PanAway - Deep Relief

PanAway is STRONG stuff. It is Young Living's signature soothing blend and I'm so glad I got to try it in my Premium Starter Kit. This blend alone was enough to convince me that essential oils are the real deal since I have used it very successfully to relieve menstrual cramps and so much more. It has honestly changed my life as one of my main go-to roll-on blends. Plus, it smells oh so fresh, minty, and calming.

Young Living says: "PanAway® has a stimulating aroma and is a popular and original combination of Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove, and Peppermint essential oils formulated by D. Gary Young. This blend is ideal to apply topically after exercise, and supports the appearance of healthy skin coloration. The essential oils in PanAway include naturally occurring constituents methyl salicylate, gamma-curcumene, menthol, and eugenol."

First, we have Wintergreen. Not only does it have strong soothing properties, but it also enhances the other oils it's blended with, making this a powerful blend. It supports the nervous, circulatory and muscular systems and also supports the liver.

Since it is so strong it can cause minor allergic reactions in some so always dilute and do a skin patch test prior to use. If you find you are allergic or want something similar but milder for children I highly suggest purchasing separately and blending the other ingredients in this blend because they are just as amazing. The blends Valor and Owie for kids, would also be excellent substitutes.

Then there is the miraculous Helichrysum. It is a powerful, comforting and uplifting oil that can be fairly expensive to purchase on its own so it's an amazing find in this blend. Helichrysum especially supports the circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems.

Next is Clove - one of the most powerful essential oil antioxidants, cleansers, and soothers. It is very high in eugenol, a substance that dentists routinely used to numb gums and teeth. I have been using Thieves, another blend with quite a lot of Clove, to help my sensitive teeth and the difference has been truly amazing. With the highest antioxidant rating known among essential oils, it supports overall wellness and youthful vitality.

Finally, there is Peppermint. Peppermint is energizing, cooling, calming, and relieving. It supports the respiratory and digestive systems, and is ideal for supporting an active and athletic lifestyle, making this blend the perfect go-to for before and after workouts.

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Diffuse with Cinnamon Bark to energize, support the respiratory system, and create a holiday, homey atmosphere.
• Diffuse with Lemon to uplift and energize and support the respiratory and immune systems.
• Combine in a roll-on blend with Frankincense, Lavender, and Copaiba to soothe discomfort, cool, calm, and support skin health, liver health, circulatory and muscular systems. Use before and after strenuous activity or a difficult day to center, energize, and soothe.
• Diffuse with Lavender and Copaiba to support the respiratory system and to encourage restful sleep.
• Add to epsom salts with Frankincense, Lavender, and Copaiba for a relaxing, soothing bath.

If you're interested in learning more about how oils could benefit you and your family, email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com. I love to answer any questions you may have and mentor others in their wellness journeys!

*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These statements have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are NOT intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it was meant to do. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Peppermint - Cooling Refresher

Before starting on my essential oil journey, I had no idea just how crazy useful Peppermint essential oil is. I thought it was nice that they included it in the Premium Starter Kit because it would smell yummy and fresh, but I've come to realize that it is truly a necessary oil to have on hand for general wellness purposes. It is one of the principal ingredients in my oh so favorite soothing blend, PanAway, which I have used successfully to calm menstrual cramps. One of the most common uses for Peppermint is aiding healthy digestion, which is why it is also a principal ingredient in Young Living's digestive support blend: DiGize. Once, when my mother-in-law was feeling nauseous I asked if she would like me to diffuse Peppermint and she loved it! I often take it diluted in a veggie capsule to calm my stomach. It can even be found in Young Living's respiratory support blend, R.C. because it can support healthy and clear breathing. The list of Young Living blends and personal care products that include Peppermint is virtually endless because it's so useful in a daily wellness regimen.

Young Living says: "Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for supporting normal digestion, including promoting healthy intestinal function and gastrointestinal system comfort.*"

This oil is generally regarded as safe for human consumption by the FDA - just be sure to dilute it because it is so strong. Because it's strong it is NOT generally recommended for pregnant women or infants younger than 18 months, but there are many gentler substitutes such as Spearmint, Lemon, Lavender, and Ginger essential oils. Many have found it to be an excellent aid in both digestion and healthy weight management. It is also commonly used to soothe discomfort, cool, relieve itching, and to improve energy and concentration.The list of uses goes on and on.

"Purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind. Research indicates that peppermint aroma, inhaled during mental tasks, may help attention, performance, and focus (Barker, et al., 2003). Peppermint  may also be an effective appetite suppressant when inhaled (Hirsch and Gomez, 1995). University of Kiel researchers found that peppermint lessened" occasional head tension "in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study" (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 103).

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend or veggie capsule with Frankincense, Copaiba, and Lemon to soothe discomfort, cool, boost the immune system, and support healthy digestion.
• Diffuse, take in a veggie capsule, or add to a beverage with Lemon to energize and support emotional balance.
• Diffuse or ingest with Lavender and Lemon to calm, support restful sleep, and support the respiratory and digestive systems.
• Diffuse or ingest with Thieves to support respiratory health and boost the immune system.
• Diffuse with Purification to purify the air and eliminate undesirable odors.
• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend with Stress Away to support emotional balance, focus, and energy.
• Combine with Copaiba and Lavender in epsom salt for a rejuvenating, soothing bath.
• Combine with Thieves, Purification, and Melaleuca (Tea Tree) or Melrose to create a powerful, air freshening and cleaning spray.

Peppermint is an essential oil that you really only need to try once to be convinced. Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com to learn more.

*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These statements have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are NOT intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. Essential Oils only help your body to do what it was meant to do, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Stress Away - Chill Out

Oh, Stress Away, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Truth be told, I can be a bit of a drama queen. My emotions often get out of control and have way too much sway in my mind, especially during that time of the month if you know what I mean. So, I've been told to "take a chill pill" more than once. This beautiful, heavenly blend was an answer to prayer. It calms me so much that I have to be careful to only diffuse it at night and I keep a roller bottle of it and Joy on my person at all times. I really wish I had known about this blend earlier, but I'm so grateful they include it in only the Young Living Premium Starter Kits. In fact, it's now included in every Starter Kit as the bonus oil, which makes complete sense because I could not think of a better introduction to the power of essential oils than this blend.

Young Living says: "Young Living’s Stress Away™ essential oil blend is a natural solution created to combat normal stresses that creep into everyday life. Stress Away is the first product to contain the unique stress-relieving combination of lime and vanilla pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Stress Away also includes copaiba and lavender to reduce mental rigidity and restore equilibrium. Featuring powerful plant constituents, such as the cedrol found in cedarwood and the eugenol that occurs naturally in vanilla, Stress Away can help induce relaxation and reduce occasional nervous tension.*"

The first knockout ingredient of this perfect blend is Copaiba which "is an oleoresin like Frankincense and is exuded from the trunk of the copaiba tree in South America...in modern pharmacology it is used in products that soothe and protect the skin. Its hypnotic-like properties work" to calm the nervous system and support restful sleep (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 176). It also soothes discomfort, supports digestive health, respiratory health, and cellular normalcy. It's a miracle oil much like Frankincense.

Next we have Lime which is "well known in folklore for its ability to cleanse, purify, and renew the spirit...It can stimulate and refresh a tired mind and can help with" emotional support and wellness (176) because it is a rich antioxidant much like other citrus oils.

"Cedarwood is high in sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic part of the brain, the center of emotions and memory. It stimulates the pineal gland, which releases melatonin, thereby improving thoughts, cognition, and memory. It is very stabilizing and grounding" (176).

Vanilla is in large part what makes this blend smell so heavenly. It is also very soothing and calming.

Ocotea "has a complex aroma that induces feelings of fullness or completeness, creating an environment of peace and tranquility" (177). It is also high in sesquiterpenes and "may help enhance weight loss by helping to balance the pituitary and endocrine systems" (Reference Guide for Essential Oils).

Finally we have Lavender - the Swiss Army Knife of essential oils. It "has been documented to improve concentration and mental acuity" (177) in two recent Japanese studies in 2005 and 2008. It has been used to calm, soothe, cleanse and so much more. It is very beneficial for skin and hair care as well.

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Diffuse to support restful sleep and relaxation.
• Diffuse with Geranium to create an uplifting, fresh smelling atmosphere. 
• Diffuse or Create a roll-on blend with Joy to support emotional balance, peace, and relaxation.
• Diffuse with Lemon and Peppermint to energize and encourage mental clarity and focus.
• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend with Frankincense to soothe discomfort and encourage positive thoughts. Excellent blend for meditation and prayer as well.
• Add to hair products or DIY Hair Serum for healthier, fuller, longer, and shinier hair.

I don't know that I've ever smelled something so heavenly as this blend being diffused. It never fails to relax me. I can't imagine living without it now. Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com if you're tired of living without it too and want to learn more. 

*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These statements have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are NOT intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Lemon - Indispensable Liquid Sunshine

If I had to choose just one essential oil in the Young Living Premium Starter Kit that I could NOT live without, it would be Lemon. It is my absolute favorite and I have no idea how I managed to live without it. I really just cried and took naps to release tension and stress. Sound familiar? Lemon has given me a new lease on life with renewed energy and better emotional balance. I really wish I had it when I was pregnant and my baby was young. It could have helped us both immensely.

Young Living says: "Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil includes the naturally occurring constituent limonene. Lemon may also be used to enhance the flavor of foods."

Lemon is particularly indispensable when it comes to cleaning without chemicals. If you've ever had the goal to create a more chemical free home for yourself and your children, Lemon is the best way to start! I use it in both of my DIY cleaners - the All Purpose and multipurpose Windex substitute because it excels at purifying, polishing, and cleaning just about anything. It can also eliminate odors, purify the air and water, remove stains from carpet and other surfaces, remove gum, oil, grease, permanent marker, glue, etc.

It is incredibly handy for cooking and as a dietary supplement.* Ever had a craving for lemonade or lemon water but you would rather not spend the energy juicing and cutting up a million and one lemons? Yeah, me too. That's why I love to add a couple of drops of Lemon to my water when I'm feeling down or stressed or exhausted, which is almost every day as a busy mom. Whenever I take a veggie capsule with essential oils, I always add Lemon to the mix to neutralize any less pleasant tasting or smelling oils and give myself an extra emotional and energizing boost. Taking Lemon in a capsule after or before meals has been known to support wellness and healthy weight maintenance since it is rich in the antioxidant "limonene." Lemon is also very popular for supporting mental and emotional clarity. "It promotes clarity of thought and purpose with a fragrance that is invigorating, enhancing, and warming" (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 85). I can't wait to try making Lemonade with it this summer!

I prefer to diffuse or ingest lemon rather than apply it topically because like other citrus oils it's considered photosensitive, meaning it could cause a slight sunburn in some people if applied topically and then exposed to the sun. Basically, don't lather yourself in it before a beach day, use a skin patch test, and always dilute it. It is excellent for cleansing the skin though, maybe in a night time ritual.

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Add to any DIY cleaning product or air freshener to purify, polish, whiten, and spread a lovely, clean aroma.
• Add to any beverage, particularly water, to purify, detox, and support the immune and digestive systems. 
• Diffuse or combine with any less pleasant smelling oil to improve its scent.
• Diffuse with Lavender and Copaiba to support restful sleep.
• Diffuse with Purification and Peppermint to boost energy and purify the air.
• Diffuse with RC and Frankincense to support respiratory and immune systems and emotional balance.
• Combine with DiGize and Copaiba in a veggie capsule to support digestive comfort.
• Take as a dietary supplement to support wellness.

This liquid sunshine should be a staple of any healthy, happy home. Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com if you're curious and want to learn more.

 
*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it was meant to do. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Copaiba - Calming Comfort

I was surprised but thrilled when I learned that Young Living was adding Copaiba to its brand new Premium Starter Kits. Surprised because I knew it was already included in the bonus oil blend: Stress Away. And thrilled because Stress Away is honestly my favorite blend of all time, so I was sure I would love Copaiba! I was right - it's heavenly and oh so helpful. It has a soft, sweet scent that immediately calms and soothes. It's a bit of a miracle oil, much like Frankincense, that supports all areas of the body.

Young Living says: "Copaiba essential oil may promote wellness, and can be an important part of a daily health regimen*. This oil includes the naturally occurring constituents beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene, and can be mixed with honey and warm water for a warming, essential oil-infused tea." Beta Caryophyllene is a powerful sesquiterpene that interacts with the brain to potentially support emotional balance.

Young Living uses Brazilian Copaiba since it is generally regarded as safe for human consumption and can be used as a dietary supplement. The oil is "steam distilled (vacuum distilled) from gum resin exudate from tapped trees" (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 58). It is a crucial constituent in Young Living's "ART Beauty Masque, Breathe Again Roll-on, Copaiba Vanilla Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner, Deep Relief Roll-on, Progressence Phyto Plus, and Stress Away" (59). It blends well with any other essential oil because it is believed to amplify the effects of any other oil. No wonder it was added to the new Premium Starter Kits!

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Combine with any other essential oil or blend to amplify its desired effect.
• Diffuse, take internally, or create a roll-on blend with Lavender, Lemon, Geranium, and Frankincense to uplift, soothe occasional discomfort, support overall wellness, create a romantic atmosphere, meditate, and help balance emotions. This combo would also make a lovely perfume.
• Combine with Geranium, Lavender, Melaleuca, and Frankincense for skin care.
• Combine with Purification or Lavender and Frankincense to soothe occasional itching and discomfort.
• Diffuse with Lavender and Lime to support restful sleep.
• Diffuse with Peppermint or RC or Thieves to support the respiratory system and energize.
• Take as a dietary supplement with DiGize to support the digestive system and comfort.
• Combine in a roll-on blend with PanAway to invigorate and soothe before and after physical activity.

Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com to learn more about how essential oils can benefit you and your family! I love to answer questions and mentor others in their wellness journeys.

*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These statements have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it is meant to do, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

DiGize - Digestive Support

Can we talk about Young Living's life changing DiGize blend for a minute? I was so excited when I realized that Young Living was adding it to their new Premium Starter Kits because it is honestly indispensable in any essential oil wellness regimen. It is a dietary supplement, meaning it was formulated to be generally regarded as safe for human consumption, and the perfect supplement to any  healthy weight maintenance or wellness journey. Since it's chalk full of antioxidants and vitamins found in the essential oils that support digestion, it is an ideal supplement for every day life, travel, or in an effort to support digestive comfort. In fact, you'll notice that most of the oils therein are popular cooking spices.

Young Living says: "DiGize™ is one of Young Living's exclusive and proprietary dietary supplements. This unique blend contains Ginger, Anise, Fennel, Peppermint, Tarragon, Lemongrass, Patchouli, and Juniper essential oils, and includes naturally occurring constituents like menthol, citrol, and zingiberen. Use DiGize with every meal, along with Essentialzymes-4™, to support a daily wellness regimen*. When traveling abroad, use DiGize as a dietary supplement in your water. DiGize is an ideal complement to the nutritional supplements ComforTone® and JuvaTone®."

The first essential oil ingredient in this beautiful blend is Tarragon. It supports the digestive system and general wellness. It has also been used to support emotional balance and PMS management (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 117).

Ginger is another very popular cooking ingredient. It supports digestive comfort, energizes, and soothes occasional nausea. (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 74).

"Peppermint is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion." It also energizes, cools and refreshes, and supports healthy weight management (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 103).

Juniper "works as a powerful detoxifier and cleanser and supports healthy kidney function." It can also help alleviate occasional bloating by supporting healthy kidney and urinary tract function. It's even used to support emotional well being (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 139, 82).

Fennel "is stimulating to the gastrointestinal system ... For hundreds of years, Fennel seeds have been used" to support healthy digestion and hormonal balancing (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 68, 139). I have very successfully used it to maintain or increase breast milk production, myself.

Anise supports digestion and is similar to Fennel in that it can support hormonal balance (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 139).

Patchouli belongs to the mint family and has a variety of uses, including supporting healthy digestion, helping alleviate occasional nausea and bloating, and supporting relaxation (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 103, 139).

Lemongrass "is used for purification and digestion support" (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 86).

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Combine in a veggie capsule with Copaiba, Lemon, and/or Frankincense to soothe occasional digestive discomfort, support the immune and digestive systems.
• Take as a dietary supplement while traveling or trying to maintain a healthy weight and hormonal balance.
• Combine in a roll-on blend or veggie capsule with Lemon, Lavender, and/or Copaiba to soothe, relax, and support digestion.
• Diffuse with Lavender, Lemon, and Copaiba to soothe and support restful sleep and emotional balance.

Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com if you're interested in learning more about how essential oils can benefit you and your family! I love to answer questions and mentor others in their wellness journeys.

*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. The oils only help your body to do what it was meant to, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Frankincense - Miracle Oil

I have to be honest with you: I was put off by the smell of Frankincense when I first got it in my Premium Starter Kit. It was only because I had read and heard SO many good things about it that I was willing to try it out. I am so glad I did. Now I simply can not imagine living without it! And it smells better to me the more I use and benefit from it. I've also found that adding a couple drops of a citrus oil to an unappealing oil can greatly improve it.

Young Living says: "Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) includes the naturally occurring constituent boswellic acid, and has a woodsy, warm, balsamic aroma. Diffuse Frankincense during meditation for grounding and purpose. Applying this oil topically may help smooth the appearance of healthy-looking skin, and is excellent to use for massage after activity."

I use Frankincense for just about everything. The main thing I use it for is soothing tense and tired muscles. Just a couple of drops in a veggie capsule along with some Marjoram, Lemon, and PanAway in a roll-on blend makes a world of difference. Not only is it comforting and relieving, but it also significantly improves my overall mood.

As well as soothing, uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging spirituality, Frankincense is incredibly beneficial for the skin. That is why I use it in my Facial Cleanse & Moisturizer. It's so gentle that it can even be applied "neat" or undiluted, except in those with the most sensitive skin and children under 2. And even then, it's generally regarded as safe for children and safe for human consumption when diluted.

Frankincense has been recognized as a powerful substance for centuries. "The Bible contains over 52 references to frankincense, considering that 'incense' is often translated from the Hebrew and Greek as 'frankincense' and is referring to the same resin ... 'Used to treat every conceivable ill known to man,' Frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times" (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 69). In Exodus 30:34 - "And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight." Is it such a stretch to believe that God created and ordained plants for strengthening and supporting our bodies? The only way to know for yourself is to try them.

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Diffuse with Copaiba or Stress Away to create a calming, uplifting, and balanced atmosphere during meditation, prayer, scripture study, or yoga.
• Diffuse with R.C. and Lavender to support the respiratory system and restful sleep.
• Combine in a veggie capsule with Marjoram and Lemon to support the immune and respiratory systems and soothe.
• Combine in a veggie capsule with Orange and Lemon to support general wellness and the immune system.
• Combine with Lavender, Melaleuca, Purification, and Geranium to care for skin.
• Combine with Carrot Seed, Lavender, and Peppermint in a spray bottle to soothe, nourish, and cool skin during and after sun exposure.

Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com if you're curious and want to learn more. I love to answer questions and mentor others in their wellness journeys!

*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.