Teacher Appreciation Gift

Another school year is over! I thought when my youngest started Kindergarten that I would have more time to do things like blog about essential oils...ha! Our Kindergarten is only half-day so that's not much time to do anything. His teacher was such a sweetheart and I wanted to give her a little something to say thanks. I had already given her a gift certificate for a foot zone for Christmas, so I decided to fall back on an old favorite and give it a twist. 

I got a cute plastic cup from Walmart and a box of True Lemon packets. Have you tried True Lemon? I love it! I can't stand most lemonade powders because they're too sweet. But True Lemon is made from crystallized lemon, cane sugar, and stevia and only has 1 gram of sugar per packet. To add some extra relaxation, I included a bottle of lavender essential oil. Since I don't know how familiar she is with essential oils, I included a print out of how to use it. Put it all inside the cup, punch a hole in the card and thread it onto the straw, tie a ribbon, and you're done! Feel free to use these images to make a gift for your favorite teacher! 

My Favorite Oils for Depression & Anxiety

The more I learn about health and wellness, the more I realize just how many factors contribute to our physical and emotional health. Everything from our diet, activity level, hormones, nutritional absorption, sleep patterns, genetics, and life experiences. Depression and anxiety are particularly interesting to me because of their wide range of contributing factors. For years I tried to treat my depression symptoms with anti-depressants, herbs, supplements, and energy work. They helped, but I never really felt GOOD. It wasn't until I addressed my hormones that I really started to feel a difference. Now I call my progesterone pills my happy pills!

In my opinion, it's necessary to look at all aspects of your being when addressing an issue like depression and/or anxiety. What needs to be addressed on the physical, mental, spiritual, and energetic levels? Are there nutritional deficiencies? Do you have old emotions stored in your body that are weighing you down and need to be released? Is your body producing a healthy level of hormones? And on and on.

Just as there are many factors that contribute to depression and anxiety, there are many oils to help address those factors. I encourage you to study the oils to see which ones resonate with you. Our bodies are so unique and what works for one person may not work for another.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils" by LaRee Westover, the oils that are suggested for depression are (click on the name to read more about the oil): Acknowledge, Baby Me, Beloved, Believe, Cherish, Grateful Heart, HeartSong, Letting Go, Meditation, MyGraine, Sego Lily, Tranquility, Turmoil, Unity, allspice, basil, benzoin, bergamot, chamomile Roman, geranium, howood, lavender, lemon, jasmine, neroli, orange bitter, rose geranium, rose, ylang ylang.

In the same book, the oils that are suggested for anxiety are (click on the name to read more about the oil): Angel, Assurance, Cherish, Dreams, Faith, Inner Peace, Letting Go, QuietEssence, Synopsis, Tranquility, Whispering Hope, Vision, bergamot, chamomile Roman, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lime, melissa, palo santo, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, spruce, tangerine, ylang ylang.

My favorite oils for depression and anxiety are Tranquility (especially for anxiety), Heart Song, and Letting Go. I've created these images that can be printed for easy reference.

INGREDIENTS: blue tansy, geranium, chamomile German, lavender, palmarosa, patchouli, orange sweet, tangerine, ylang ylang

APPLICATION: ^LeTranquility can be used as a perfume or cologne. It is an excellent essential oil for a relaxing bath. This blend can be placed anywhere on the body.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Diffuse or wear ^LeTranquility as a perfume. Everyone around you will get to enjoy it and reap the benefits. The aroma of ^LeTranquility has been known to reduce or eliminate panic attacks and other anxiety based disorders.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: One of the best loved of the Butterfly Express, llc, blends, ^LeTranquility can help us develop inner strength, patience, understanding, and confidence. ^LeTranquility promotes relaxation, relieves anxiety, stress, tension, and depression.

^LeTranquility is useful as a sleep aid, especially when the problem is "mind chatter" that just won't quit. Instead of sleeping, even though we need sleep badly, we lay there reviewing the past day in our minds or making plans for tomorrow. ^LeTranquility helps us take a step back from a situation so that we may come to a fuller understanding of all aspects of the situation. From this perspective we are usually able to see solutions to our dilemmas more easily.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Physically, ^LeTranquility can be useful for circulatory problems to the extremities. Stress takes a high toll on the vitamin and mineral levels of the body, especially the levels of calcium. The use of ^LeTranquility, which promotes calmness and quells anxiety, has been helpful in cases of osteoporosis.

^LeTranquility is one of the best blends to relieve migraines and tension headaches. Since so many of our minor, but annoying physical distresses have their roots in our emotions and our thought patterns, ^LeTranquility has proven useful in a very wide range of physical discomforts.

^LeTranquility has been used in programs to help children and adults get off Ritalin and Prozac. Of course, it is recommended that you work closely with your doctor.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This essential oil blend is the first thing you should reach for whenever someone is having a panic attack. More times than not, ^LeTranquility will stop the attack completely. This is a great blend for any type of anxiety disorder.

INGREDIENTS: bergamot, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, orange sweet, rose, rose geranium, rosewood, ylang ylang

RESONANCE: ^LeHeartSong allows the heart to find its joy and learn to sing again. This is a very high frequency spiritual and emotional blend. ^LeHeartSong was created as an anti-depressant blend and is still the #1 blend for use in the treatment of grief and mild depression.

APPLICATION: ^LeHeartSong is very effective applied in a clockwise motion over each individual chakra, one by one. To do this, it is usually best to begin at the base chakra and work up the body to the crown chakra. This may be done on either the front or the back of the body. (I prefer the back, but that requires the help of a friend.) Can also be applied over the heart, on the ears, and to any area of poor circulation. This is a beautiful oil to diffuse, and may be worn as a perfume or as cologne.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: The aroma of ^LeHeartSong can be offensive if there are emotional blockages to loving and being loved. If this occurs, apply the blend^LeUnity to the palms of the hands and place the hands over the navel and thymus. Hold for 20 seconds and then reverse the hand positions and hold for another 20 seconds or more. The combination of these two oils will balance all the chakras and meridians, bringing a great feeling of peace.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: This high frequency blend reminds us that we are loved and cherished by many people, and certainly by Heaven. It has a multitude of uses. ^LeHeartSong has been of great benefit in treating depression. It is also useful in overcoming grief and trauma. Because it is a remedy for deep sorrow and grief, it makes a wonderful gift for anyone who has recently lost a loved one.

^LeTranquility is the first line of defense against anxiety and panic attacks, but if it fails to work or needs a follow up, ^LeHeartSong is the blend to use. ^LeHeartSong is also helpful in stabilizing mood swings, relieving stress and tension, and helping one to relax.

You do not need to be suffering from depression or a recent loss to enjoy ^LeHeartSong. This blend is wonderful for getting through a tough time or just making it to the end of a difficult day. It is also quite effective as a protection against negative energy that you might be picking up from others at home or on the job.

Because of its effect on both the heart and the throat chakras, ^LeHeartSong is of benefit to those who have difficulty expressing deep emotions or tend to laugh inappropriately when trying to express themselves about these things. ^LeHeartSong is an excellent oil for energy work, especially in the areas of age regression or inner child therapies.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeHeartSong is balancing to the electrical fields of the body and stabilizing to energy levels. Oddly enough, it brings relief from the pain and congestion of pleurisy and makes an excellent deodorant.

INGREDIENTS: blue tansy, geranium, hinoki, lavender, lemon, sandalwood, ylang ylang

APPLICATION: ^LeLetting Go should be applied directly over the liver, on the bottom of the feet, or behind the ears. This blend is very nice in a bath or diffused.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: ^LeLetting Go is a favorite blend of many people. By letting go of negative emotions, we can create feelings of tolerance and compassion towards the faults and foibles of the human race, including ourselves. Regular use of this essential oil blend can help us develop feelings of trust, safety, and security.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: ^LeLetting Go is literally what the name implies, an oil to aid us in the "letting go" of negative emotions that we are holding onto in the physical tissues of our bodies. You can use ^LeLetting Go to aid in the release of anger, frustration, resentment, despair, grief, insecurity, or any other emotion that is not serving you well. This blend is appropriate when your forward progress in emotional or physical healing seems to be halted. This oil is beneficial when used for the rebellious spirit sometimes seen in teens and others of us from time to time.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Letting go of the emotional baggage that we don't need can have an energizing effect on the colon, kidneys, liver, and gall-bladder in particular. The holding on to negativity from the past can be the root cause of constipation. Fear can cause the kidneys and the bladder to function below optimum levels. Clogging in the liver and gallbladder creates a multitude of physical problems.

I also REALLY like a product called Rescue Remedy for anxiety. It's the only thing that gets me through the holidays! Just a few drops under the tongue and the anxiety and stress starts to melt away. Rescue Remedy is made from the essence of flowers, specifically the flowers Clematis, Star of Bethlehem, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum, and Impatiens. You can learn more about Rescue Remedy here: http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/  You can purchase Rescue Remedy at most health food stores. 

I recently learned that Butterfly Express also has a Rescue Remedy product that is MUCH cheaper than buying it at the health food store. At the health food stores, a 10 ml bottle of Rescue Remedy costs $12-14. The Butterfly product is a full 1 oz for only $5! And it has a much better taste. 

My Favorite Oils For Pain

I experience a lot of neck and back pain. When I was 23 I herniated a disc in my lower back. When the doctor looked at my MRI, he was surprised at the condition of my spine. I believe his words were, "This is the back of a much older person." Whatever that means. Chances are it's something that I can't "fix" and so I've learned how to live with it. Butterfly Express has a number of oil blends that I really love and have helped with muscle tension and soreness. In addition to the following oils, I also use peppermint oil to help with aches and pains.

 My favorite ways to use Paine:

- On the feet, along the inside of the foot (the energy signals for the spine).
- 2-3 drops in a bath
- 1-2 drops added to a carrier oil and applied to the site.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LePaine should be diluted and applied to the area where the pain is located. It can also be used very effectively as a compress. ^LePaine is often used in layers with ^LeWarmDown, ^LeTendaCare, ^LeDeeper, and ^LeMillenia. It should be layered with ^LePatches if you suspect tendon or ligament damage.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: ^LePaine is a very refreshing essential oil blend. It is like a breath of fresh air for the mind, bringing instant clarity. Eucalyptus and peppermint aid us in moving forward, leaving behind negativity and helping us find stability if we are prone to great emotional highs followed by deep depression.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LePaine is much more than a pain reliever, although it is strongly analgesic. ^LePaine promotes quicker healing by bringing oxygen to the injured area and increasing circulation. ^LePaine is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and calming to nerves. This essential oil blend can be used for sciatica, bone pain, arthritis, sports injuries, muscle spasms, torn ligaments, headaches, osteoporosis, bone spurs, bursitis, back pain, and bruising. ^LePaine contains essential oils that make it useful as a muscle relaxant and as a respiratory oil.

Cautions: If you use ^LePaine in the tub or shower for pain relief or muscle relaxation, use no more that 2 or 3 drops.

My favorite ways to use Deeper:

- On the feet, along the inside of the foot (the energy signals for the spine).
- 2-3 drops in a bath
- 1-2 drops added to a carrier oil and applied to the site.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeDeeper should be diluted whenever it is applied to the skin. This is an excellent oil for use in the bath.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeDeeper contains penetrating, anti-inflammatory oils which aids in relieving pain that is deep in the tissues and nerves. It is useful for sciatica, arthritis, osteoarthritis, the pain of osteoporosis, sprains, and injuries where there is bruising and/or nerve damage.

^LeDeeper increases blood and lymph circulation to the extremities, making it an effective choice for neuropathy and fibromyalgia. This blend often brings instant relief when applied to the abdomen and back for pre-menstrual cramps. Other important uses for ^LeDeeper are pain relief with shingles and bursitis.

My favorite ways to use WarmDown:

- On the feet, along the inside of the foot (the energy signals for the spine).
- 2-3 drops in a bath
- 1-2 drops added to a carrier oil and applied to the site.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeWarmDown should be applied, diluted, to any area of the body where there are sore or strained muscles. This blend makes an excellent massage oil. It is often used in conjunction with ^LePaine, and if there is structural misalignment, ^LeMillenia is added to the regimen.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: ^LeWarmDown has an underlying aroma of "black licorice." It is the aroma of basil and is wonderful if you happen to like black licorice. If you find this aroma offensive, try ^LeTendaCare instead.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeWarmDown is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. This makes it an excellent remedy for tight, tired, sore, and aching muscles of any description. This blend is often reached for with sports injuries, muscle strains and sprains, and for torn ligaments.

^LeWarmDown seems to aid calcium absorption and distribution throughout the body. This makes it useful for charley horses and the leg cramps during pregnancy. The regular use of ^LeWarmDown can slow the progress of osteoporosis by improving calcium absorption.

^LeWarmDown makes an excellent massage oil for back and joint pain. It often relieves stress headaches, where tight muscles in the neck and shoulders are contributing factors. ^LeWarmDown increases capillary circulation and protects the skin by helping it to retain moisture.

This is one of my very favorite oils! I really love the smell of it. Since my back has some scoliosis and I can't seem to keep it aligned, this oil is a must-have for me! I notice that I feel so much better when I use it consistently. 

My favorite ways to use Millenia:

- On the feet, along the inside of the foot (the energy signals for the spine).
- 2-3 drops in a bath
- Rub it down the center of the neck, especially with a headache caused by the neck being out of alignment.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeMillenia is very good applied to the bottoms of the feet or along the inside of the foot (the spine in reflexology and foot zone therapy). You can balance the energy between the left and right lobes of the brain by putting a drop of ^LeMillenia on your index fingers and placing your fingers on your temples. The left hand should be on the right temple, and the right hand on the left temple.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: When diffused, ^LeMillenia builds courage, confidence, and self-esteem while being calming and relaxing at the same time.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: ^LeMillenia helps one find the courage to move forward with confidence and faith. It brings clarity about what is really necessary for happiness and contentment. It can help us find an equilibrium between being organized, neat, orderly, meticulous, logical, and analytical (all good traits), and being obsessively focused on perfection.

^LeMillenia is used to aid us with self-expression, fear of conflict and disagreement, and the ability to make decisions. This blend can foster tenacity and independence of spirit.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: "Chiropractor in a bottle" is a good description of this blend except that ^LeMillenia aligns so much more than just physical structures. ^LeMillenia aligns the electrical energies of the body, balances every meridian, and energizes every chakra. In addition, ^LeMillenia maintains the integrity of the connective tissues that wrap, connect, and protect every organ and balances the emotions connected to each organ. ^LeMillenia balances the moisture and fluid levels in the body.

One of my favorite uses for ^LeMillenia is in working with ADHD and hyperactivity. Applying ^LeMillenia to the feet at least once a day can make a profound difference in a childs ability to sit still and concentrate. I use the feet because it is an excellent place to draw essential oils into the body. I also like the feet because the person (it is often a little boy) can put his shoes back on, go to school, and no one teases him because he "smells like flowers." Also consider using ^LeTranquility along with ^LeMillenia.

As an agent of structural alignment, ^LeMillenia can be used as a diuretic, an antispasmodic, an expectorant, and a nervine. ^LeMillenia is helpful for some types of arthritis, for sciatica, and to improve capillary circulation. ^LeMillenia should be tried at the very first moment a hernia is suspected.

Using ^LeMillenia to brush your teeth may keep your teeth aligned and prevent cavities. A drop should be diluted in almond oil and put in the ear for earache. This will realign physical structures and take the pressure off of the ear canal or ear drum.

Because ^LeMillenia realigns physical and electrical structures, it is beneficial for some types of headaches. It is antispasmodic, analgesic, and excellent where bruising has occurred.

There is not enough understanding of anorexia, but it is known that something in the way ^LeMillenia realigns the body systems changes the thinking and brings relief from this condition.

I'm really excited about the new Rub products that Butterfly Express has introduced! I have the Paine Rub and my sister has the Deeper Rub to apply to her legs after running as she trains for a half marathon. 

My daughter frequently has growing pains in her legs. She doesn't like the way peppermint feels (it's too "hot" for her) but she will let me rub the Pain Rub on her legs and within a few minutes the pain is gone. I like to rub it on my neck and shoulders, especially if I'm by myself--it can be tricky to get a handful of carrier oil and essential oil onto your neck and shoulders! It has a nice warm "icy hot" feel that isn't too strong or irritating.  

From the Butterfly Expressions website:

These natural Rubs are a combination of essential oils, herbs, and menthol crystals. They are very strong and have an icy hot feel. 

Ingredients: distilled water, LN Carrier oil (almond oil infused with herbs: comfrey, arnica, St. John’s wort, lobelia, calendula, angelica, valerian, ginger, cayenne), veggie emulsifier, stearic acid, menthol crystals, Paine essential oil blend (birch, clove, copaiba balsam, eucalyptus, helichrysum, peppermint essential oils), refined vitamin e oil, sodium lactate, optiphen, Benzoin essential oil

About the ingredients:
^LePaine essential oil blend: (birch, clove, copaiba balsam, eucalyptus, helichrysum, peppermint)   ^LePaine is much more than a pain reliever, although it is strongly analgesic. ^LePaine promotes quicker healing by bringing oxygen to the injured area and increasing circulation. ^LePaine is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and calming to nerves. This essential oil blend can be used for sciatica, bone pain, arthritis, sports injuries, muscle spasms, torn ligaments, headaches, osteoporosis, bone spurs, bursitis, back pain, and bruising. ^LePaine contains essential oils that make it useful as a muscle relaxant and as a respiratory oil.

LN Carrier oil contains the herbs comfrey, arnica, St. John’s wort, lobelia, calendula, angelica root, valerian root, ginger root, and cayenne. These herbs, infused in almond oil, create a carrier oil which is amazing for injuries, bruising, inflammation, and the general pain and soreness that accompany injuries. The addition of lobelia in this infusion helps to deliver the other healing herbs to the area of concern quickly and relieves pain. The arnica works on sore, tight muscles and helps to reduce swelling of injured areas. Arnicas is not usually recommended for use on open wounds but in the small percentage that exists here we have never had any problem over the course of many years. Comfrey is probably best known for its healing ability for bones and tissues, but it is also very helpful for chest congestion. Cayenne works on the blood and is very effective at improving overall circulation. With increased circulation comes better oxygenation and healing. LN oil is especially effective when coupling it with essential oils such as ^LePaine, ^LeDeeper, ^LePatches, ^LeTendaCare and ^LeWarmDown.

Menthol Crystals: Menthol crystals are used for their analgesic and cooling effects. They contain local anesthetic, antipruritic, analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-irritant qualities. They are used for pain relief and for things like sprains, sore or pulled muscles, muscle spasms and cramping, and minor aches and pains of any sort. 

As always, if you ever have any questions, please let me know! Feel free to save or print the images to help you remember how to use each oil. 

4 Favorite Ways to Use Essential Oils

I made this quick-reference graphic for my 4 favorite ways to use essential oils. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to this post.

Favorite Oils #4 and #5

In the previous post I listed my Top 3 Favorite Oils that I think everyone should have. In this post I'll discuss the next 2 oils that I would add to an essential oil inventory. I make sure to have these 2 oils on hand during cold and flu season. Aspire and Breezey are similar to doTerra's Breathe oil and Young Living's R.C. and Raven oil.

My favorite ways to use Aspire:

- On the feet, especially the balls of the feet (the energy point for lungs).
- Directly on the neck/chest. Use a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin and for children.
- Diffuse.
- Use with Breezey and Deliverance to really fight a cold.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeAspire should be applied diluted with a carrier oil on the chest and neck for respiratory ailments. Using ^LeAspire, with or without herbs, as a compress or poultice can be particularly effective. This blend can also be applied to the energy points on the ears and to the bottoms of the feet. ^LeAspire can be applied alternately with^LeBreezey. Although the oils in ^LeAspire are quite effective against infectious agents, ^LeDeliverance, which is strongly antiviral and antibacterial, is often applied simultaneously to aid in the fight against infection. ^LeAspire is used to open the airways and relieve the congestion in the lungs.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: ^LeAspire is especially effective used in a humidifier to decongest and clear respiratory passages and to relieve coughs and sore throats.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeAspire is used to bring relief from colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, respiratory congestion, allergy symptoms, deep pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, and flu that have settled in the lungs. ^LeBreezey is considered by some to be more effective for upper respiratory conditions and ^LeAspire for use in deeper chest complaints affecting the bronchial passages and the lungs.

Both ^LeBreezey and ^LeAspire have proven effective in eliminating snoring when diffused or applied, well diluted, to the face and chest areas. ^LeAspire is an excellent expectorant, aiding the body in the discharge of phlegm and mucus. This blend also has antispasmodic properties which help to quiet dry, hacking coughs.

The synergy of the single oils in ^LeAspire gives it the unique ability to dissolve bone spurs if applied frequently and faithfully. A bone spur creates bruising in the tissues surrounding it, especially if the person is on their feet and pressure is being applied when walking or wearing shoes. It is recommended that a carrier oil containing arnica be used when ^LeAspire is used for a bone spur. The arnica will reduce the bruising and the pain that the bone spur is causing while ^LeAspire works to remove the spur. It is recommended that treatment with ^LeAspire be continued for a few weeks after the pain is gone.

My favorite ways to use Breezey:

- On the feet, especially the balls of the feet (the energy point for lungs).
- Directly on the neck/chest. Use a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin and for children.
- Diffuse.
- Rub (diluted) on sore muscles. It has a nice warm feeling like IcyHot.
- Use with Aspire and Deliverance to really fight a cold.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeBreezey should be diluted and rubbed on the chest or back. It can also be diffused or placed on your pillow at night.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: ^LeBreezey opens bronchial and sinus passages very effectively and has been successful in alleviating snoring.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: While generally thought of as an oil for physical illness, the aroma of ^LeBreezey lifts the spirits and brings a sense of confidence and self-worth.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeBreezey, besides being very effective in times of illness, is an excellent respiratory tonic and immune stimulant. The inclusion of ravensara oil creates viral fighting and tissue rebuilding properties, especially for the lung and bronchial tissues. This blend should also be tried for colds, asthma, allergies, sinus congestion, and flu. ^LeBreezey makes an excellent muscle relaxant and pain reliever when you do not have ^LeWarmDown or ^LeDeeper handy and you have strained a muscle.

GENERAL INFORMATION: ^LeBreezey is often used alternately with ^LeAspire.

My 3 Favorite Oils

When someone asks me what oils they should start out with, I suggest my top 3 favorite oils: Peppermint, Lavender, and Deliverance. (Deliverance is a blend from Butterfly Express. It is similar to Doterra's OnGuard and Young Living's Thieves.) In my opinion, these are the 3 oils that everyone should have. Peppermint and lavender are very versatile, very affordable oils. I made these graphics so you could save them (maybe print them?) for quick reference.

My favorite ways to use Peppermint:

- On my neck and shoulders for a headache and/or sore muscles. Peppermint can get hot--dilute with a carrier oil (coconut oil, almond oil) if you have sensitive skin.

- On the bottom of the feet for a stomach ache.

- 1 or 2 drops (ONLY 1 or 2 drops) in a bath for body aches and muscle pain. Water enhances the action of the oil, so adding it to a bath may be too strong for some people. Never add peppermint to a child/baby bath.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: Peppermint oil should be diluted well before applying to the skin. Placing one drop of peppermint under the tongue and breathing past it (the peppermint oil) has been known to stop an asthma attack or clear the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Vocal performers often use this trick to dispel mucous from their throats and stimulate their vocal cords.

Peppermint is a good massage oil for stimulating circulation. Peppermint is too strong to be added to a bath. (I disagree...I love it in the bath! But it can be too strong for some people. I would not add it to a child/baby bath.)

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: Peppermint is like a rush of fresh energy into the system. It allows us to relax instead of letting anxiety build up in our body or mind. Peppermint oil is specific for people who move between highs and lows, sadness and happiness, until the ever-widening mood swings settle into lethargy, intolerance, and frustration. Just as peppermint strengthens the digestion and aids the absorption of nutrients on a physical level, it enhances our ability to "digest" new ideas and impressions.

Physical / Mental Aspects: Dr. Dembar of the University of Cincinnati discovered in a research study that inhaling peppermint oil increased the mental accuracy of the students tested by up to 28%. Peppermint oil can also be used for headaches and nerve regeneration.

Peppermint oil stimulates the mind, increasing the ability to focus and concentrate. When inhaled, it restores the sense of taste by stimulating the trigeminal nerve. Oddly, inhaling peppermint oil can also curb the appetite.

Peppermint is renowned for action on the digestive system and for use in bowel disorders. It is one of the best essential oils for nausea, vomiting, morning sickness (small amounts only), mouth or gum infections, fainting, and motion sickness.

Peppermint oil is strongly anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Peppermint oil increases circulation. All varieties of peppermint essential oil are useful for muscle pain, inflamed joints, and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties make peppermint essential oil supportive of prostate function.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Peppermint, like lavender, is soothing in small amounts and strongly stimulating in larger amounts.

CAUTIONS: Peppermint oil is stimulating to the uterus. Extreme caution, mostly as to the amount used, should be taken with peppermint oils if pregnant.

My favorite ways to use lavender:

- On the feet along the inside arch of the foot.

- In a bath at bedtime to calm down the kids.

- A few drops on a wool dryer ball in place of dryer sheets.

- Mixed with a carrier oil (coconut oil, almond oil) spread over a sunburn.

- A drop directly on a mosquito bite.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

GENERAL INFORMATION: Lavender is a universal oil that has been shown to balance the body and to work wherever there is a need. It is called 'the grandmother' of essential oils because it cares for and nurtures us through such a variety of physical and emotional stresses. If you don't know what essential oil to reach for, try lavender.

APPLICATION: There is probably no wrong way to apply or diffuse lavender.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: One of the great emotional gifts of lavender is the feeling of total and unchanging support around us. It leaves us with no room for doubt that we are loved and will be supported in life's challenges and in the process of healing. Lavender promotes faith, even in the hard times. Lavender brings balance between masculine and feminine energy and traits.

Lavender is a gentle, but effective, sedative and nervine. It can bring relief from anxiety, panic, hysteria, emotional and mental fatigue, headaches and migraines, and insomnia.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Lavender can be used for nearly all skin conditions. It can be applied to cuts, sunburns, burns, rashes, dermatitis, eczema, and insect bites. Consistent use of lavender with burns and injuries minimizes scarring. Lavender, usually as part of a blend, is often used to prevent or remedy conditions of dandruff and hair loss. Lavender is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cytophylactic, and antispasmodic, making it effective for muscle strains and sprains, cramps, and wound healing.

Lavender clears excess waste products from the lymphatic system and is an aid to digestion. Lavender is sometimes all that is needed to prevent or alleviate nausea. Mildly diuretic, lavender can be useful in alleviating edema and premenstrual water retention. Whether the root of the problem is emotional or physical, lavender is often effective in stabilizing both high or low blood pressure and regulating the pulse. Lavender, or blends containing it, is used to lessen pain and promote restful sleep. Lavender is useful for babies with thrush.

CAUTIONS: Lavender is wonderfully calming in small amounts, but can be stimulating if used in too large a quantity or too often. This is especially true with babies and small children.

My favorite ways to use Deliverance: 

- On the feet along the inside arch of the foot.

- 1 or 2 drops in a bath.

- Diffuse during cold and flu season. Whenever I feel something coming on, I start diffusing Deliverance and it either goes away, or the cold is very mild.

- 1 or 2 drops in a foot bath for athlete's foot.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeDeliverance can be used in so many ways, I am sure that I will not manage to list them all here. Some common methods of use are soak the family toothbrushes in ^LeDeliverance mixed with water, place a drop on your toothbrush at least one time per day, and place on a cotton ball or in an inhaler and carry with you, inhaling frequently during the cold and flu season.

A particularly effective way to fight a very virulent illness is to apply ^LeDeliverance alternately with ^LeLifeForce. In the evening put one of these essential oils on the K1's (acupressure points on the feet) and the other on the thymus. First thing in the morning, put the oils on again, then put them in opposite positions. If ^LeDeliverance was on the thymus area the night before, it should go on the feet in the morning. This method is very effective against really nasty stuff.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: An excellent use for this blend is to diffuse it every day during the cold and flu season to eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeDeliverance is one of the most potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal combinations available. Its many uses include respiratory infections, sore throats, strep throats, dental diseases and infections, cold sores, canker sores, cuts, general infections, athlete's foot and toe nail fungus, and infection from slivers. Apply faithfully, undiluted, for warts (this takes a little time so be patient).

Frequent and consistent use of ^LeDeliverance also strengthens the immune system. ^LeDeliverance is an expectorant and helps the lymph system to drain. This is a very effective oil. Everyone should have it on hand.

GENERAL INFORMATION: ^LeDeliverance can be used, diluted, or diffused, in the home as a cleaner and air purifier to fight viruses and airborne bacteria.

Cautions: Care should also be taken to dilute well, especially if frequent use is anticipated. The clove, cinnamon, thyme, and oregano in this blend make it a possible skin irritant.