feature: essential oils

hi everyone! i hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving with your friends & family! it's hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner :) 

several weeks ago, i was gifted a super fun package in the mail from a friend in indiana sharing her essential oil business with me "doterra." she sent me a care package and wanted me to try all of the essential oils that she offers. 

i will tell you, that i am a huge fan of essential oils and have been using them for almost two years now. the essential oil that has truly saved my life has been peppermint oil. if you know me, you know i have had migraines and headaches since i was 15 and i would regularly get them every two months or so. i discovered peppermint oil online when a Facebook friend said to try this for migraines. i had literally tried everything in the book and been to every type of doctor under the sun and nothing helped or worked. because they are hereditary, i knew i would have them for a long time if not forever. it wasn't until i started using peppermint oil and also regularly attending a chiropractor; i discovered these terrible things that started with an "m" disappeared. it has been a little over a year since i have had one and i truly can't believe it. 

you might be wondering how this can help a headache or migraine and how to use it. because the peppermint oil is so strong, it simply soothes and relaxes the muscles. i apply peppermint oil to the back of my neck, temples, and dab it under my nose. i will use this anytime my head feels tight, pressure, or i feel like i might get a headache. i have passed this on to many friends and family members! if you ask any of my old co-workers what oil i used constantly in the office they would all know and say peppermint oil haha! it has truly saved my life. 

now, enough about me. my friend sent me this wonderful package full of healthy snacks, essential oil samples, magazines, and my favorite was the recipe cards of what to use and how. i would be more than happy to pass along my friends information as well if anyone is interested, please send me a message or e-mail and i will gladly send you her personal information :) as you can see, she sent me a great sample of each of the essential oils. i haven't tried them all yet but i obviously have been using the peppermint oil that she gave me as well as the lavender for sleeping purposes (its wonderful). i have also experimented with the lemon oil as well in the kitchen and have really enjoyed this one as well. 

here are a few helpful essential oil tips & recipes that i used:

all purpose cleaner: i mixed dr. bronners peppermint soap with 4-5 drops of peppermint oil and placed it in a spray bottle and i use this daily for cleaning in my kitchen and home

linen pillow spray: 3 drops of lavender, 2 drops of chamomile, mixed with distilled water  add this to a spray bottle and spray a mist on your pillows and let dry before sleeping (lavender is great for a good nights sleep)

refreshing room spray: 2 drops of peppermint oil, 2 drops of lemon, and distilled water and add this to a spray bottle and use as a mist for your home! smells so good and fresh!

20 health benefits of essential oils: 

1. affect the psyche

2. support immune function

3. supply potent antimicrobials

4. provide natural pain relief 

5. reduce inflammation 

6. ease stress and anxiety

7. decrease insomnia 

8. rejuvenate skin

9. protect against colds and influenza

10. soothe digestive disorders

11. improve circulatory system 

12. promote optimal endocrine function

13. support urinary system 

14. soothe burns, sunburns, minor cuts, and scrapes

15. support muscles and bones

16. provide oral and dental care

17. nourish and strengthen hair

18. improve mental clarity

19. protect against cancer

20. provide safe and natural alternatives to household cleaners 

i hope you have enjoyed a little bit of information on essential oils and why i am a true believer of them! thank you so much to Jerrie for inspiring this post and for sending me products to try! i love them all and appreciate it! if you have any questions at all or would like further information/ personal information on Jerrie's business in essential oils please contact me. 

thanks so much and hope you all have a great week :) see you again soon xoxo