Abundant Health™ Blog

May 19, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Rosehip

Rosehip essential oil, from a plant of the Rosaceae family, has regenerative properties.

It has been used effectively to treat a variety of skin conditions. Because it aids tissue regeneration, it is believed to reduce the appearance of scars, help heal burns, soften scar tissue, and slow down the premature aging of skin.

Rosehip oil can be applied directly to the skin where needed. It is also considered safe for human consumption by the FDA. Dilute the oil, 1 drop to 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) honey or 4 oz. (125 ml) of a beverage such as soy or rice milk.

See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about rosehip oil and many other pure essential oils.

Source:  Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2017 Edition, p. 130.

May 16, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes aches, pains, and tenderness in the soft tissue, muscles, and ligaments of the body. Fibromyalgia alters the way your brain processes pain signals, amplifying soreness and discomfort. People who live with this condition may have a difficult time sleeping or doing everyday tasks. At times the pain can be debilitating. Other symptoms often include fatigue, sleep disorders, tension headaches, TMJ disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, memory issues, and mood swings. Symptoms may also gradually accumulate over time or are sometimes triggered by physical trauma, surgical procedures, infection, or severe psychological stress.

The exact cause of the disorder is unknown. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. While there is no cure, some have suggested that restoring the body’s healthy pH balance, eliminating refined sugars, exercising, regular stretching, relaxation, and stress-reduction measures may help to minimize the effects. Getting adequate sleep and frequent massages will also alleviate some of the symptoms.

The following essential oils are recommended to treat fibromyalgia for their cortisone response and anti-inflammatory properties:

  • spruce
  • wintergreen
  • lavender
  • myrrh
  • rosemary
  • thyme
  • cinnamon bark
  • eucalyptus
  • ginger
  • nutmeg
  • peppermint

Make a blend of some of these oils, or prepare a balm and massage it into the chest, back, and other areas of concern. Also try diffusing these oils while you sleep to help combat the aches and pains of fibromyalgia.

See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about how essential oils can help manage fibromyalgia.

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2017 Edition, p. 475.

May 12, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Lemon Crepes

These delicious crepes are yummy for breakfast with a variety of fruit, yogurt, or jam. As a dessert, fill with fruit and whipped cream or drizzle with melted chocolate!

Lemon Crepes

Servings: 4 | Time: 10 minutes active; 30–40 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1/4 tsp. (1.5 g) salt
  • 5 drops lemon essential oil
  • 2 Tbsp. (28 g) butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Whisk together the flour and the eggs in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the milk and water. Stir in the salt and melted butter; whisk until smooth while adding essential oil.
  2. Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of batter for each crepe onto hot pan. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so the batter coats the surface evenly.
  3. Cook each crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Flip, and cook the other side.
  4. Serve crepes warm filled with your choice of fruit, yogurt, or granola, and top with whipped cream.

For added lemony sweetness, make this simple whipped topping:

Sweet Lemon Whipped Topping

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream (chilled)
  • 3 Tbsp. (25 g) powdered sugar
  • 4 Tbsp. (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3–4 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions

  1. Beat cream with an electric mixer or whisk until it forms stiff peaks. Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon essential oil, and whisk for a few more seconds to incorporate into the cream.

May 10, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Muscle Salve

Summer is the time to get outside. Hiking, jogging, and playing sports are great ways to stay healthy and enjoy the good weather. But sometimes being active can make your muscles sore and fatigued. This DIY muscle salve made with essential oils is an effective and natural way to soothe those aching muscles.

Muscle Salve

Yield: 2 oz. (60 ml) | Time: 10 minutes active; 1  hour inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a double boiler, stir the beeswax and coconut oil over low heat until melted; then add the sweet almond oil.
  2. Cool mixture for about 5 minutes before stirring in the essential oils.
  3. Pour mixture into a glass salve jar. Mixture should become solid within an hour.
  4. Rub salve on sore muscles as needed.

May 4, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Candida

Candida albicans is a fungus usually found in the digestive tract and skin. It aids with nutrient absorption and digestion but can cause some health issues when it overproduces. Candida can cause a breakdown of the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream. The toxins Candida releases into the body systems can cause a variety of ailments, including leaky gut syndrome, thyroid issues, and hypoglycemia.

Overproduction of Candida can be caused by the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, birth control pills, inhalants containing steroids, cancer treatments, a weakened immune system, or diabetes.

Eating a high-sugar and/or high-acid diet causes Candida to flourish. Maintaining a healthy pH balance in the body and keeping up levels of good bacteria are essential to fighting the overgrowth of Candida.

Candida overgrowth syndrome is a chronic health condition. Individuals with COS may develop new sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances to foods like dairy, eggs, corn, and gluten.

The following symptoms may indicate that that you have a problem with Candida overgrowth:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Mood disorders
  •  Recurring vaginal and urinary tract infections
  •  Oral thrush
  • Sinus infections
  • Intestinal distress
  •  Brain fog
  • Skin and nail fungal infections
  • Hormonal imbalance

Balancing blood sugar and pH, as well as strengthening the body’s immune system, will bring Candida back to safe levels in the body. Many essential oils have antifungal properties that will aid in cutting down Candida production. Try some of the following:

  • Tea tree
  • Lavender
  • Oregano
  • Clove
  • Dill
  • Peppermint
  • Cinnamon bark
  • Eucalyptus
  • Rosewood
  • Spearmint
  • Spruce
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme

These oils may be taken orally, in a hot compress on the abdomen, or in a retention enema. Be sure to research the best way essential oils can help to balance the bacteria and fungi in your body.

See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about how essential oils can help Candida imbalance.

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2017 Edition, pp. 383–84.

 

May 2, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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DIY Luxurious Lotion

Most store-bought lotions promise to nourish your skin and make it soft and healthy. But the truth is, they are often made with chemicals and fillers that harm the natural balance of your skin or cause waxy buildup that actually prevents the skin from breathing and absorbing moisture. By making your own lotion, you can decide for yourself what goes into it—and onto your skin. This recipe is made of the best natural ingredients to make your skin look and feel amazing.

DIY Luxurious Lotion

Yield: 8 oz. (240 ml) | Time: 15–20 minutes active | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients & Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. Melt cocoa butter and beeswax pellets in a double boiler over low heat. Add the coconut oil, and continue heating until almost melted. Remove from heat, and stir until everything is melted together.
  2. Stir in the sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, and jojoba oil.
  3. Heat distilled water until warm.
  4. Using a hand mixer, start beating water, and slowly add the oil mixture while continuing to beat. Beat for a few minutes. As you blend, you will notice the lotion thicken. Let stand for a few minutes. If lotion separates during this time, blend again for a couple more minutes. If it doesn’t separate, then it has emulsified properly.
  5. Mix in the essential oil.
  6. Pour lotion into a plastic zip-top bag. Snip off a corner of the bag, and squeeze the lotion into your container of choice.
  7. To use, pump a little into your hand, and massage into the skin as needed.

April 27, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Dill

Dill essential oil is steam distilled from the Umbelliferae plant. It has antispasmodic, antibacterial, expectorant, and stimulant properties.

The dill plant is mentioned in the Egyptian Papyrus of Ebers as far back as 1550 B.C. Roman gladiators rubbed dill onto their skin before going to battle.

Dill is used primarily to help balance cholesterol and to aid digestion. It may be helpful for treating colic, constipation, dyspepsia, headaches, indigestion, liver deficiencies, and nervousness. It can help clear toxins and aid lactation in nursing mothers.

When diffused, dill calms the nervous system. When combined with Roman chamomile, it helps hyperactive children become less fidgety. Dill can also be applied directly to pulse points or to specific areas of concern. A couple of drops on the wrists can help combat sugar addiction and decrease cravings for sweets.

Considered safe for consumption by the FDA, dill is a delicious addition to many dishes. It can be used in much the same way as bay leaves. Dill essential oil adds flavor to soups and stews, and can be added to water for seasoning boiled potatoes. Dill is also a great addition to bread recipes, vegetable dishes, salad dressings, and dips.

Click the link to try dill in an essential oil veggie dip. A fresh and tasty option for a springtime party!

 

 

April 20, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Helping Hay Fever with Essential Oils

Springtime is beautiful. Nature is waking up from winter, blossoms are bursting open, and all things are growing. Unfortunately, seasonal allergies are flaring up too. Allergies are a damaging immune system response that can cause itching, swelling, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Hay fever, caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, can make this time of year miserable. Rather than enjoying the great outdoors, someone who suffers with hay fever is forced to avoid outdoor activities and often take medication.

Several essential oils can help combat the effects of allergies:

  • tea tree
  • lavender
  • peppermint
  • patchouli
  • eucalyptus
  • melissa
  • Roman chamomile
  • spikenard

All of these oils can be applied topically or diffused.

Tea tree, lavender, and Roman chamomile are natural histamine blockers. Rub a few drops onto the sternum, and breathe deeply.

For some people, peppermint has eliminated the need for allergy shots. Apply it to the base of the neck twice daily. If you suffer with hay fever, we recommend keeping a roll-on bottle of peppermint with you on outdoor excursions.

Don’t let your allergies keep you from enjoying the glories of the season.

See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about how essential oils can help allergies .

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2017 Edition, pp. 372-373.

 

 

April 18, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Goldenrod

Goldenrod essential oil is steam distilled from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the Solidago canadensis plant.

It has relaxing and calming properties. Traditionally, goldenrod has been used to treat ailments such as diphtheria, dyspepsia, hypertension, influenza, nervousness, respiratory mucous, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis.

According to studies, goldenrod supports the circulatory system, the urinary tract, and liver function. It also seems to help with impotence and is both antibacterial and antioxidant.

It can be applied directly to areas of concern, diffused, or taken orally—1 drop mixed with 4 oz. of liquid. The FDA has not yet approved goldenrod as a food additive.

April 13, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

This is a delicious breakfast option for springtime. By replacing cooking oil with Greek yogurt, you get a lower fat, higher protein muffin that is moist and yummy. Lemon essential oil adds tang and health benefits!


Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

Servings: 12 | Time: 10 minutes; 15-20 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

    • 1⅓ cups flour
    • ½ tsp. baking soda
    • ½ tsp. salt
    • ¼ cup butter (4 Tbsp.)
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
    • 8 drops lemon essential oil
    • ¾ cup fat-free, plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds

Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 450° F. (230° C) and grease a muffin pan.
    1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
    1. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, eggs,  yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon essential oil.
    1. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in poppy seeds.
    1. Fill muffin tins about ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 12-16 minutes (until an inserted toothpick comes out clean).
  1. Cool on a wire rack.

These muffins are also delightful drizzled with a sweet lemon glaze (recipe below).

Sweet Lemon Glaze

Ingredients:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • 2 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

    1. While muffins are cooling, whisk together sugar, milk, and lemon essential oil in a small bowl.
  1. Drizzle glaze over muffins and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.