you can see how simple the "switcharoo" process truly is. (Take a look. It is less than 3 minutes long)
Amazon Imposter
How can someone sell Young Living oils and other products below our cost and make an income doing it? It simply isn't possible.... unless there has been a bit of subterfuge occurring. It is so easy to adulterate a bottle and then place a brand new safety cap (that can be purchased easily online) back on to the bottle, making you....the buyer.... think you are purchasing a brand new bottle issued straight from Young Living's bottling facility in Utah.
This is fraught with issues:
- Selling products in this manner is unethical and may give YL products a bad image. How? By not working as previously used and or actually causing harm to you the consumer.... especially if using the product internally.
- You might have a diluted product.... and diluted with what?
- You might have an inferior imposter product placed within the bottle.
As a pharmacist, I am very cognizant of the importance of product standardization. Standardization includes quality, purity, and consistent preservation of key constituents (this is what makes the product work for us). We (the consumers) are counting on a product we trust to do the job we expect it to do. Unfortunately, we live in an unscrupulous world and we have to be aware of this possibility, or risk being duped.
Please do not assume that all sellers are honest on Amazon, Ebay, Craigslist, etc. They are not!
I've included a video below so that you can see how simple the "switcharoo" process truly is. (Take a look. It is less than 3 minutes long)
Amazon Imposter
Say What? The Role the FDA and FTC Play
I hope you are doing well and enjoying 'getting your learn on' once a week. You may have seen by now that I have a passion for sharing and educating. As we dive deeper into supplements and all things Young Living, you might think I am speaking a little vaguely on some topics. In fact, you might wonder why I say something like "please Google Frankincense or alpha-pinene using https://scholar.google.com/ for more specific information." It's not because I don't know. Frankly, it's the opposite.... it's because I DO know but cannot legally relay ALL of the information to you.
There are two organizations that will prevent me from providing you with concise and precise information for the following reasons:
There are two organizations that will prevent me from providing you with concise and precise information for the following reasons:
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The FDA: You can read about the scope of the FDA here. Per FDA guidelines, "we" cannot make definitive health claims on products that are deemed supplements and that haven't gone thru the vetting process that is dictated by the FDA (this is both good and bad)....despite the fact that there are literally thousands upon thousands of studies on essential oils and their role and place in healthcare. I invite you to begin your personal research on both pubmed.gov and on Google Scholar . Both of these resources are a wealth of information, so save this email. You will want to come back to both links later after we've talked more.
A couple of years ago, the FDA really cracked down on supplement and nutritional companies, and so it became a bit more tricky to share valuable information. Please take some time to read this article from Health Impact News for details. The FTC: You can read about the FTC here. The long and the short of it is this: While I work independently, I am representing products that you and I both use from Young Living. Having done the research, from a |
pharmacists perspective, I believe you would not find a more superior health/wellness product line anywhere. However, I cannot make claims to diagnose, treat, or attempt to cure.... I can only lead you as much as possible down the information path so that you can reach your own educated conclusions.
So, sometimes, my words may seem a little vague or "fluffy". You want hard cold facts. I understand that, and I want to help you navigate "what to do when, where, why, and how" with ease. Young Living has created a document called " Sharing Young Living the Right Way" in order to remain compliant and in the good graces of the FDA and FTC. Please feel free to refer to that document when needed in our discussions. That way, we will speak the same language and you will better understand the path I am trying to guide you down.
Education is important, and so is learning to navigate information. Learning to be the CEO of your own health is a skill that requires honing and development. Do not be afraid to take the plunge and do a little research yourself..... and if you have questions along the way..... GREAT! That's what I'm here for. I'm your bloodhound, tour guide, and navigator here to help you along the way!
So, sometimes, my words may seem a little vague or "fluffy". You want hard cold facts. I understand that, and I want to help you navigate "what to do when, where, why, and how" with ease. Young Living has created a document called " Sharing Young Living the Right Way" in order to remain compliant and in the good graces of the FDA and FTC. Please feel free to refer to that document when needed in our discussions. That way, we will speak the same language and you will better understand the path I am trying to guide you down.
Education is important, and so is learning to navigate information. Learning to be the CEO of your own health is a skill that requires honing and development. Do not be afraid to take the plunge and do a little research yourself..... and if you have questions along the way..... GREAT! That's what I'm here for. I'm your bloodhound, tour guide, and navigator here to help you along the way!
Carrier Oils 201
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I really never gave too much thought about carrier oils until recently. My standby has always been fractionated coconut oil. Coconut oil can be great for certain skin types, and I've just never felt the need to venture beyond FCO..... until recently. Oh sure, I've dabbled here and there.... stepping out on my old friend, but always coming back home to my tried and true love. I was well aware of carrier oils for skin types (see above), but did you know that.... just like essential oils.... carrier oils have attributes that support and affect body systems beyond the integumentary system/skin?
You know the difference, right? A carrier oil is a fatty oil base. They can go rancid over time and although they may have some health benefits, carrier oils generally don't hold a candle to those benefits seen with Essential Oils. Essential oils, on the other hand, are not fat based.... nor do they feel oily. With the exception of the cold pressed citrus oils, they have an incredibly long shelf life (provided they are cared for properly). Essential oils can be diluted with carrier oils without affecting their effects on our body. Young Living Essential Oils help support virtually every single body system. We typically choose which oils we are going to diffuse, apply, or ingest according to the body system we wish to support. We may or may not use a carrier oil along with our oils depending on personal choice. Regardless of which carrier oil you choose to use, |
begin with these tenants:
However, there are some distinct benefits to using carrier oils with your essential oils:
Yep. Here are a few examples:
Remember, Google is your friend here. If you are curious about a specific carrier oil, do a little research. You may get more than you bargained for (and I mean that in a really good way!).
Young Living has a complete line of carrier oils too, available in 8 oz containers. Each one is a synergistic blend of carrier oils and essential oils designed for a specific purpose. (You will want to read the ingredients closely if you happen to have a sensitivity to a particular oil.)
Do any of these carrier oils tickle your fancy? Give one of them a try and let me know what you think about them. This is just one more way to utilize Essential Rewards, don'tcha know! If you are not already utilizing ER, you are missing out on freebies, points, and discounted shipping. Essential Rewards is for everyone and there are no strings attached. Give your leader as shout (or me.... if you can't reach your leader) and ask them to hook you up.
If you are an oil carrying aficionado, I would encourage you to also keep a small bottle of carrier oil on hand to dilute in the unfortunate circumstance that you get an oil in your eye. Should that ever happen, don't flush with water (it will only make it worse). Instead use a little carrier oil in the corner of your eye to immediately dilute the offending essential oil. If you failed to heed my advice and have no carrier oil on hand, simply use any fatty substance (butter, milk, or even a piece of bacon fat!) in place of the carrier oil. I hope you never need this piece of info, but if this has never happened to you, you've simply not used oils long enough!
- Use organic whenever possible.
- Never use mineral oil or petrolatum or petroleum jelly as a carrier. They clog pores and are toxins themselves (made from petroleum). Additionally, they prevent toxins within us from escaping, and will prevent essential oils from being absorbed into the skin.
- Be very wary of using a cosmetic or mainstream skin care product as a carrier for your essential oils. Rashes and adverse reactions have occurred when combining the two. Remember, nearly all mainstream skin care products contain toxins themselves, and the mixture of both good (essential oils) and bad (that skin care product) may not end well.
However, there are some distinct benefits to using carrier oils with your essential oils:
- Hot oils (ex: Thieves, Lemongrass, Cinnamon Bark) can feel just that.... HOT..... if applied undiluted.
- Diluting your oils with a carrier oil definitely gives you more bang for your buck. We should ALL be frugal oilers... a little goes a long way, and our oils are a precious commodity.
- Adding a carrier oil to your essential oil can, in effect, create an 'extended release' component to your essential oil. Most of our essential oils are volatile. This means that they are released into the air fairly rapidly. What is not absorbed into the skin becomes airborne. The addition of a carrier oil to your essential oil will increase both the amount of oil that is absorbed into your skin AND the duration that the absorption takes place. This is a good thing!
- Many carrier oils can act synergistically with essential oils. Whoa. Really?
Yep. Here are a few examples:
- Coconut Oil - This oil is well known as the 'go to' for hair care and skin care when used topically, but did you also know that when ingested, this oil is also very supportive of the cardiovascular system, helps balance blood sugar, strengthens the immune system, and is helpful in dental care? For real!
- Jojoba Oil- This is an 'external use' only carrier oil that most closely resembles human sebum (the waxy substance produced by glands in our skin) making it one of the best moisturizing carrier oils available. It comes from the seeds of the Jojoba tree. Jojoba oil is also known for its antifungal properties, making it exceptionally well paired with Tea Tree oil. It can be used as a natural makeup remover or as a moisturizer for cracked feet and hands.
- Sweet Almond Oil- Really, any of the tree nut oils (Walnut, Almond, Pecan, etc) make amazing oil and vinegar salad dressing bases (especially when paired with lemon, basil, marjoram, oregano, and thyme oils), but you can use this oil topically too! It has been found to be helpful in repairing damage to collagen within the skin. When ingested, it may help limit inflammation and promote vascular health. Sweet Almond Oil also gets bonus points for being high in vitamins E and K.
Remember, Google is your friend here. If you are curious about a specific carrier oil, do a little research. You may get more than you bargained for (and I mean that in a really good way!).
Young Living has a complete line of carrier oils too, available in 8 oz containers. Each one is a synergistic blend of carrier oils and essential oils designed for a specific purpose. (You will want to read the ingredients closely if you happen to have a sensitivity to a particular oil.)
- V-6 - a general all purpose topical oil blend containing Coconut, Sesame, Grape Seed, Sweet Almond, Sunflower, and Olive oils.
- Ortho Ease - a muscle and joint blend of carrier oils that also contain wintergreen, juniper, marjoram, eucalyptus radiata, and peppermint.
- Ortho Sport - a slightly more intense muscle and joint blend of carrier oils that also contain wintergreen, peppermint, thyme, eucalyptus globulous and oregano.
- Cel-Lite - a great firming and toning carrier oil blend that also incorporates the benefits of grapefruit, cedarwood, and juniper. I love to use this one on my thighs and hips when I get out of the shower!
- Dragon Time - a carrier oil blend designed for balancing emotions (ie: calming your inner dragon!). This carrier oil is designed for women and also contains lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine, fennel and clary sage.
- Relaxation- if you are looking for a relaxing carrier oil blend, this is it. While it does contain lavender, spearmint, coriander, bergamot, and tangerine, feel free to add any additional oils if needed. This is a great blend to massage on little feet right before bedtime :).
- Sensation - oooo la la! This carrier oil blend is created for romance and love. It can be applied anywhere.... (I will leave that up to your imagination). It does not disappoint. In addition to the base oils, this carrier oil blend also contains ylang ylang, bergamot, jasmine, and geranium.
Do any of these carrier oils tickle your fancy? Give one of them a try and let me know what you think about them. This is just one more way to utilize Essential Rewards, don'tcha know! If you are not already utilizing ER, you are missing out on freebies, points, and discounted shipping. Essential Rewards is for everyone and there are no strings attached. Give your leader as shout (or me.... if you can't reach your leader) and ask them to hook you up.
If you are an oil carrying aficionado, I would encourage you to also keep a small bottle of carrier oil on hand to dilute in the unfortunate circumstance that you get an oil in your eye. Should that ever happen, don't flush with water (it will only make it worse). Instead use a little carrier oil in the corner of your eye to immediately dilute the offending essential oil. If you failed to heed my advice and have no carrier oil on hand, simply use any fatty substance (butter, milk, or even a piece of bacon fat!) in place of the carrier oil. I hope you never need this piece of info, but if this has never happened to you, you've simply not used oils long enough!
Frugal & Practical.... Are you utilizing ER?
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As I share with you the practical science behind the products and their benefits to our body systems both physically and emotionally, I wanted to make sure you were aware of... and actually utilizing a program called Essential Rewards. This program is free to all members and provides us with an amazing array of opportunities (take a look at the infographic above).
I've received countless numbers of free products over the years (including my first introduction to Sulfurzyme, Thyromin, and Lavender Body Lotion, etc), as well as ENORMOUS amounts of free product (that I get to choose myself!) from the points I've earned just for buying what I normally buy on a monthly basis. I have been an Essential Rewards member since day 1 (having seen the value immediately), and have (to date) received thousands of dollars in either free product or points to purchase my own choice of free product. This is a program that only gets better the longer you participate. Loyalty earns you more points back, AND a free oil every 3, 6, 9 and 12 months just as a 'thank you' gift for participating. There are no strings attached. You may start or stop at any time, but understand that if you do stop, and then restart, you will be starting over again at 10% back (not worth it when you reach the 25% back level!). |
If you have any questions, or would like some help setting up ER on your account, please message me or talk to the person who is your direct leader. Either way, I'm happy to help.... if you reach out to me to get set up, you might even get a little gift in the mail from me later on (wink wink!).
So be smart with your finances, just like you are with your health.... if you find yourself using and ordering 50$ worth of product or more a month, the ER program is an absolute necessity for your pocketbook health!
You can learn all there is to know about Essential Rewards by reading this FAQ sheet from Young Living
So be smart with your finances, just like you are with your health.... if you find yourself using and ordering 50$ worth of product or more a month, the ER program is an absolute necessity for your pocketbook health!
You can learn all there is to know about Essential Rewards by reading this FAQ sheet from Young Living
Toxic Home, Toxic You: Introducing Thieves cleaner
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We are going to tackle some unpleasantness today, but hang on.... there is good news at the end! I'll never expose a problem without a solution..... that's how I roll.
Why Detox our Homes? American Poison Control Centers field more than 100,000 calls per year regarding household cleaner accidents. Roughly 12,000 children are seen in emergency rooms throughout the United States annually with a household chemical injury. We assume/rely on our government to keep us safe, and therefore, most people believe that "if it's on the market for human use, it must be at least mostly safe". Right? Not so fast. We have villains under our sink, and it's up to us, the v̶i̶c̶t̶i̶m̶ consumer to root out and toss out that which we've unknowingly invited into our homes and lives. The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 grandfathered in an estimated 65,000+ chemicals currently on the market today. Simply put, these chemicals have not had any safety testing..... thus, we know very little about their long term effects. Ingredient labels are mandatory for food, cosmetics, and drugs, but not for cleaners. Under the TSCA, manufacturers are protected by trade secret laws that allow corporations to keep their ingredient lists a secret. Most companies will list some ingredients on their label, but the list is nearly always incomplete. Of the over 2000 chemicals on the market, more than 1/2 of them are known to ACTIVELY cause or promote allergies, asthma, cancer, birth defects, nervous system disruptions, and/or endocrine disruption. Chances are that your house is sick, and that means that you and your loved ones are affected too. Household cleaning products are responsible for over 10% of all toxin exposure calls to the Poison Control Centers in the United States. But what about the more insidious silent illnesses caused by seemingly harmless household chemical exposure? |
Consider these facts:
Now, think about the products you use around your home, your children, and your pets.... Do you know what's in them? Do you know if they are safe?
If you are curious, check out the Environmental Working Group website and take a look at the culprits under your sink and in your home. If you'd like to learn more about harmful cleaners in general, read Mercola's article here.
Personally, I don't like to wonder...so I found out, and then we made some serious changes many years ago in our house and on our farm.
This is one of the reasons I love essential oils.
They're safe. They're natural. They're non-toxic.... And they can kick some serious booty when it comes to cleaning. Their presence in your home "creates an inhospitable environment" for bacteria and other funk to grow. Better yet, while you clean with oil infused products, you are actually boosting your immune system, enhancing your emotional well-being, AND you are leaving a 100% safe aroma for your kids, pets, family and friends to enjoy.
Thieves® oil blend and the entire Thieves Cleaner family are miracle-workers.... and giant killers. This blend truly is a David vs Goliath story when it comes to germs.
The amazing thing about all of the Thieves cleaning products is that a little goes a LONG LONG way. The smallest concentrated cleaner size (14.4oz) will last you several months for nearly every single cleaning project you want to tackle.... from windows to degreasing ovens.... (just follow the recommended dilution ratios). Easy on our body. Easy on our pocketbook... it doesn't get any better than that! If you want to save even MORE money, make it part of your Essential Rewards plan when you order.
So, get your house in order! We are told to do that, right?....Both Biblically and in life. Our "house" isn't just our home... it is also a reference to our body. Who knew this story could have a happy ending!?
- Currently, nearly 1 in 10 children in the USA has asthma (it was only 4 in 100 in 1980). Interestingly, it has been found that risk increases as the number of different chemicals used to clean also increases.
- Common ingredients (Formaldehyde, 1,4-Dioxane) found in floor cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and liquid laundry detergent have been definitively linked to increased risk of breast and liver cancers
- The European Union has banned thousands of chemicals that the United States still allows. Some of these include: Sodium perborate, Dethylene glycol monomethyl ether (found in common oven degreasers) and glycol ethers have all been found to impair fetal development AND are toxic to both male and female human reproductive systems.
- Chlorine bleach and 'mystery' fragrances (a common term that may include 300 different chemicals) are linked to respiratory damage, wheezing, nose/eye irritation, and chronic headaches.
- 14% of burn unit hospital admissions are related to household chemical exposure
Now, think about the products you use around your home, your children, and your pets.... Do you know what's in them? Do you know if they are safe?
If you are curious, check out the Environmental Working Group website and take a look at the culprits under your sink and in your home. If you'd like to learn more about harmful cleaners in general, read Mercola's article here.
Personally, I don't like to wonder...so I found out, and then we made some serious changes many years ago in our house and on our farm.
This is one of the reasons I love essential oils.
They're safe. They're natural. They're non-toxic.... And they can kick some serious booty when it comes to cleaning. Their presence in your home "creates an inhospitable environment" for bacteria and other funk to grow. Better yet, while you clean with oil infused products, you are actually boosting your immune system, enhancing your emotional well-being, AND you are leaving a 100% safe aroma for your kids, pets, family and friends to enjoy.
Thieves® oil blend and the entire Thieves Cleaner family are miracle-workers.... and giant killers. This blend truly is a David vs Goliath story when it comes to germs.
The amazing thing about all of the Thieves cleaning products is that a little goes a LONG LONG way. The smallest concentrated cleaner size (14.4oz) will last you several months for nearly every single cleaning project you want to tackle.... from windows to degreasing ovens.... (just follow the recommended dilution ratios). Easy on our body. Easy on our pocketbook... it doesn't get any better than that! If you want to save even MORE money, make it part of your Essential Rewards plan when you order.
So, get your house in order! We are told to do that, right?....Both Biblically and in life. Our "house" isn't just our home... it is also a reference to our body. Who knew this story could have a happy ending!?
Skin in the Game: Healthy Alternatives to Toxic Personal Care Products
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Thanks for continuing on your education journey with me! My hope is that you find nuggets of useful information in these emails, and that they are empowering you to make changes in how you care for and love on yourself. That might sound selfish or self-centered, but honestly, the opposite is true. If you are not caring well for yourself, you likely cannot care well for others.
We've talked about kicking harsh chemicals to the curb.... the villains under the sink that you know are toxic to you, your family, and to your pets. I'm proud of you for making that switch a few months back! Don't feel like this is an 'all or nothing' concept. Succeeding in removing known toxins from your home takes baby steps or it can be easily overwhelming. Today, we're going to address skin care. While we can recognize the big (toxin) guns under our sink, don't you find it odd that toxin laden skincare is rarely discussed? I do. No aspect of the skincare industry is exempt.Shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, lotion, sunscreen, moisturizers, toners, and cosmetics. While the |
European FDA equivalent has banned over 1000 toxic chemicals for use in skin care products, the US FDA has banned fewer than 10. That means that you and I are left to decipher labels and determine what is safe and what is not. I have a pretty good noggin, but I certainly haven't memorized the list of all toxic ingredients. This is just a short list of some of the more frequent offenders:
You can read more about each of these classes of ingredients in a great Huffington Post article HERE.
I am just thankful that Young Living makes one stop shopping as easy as ordering on Amazon.... easier even, because you don't have to read labels.... knowing that the products are safe.
Young Living has given us safe alternatives and are constantly coming up with new products to fill in the gaps. Not only concerned with safety, their products contain beneficial ingredients for our skin, scalp, and yes..... even our emotions. For those of you multi-taskers, that's quite an accomplishment..... and all before even leaving the bathroom. Never forget the power that these oil infused products have on our health and emotional wellness!
If you are not sure if the product you are currently using is safe, I'd encourage you to take some time to look each one up in EWG.org. This website grades products according to safety. I think you'll be surprised at the results. This is another beautiful thing about Young Living and their member Rewards program. We buy all these skin care products anyway.... and YL literally 'pays' us to be healthy with all the points we accumulate thru this program (that can be used to purchase products on future orders) . Trading in unhealthy products for healthy ones is just too easy this way!
But the best thing? Not having to memorize 990+ toxins and reading labels every time I want to purchase something! My brain is full enough already.
Enjoy your day, and spend a little time figuring which product will be the first to get booted out of your bathroom.
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- SLS (Sodium laureth sulfate... a biggie!)
- Fragrance (the nebulous word that can hide about 300 toxin laden chemicals)
- Triclosan
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
- Synthetic colors (ex: D&C Red 27 or FD&C blue 1)
- Propylene glycol
- Chemicals found in sunscreen (There is debate on what's more dangerous.... the sun or the sunscreen?) Before the introduction of Young Living's Sunscreen, I rarely used anything.... finding sunscreen to be far more dangerous than the sun itself.
You can read more about each of these classes of ingredients in a great Huffington Post article HERE.
I am just thankful that Young Living makes one stop shopping as easy as ordering on Amazon.... easier even, because you don't have to read labels.... knowing that the products are safe.
Young Living has given us safe alternatives and are constantly coming up with new products to fill in the gaps. Not only concerned with safety, their products contain beneficial ingredients for our skin, scalp, and yes..... even our emotions. For those of you multi-taskers, that's quite an accomplishment..... and all before even leaving the bathroom. Never forget the power that these oil infused products have on our health and emotional wellness!
- Shampoos and Conditioners
- Soaps, Body Washes, and Lotions
- Bath gel, Lotion, and Shampoo for kiddos
- Cosmetics (If you haven't seen or tried the Savvy Minerals, please contact me!.... you are missing out. Cosmetics contain some of the worst offenders for our skin. Beauty can come with a health pricetag if you are using standard cosmetics)
- Anti-aging skin care
- Face cleansers and scrubs
- A complete baby line of skin care (start 'em out right.... safely!)
- Sunscreen
If you are not sure if the product you are currently using is safe, I'd encourage you to take some time to look each one up in EWG.org. This website grades products according to safety. I think you'll be surprised at the results. This is another beautiful thing about Young Living and their member Rewards program. We buy all these skin care products anyway.... and YL literally 'pays' us to be healthy with all the points we accumulate thru this program (that can be used to purchase products on future orders) . Trading in unhealthy products for healthy ones is just too easy this way!
But the best thing? Not having to memorize 990+ toxins and reading labels every time I want to purchase something! My brain is full enough already.
Enjoy your day, and spend a little time figuring which product will be the first to get booted out of your bathroom.
Sources and Information at your Fingertips
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You know by now that I love to learn and research. I'm no Einstein..... I just love to learn. I read, watch videos, attend classes whenever possible (online or in person), and listen to your personal stories. I find personal experience testimonies to be some of the most valuable of all.... the 'feet on the ground' information we pass on to others. I just wanted to pass along a few resources that are easily available to you and may help you find very specific information you may be seeking.
One of my favorites is Oil-Testimonials. This is a website that is strictly testimony based, and has proven to be so valuable to me personally. I love 'fact based' learning, but because there are so few peer reviewed studies, we (you and I) also need anecdotal information, and that's where this website comes in super handy. You can create your own account for free (you can buy an advanced account but it is not necessary) using the following steps:
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- Click on 'Basic' (below the word Search)
- Type in whatever key word you are looking for, and the search engine will generate whatever personal testimonies have been logged by others
If you utilize phone apps, there are several that I refer to regularly: (the following are Android links. If you have an Apple product you will need to search accordingly)
- The Reference Guide for Essential Oils (this is a paid for app, but inexpensive for at your fingertips information)
- The YL Oil Guide (free)
- The EO Bar (paid, but inexpensive)
- EWG.org (free: a valuable app for helping you detox your life. It rates/ranks products according to their safety)
- Think Dirty (also free, and similar to EWG.org)
If you'd like to know more about which books I've found helpful, please feel free to message me or friend me on Facebook..... https://www.facebook.com/charlie.liz. I have too many to type, so depending on your interest (science, medical, DIY, body system specific etc) I can point you in the direction that best suits your need.
Take care, and have fun uncovering the possibilities of how best to utilize the tools you have in your wellness tool kit!
Why 'all of this' Is Important
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I want to explain my "why" to you. People are frequently puzzled as to why I spend so much time immersed in Young Living. I'm a pharmacist after all... and I went to school for many years to do so. It's a solid and stable job and the pay is pretty nifty in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps this will shed some light on the matter if you've been wondering the same thing.
Recently, I encountered three women whose health stories captured my heart. My career choice as a pharmacist puts me in the direct path of people who have body system dysfunctions of varying degrees…. I mean, unless someone is asking me about a supplement or a probiotic (a rarity I might add), I am there to aid and abet a health woe. The further I get down my own life’s path, the more I see the Jekyll and Hyde aspects of ….well…. me.It is a difficult thing, being Mrs. Jekyll & Hyde in the healthcare industry…. and more and more frequently, I feel like Mrs. Hyde once I’ve donned the white coat and become the purveyor of tonics, brews, and pills that have been blessed by the FDA. I still believe that there is a time and a place for medication intervention, but for the love of all things that are holy…… those times should be much rarer than they are. |
Healing takes place not with medication, but from rooting out the source of the problem and working towards organic corrections (organic being defined as: “denoting a relation between elements of something such that they fit together harmoniously as necessary parts of a whole”) . Organic in this instance means altering diet and lifestyle, adding exercise, decreasing exposure to toxins, and removing chronic stress for the good of the body.
The more I delve into natural solutions for healthy living the more I ( really) see people struggle with some pretty debilitating conditions. In so many instances, these body dysfunctions can be addressed if the choice were made to manage instead of mediate a dis-ease (ironic isn’t it…. mediate/medicate?).
Bravery comes in all forms. I am at ease talking about diet, lifestyle changes, exercise, exposure to toxins and chronic stress when I am NOT in my white coat (Mrs. Jekyll)…. but once I’ve got the white coat on… the Mrs. Hyde comes out… and for decades, it’s been about representing drugs and their side effect profiles, interactions, and none of the talk about the aforementioned changes. And I’ve grown to be disappointed and even disgusted in myself. Who am I, really?
I am a girl who grew up with an innate love of nature and science. I’m a girl who worked hard, and got a degree in pharmacy 25+ years ago (and oh was she proud to have gotten that degree!)….. but whose true aspiration was to live simply on a farm in harmony with the land and with the animals. I am forever grateful for the knowledge and the gifts I’ve been given to be able to decipher science, medicine, and biology to benefit myself and others, but sometimes I feel that this white coat of mine is a curse. Biblically this is called the gift of discernment.
Discernment holds a heavy responsibility. To know better but to keep what you know better to yourself becomes a burden emotionally and physically, and sometimes that can bring you to your knees (Alas, isn’t that what God wants from us ultimately?).
I have been on my own wellness journey for more than 15 years, and am much better for it. The fact that I started in earnest in my 30’s meant that I likely avoided health issues that plagued those with my genetic heritage ( thyroid, emotional illness, and other ailments I’ve mentioned in past posts on my blog). My husband has followed along behind me for years, but now walks beside me as he has come to understand the truth of it all. We all have choices to make in life that will ultimately affect our health outcome. We can go willingly with the flow, or we can buck the system (you know, the one where the average American adult age 45+ is on 4 prescription medications a day). We chose to buck the system as our eyes were opened and the scales removed (so to speak).
Choosing involves knowing you have choices, and I guess what has hit me the hardest is the grim reality that so many people Just. Don’t. Know. How can you choose if you don’t realize that there is a fork in the road??? The Mrs. Jekyll in me poked that bear a few times this month accidentally, and it nearly brought tears to my eyes because it happened while I was wearing my white coat.
They didn’t know.
And the others in their white coats weren’t telling them either.
For the sake of assuming that those other “WC” wearers don’t know either, I’m going to give them a pass. Or perhaps their bravery has not kicked in yet.
To the three women who have captured my heart:
The more I look in the mirror, the more uncomfortable I become with the white coat. It is supposed to be a symbol of honesty and trustworthiness. Some look upon a white coat as a godlike robe…. one that it certainly is not. When I took the oath of a pharmacist (way back in the day) it included a statement about ‘doing no harm’. I pulled up the standard oath of the pharmacist recently, and was surprised to see that it had mutated (irony again… mutate/mutilate) into something more nebulous. Failure to be properly educated on holistic care is a travesty of the current healthcare industry. Speaking only from a pharmacist’s perspective, it’s not something easily found within Continuing Education programs. Just like you all, we must educate ourselves on our own time. Sadder still, holistic care is frequently denigrated or minimized in pharmacy publications. Big Pharma at its finest.
The huge benefits (sans side effects) of holistic self care is one of the reasons we use alternative health products ourselves, on our animals, and on our farm. Choices. The pharmacist in me sought out the most transparent, trustworthy, and therapeutically minded oil company available to any of us. I sought out Young Living…. they didn’t seek me. Discernment.
I don’t really see myself shucking the white coat entirely anytime soon…….. but I do plan on seeing less of Mrs. Hyde, and more of Mrs. Jekyll in the white coat……making a concerted effort to show people they do have a choice in the matter (their own health). It’s not all about genetics like people think (that’s another post for another day). It’s about our environment and the toll (or benefit) it can express on our body depending on the choices we make. (I still don't share Young Living at work by the way... that would be disrespectful to my place of employment. However, I do speak of toxin loads, fresh produce, and ditching processed foods!)
I felt a huge release in my spirit by sharing the lifestyle choices (that they do have) with the three ladies mentioned above. I literally felt and saw their shift in thinking…. in realizing that there was no road sign at the fork in the road until I gave them a roadmap…. and that felt better than anything I’ve done in pharmacy in a long time.
As fellow pharmacist Suzy Cohen points out in her book," The fact is, you can't cure disease with drugs made of synthetic chemicals, especially when they often suppress your body's ability to produce or use natural, healthy nutrients". Oh the irony of it all.... she speaks truth, but the drug companies.... not so much, AND they are blessed by the FDA in the process.
You, sweet reader, are on a journey and I am blessed to play some small part in it. I do not take that blessing lightly. Heavens no. You are becoming the CEO of your own body. You are becoming aware of the signs, evidence, and missing puzzle pieces... the twists of the Rubik's cube that is your health. Healthy life is so precious, and I am proud of you for choosing the fork in the road. You did, you know.... or you wouldn't be reading this now. Well done my friend.
The more I delve into natural solutions for healthy living the more I ( really) see people struggle with some pretty debilitating conditions. In so many instances, these body dysfunctions can be addressed if the choice were made to manage instead of mediate a dis-ease (ironic isn’t it…. mediate/medicate?).
Bravery comes in all forms. I am at ease talking about diet, lifestyle changes, exercise, exposure to toxins and chronic stress when I am NOT in my white coat (Mrs. Jekyll)…. but once I’ve got the white coat on… the Mrs. Hyde comes out… and for decades, it’s been about representing drugs and their side effect profiles, interactions, and none of the talk about the aforementioned changes. And I’ve grown to be disappointed and even disgusted in myself. Who am I, really?
I am a girl who grew up with an innate love of nature and science. I’m a girl who worked hard, and got a degree in pharmacy 25+ years ago (and oh was she proud to have gotten that degree!)….. but whose true aspiration was to live simply on a farm in harmony with the land and with the animals. I am forever grateful for the knowledge and the gifts I’ve been given to be able to decipher science, medicine, and biology to benefit myself and others, but sometimes I feel that this white coat of mine is a curse. Biblically this is called the gift of discernment.
Discernment holds a heavy responsibility. To know better but to keep what you know better to yourself becomes a burden emotionally and physically, and sometimes that can bring you to your knees (Alas, isn’t that what God wants from us ultimately?).
I have been on my own wellness journey for more than 15 years, and am much better for it. The fact that I started in earnest in my 30’s meant that I likely avoided health issues that plagued those with my genetic heritage ( thyroid, emotional illness, and other ailments I’ve mentioned in past posts on my blog). My husband has followed along behind me for years, but now walks beside me as he has come to understand the truth of it all. We all have choices to make in life that will ultimately affect our health outcome. We can go willingly with the flow, or we can buck the system (you know, the one where the average American adult age 45+ is on 4 prescription medications a day). We chose to buck the system as our eyes were opened and the scales removed (so to speak).
Choosing involves knowing you have choices, and I guess what has hit me the hardest is the grim reality that so many people Just. Don’t. Know. How can you choose if you don’t realize that there is a fork in the road??? The Mrs. Jekyll in me poked that bear a few times this month accidentally, and it nearly brought tears to my eyes because it happened while I was wearing my white coat.
They didn’t know.
And the others in their white coats weren’t telling them either.
For the sake of assuming that those other “WC” wearers don’t know either, I’m going to give them a pass. Or perhaps their bravery has not kicked in yet.
To the three women who have captured my heart:
- To the woman who has suffered from an Auto Immune disorder for years…. who lives with pain…. and who never knew that the toxins we expose ourselves unknowingly to (in the form of basic skin care products, household cleaners, plug in fragrances, processed foods, etc) have a direct affect on her disorder: I am sorry that your health care providers failed to mention this to you as a form of self care. I praise God that your pain level is now a manageable 4 out of the usual 9-10 that you lived with ON MEDICATION.
- To the woman who has chronic digestive distress and hormone/thyroid dysfunction…. who never knew that toxins we unknowingly expose ourselves to (in the form of basic skin care products, household cleaners, plug in fragrances, processed foods, etc) had a direct effect on gut and thyroid function….. I am sorry that your health care providers failed to offer holistic alternatives and proper education on self care. I praise God that you and I both had the time to have a 10 minute conversation at the pharmacy on just this topic, and that you are embracing and chasing what you did not know….. that you had a choice. And that you and your family are now feeling hopeful in recovery of mind, body, and spirit.
- To the woman who has the Auto Immune disorders (yes, multiple) that are slowly robbing you of a healthy and passionate life…….I’m sorry that your health care providers have failed to mention that the aforementioned daily toxin load you add to your bucket is at the overflow point…. and THAT is why new Auto Immune disorders keep creeping into your medical chart. I am especially sorry that this doctor recommended a 4 packet a day regimen of Splenda (don’t ask, I can’t even believe it myself) as part of your treatment. THAT almost brought me to my knees….. your bucket is overflowing, and that doctor of yours just turned the spigot up full blast. I gently suggested using maybe raw honey or agave to sweeten the bitter potion he prescribed you. You asked if Diet Dr. Pepper could be aggravating your conditions, and when I said yes… you asked me why none of your doctors had ever explained toxin load before. I had no answers for you. None that I could speak without fear of reprimand, and for that I am so sorry.
The more I look in the mirror, the more uncomfortable I become with the white coat. It is supposed to be a symbol of honesty and trustworthiness. Some look upon a white coat as a godlike robe…. one that it certainly is not. When I took the oath of a pharmacist (way back in the day) it included a statement about ‘doing no harm’. I pulled up the standard oath of the pharmacist recently, and was surprised to see that it had mutated (irony again… mutate/mutilate) into something more nebulous. Failure to be properly educated on holistic care is a travesty of the current healthcare industry. Speaking only from a pharmacist’s perspective, it’s not something easily found within Continuing Education programs. Just like you all, we must educate ourselves on our own time. Sadder still, holistic care is frequently denigrated or minimized in pharmacy publications. Big Pharma at its finest.
The huge benefits (sans side effects) of holistic self care is one of the reasons we use alternative health products ourselves, on our animals, and on our farm. Choices. The pharmacist in me sought out the most transparent, trustworthy, and therapeutically minded oil company available to any of us. I sought out Young Living…. they didn’t seek me. Discernment.
I don’t really see myself shucking the white coat entirely anytime soon…….. but I do plan on seeing less of Mrs. Hyde, and more of Mrs. Jekyll in the white coat……making a concerted effort to show people they do have a choice in the matter (their own health). It’s not all about genetics like people think (that’s another post for another day). It’s about our environment and the toll (or benefit) it can express on our body depending on the choices we make. (I still don't share Young Living at work by the way... that would be disrespectful to my place of employment. However, I do speak of toxin loads, fresh produce, and ditching processed foods!)
I felt a huge release in my spirit by sharing the lifestyle choices (that they do have) with the three ladies mentioned above. I literally felt and saw their shift in thinking…. in realizing that there was no road sign at the fork in the road until I gave them a roadmap…. and that felt better than anything I’ve done in pharmacy in a long time.
As fellow pharmacist Suzy Cohen points out in her book," The fact is, you can't cure disease with drugs made of synthetic chemicals, especially when they often suppress your body's ability to produce or use natural, healthy nutrients". Oh the irony of it all.... she speaks truth, but the drug companies.... not so much, AND they are blessed by the FDA in the process.
You, sweet reader, are on a journey and I am blessed to play some small part in it. I do not take that blessing lightly. Heavens no. You are becoming the CEO of your own body. You are becoming aware of the signs, evidence, and missing puzzle pieces... the twists of the Rubik's cube that is your health. Healthy life is so precious, and I am proud of you for choosing the fork in the road. You did, you know.... or you wouldn't be reading this now. Well done my friend.
Understanding Out of Stock: Patience, GrassHopper!
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I just hopped out of bed and ordered a few things on Amazon this morning that our house was lacking. I LOVE Amazon, and how easy it is to simply make a few clicks on the keyboard, and I've got a box on my doorstep 24-48 hours later. Any longer than that, and I'm prone to be a little impatient. We've become an instant gratification society and I'm no different than anyone else.
We've got instant photos, fast food, quick car washes, minute clinics, even an Insta-pot for quick meal preparation. But what about the adage, "Good things come to those who wait"? There is so much truth to that phrase you rarely see or hear anymore. Who wants to see their kids grow up too fast, or seasons and years pass in the blink of an eye? The very best meals from the very best restaurants are to be savored and slowly enjoyed. If you are a gardener like me, you know how good the season's first fruits and vegetables taste after months of tender care and soil preparation. Our oils (and oil infused supplements) very much fall into the latter category. By now, you will have found your rhythm within Young Living and know what you cannot live without on a daily basis. You probably even found a backup plan for |
a few of your faves. But have you adequately prepared for the eventuality of an Out of Stock event? We are, after all, expecting an endless supply of a natural product that requires certain growing conditions so that these plants we've come to depend on may thrive. And even then, if something goes awry during the distillation process, the availability of these precious drops of liquid gold could temporarily come to a grinding halt. Say what?!?!? Yep, it's true. Remember, we aren't dealing with chemicals that can be whipped up in the back room when supplies run short. (Thank God!.... we're trying to avoid toxins in our lives after all, right?) Plants must grow, flourish, and be harvested..... and the very precise man made event of extracting 'our' oils in a manner which protects the delicate constituents that rock our world and 'do their magic' must occur without a hitch. Things happen. Droughts occur. Wildfires wipe out forests we rely on for tree resins (fir, pine, spruce, copaiba, elimi, or God forbid.... frankincense and myrrh). Floods happen. A batch of distilled oil does not pass rigorous testing by Young Living's elite team of scientists...... any of this happens, and our supply is sucker punched, and we have to start over again with a tiny seed.
I am thankful and blessed for all that is offered to us thru nature and these precious pure oils. Waiting isn't fun, and being without what we love is even less fun. As a farmer and gardener myself, I completely empathize and sympathize with this process. When a crop fails, it flat out stinks. So what's a girl (or guy) to do? The answer is easier than you might think! Be prepared. If you know what you love and know what your body needs, keep an adequate 'backup supply' on hand for that season of scarcity. There are a few oils and supplements we will NOT be without in our home, and I try to keep at least a 3-5 month supply on hand of those items, because I don't want to know what it feels like to be without. It has held me in good stead for those moments in time when ordering more was not an option. Do this slowly.... but begin padding your order with an extra supply of whatever your 'go to' products are. It may take a few months, but your insurance policy will begin to form, and Out of Stock moments will cease to stress you out. Utilize your Essential Rewards free points for this practice too. We are currently running short on two of our necessary supplements: Agilease and Sulfurzyme, and I'll be placing an order today using our FREE points to get our back up stock replenished. Better safe than sorry!
Patience and planning, Grasshopper.... it's the best way to keep that pantry well stocked.
I am thankful and blessed for all that is offered to us thru nature and these precious pure oils. Waiting isn't fun, and being without what we love is even less fun. As a farmer and gardener myself, I completely empathize and sympathize with this process. When a crop fails, it flat out stinks. So what's a girl (or guy) to do? The answer is easier than you might think! Be prepared. If you know what you love and know what your body needs, keep an adequate 'backup supply' on hand for that season of scarcity. There are a few oils and supplements we will NOT be without in our home, and I try to keep at least a 3-5 month supply on hand of those items, because I don't want to know what it feels like to be without. It has held me in good stead for those moments in time when ordering more was not an option. Do this slowly.... but begin padding your order with an extra supply of whatever your 'go to' products are. It may take a few months, but your insurance policy will begin to form, and Out of Stock moments will cease to stress you out. Utilize your Essential Rewards free points for this practice too. We are currently running short on two of our necessary supplements: Agilease and Sulfurzyme, and I'll be placing an order today using our FREE points to get our back up stock replenished. Better safe than sorry!
Patience and planning, Grasshopper.... it's the best way to keep that pantry well stocked.