Abundant Health™ Blog

August 2, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Bergamot

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil is vacuum-distilled and pressed from the rind (peel) of the plant. Bergamot primarily affects the digestive system, emotional balance, and skin. This oil has a sweet, lively, citrusy, and fruity aroma. This aroma can help relieve anxiety, depression, stress, and tension. It is uplifting and refreshing and can help open the heart chakra and radiate love energy.

This essential oil contains the following health properties: analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, sedative, and uplifting. Common uses of bergamot essential oil include autism, brain injury, cold sores, depression, grief/sorrow, hoarse voice, insomnia, oily skin, and physical stress.

Other possible uses of bergamot include acne, anxiety, appetite regulation, boils, bronchitis, carbuncles, oily complexion, coughs, digestion, eczema, emotions, fever, gallstones, gonorrhea, infectious disease, insect bites, insect repellent, lungs (soothe), psoriasis, respiratory infection, scabies, sore throat, nervous tension, thrush, tonsillitis, ulcers, urinary tract infection, varicose veins, and wounds.

Safety Data: Repeated use can cause extreme contact sensitization. Avoid direct sunlight or ultraviolet light for 72 hours after use. This oil is generally regarded as safe for human consumption. Not to be consumed by children under 6 years old; use with caution and in greater dilution for children 6 years old and over.

Ways to Use Bergamot Essential Oil:

  1. Diffuser blends are one of the easiest methods to soak up the benefits of essential oil. Here are a few simple diffuser blends for you to try out! Just place the drops in your diffuser, and start breathing in!
    Joyful Peace
    2 drops bergamot
    2 drops frankincense
    2 drops lemon    		 Energy Boost
    3 drops bergamot
    2 drops grapefruit
    1 drop peppermint    		 Spring Sunshine
    5 drops orange
    3 drops tangerine
    3 drops bergamot    		 Enchanted Rose
    3 drops rose
    1 drop jasmine
    1 drop bergamot

  2. Make some romance-boosting bath salts by combining 4 drops ylang ylang, 4 drops orange, 4 drops bergamot, 2 drops sandalwood, and 2 drops black pepper with 1 cup (250 g) epsom salt. Pour 1/2 cup (125 g) of the mixture under warm running bathwater.
  3. These gel air fresheners are perfect study buddies when combined with essential oils that lift the mind and promote clear thinking. Bergamot can provide a great aroma for studying because of its stress-relieving properties. Combine it with other focus-enhancing oils for the perfect blend! Click here for full instructions on how to make this perfect little air freshener.
  4. Roll-on blends are an effective way to treat specific areas of your body with essential oils. Here’s a nice blend to help rejuvenate your skin. Simply combine 7 drops tea tree, 3 drops eucalyptus, and 2 drops bergamot with 2 tsp. (10 ml) fractionated coconut oil in a 10 ml roll-on bottle.
  5. For comatose patients, alternate applying 1 drop frankincense and 1 drop bergamot to the back of the neck just below the base of the skull.

July 31, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Bars

Everyone loves soft skin, but it requires good exfoliation. These sugar scrub bars make exfoliating simple and mess free. All you have to do is scrub your skin with one of these bars while you shower, allowing the sugar to lightly exfoliate while the soap cleans and the coconut oil softens the skin. And at the same time, your skin can benefit from the essential oils you choose to include.

Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Bars

Servings: Yield=12–18 bars | Time: 10–15 minutes active; 2 hours inactive | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) melted soap base
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) Coconut Oil
  • 20 drops essential oil
  • Mica colorant or food coloring (optional)
  • Silicone mold

Instructions:

  1. In a glass bowl or glass measuring cup, melt down the soap base in the microwave or over a double boiler until it reaches a thin liquid.
  2. Add in the coconut oil, and allow it to melt in.
  3. Stir in the mica colorant or food coloring until your desire color is reached.
  4. Add in 20 drops total of your favorite essential oil(s), and stir quickly to combine.
  5. Quickly stir in the sugar until combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into the silicone mold, allow to cool for a moment, and then press the mixture firmly into the mold.
  7. Allow the scrub bars to solidify for at least 2 hours before removing from the molds.
  8. Store the scrub bars in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

The soap hardens quickly once removed from heat, so you will need to work fast.

A blend of oils that we liked was 6 drops lavender, 8 drops lime, and 6 drops peppermint. Or try 10 drops peppermint and 10 drops tea tree.

Different types of melt-and-pour soap bases can have different consistencies. If you are finding your mixture too dry, you may need to add additional melted soap to the mixture until it reaches a pourable yet slushy consistency.

To learn more about which oils are good for your skin, we encourage you to consult the Reference Guide for Essential Oils.

July 26, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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EO Tips for Life: Clean and Soothe Ear Piercings

Nobody likes the pain or infections that can come after piercing your ears, or really at any point when you have pierced ears. This tip is so simple, yet extremely effective. Just combine a drop of tea tree essential oil with a little coconut oil in the palm of your hand, and apply it to your earlobes, gently rubbing the oil in. Apply the mixture, and let it sit for a few minutes before cleaning off and placing your earrings back in your ears.

July 24, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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“Restoring Energy” Diffuser Blend

Here’s a fun and simple diffuser blend to energize your body and also relax your nerves. This stress-relieving blend helps to restore your energy and uplift your mind, and it smells good too! Give it a try!

Great diffuser blends call for a great diffuser! If you’re in the need of a new diffuser, we have many to choose from. We carry many different diffusers of all types and styles so that you can find the perfect one for you. Click here to learn more about how to pick the right diffuser for you, and get shopping!

July 19, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil is steam-distilled from the rhizomes of the plant. This essential oil imparts antiseptic, laxative, stimulant, tonic, and warming properties. This oil has a sweet, spicy-woody, warm, tenacious, fresh, and sharp aroma, which may help influence physical energy, sex, love, money, and courage.

Historically, ginger has been used in Egyptian cuisine to ward off epidemics, in Roman wine for its aphrodisiac powers, in Indian tea to soothe upset stomachs, and in Chinese tonics to strengthen and relieve head congestion. Today, ginger essential oil is commonly used to help with angina, diarrhea, gas/flatulence, indigestion, morning sickness, motion sickness, nausea, rheumatic fever, scurvy, teething pain, tonsillitis, vertigo, and vomiting.

Other possible uses of this oil include alcoholism, loss of appetite, arthritis, broken bones, chills, colds, congestion, coughs, cramps, fevers, flu, impotence, infectious diseases, memory, nausea, sinusitis, and sprains.

Safety Data: Repeated use may lead to contact sensitization. Avoid direct sunlight for 3–6 hours after use.

Ways to Use Ginger Essential oil:

  1. Ginger may help alleviate joint and muscle pain and reduce inflammation when applied topically on location. Combine 5 drops each of ginger and frankincense in a 10 ml roll-on bottle, and fill the remainder with the carrier oil of your choice. Apply the roll-on to the area of need whenever necessary. This blend is a 5% dilution, making it perfect for daily use. If you don’t use it that regularly, you can apply a higher concentration.
  2. Diffuser blends are a great way to enjoy the benefits of some of your favorite essential oils, and ginger is no exception! The powerful aroma of ginger essential oil can greatly increase your energy, so why not diffuse it around your house to help energize your body and infuse your mind with courage and love? Here’s a diffuser blend you can try out!
  3. Cooking with essential oils adds a wonderful flavor to food and beverages and can often be less expensive than buying fresh herbs. Ginger oil can easily be substituted in place of ginger root. The recipes below use ginger oil for the wonderful spicy flavor it provides, but also as an immune builder and digestive support.
    Essential Oil Tea
    Green Smoothies
    Essential Chocolate
    DIY Essential Oil Breathmints
  4. If you suffer from morning sickness or nausea, ginger essential oil is important to keep around. Add 2 drops of ginger to a warm bowl of water, and inhale the warm vapors. You can drape a towel over your head to increase the effects.
  5. Ginger essential oil is great for helping with pelvic pain syndrome. Simply combine 3 drops ginger and 2 drops geranium with 1 tsp. (5 ml) jojoba oil. Place this mixture in a warm bath by running it directly under the tap. The mixture creates a soothing bath oil that will help ease the pain.

Source:

Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2018 Edition, p. 80.

July 17, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Lemon Rosemary Chicken Skewers

This Greek-inspired dish is sure to be a dinner hit. It’s super simple, and it tastes delicious. The lemon and rosemary essential oils add a really tangy flavor that you’ll love! If you’re looking for a great new chicken dish, then this is the one for you!

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Skewers

Servings: 6 | Time: 30 minutes active; 1 hour inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

  • 2 lbs. (1 kg) chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup (140 g) plain greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp. (5 ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp. (6 g) salt
  • 5 drops lemon essential oil
  • 1 toothpick black pepper essential oil
  • 1 toothpick rosemary essential oil
  • Wooden skewers

Instructions:

  1. Place the skewers in a bowl of water, and let them soak while you prepare the chicken.
  2. Cut the chicken into 2″ (5 cm) cubes, and place in a bowl.
  3. Combine the remaining ingredients in a BlenderBottle®, and shake thoroughly.
  4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  5. Once the meat is done marinating, thread about 6–8 pieces of chicken onto each skewer.
  6. Place the chicken skewers on the grill, and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned and cooked through.
  7. Remove skewers from the grill, and serve hot.

July 12, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Summer Blowout Sale!

It’s time for our annual summer blowout sale! We’re discounting numerous products just for you. You can find some of your favorite products at incredibly low prices. We are holding sales up to 70% off throughout the month of July, so act fast before your favorite products are gone! Here are a few of the great products on sale right now. Click here to see the full list of items on sale.

 

We’ve got something for everyone on sale right now! Books, business tools, bottles, carrying cases, diffusers, and so much more! This sale is a great time to stock up on some of your favorite products. Don’t forget to go to our website to see the full list of products on sale now. You won’t be disappointed! Happy shopping!

 

July 10, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Lemon Brussels Sprouts

This recipe makes a really great side dish for your next meal! The lemon essential oil adds a nice tang to this simple healthy dish. Give this recipe a shot—you’re sure to love this crispy, flavorful twist on brussels sprouts!

Lemon Brussels Sprouts

Servings: 4–6 | Time: 5–10 minutes active; 20 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs. (700 g) brussels sprouts
  • 3 Tbsp. (45 ml) olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. (1 g) crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp. (1.5 g) salt
  • 2 drops lemon essential oil
  • 1 toothpick black pepper essential oil
  • 2 Tbsp. (35 ml) balsamic dressing
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Wash the brussels sprouts, cut them in half, and place them in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Pour the mixture over the brussels sprouts, and toss to combine.
  3. Line a baking dish with wax paper or a baking mat, and spread the brussels sprouts out. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and tender.
  4. Combine the balsamic vinegar with the essential oils, and sprinkle over the roasted brussels sprouts.
  5. Top with parmesan cheese, and serve!

July 5, 2018
by Abundant Health™
4 Comments

Epsom Salt Soap Bars

These soap bars are great to clean your body naturally, and the epsom salt helps to soothe sore muscles at the same time. They are super fun to make, and they look so cute! You’ll absolutely love how soft they make your skin feel after a nice scrub. And the best part is that you can customize these soaps with your favorite oils! Peppermint, wintergreen, Soothing Blend, and marjoram are especially great choices because of their muscle-soothing and restorative properties.

Epsom Salt Soap Bar

Time: 20 minutes active; 2–3 hours inactive | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

  • Pure glycerin soap base
  • Epsom Salt
  • Mica colorant or food coloring
  • Essential oils
  • Silicone soap mold
  • Spray Bottle of rubbing alcohol

Instructions:

  1. Cut the soap base into cubes, and set half of them aside.
  2. Place half of the soap in a glass dish, and microwave it for 30 seconds. If there are still chunks remaining, return to the microwave in 10-second increments until melted entirely.
  3. Stir in the mica colorant or food coloring until the desired color is reached.
  4. Allow the soap to cool for a few seconds before adding the essential oil. Stir in your essential oils until the desired aroma is reached.
  5. Quickly stir in the epsom salt until the mixture reaches a slushy consistency, and scoop it into your soap molds until 3/4 full. As the mixture cools, press it down into the mold.
  6. While the mixture is hardening, melt down the remaining half of the soap in the microwave.
  7. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the second batch of soap.
  8. Spray rubbing alcohol onto the first layer in the mold.
  9. Pour the remaining soap into the molds until they’re filled, and spray with rubbing alcohol again to help pop the air bubbles on top.
  10. Allow the soap bars to harden for 2–3 hours before removing from the molds.
  11. Scrub sore muscles with these soap bars to help relieve aches and pains!

If you are using hard plastic molds rather than silicone, you will want to spray the mold with cooking spray before pouring the soap into the molds.

Keep in mind that glycerin soap base doesn’t create as much of a lather as you may be used to with commercial soaps; however, it still does the job!

If you add the epsom salt in before the mixture has cooled enough, it may dissolve a bit and clump up. It will still work in the soap, but it may have a different look than expected.

July 3, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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“Healing Breeze” Diffuser Blend

Don’t you just love it when you open the window in the morning to feel a soft breeze flood in, carrying with it the fresh smell of trees, flowers, and other plants? Well, we do! Sometimes all you need is some fresh air to energize and heal your body. This diffuser blend can do just that for you, no matter where you are. Try this blend out and let us know what you think!

Click here to learn more about the unique properties of each diffuser and how to choose the right one for you. We carry a wide variety of diffusers to choose from if you need a new one! Click here to find the perfect diffuser for you today.