The Solution for Dilution

I heard about diluting essential oils shortly after I got started with them. The more I researched EOs, the more I learned of the importance of dilution. I think this is an important topic to cover, so I wanted to share a little about what I've learned about dilution. Plus, I made a cute little printout so that we can easily remember the "solutions for dilution".

What is dilution:
Dilution means to make something less concentrated or to weaken. In the case of essential oils, we want to dilute the essential oils by adding them to a carrier, such as vegetable based oil, lotion or cream. 

Thank a Vet

It's Veterans Day! 

Veterans Day has always been a special holiday for KB and I, as there are many of our loved ones (family & friends) who have taken the time to serve or are currently serving our country. Because of this, I am always looking for real, practical ways to show my appreciation and support for our veterans and those on active duty. There are a lot of websites and groups dedicated to doing good work for them, but it can be overwhelming for me to decide what is good and what I have time and resources to do. I asked aroundand got these ideas to share with you. 

Make Your Own Aromatherapy Pendant

A few months ago, Krysta (ADOT behind the scenes gal) got this awesome clay pendant necklace from her MIL to be used as a diffuser. That's when the wheels started turning in my brain, and I thought, there has to be a way I can make something like this.

With a little time spent on Pinterest, I found the directions to help me get started. They were listed on the doTERRA blog found {here}.

First manner of business was finding the clay. I read a lot of reviews on Amazon and found Sculpey 1.75 Pound Pack - Terra Cotta by Polyform {here}. I've enjoyed working with it and it has good reviews. 

Lotion Bars: Lotion To-Go

The first time I saw lotion bars I thought it was an ingenious idea! Lotion on the go! Nothing to spill! Great for traveling! Easy to make! Okay, enough exclamation points...you get the idea that I really love this concept and I think you will too.

In the last year, I've made my fair share of these little gems. I keep a stock pile of them around for my travel bag,  and have made some to share as gifts. I love them for dry trouble spots - they're great for rubbing the awesome lotion power into elbows, heels, knuckles and dry patches on your skin. 

I got my recipe from Katie at Wellness Mama in a post she wrote for Health Impact News Daily, {click here} to read the post. She has great ideas for personalizing them by adding different essential oils and other products.

What is a Nasal Inhaler?

A nasal inhaler - hmm. I have heard of these over the last year that I have been exploring the world of essential oils. I never looked into exactly what they were because it sounded odd, like something complex I wouldn't be interested in. 

Then I took this *free* intro class (click here) from Aromahead Institute. Now I can't wait to make a few.

Wonderful White Fir

This week in our EO spotlight, we're looking at white fir. I hope you're enjoying these posts as much as I am, they remind me of all the great uses for my stash of oils.

Scientific name: Abies alba

Common extraction methods: steam distilled from needles

Properties: Anti-arthritic, anti-catarrhal (inflammation of mucous membranes), antiseptic (pulmonary), expectorant, stimulant, and analgesic (painkiller).

A Look at Clove Essential Oil

For our EO spotlight this week, let's take a look at clove.

Scientific name: Eugenia caryophyllata

Common extraction methods: steam distilled from bud and stem

Properties: Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic (strong), disinfectant, analgesic (painkiller), immune stimulant, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antiviral.

Applications: Dilute this oil before topical use; I recommend a 2% dilution for adults (10-12 drops per 1 oz carrier oil) and a 1% dilution for children (5-6 drops per 1 oz carrier oil). Diffuse.