Abundant Health™ Blog

April 11, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Easter Egg Bath Bomb

Spring is a time of renewal! Few things can make you feel as fresh and renewed as a relaxing and luxurious bath. These colorful bath bombs are full of therapeutic ingredients that will make you feel like new! Their fun Easter egg shape will get your kids excited about taking a bath too!

Easter Egg Bath Bomb

Time: 15 minutes active; 3 hours inactive | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. baking soda
  • 4 oz. epsom salt
  • 4 oz. cornstarch
  • 4 oz. citric acid
  • 3 tsp. water
  • 1/2 tsp. of your favorite essential oil (we used lavender!)
  • 2-5 drops food coloring of your choice
  • plastic Easter eggs or silicone/plastic mold
  • confetti sprinkles

Instructions:

  1.  In a large bowl, combine the Epsom salt, cornstarch, baking soda and citric acid.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients together.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the wet ingredients: water, essential oil and food coloring.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and whisk together.
  5.  The mixture will begin to clump. Ball it up in your hand to get it to stick. Only add a tiny bit of water if you have to! (Too much will make the mixture start to foam and it will not stay in the molds.)
  6. Take a plastic egg and coat the inside with coconut oil. Add confetti sprinkles in one side.
  7. Pack the mixture tightly into both sides of the egg. Make sure there are not air pockets or the egg shape will crumble upon removal.
  8. Close the egg and let it sit covered by a towel for 15 minutes.
  9. Carefully pry open the egg to check if it is shaping to the mold. Let them dry completely before use.

These look lovely packaged up as an Easter gift!

April 6, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Diffuser Cleaner

Time for spring cleaning! Nothing feels quite as uplifting as a clean house with an essential oil diffuser filling the air with refreshing aromas. But when was the last time you cleaned your diffuser? To extend the life of your diffuser and keep it looking nice, we recommend cleaning it after every cycle. Use this simple cleaner to keep your diffuser clean and fresh.

Essential Oil Diffuser Cleaner

Time: 2 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Fill the 2 oz. bottle with vinegar and add essential oil. Screw the spray top on the bottle and shake to combine.
  2. To use, spray your diffuser inside and out, and wipe with a cloth or paper towel.
  3. Spray and wipe down your diffuser every cycle or two.

Note: If you have really stubborn hard-water deposits on the inside of the diffuser, you may want to soak some paper towels in vinegar and lay them down inside the diffuser; leave alone for 20–30 minutes. If your diffuser has an ultrasonic disc, use alcohol and a cotton swab to clean the disc after cleaning with the vinegar.

April 4, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Aromatic Play Dough

This homemade dough is a great way to encourage your children’s creativity while also exposing them to the aromatic benefits of essential oils. Some great options are: lime for uplifting, lemon for clarity, lavender for calming, orange for energizing, grapefruit for relieving tension, and peppermint for invigoration. We made three separate batches and chose lime for green, lavender for blue, and peppermint for pink.

Aromatic Play Dough

Time: 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Food coloring
  • 6–8 drops of your choice of essential oils

Instructions:

  1. Blend the flour, salt, and cream of tartar together.
  2. Add to a saucepan and stir in the water, cooking oil, and food coloring. Mix until smooth.
  3.  Heat on medium-low, and stir until the mixture forms a ball.
  4.  Once the play dough is the right consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 3–4 minutes.
  5.  Knead in the essential oils.
  6.  Store in an air-tight container in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.

March 30, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Fresh Fruit Pizza

This tangy and sweet dessert is a perfect springtime treat! Cover it with all of your favorite fresh fruits and berries.

Fresh Fruit Pizza

Servings: 12 | Time: 35 minutes active; 1 hour inactive | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

    • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
    • 3/4 cup white sugar (or 1/2 cup agave)
    • 1 egg
    • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 2 (8 ounce) containers of whipped cream cheese
    • 1/4 cup agave
    • 1/2 cup berry jam (A natural jam or jelly with no added sugar works great.)
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 6 drops lime essential oil

Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350° F. (180° C).
    1. Cream together butter and sugar (or 1/2 cup agave) until smooth. Mix in egg.
    1. Combine dry ingredients; stir into the butter mixture until blended.
    1. Press dough into an ungreased pizza pan and bake 8–10 minutes (until lightly browned). Let cool.
    1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/4 cup agave, jam, lime essential oil, and vanilla. Spread on cooled crust.
  1. Top your pizza with any fresh fruit and let chill for an hour. Enjoy!

March 28, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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How to Balance Your Chakras Using Essential Oils

We are energetic and electric beings that send signals and frequencies out on a second-to-second basis. One of our most basic and subtle systems involves the chakras, which are points of energy concentration in the body. There are seven of them, starting at the base of the spine and progressing to the top of the head.

All of the seven chakras are important and interconnected. Usually, balancing one chakra will create change in another chakra. It is important that we balance the root chakra first—before proceeding to others—or we will lack the stability and rootedness necessary for true transformation and personal growth. We cannot grow and change unless we feel safe and secure.

Chakras can be imbalanced by becoming blocked (underactive) or extremely tense (overactive).  When this happens, our whole being is compromised, often leading to illness and/or emotional blocks. This creates an unhealthy personal environment.

Here’s how to balance chakras using aromatherapy and crystals in tandem:

Root Chakra

Crystal: Red jasper

Essential Oil: Patchouli

The root chakra is the first chakra, located at the base of the spine. It is literally “the root” of being, and it establishes the deepest connections with among the physical body, the immediate environment, and the earth. The fight-or-flight response initiates from this chakra, which is primal and animal in nature. The energy of the root chakra allows us to harness courage and resourcefulness.

To ground yourself, rub the earthy scent of patchouli on your feet. Put a small piece of red jasper in the edge of your shoe to give you the stability and rootedness necessary for personal growth.

Sacral Chakra

Crystal: Carnelian

Essential Oil: Orange

The sacral chakra is the second chakra. It is associated with emotions, sensuality, and creativity. Its element is water, and it is characterized by flow and flexibility. The function of the sacral chakra is directed to the principle of pleasure. It is located about three inches below the navel at the center of the lower belly.

Reignite your passions and create an aphrodisiac blend with 3 drops each of orange blossom, ylang-ylang, rose, and sandalwood essential oils in one cup of grape seed oil. Leave your piece of carnelian (a crystal for life force and vitality) in the oil overnight to supercharge its properties.

Solar Plexus Chakra

Crystal: Citrine

Essential Oil: Lemon

The solar plexus chakra is located directly above the navel and below the rib cage. It radiates vital life energy throughout the entire body. It generates our willpower, ability to achieve, self-esteem, raw emotions, and self-discipline. The solar plexus chakra gives us mental understanding of our emotional self.

Use a citrine stone and lemon essential oil to accept your place in the universe and create appreciation for all of the people in your life. Inhaling lemon promotes healing and combats insecurity.

Heart Chakra

Crystal: Rose quartz

Essential Oil: Rose

The heart chakra is located in the heart region. When it is balanced, we have healthy self-esteem, spontaneity, a sense of humor, and the ability to make decisions and meet challenges. Imagine feeling as if nothing can hurt you—you are on top of the situations in your life. That sense is the province of the heart chakra.

Wear a malachite bracelet while you diffuse rose essential oil to promote compassion, love, and self-acceptance.

Throat Chakra

Crystal: Blue lace agate

Essential Oil: Eucalyptus

The throat chakra is the voice of the body. It is a pressure valve that allows energy from the other chakras to be expressed. If the throat chakra is out of balance or blocked, it can affect the health of the other chakras. When it is balanced, we can express what we think and feel.

Ritual bathing is cleansing and rejuvenating. Place a blue lace agate crystal on the side of the tub. Then add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to your bath. This combination will help you speak your truth and activate your ability to understand the unsaid.

Third Eye Chakra

Crystal: Lapis lazuli

Essential Oil: Rosemary

The third eye chakra, or brow chakra, is located just above the eyebrows in the center of the forehead. It pertains to the concept of “seeing,” especially in a spiritual and psychic sense. This is where “visionary abilities” emerge.

Having a strong sixth chakra allows you to access your inner guidance and intuition easily. Meditate on a lapis lazuli stone while burning a rosemary candle to awaken your intuitive abilities.

Crown Chakra

Crystal: Amethyst

Essential Oil: Lavender

The crown chakra is the seventh chakra at the top of the “chakra ladder.” This progression starts at the root chakra (grounding us on the earth) and progresses upward to the crown. The energy of the crown chakra allows us to experience oneness with everyone and everything in nature.

Both an amethyst crystal and lavender essential oil will help you connect to your inner consciousness. By putting a small piece of amethyst under your pillow each night, and then spraying a lavender mist on your sheets, you will simultaneously balance your crown chakra and get an amazing night’s sleep!

Summary

Root chakra draws energy from the earth’s magnetic core. It anchors our spirit in our worldly existence.

Sacral chakra promotes our ability to enjoy life in physical ways.  It governs our well-being, our sense of deserving a good life, and our capacity to develop a feeling of abundance.

Solar plexus chakra relates to self-value, confidence, self-esteem, and freedom of choice.  It reflects how we see ourselves and exercise our innate power.

Heart chakra keeps the life force invigorated.  It moves love through our lives and shields our hearts from emotional pain.

Throat chakra directs the life force toward creativity, self-expression, truth, and integrity.  It controls our ability to communicate clearly.

Third eye chakra is the center of our innate intelligence.  It drives on the distilled wisdom of our losses and pain.  It sees meaning, truth, and freedom.

Crown chakra is the center of bliss, beauty, and spirituality.  It allows us to deepen our connection with the source of our being.

About the Author

Shaline Miller is an integrative nutrition health coach, holistic nutrition consultant, essential oils educator, healthy cooking instructor, and author.  Her goal is to help mothers create a healthy, safe, environmentally-friendly home for their families. Shaline teaches essential oils classes, wellness seminars, and cooking classes in the San Diego and Orange County areas.

March 23, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Coriander

Coriander essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the seeds of the Umbelliferae (parsley) plant.

Historically, the Chinese have used coriander to treat dysentery, painful hernias, measles, nausea, piles (inflamed hemorrhoids), and toothaches.

Because of its estrogen content, coriander may help regulate and control the pain of menstruation. It has analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Coriander may aid arthritis, colds, colic, digestive issues, flu, infections, muscular pain, nausea, skin blemishes, and stiffness. Current research suggests that it can help normalize insulin levels and support pancreatic function.

Coriander’s woody, sweet, and spicy scent is a low stimulant. This oil can also ease stress and encourage calm when diffused.

Coriander can be taken orally, added to recipes, applied topically, or diffused.

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

Source:  Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2017 Edition, p. 68.

March 21, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Addressing Acne with Essential Oils

Acne is a pesky skin problem that usually begins in late adolescence. It occurs when there are deep blockages in skin pores, usually in the oil-producing areas of the body, such as the face, chest, and back. The resulting red blemishes can range from annoying to embarrassing. Unfortunately, teenagers are not the only ones afflicted with acne, since it can also result from hormone imbalance or stress.

Essential oils that balance the hormones and reduce stress can help. Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of water and lots of vegetables will also benefit your skin. Increasing lymphatic and circulatory flow will escort toxic wastes from the body and bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin. These cleansing processes are enabled through regular exercise. Sweating is also great way to release toxins from the skin.

Essential oils that can help clear up acne:

  • tea tree
  • chamomile
  • lavender
  • rosewood
  • clary sage
  • clove
  • eucalyptus
  • frankincense
  • geranium
  • lemon
  • marjoram
  • patchouli
  • rosemary
  • sage
  • sandalwood
  • spearmint
  • thyme
  • vetiver
  • yarrow

Wash your skin gently and regularly to keep pores clean. Apply essential oils of your choice by diluting with water and misting them onto problem areas.

For further information on which essential oils to use and how they can help reduce acne, see Reference Guide for Essential Oils.

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2017 Edition, p. 365-366.

March 16, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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The Many Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a common carrier oil for essential oils and a popular massage oil. It is also a centerpiece of healthy cooking and personal care. With good reason. Coconut oil enriches foods with beneficial fats, vitamins A and D, and iron. And it retains antioxidant properties even when heated. For body care, coconut oil effectively moisturizes all skin types, while helping acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. In hair care, it reduces protein loss, conditions follicles, and fosters re-growth of damaged hair. Coconut oil also whitens teeth and freshens breath.

Many other health benefits have recently appeared on the horizon. Some research suggests that coconut oil can improve or even reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease. It can benefit people with hypothyroidism, since it boosts metabolism and supports overall thyroid health. When coconut oil replaces other oils in food preparation, it can promote weight loss. Coconut oil helps fight candida, viruses, and bacterial infections. It also gives athletes sustained energy levels in place of stimulants or drugs.

Since coconut oil offers so many health and beauty benefits, try making it a mainstay of your personal care, cooking, and daily supplementation.

 

 

 

March 14, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Healthy No-Bake Cookies

These tasty treats are full of protein and flavor. Enjoy them with a cold glass of rice or coconut milk for a healthy and delicious snack.

Healthy No-Bake Cookies

Servings: 20-24 | Time: 15 minutes active; 30 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (158 g) oats (quick or rolled)
  • 1/3 cup (54 g) chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup (24 g) cocoa or cacao powder
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (125 g) almond butter (or other nut butter)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey
  • 1/2 cup (96 g) coconut oil
  • 3/4 cup (139 g) cooked quinoa*
  • 1/2 cup (55 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 2–5 drops peppermint essential oil (or orange, cinnamon, or cardamom essential oil)

Instructions:

  1. Combine oats, chia seeds, cocoa or cacao powder, and sea salt in a mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine almond butter, honey, and coconut oil. Mix well, and then add cooked quinoa. Stir until well blended.
  3. Thoroughly combine the wet and dry ingredients together.
  4. Stir in 1 drop of essential oil at a time. Taste test the mixture as you add more oil for desired flavor.
  5. Press mixture in silicone molds or form portions by hand and put them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Place in the refrigerator until firm.
  7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

*Follow instructions for quinoa. Quinoa can also be cooked in a rice cooker as you would white rice.

March 9, 2017
by Abundant Health™
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Oils for the Immune System

Winter isn’t over yet. This time of year, a lot of pesky bugs are going around. To avoid catching every illness that you come into contact with, it’s important to take care of yourself and your immune system.

The immune system fights disease and works to keep your body healthy. It can recognize and therefore protect the body from bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms and antigens. But in order for it to do its job, the lymphatic system and all the major organs need to be kept in good condition. Eating healthy whole foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep will help your organs function properly and strengthen the immune system.

There are several essential oils that can aid the immune system as well. They can be diffused, as well as diluted and massaged into the bottoms of the feet, along the spine, or under the arms. They are also helpful when added to a warm and relaxing bath.

Here are some of the best essential oils for boosting the immune system:

  • oregano
  • frankincense
  • lemon
  • clove
  • cumin
  • geranium
  • ginger
  • lavender
  • ledum
  • tea tree
  • rosemary
  • thyme
  • white lotus

For further information on which essential oils to use and how essential oils can help boost your immune system, see the Reference Guide For Essential Oils.

Source: Reference Guide For Essential Oils, 2017 Edition, p. 493.