Boost Your Immunity and Wellness with Essential Oils
I've been a lover of essential oils for a few years now, but Melody Brandon of @obsessedwithessentials has taken me from fan to super obsessed believer overnight with her incredible knowledge. I recently had surgery on my gallbladder and a massive hernia (who knows how long I had that sucker, but the photos of the thing are gross), putting me in the hospital for several days (I had never spent the night in a hospital before) and on bedrest for over 14 days. My hospital room was super popular among the nurses because my diffuser was running nonstop with essential oils blends recommended by Melody. I chose oils that boosted my mood, relieved anxiety, sanitized the air (had to stay healthy during flu season) and boosted my immunity.
I am so thrilled to have Melody Brandon sharing her knowledge with this community and also running a giveaway over on my Instagram (running from 1/22/18 to 1/26/18). Head on over for a chance to get your hands on some of her incredible goods.
Self-care and love are all the rage in January, so what better way to focus on loving yourself than with wellness recipes that can change the way you feel. Together, we will explore how essential oils can be incorporated them into your daily life for things like immune support, mood management, help with sleep, sickness, self care and more.
The author of one of my favorite books, Just the Essentials, describes essential oils perfectly when she says, "Essential oils are not just sweet smelling, or tasting liquids. They are some of the most potent, concentrated, and effective parts of a plant, distilled in a hyper concentrated form. Pure essential oils are composed of the super-fuel of a plant, which has tremendous implications for you and me. Depending on the oil, their properties can include antimicrobial, antibacterial, analgesic (aka painkilling), antiseptic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory benefits. They can help boost the immune system and promote circulation. They can provide soothing, mood enhancing effects and in some cases may help alleviate depression."
With sick season still upon us I thought I would share my top immune support blend that you can use daily to help boost your immune system so you don't get sick. I love combining Doterra's OnGuard blend of oils which is such a game changer for your heath and then I always add in Frankincense which is another powerhouse immune support oil that is also great for healthy cells and inflammation in the body!
Then if you do happen to get sick I pull out my combo of 5 oils that comes in most of my starter kits which is OnGuard, Frankincense, Lemon, Melaleuca and Oregano. Lemon is super cleansing, Melaleuca is antibacterial and anti-fungal and Oregano is the antibiotic of essential oils. My favorite natural Doctor, Dr. Josh Axe, says, "Unfortunately, the antibiotics prescribed by most medical doctors today have horrendous side effects including: causing antibiotic resistance, destroying good bacteria (probiotics), reducing vitamin absorption and damaging the digestive lining causing leaky gut. Dozens of other studies confirm the fact that oregano oil can be used instead of harmful antibiotics for a number of health concerns. The rest of the research cited is supporting the fact that oregano is more than just an antibiotic. It’s the ultimate natural antibiotic!"
Essential oils not only are amazing for your body's health but they are also so beneficial for mood support. Three of my favorite oils for calming, anxiety, stress, and sleep are the Serenity blend which is all the top oils for calming and sleep in one bottle. I love using it by itself or you can combine it with Balance which is their "grounding blend" and has been so helpful for my clients who deal with anxiety. And lastly in this combo is one of the newest oils Doterra has sourced which is Copaiba. It is similar to CBD oil which amazing benefits for overall health, immune support, skin, calming and anxiety.
Another way I love to help relax the mind and body is to make bath bombs! Bath bombs are just an elevated version of bath salts but they are so luscious and leave your skin feeling amazing, helps your body detox naturally and also relaxes your mind and body.
Here is a great recipe for DIY Bath bombs from one of my favorite essential oil books called Essential Glow:
1/2 cup citric acid
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup Epson salt
12 drops lemongrass
83 drops lavender
12 drops Roman Chamomile
24 drops clary sage
1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
3 tablespoons coconut oil
Natural food coloring of your choice
Mix all the dry ingredients up and stir to combine, breaking up any clumps. Add the essential oils and sweet almond oil and coconut oil to a separate bowl and next combine. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Add any natural food coloring if desired or other things like dried flowers or herbs. Pack the mixture into your mold and put in the freezer for at least 20 minutes or more. Remove from the mold and add to your bath and watch it fizz!
Another way I love using essential oils is to diffuse them to uplift mood, clean the air of germs, help with sleep, coughs and colds, and to have my house smelling good without the use of toxic candles or fragrant plug-ins. Some of my favorite oils to diffuse are citrus oils like Citrus Bliss and I also love Doterra's new Yoga Blend set which has 3 oils in it. Arise is my personal favorite and I love adding it to this macrame oil bottle that has lava beads inside and acts like a little car diffuser or room refresher.
So, how do you get your hands on some of the goods? Melody, my saving grace when it comes to educating me on essential oils, will get you all setup. Shoot her an email at obsessedwithessentials@gmail.com to find the oils or kit that is right for you, your office, or your family.
In the meantime, enter to win a 4 pack of essential oils, 4 custom labeled roller bottles, a gold essential oil diffuser, lava bead diffuser necklace and a golf travel case with 7 mini roller bottles over on my Instagram.
