Abundant Health™ Blog

February 24, 2022
by Abundant Health™
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Green Smoothies for Optimum Health

The American Cancer Society recommends eating 5–9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to prevent cancer and other diseases. A healthy, plant-based diet may help lower your cholesterol, strengthen your immune system, and provide a rich source of minerals and bone-building nutrients. Green smoothies are a delicious way to easily pack in a day’s worth of nutrients. Blending fruits and vegetables together breaks down the cells of plants, releasing their enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, and maximizing their delivery to your body more than chewing can. Green smoothies provide an easy way to get the benefits of dark leafy vegetables to kids or adults who do not enjoy the flavor and without having to chew through piles of salad.

 

Here are some reasons green smoothies are a great choice:

Nutrients

A good green smoothie can provide more than 100% of your daily value of vitamins A (as beta-carotene), C, and K, B vitamins, vitamin E, and folate. As for minerals, green smoothies are a great source of calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and other trace minerals.

 Weight Loss

Replacing a meal each day with a green smoothie lowers overall caloric intake, while increasing vegetable, fruit, and fiber intake. Green smoothies provide B vitamins and magnesium that support energy metabolism.

Green smoothies help reset your taste buds and make you start craving healthy foods. Junk food and refined foods begin to taste less appealing. Cravings for unhealthy sweets, salt, and fats decline.

Green smoothies do not bog down your digestive system. Optimum digestion and nutrient absorption will give you more energy to exercise and get through your daily routine.

Antioxidants

Green smoothies contain a huge dose of health-protecting antioxidants and phytonutrients. This will boost your immune system and help prevent disease.

Great antioxidant-rich additions to your smoothie include blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, acai, and cacao (raw chocolate).

Blood Pressure

Many fruits and vegetables have been studied for their ability to lower blood pressure while also reducing some of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Mental Clarity and Focus

Replace your morning coffee with a nutrient-rich green smoothie for greater mental clarity and focus. You won’t get the midday energy slump or the caffeine-related side effects.

Colon and Gut Health

Green smoothies contain the whole fruit and vegetable so that you get all of the fiber and nutrition absent in ordinary breakfast foods or juice. Fiber is essential for good colon health. It feeds your beneficial gut microbes and supports optimum digestion.

Healthy Skin and Strong Hair & Nails

Green smoothies give you a healthy glow and may help clear up acne. The nutrients found in a green smoothie will also aid hair and nail regrowth.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Most fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties. If you suffer from inflammatory conditions that cause chronic pain and other issues, green smoothies may help get your health back on track.

Alkalization

Green smoothies may help neutralize blood pH and prevent the body from becoming too acidic. They provide minerals that are used by your body to naturally maintain pH balance.

Green Smoothies for Beginners

Making a green smoothie is not an exact science. You can mix and match vegetables and fruit however you like to find what tastes good to you or makes you feel great.

Here are the basic components to get optimal benefits:

  • Liquid: water, almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, cashew milk, etc.
  • Greens: kale or spinach
  • Fruit: frozen or fresh bananas, berries, or citrus
  • Omegas: flax seed oil or fish oil
  • Essential Oil: customize to your health needs
  • Other: organic protein powder, aloe, probiotics, nuts, grains, etc.

You will find your favorites if you experiment with your blends! Here are a few to try for beginners. Simply blend all ingredients in a high-quality blender, and serve immediately.

Strawberry-Banana Green Smoothie

  • 6–8 oz. (180–240 ml) water
  • 1 large peeled banana (these can be frozen ahead of time)
  • 4 large strawberries, fresh or frozen
  • 2 cups fresh organic baby spinach
  • 3 drops lemon essential oil
  • 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) aloe
  • 1 or 2 ice cubes

Berry-Cinnamon Green Smoothie

  • 6–8 oz. (180–240 ml) unsweetened almond milk
  • 1  peeled banana
  • 1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 drops cinnamon essential oil
  • 2 cups fresh organic baby spinach
  • 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) flax seed oil
  • 1 or 2 ice cubes

Tropical Green Smoothie

  • 6–8 oz. (180–240 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 cup cubed pineapple
  • 1/2 cup cubed mango (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 drops ginger essential oil
  • 2 cups organic baby kale
  • 1/2  sliced avocado
  • 1 or 2 ice cubes

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Green Smoothie

  • 6–8 oz. (180–240 ml) cashew milk
  • 1 peeled banana
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter
  • 3 Tbsp. cacao nibs or cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup quality protein powder
  • 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) flax seed oil
  • 3 drops cinnamon essential oil
  • 2 cups organic baby kale
  • 1 or 2 ice cubes

 

January 14, 2021
by Abundant Health™
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Emotions & Essential Oils

Essential oils have a great impact on the emotions due to their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and affect the hormones. Maintaining emotional balance is an important part of both mental and physical health. Emotional balance allows the mind to focus and the body to heal faster.

Although there are many different emotions, and it can seem impossible to keep them all in check, there are some easy things you can do to balance them. Some great oils to help with overall balance include balsam fir, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, orange, Roman chamomile, sandalwood, and vetiver. This may seem like a lot of options, but just experiment to find the ones that work best for you. You may be drawn to certain aromas and feel indifferent to others. Pay attention to how you feel when you diffuse the oils, as your body is trying to tell you which ones it needs!

While you are working toward emotional balance, you may need to target more complex emotions such as the following:

*Anxiety is the body’s way of preparing itself to deal with future stressful events. The symptoms can be both physical and mental, but they can be eased with essential oils. Some oils that are good for anxiety are lavender, orange, lemon, and frankincense.

*Depression is a condition marked by excessive sadness, energy loss, feelings of worthlessness, irritability, sudden weight loss or gain, trouble sleeping, and loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed. Oils that help with depression include lemon, frankincense, lavender, bergamot, rosemary, and grapefruit.

Fear causes the blood vessels to tighten, restricting the amount of oxygen and nutrients that can reach the cells. Some oils that help to calm fear are bergamot, clary sage, cypress, fir, geranium, juniper, and marjoram.

Grief and Sorrow tend to follow the loss of something or someone dear. Oils can calm your sadness and lift your spirits, all while helping your mind and body adapt. Some oils that help with grief include bergamot, clary sage, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, and Roman chamomile.

*If you experience chronic anxiety or depression, visit a healthcare professional. Although essential oils can benefit many conditions and ease symptoms, they are not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice.

There’s nothing more amazing than a feeling of complete emotional balance and stability—and with essential oils, this can be possible!

Abundant Health offers some great products that can supplement your research on essential oils and emotions, as well as your teaching efforts. These awesome tear pads about emotions, anxiety, and depression are a great place to start. They include information on what oils work best and how to use them. Click here to learn more!

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils.

January 14, 2021
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album) is steam-distilled from the bark of sandalwood trees. This oil is known for it soft, woody, sweet, earthy, balsamic, and tenacious odor. The aroma of sandalwood can calm, harmonize, and balance your emotions. It helps one accept others by opening the heart while diminishing one’s own egocentricity. Sandalwood is stimulating to the mind, as well as grounding, and helps to enhance meditation.

Sandalwood has antidepressant, antiseptic, antitumor, aphrodisiac, astringent, calming, sedative, and tonic health properties. This oil primarily affects emotional balance, muscles, nervous and skeletal systems, and skin.

Historically, sandalwood was used as incense during rituals to enhance meditation. It is also still considered sacred in many cultures and has been used to free souls of the deceased at funerals. The Egyptians also used sandalwood for embalming. The French have used sandalwood for many years to help with bronchitis (chronic), diarrhea (obstinate), hemorrhoids, and impotence.

Today, sandalwood is commonly used to help with Alzheimer’s disease, back pain, coma, confusion, hemorrhoids, hiccups, laryngitis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, multiple sclerosis, radiation (UV), and wrinkles. Other possible uses of sandalwood include acne, catarrh, circulation, coughs, cystitis, depression, menstrual problems, nerves, skin infection, and tuberculosis.

Safety Data: Sandalwood is recognized as safe for internal use by the FDA and can also be used as a food flavoring agent. This oil can be applied directly without dilution. Sandalwood oil is not for children under 6 years of age and should be used with caution and in greater dilution for children 6 years and older.

Tips for Using Sandalwood Essential Oil:

  1. You can make a soothing roll-on for dry skin by adding 4 drops geranium and 1 drop sandalwood to a 5 ml roll-on bottle and filling the remainder of the bottle with jojoba oil. Apply to areas of your body with dry skin as needed.
  2. Sandalwood is great for laryngitis! Apply 1 drop sandalwood to your throat. Add 1 drop lemon essential oil to 1 tsp. (5 ml) honey, dissolve in a small cup of warm water, and sip.
  3. Sometimes kids can get a little crazy, and we just need them to calm down. You can make a kids’ calming essential oil room spray to help them relax a bit by combining 4 drops sandalwood, 14 drops orange, 7 drops spearmint, and 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) rubbing alcohol, vodka, or witch hazel in a 2 oz. spray bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with distilled water, and shake to combine. Spray around the room to help the kids calm down.
  4. Anytime you get those nasty hiccups, just rub a drop of sandalwood over your diaphragm (the bottom edge of the rib cage).
  5. The aroma of sandalwood is uplifting and helps to balance emotions. Try this energizing and uplifting diffuser blend to give you the illusion of sunshine in the winter.

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils.

January 14, 2021
by Abundant Health™
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Embracing Emotions

Emotions are part of the human experience. They are more than just thoughts and feelings; they are part of a biological process. Every emotion we experience releases chemicals in the body. These chemicals can have a profound effect on one’s overall health.

In maintaining a healthy body, it is important to process and own one’s emotions. Some research suggests that trapped emotions can cause ailments in the body. In the book Feelings Buried Alive Never Die, Karol K. Truman says, “Psychoneuroimmunology is concerned specifically with the impact of mental attitudes on the body’s resistance to disease, especially exploring the links among and between the mind, the brain and the immune system.”

Dr. Bradley Nelson further discusses the possible effects of emotions on health in the book The Emotion Code. “Trapped emotions can cause you to make the wrong assumptions, overreact to innocent remarks, misinterpret behavior and short-circuit your relationships. Even worse, trapped emotions can create depression, anxiety and other unwanted feelings that you can’t seem to shake. They can interfere with proper function of your body’s organs and tissues, wreaking havoc with your physical health, causing pain, fatigue and illness.”

It is important to release the negative emotions we experience by first embracing them. Embrace your emotions by writing them down, meditating, and being honest with yourself and others about your feelings. Dr. Bradley Nelson writes, “Your thoughts are immensely powerful. Whenever you say what you’re thinking or write something down, you’re using the energy of your thoughts to affect the world around you. It is through thought, belief and intention that all things happen.”

Essential oils may further aid in processing and releasing of emotions. They can be diffused, applied topically, or ingested. There are some great tips on how to manage your emotions, including the use of essential oils, in the booklet “What to Do in an Emotional Emergency.”

For further information on which essential oil blends to use and how essential oils can help you embrace and release your emotions, see the Reference Guide For Essential Oils.

April 5, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oils for Seasonal Allergies

It’s that time of year again—itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, watery eyes, and the list goes on. Many people are affected by seasonal allergies, which can be quite uncomfortable. Happily, essential oils are a healthier alternative to allergy medication that can naturally relieve symptoms.

Beneficial single oils and blends for general allergies include tea tree, lavender, peppermint, patchouli, elemi, eucalyptus, Harmony, ledum, melissa, ImmuPower, Raven, RC, Roman chamomile, and spikenard. Oils especially beneficial for seasonal pollen allergies, or hay fever, are lavender, Roman chamomile, cajeput, eucalyptus, and rose.

Here are a few combinations and applications to try:

  • Mix 6 drops each lemon, lavender, and peppermint essential oil with 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) fractionated coconut oil in a 15 ml roll-on vial. Apply the blend onto your temples, wrists, and neck whenever you feel an allergic reaction coming on.
  • Apply 1 drop peppermint essential oil at the base of your neck twice a day, and also diffuse peppermint oil for additional allergy relief.
  • Diffuser blends are a great way to keep your allergies calmer while you’re at home. Here are some simple blend variations using common essential oils.
Spring Allergy
3 drops lavender
2 drops peppermint
3 drops lemon
2 drops frankincense 		Allergy Relief
2 drops peppermint
2 drops lavender
2 drops lemon 		Sinus Relief
2 drops oregano
2 drops tea tree
2 drops peppermint
2 drops lavender
2 drops lemon

Individual allergies are unique, which means certain essential oils and methods will work for some people but not for others. Hopefully at least one of our recommendations will help you find some relief from seasonal allergies this year. Please comment below and share any other remedies you have found helpful.

March 18, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Rosemary-Parmesan Artisan Bread

There’s nothing better than fresh, warm bread to go with a meal—or as comfort food anytime! This bread is absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Your family will love the added herbaceous flavor of essential oil.

Rosemary-Parmesan Artisan Bread

Servings: 1 loaf | Time: 20 minutes active; 8–12 hours inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 3 c. white flour*
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. dry active yeast
  • 1 1/2 c. warm water
  • 1 Tbsp. parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. parsley
  • 1/2 tsp. dried basil
  • 3–4 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dry active yeast.
  2. Add the rosemary essential oil to the warm water, stir to combine, and immediately add to dry ingredients.
  3. Stir the dough with a wooden spoon until a shaggy ball forms.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let sit for 8–12 hours, or until doubled in size. (Rising time will depend on room temperature.)
  5. Once the dough has risen sufficiently, remove it from the bowl onto a well-floured surface. The dough should be wet and sticky, but if it’s too wet, work more a little more flour into the dough.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the parmesan cheese, onion powder, parsley, and basil.
  7. Form the dough into a ball, and place in a greased baking dish**—sprinkle with cheese mixture. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake at 450° for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the lid, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Cool slightly before serving with butter.

*If you like a more sourdough flavor, use half whole wheat flour and half white flour to allow for fermentation while the bread rises.

**To use a dutch oven, place it in the oven before preheating. Once the oven comes to temperature, remove the dutch oven, put the prepared dough inside, and return it to the oven to bake. If you don’t have a dutch oven, just use a glass bowl covered with aluminum foil. We did, and it worked perfectly!

March 7, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Oregano

Oregano (Origanum compactum, CT Carvacrol) essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the herb. This essential oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic, and immune-stimulant health properties. Oregano has a sharp, herbaceous aroma.

Oregano is commonly used to help in these ways: antibacterial, antifungal, calluses, candida, carpal tunnel, parasites (intestinal), pneumonia, sore throat, staph/MRSA, strep throat, viral infection, warming oils, warts, and whooping cough.

Other possible uses of the oil include asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, colds, digestive problems, metabolism balance, and strengthening of vital centers.

Oregano primarily affects the following body systems: immune, respiratory, muscular, and skeletal.

Safety Data: Oregano can cause extreme skin irritation, so be careful when applying topically. Dilute this oil 1:3 (1 drop essential oil to 3 drops carrier oil) when applying topically for adults, and dilute more heavily when applying to children. This oil is recognized as safe for human consumption, but should be taken in small doses. Dilute heavily when taking in capsules. This oil is not recommended for children under 6 years old.

Ways to Use Oregano Essential Oil

  1. Cooking with oregano essential oil can add a wonderful flavor to your food in such a simple way. Since oregano has a pungent flavor, start by dipping a toothpick in the oil and using it to stir through your food. Add more strength, as desired. Here are some of our favorite recipes with oregano!

2. Diffuser blends are a great way to absorb the benefits of oregano essential oil. The aroma strengthens feelings of security. Here are a few diffuser blends to try.

Immune Boost
3 drops Thieves
2 drops lemon
2 drops oregano		 Positive Energy
4 drops lime
2 drops juniper berry
1 drop oregano
 No More Congestion
2 drops oregano
2 drops lemon
2 drops tea tree
2 drops peppermint		 Herbal Bliss
1 drop oregano
1 drop basil
1 drop marjoram
1 drop thyme

3. Calluses can be unwanted and uncomfortable. Combine 5 drops oregano with 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) jojoba oil. Apply a small amount to your calluses every day.

4. If you are sick with mononucleosis, combine 1 drop each of oregano, Thieves, and thyme. Rub the mixture onto your feet 2 times a day.

5. During cold and flu season, you can never be too self protective! For an extra immune boost, put 10 drops each of lemon, frankincense, oregano, and Thieves in a 10 ml roll-on bottle. Fill the remainder with fractionated coconut oil. Apply to your throat, chest, and feet.

Source:
Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2018 Edition, pp. 108–109.

February 28, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oils for Cold & Flu

Just when we think cold and flu season is over, it seems to start back up again. According to the CDC, flu season has just peaked, which means it’ll be a while before it’s through. Thankfully, essential oils are great at helping you fight the symptoms and find relief before your sickness gets worse.

Generally, essential oils and blends that help with cold symptoms include tea tree, lemon, Thieves, rosemary, thyme, RC, basil, copaiba, and eucalyptus.

To help relieve your cold, combine 5 drops lemon and 5 drops thyme with 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) jojoba oil. Rub the mixture on your back, chest, throat, and back of neck 2–3 times a day.

Essential oils and blends that help with influenza include tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, RC, Raven, Thieves, clove, copaiba, ginger, and lavender.

Diffuser blends are also a great way to help fight cold and flu viruses! Simply add a blend to your diffuser, and breathe in the aroma to clear your head and fight the germs. Here are a couple blends to try.

When it comes to cold and flu, there are so many different viral strains that these illnesses can be difficult to treat. Each person might experience different symptoms, so here are some ideas to help them.

Coughs: RC, frankincense, eucalyptus, tea tree, myrtle, cedarwood, peppermint, sandalwood, Thieves.

  • Mix 1 drop eucalyptus and 1 drop lemon with 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) honey. Slowly stir a third of the honey mixture into 1 c. (240 ml) warm water, and drink slowly. Repeat multiple times a day.
  • Combine 1 drop eucalyptus, 1 drop tea tree, and 1 drop lemon with 1 tsp. (5 ml) jojoba oil, and apply over chest and back.

Stuffy Nose/Congestion: Eucalyptus, peppermint, RC, Di-Gize, Breathe Again, cedarwood, coriander, cypress, fennel, ginger, rosemary.

  • Drop 2 drops eucalyptus and 1 drop peppermint in the corner of the shower stall or bathtub ledge before showering, and breathe in the vapors.

Nausea: Ginger, peppermint, AromaEase, lavender, cardamom, clove, Di-Gize, juniper, nutmeg, rosewood, spearmint, tarragon.

  • Add 2 drops ginger to a bowl of hot water, and inhale the warm vapor rising from the surface.

Sore Throat: Thieves, tea tree, oregano, eucalyptus, bergamot, geranium, ginger, lavender, sandalwood, thyme.

  • Add 4 drops Thieves and 1 tsp. salt to 1/4 c. (60 ml) warm water, and stir until dissolved. Gargle the solution for 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat multiple times a day, or until the sore throat is gone.
  • Mix 3 drops eucalyptus and 2 drops lemon with 1 tsp. (5 ml) honey. Dissolve the honey mixture in 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) warm water. Pour into a small spray bottle, shake well, and spray 3–4 times into your throat as needed.

Fever: Peppermint, lemon, lime, eucalyptus, clove, basil, bergamot, fennel, fir, ginger, lavender, tea tree.

  • Blend 2 drops peppermint and 2 drops eucalyptus in a bowl of cool water. Dip a washcloth in the water, and use it to sponge your forehead, back of neck, and feet.

Here are other posts that will help you deal with cold or flu.

15 Ways to Use a Shot Glass
Essential Oil Tea
Therapeutic Hot-Cold Pack Sock

For more ideas and specific usage methods, consult the Reference Guide for Essential Oils.

February 20, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Irish Beef Stew with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This classic Irish recipe is sure to fill you up and keep you warm this winter! Thyme essential oil adds a subtle, savory flavor to the hearty stew. We’ve also included an easy recipe for a bed of garlic mashed potatoes since they complement the beef dish so well.

Irish Beef Stew

Servings: 6 | Time: 20 minutes active; 90 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2–3 tsp.)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 leek, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 c. frozen peas
  • 2 c. beef broth or beef bone broth
  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Thyme essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add the meat to the oil, and brown for 2–3 minutes. Remove, and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add garlic, onions, leek, and carrots. Saute until tender.
  3. Whisk the tomato paste and beef broth into the vegetables.
  4. Add the parsley, bay leaf, and beef. Season again with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a low simmer. Cover, and cook for 90 minutes.
  5. When the soup is nearly done, combine the melted butter and flour in a small bowl. Dip a toothpick in the thyme essential oil bottle, and stir the toothpick through the flour mixture.
  6. Slowly whisk the flour mixture into the soup, and simmer until the soup thickens.
  7. Add the frozen peas, and cook until heated through.
  8. Serve over mashed potatoes (recipe below).

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 6 | Time: 15 minutes active; 15–20 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2–2 Tbsp.)
  • 1/2 c. half-and-half
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the potatoes in a large pot with the garlic cloves, and fill with cold water. Salt the water, as desired.
  2. Bring the pot to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium, cooking potatoes until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes, and return them to the pot.
  4. Stir in the butter and half-and-half, and beat the potatoes until smooth with a hand mixer.
  5. Top the potatoes with Irish Beef Stew, and serve it all up nice and warm.

February 6, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Lemon

Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit. This essential oil contains the following health properties: anticancer, antidepressant, antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, astringent, invigorating, refreshing and tonic.

Historically, lemon oil was used to fight food poisoning, malaria, typhoid epidemics, and scurvy. It has also been used to lower blood pressure and to help with liver issues, arthritis, and muscular aches and pains. The French have used lemon medicinally to help with anemia, disinfecting the air, asthma, gout, intestinal parasites, rheumatism, throat infection, varicose veins, and more.

Today, lemon essential oil is commonly used to help with air purification, anxiety, autism, brain injury, carpet stains, colds (common), concentration (poor), constipation, depression, disinfection, dysentery, fever, gout, grief/sorrow, hangover, heartburn, kidney stones, malaria, overeating, postpartum depression, stress, and water purification.

Lemon essential oil is also known to be helpful with aging, improving clarity of thought, digestive problems, hair cleaning, lymphatic system cleansing, memory improvement, nerves, respiratory problems, and eliminating sore throats.

Safety Data: Avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after topical use. Can cause extreme skin irritation.

Ways to Use Lemon Essential Oil

  1. Lemon essential oil serves as an effective household cleaner, furniture polish, and solvent for removing grease and gum.
  2. Allergies are something nobody wants to deal with. If you are affected by seasonal allergies, combine 2 drops each of lemon, lavender, and peppermint with 1 tsp. (5ml) fractionated coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the temples, under the nose, and on the bottoms of the feet morning and evening.
  3. Diffuser blends are a great way to enjoy the aromatic benefits of lemon essential oil. Aromatically, lemon is said to promote health, healing, physical energy, and purification. It provides an invigorating, enhancing, and warming fragrance. Here are a few of our favorite blends for loving lemon!

4. Lemon oil is known to be useful in soothing coughs. Simply combine 1 drop eucalyptus and 1 drop lemon with 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) honey. Mix 1/3 of the honey mixture with 1 c. (240 ml) warm water, and drink slowly. You can also combine 1 drop each of eucalyptus, melaleuca, and lemon with 1 tsp. (5 ml) jojoba oil, and apply over the chest and back several times a day.

5. Cooking with lemon essential oil is a great way to add wonderful flavor to your food plus added benefit for your health! You can substitute 1 drop of lemon oil for 1 tsp. lemon zest in most recipes. Here are a few of our favorite lemon recipes.

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2018 Edition, pp. 88–89.