Abundant Health™ Blog

January 30, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Oven Scones

Who doesn’t love fresh, warm scones? And how about scones that bake in the oven? We couldn’t decide between two scrumptious variations—so we’re including both an apple-cinnamon and a cranberry-orange recipe. You can have the best of both worlds! These tasty scones make a great breakfast, snack, or dessert. Give them a try, and let us know what you think.

Apple Cinnamon Scones

Servings: 12 scones | Time: 15 minutes active; 45 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 c. granulated sugar or alternative sweetener
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • Cinnamon essential oil*
  • 1/2 c. cold butter
  • 3/4 c. chopped apple
  • 3/4 c. cinnamon baking chips
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 c. applesauce
  • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • 3 Tbsp. coarse sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the entire mixture is evenly crumbly.
  3. Add the chopped apple and the cinnamon baking chips to the dry mixture, and set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla, and applesauce. Dip a toothpick into the cinnamon essential oil, and stir the oil into the wet ingredients.
  5. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, and stir until the dough holds together.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and flour the paper.
  7. Divide the dough into 2 balls, and pat them each down into rounds, about 3/4- to 1-inch thick.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the coarse sugar with a drop of cinnamon essential oil.**
  9. Brush each round with milk, and sprinkle with the coarse cinnamon sugar.
  10. Using a knife, cut the rounds into 6 wedges.
  11. Separate the wedges slightly by spreading the pieces 1/2 inch away from each other.
  12. Place the pan of scones in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.
  13. Bake the scones for 18–22 minutes at 425°F or until golden brown.
  14. Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
*You can substitute the cinnamon essential oil for 1 drop cassia essential oil for a more subtle cinnamon flavor. **If you would like a brown cinnamon color on the top of the scones, stir 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon in with the coarse sugar instead of cinnamon essential oil.

Cranberry Orange Scones

Servings: 8 scones | Time: 15 minutes active; 45 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 c. granulated sugar or alternative sweetener
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. cold butter
  • 3/4 c. fresh cranberries
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla
  • 1/3 c. orange juice
  • 1/3 c. milk, plus a little more for topping
  • 3 drops orange essential oil
  • 2 Tbsp. coarse sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  2. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the entire mixture is evenly crumbly.
  3. Add the cranberries to the mixture, and set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vanilla, orange juice, and orange essential oil.
  5. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, and stir until the dough holds together. (You may not need to use all the wet mixture.)
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and flour the paper.
  7. Transfer the dough to the parchment paper, and knead the dough 4 or 5 times.
  8. Pat down the dough into a 7-inch circle. Cut the circle into 8 wedges, and spread them out across the baking sheet.
  9. Place the pan of scones in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.
  10. Brush each scone with milk, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.*
  11. Bake the scones for 15–20 minutes at 400°F or until golden brown.
  12. Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes before enjoying with butter or jam.**

*For an extra tangy flavor, add 1–2 drops orange essential oil to the coarse sugar before sprinkling.

**For an optional orange glaze, combine 1 c. confectioners sugar with 2–3 Tbsp. orange juice, and drizzle over the slightly cooled scones.

January 23, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Fitness and Essential Oils

Don’t you just love essential oils and the great benefits they have for your health? When it comes to weight loss and fitness, essential oils can play a huge part in helping you achieve your goals. But you need to use them along with other healthy practices to get the best results. Essential oils can help curb your appetite, detox your body, energize your mind, speed up your metabolism, and so much more. Just imagine combining all the great uses of essential oils with a balanced diet and regular exercise!

The U.S. Department of Health recommends that adults exercise around 150 minutes a week. This can include different activities such as walking, running, yoga, and sports. It may seem difficult to combine essential oils with exercise, but here are a few tips to make it happen:

  • Wearing a pendant can be a great way to continue inhaling your favorite essential oils while exercising. You won’t have to worry about skin photosensitivity to oils when you’re outside or about sweating off your oils in an intense workout.
  • Adding a few drops of essential oils to a water bottle is a great way to refresh yourself and get needed support into your system. Great oils in drinking water are spearmint, peppermint, grapefruit, lemon, and orange.
  • Diffusing energizing oils before starting your workout will get you in the mood and ready to go! Either of these diffuser blends should do the trick:

While using oils before and during workouts is super supportive, don’t stop there. Applying essential oils after your workout will help you recover faster and prepare for the next round:

  • Apply soothing oils such as peppermint, marjoram, or balsam fir directly to exercised areas of your body to help them loosen and relax.
  • Apply muscle salve to help relieve muscle soreness and strain. The salve will also strengthen your muscles and help them repair quickly.
  • Add a 2 drops each of peppermint and eucalyptus oils to a bowl of cold water. Dip some clean cloths in the water, ring them out, and place them in the freezer for a couple of hours. After—or even during—your workout, pull out the frozen cloths and apply them to your face, the back of your neck, or elsewhere to help you cool down.
  • Add a few drops of lemon or grapefruit oil to a post-workout protein shake to continue detoxifying your body and boost your metabolism. This is also works before you exercise.
  • Take epsom salt baths after workouts to do your body wonders! Combine 1/2 cup (110 g) baking soda, 1 cup (240 g) epsom salt, and 2–3 drops of your favorite essential oil in a bowl. Add the mixture to your bath, and then soak for 20–30 minutes.

If you enjoy yoga and meditation, check out our Essential Oils for Meditation post for more ideas on using essential oils to enhance your practice.

These are just a few tips to add essential oils to your fitness routine. The possibilities are limitless! We’d love to hear what you have found helpful for your workout.

January 17, 2019
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Cypress

Cypress (cupressus sempervirens) essential oil is steam distilled from the branches of the cypress tree. This essential oil contains antibacterial, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, mucolytic, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, decongestant (lymph and prostate), refreshing, relaxing, and vasoconstrictor health properties.

Historically, cypress was used for its benefits to the urinary system and for significant fluid loss. Cypress was also valued by the Chinese for the benefit it had on the liver and respiratory system. According to ancient folklore, the branches of the cypress tree were a symbol of life after death.

Today, cypress essential oil is primarily used to help with aneurysms, bunions, carpal tunnel, concussions, hemorrhoids, herniated discs, Lou Gehrig’s disease, nose bleeds, strokes, tuberculosis, and varicose veins. Cypress can also be beneficial for asthma, cellulite reduction, colds, diarrhea, influenza, lung circulation, muscular cramps, ovarian cysts, and skin care.

This essential oil primarily affects the body’s cardiovascular system, muscles, and bones. Aromatically, cypress essential oil influences and strengthens. It can help with emotional healing, especially easing a sense of loss and creating a sense of security and grounding.

Safety Data: Use with caution during pregnancy. Cypress can be applied directly to the area of concern without dilution and can also be diffused.

Ways to Use Cypress Essential Oil:

  1. Diffuser blends are a great way to reap the aromatic benefits of any essential oil, especially cypress. Try this uplifting blend to get you refreshed and invigorated!

2. Cypress essential oil can be helpful when dealing with symptoms of an aneurysm. Place 5 drops frankincense, 1 drop helichrysum, and 1 drop cypress in a diffuser, and breathe in deeply.

3. If your child is having problems with bed-wetting, combine 5 drops cypress and 3 drops ylang ylang with 1 oz. (30 ml) water in a small spray bottle. Shake before each use, and mist the pillow and sheets just before bedtime.

4. Nosebleeds are a nuisance and can be dangerous. Combine 2 drops cypress, 1 drop helichrysum, and 2 drops lemon in 8 oz. (240 ml) ice water. Soak a couple of clean cloths in the water, and then apply one to the nose and one to the back of the neck.

5. Cypress oil is great for relieving pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. Blend 3 drops basil, 3 drops marjoram, 2 drops lemongrass, and 2 drops cypress with 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) fractionated coconut oil. Massage a small amount gently onto the arm from the shoulder to the wrist and out to the fingertips.

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2018 Edition, p. 58.

September 20, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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“Cool Down” Diffuser Blend

You’ve just finished your workout, or you just need to cool down on a hot day—either way, this diffuser blend is for you! The minty aroma with a hint of floral both uplifts and calms at the same time. You can breathe deep and feel refreshed whenever you diffuse this blend!

If you’re looking for a new diffuser, you’ve come to the right place! Abundant Health carries some of the best diffusers on the market, including different types to suit any situation. And all at affordable prices. Click here to start shopping!

September 13, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Garlic and Mushroom Spaghetti Squash

Looking for a low-carb alternative to pasta? Welcome to an easy recipe that is vegetarian, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious. Even kids will enjoy this healthy spaghetti substitute with Italian seasoning and essential oil.

Garlic and Mushroom Spaghetti Squash

Servings: 4 | Time: 15 minutes active; 1 hour inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. spaghetti squash
  • 2–3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cups button mushrooms*
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1–2 drops thyme essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
  2. Drizzle a little olive oil over the inside of the squash, and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Place the squash upside down on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 45–50 minutes, or until softened and cooked throughout.
  4. Using a fork, pull the spaghetti squash from the shell, separating it into noodle-like strands.
  5. In a large skillet, add 2 Tbs. olive oil, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook over medium-high heat until the mushrooms are golden brown.
  6. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp. olive oil with thyme essential oil. Add spaghetti squash and thyme mixture to the skillet, and sauté quickly.
  7. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about a minute more, or until the cheese is melted.
  8. Top with fresh parsley and more parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

*If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can easily remove them, or swap them out for some meat.

September 6, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Wintergreen

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant. This essential oil contains many health-promoting properties: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, disinfectant, diuretic, stimulant (bone), and warming. Wintergreen has a strong, penetrating aroma.

Historically, Native Americans and early European settlers in the New World enjoyed a tea flavored with birch bark, or wintergreen. The French also long used this oil to help with arthritis, cramps, hypertension, inflammation, muscular pain, rheumatism, and tendinitis.

Today, wintergreen essential oil is commonly used to help with dandruff, gout, and muscle aches. It may also be beneficial for these conditions: acne, bladder infection, bone pain, cystitis, dropsy, eczema, edema, fever, gallstones, gout, infection, joint discomfort, kidney stones, lymph congestion (drainage and cleansing), obesity, osteoporosis, skin diseases, ulcers, and urinary tract disorders.

This essential oil primarily affects the body’s muscles and bones. Aromatically, wintergreen influences, elevates, opens, and increases sensory awareness.

Safety Data: Avoid use during pregnancy. Not for use on people with epilepsy. Also, some people are highly allergic to methyl salicylate, a chemical constituent of wintergreen. Therefore, we highly recommend that you test for allergy to this oil on a small patch of skin before large-scale application. Wintergreen can be applied neat (without dilution), but only in small amounts. To apply across larger areas of the body, dilute the oil.

Ways to Use Wintergreen:

  1. Diffuser blends are an easy way to experience the aromatic benefits of wintergreen essential oil. Here are a few of our favorites!
    Great Outdoors
    2 drops wintergreen
    1 drop cedarwood
    1 drop patchouli    		 Cold Buster
    4 drops eucalyptus
    2 drops wintergreen
    1 drop frankincense
    1 drop rosemary    		 Fresh Mountain Air
    2 drops bergamot
    2 drops wintergreen
    1 drop cedarwood    		 Clean and Fresh
    3 drops lemon
    3 drops orange
    2 drops wintergreen

  2. Wintergreen essential oil adds an intriguing twist to any perfume while providing many benefits to the body. For a balancing and energizing masculine scent, combine 6 drops sandalwood, 4 drops fennel, 4 drops cypress, 3 drops wintergreen, 3 drops orange, and 2 drops lime with 2 tsp. (10 ml) carrier oil in a 10 ml roll-on vial. Apply to pulse points on wrists and neck as needed.
  3. Wintergreen is effective for soothing joint pain. As support for arthritis and inflammation, combine 10 drops wintergreen, 10 drops eucalyptus, 10 drops frankincense, 10 drops lemongrass, 8 drops lavender, and 4 drops orange with 2 tsp. (10 ml) fractionated coconut oil in a 10 ml roll-on vial. Apply on location. This blend is highly concentrated, so it should be used sparingly. For frequent application, cut the amounts of essential oils in half and add more fractionated coconut oil to fill the vial.
  4. Dandruff can be pesky and persistent. Wintergreen essential oil is beneficial at fighting the flakes. Combine 3 drops wintergreen with 1 tsp. (5 ml) jojoba oil, and apply the mixture to the scalp (while in the shower) before washing your hair.
  5. Wintergreen works well for back pain. Combine 3 drops peppermint and 1 drop wintergreen with 1 tsp. (5 ml) fractionated coconut oil. Gently massage onto the lower back to help soothe achy muscles and bones.

Source:

Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2018 Edition, p. 139.

August 23, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Introducing the NEW Reference Guide Handbook

To make using essential oils as easy as possible, we created the Reference Guide for Essential Oils Handbook. Its compact size and low price make it convenient to take anywhere—and economical to give as a gift. All this without sacrificing the most important information you need to reap the many benefits of aromatherapy. The handbook is designed for new and experienced oil users alike with visual appeal and accessible organization.
The handbook contains much of same information in the original and larger Reference Guide for Essential Oils. The presentation, however, is simplified and graphically illustrated. We’ve also added new sections on essential oil basics and on living an essential oil lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look at some of the unique features.

NEW Essential Oil Basics Section:

This section explains what essential oils are and how to use them in easy-to-understand language—ideal for the novice but also convenient for the expert! We’ve streamlined design and added many images and illustrations to facilitate learning and teaching. Also included from the larger Reference Guide are popular charts and application techniques: Raindrop, VitaFlex/reflexology, auricular points, and emotional release, to name a few.

Newly Designed Single Oils Section:

This section has been revised to show more information at-a-glance about how to use the oils. It differentiates between primary and possible uses, lists body systems affected, provides safety data, recommends application methods, identifies blending/aroma types, and more!

Blends, Personal Care, and Supplements Sections:

Here you’ll find interrelated information about all the blends, supplements, and personal care products in an easy-to-use format!

Personal Guide Section:

As the heart of the handbook, this usage guide contains complete information on recommended single oils and blends—along with application methods—for over 400 common health conditions and concerns. This includes entries on animals, emotions, and other trending topics.

NEW Everyday Essentials Section:

Moving beyond therapeutic recommendations, this lifestyle section features many do-it-yourself ways to enhance quality of life by incorporating essential oils into daily routines:

  • Essential Oil Cooking Tips
  • Cooking Recipes
  • Cleaning Products
  • Diffuser Blends
  • Roll-on Blends
  • Personal Care Products for Men, Women, and Children
  • And More!

Abundant Health™, LLC, is a true third-party company that does not profit from the sales of essential oils and is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by any essential oil company. We present this material as a third-party, unbiased presentation about oils and products sold by one of the leading essential oil suppliers and producers in the world. Product names in this post are trademarks or registered trademarks of Young Living® Essential Oils. Abundant Health™ is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Young Living®.

August 16, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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“Calm Evenings” Diffuser Blend

Who doesn’t love the peaceful quiet evenings as summer comes to an end? We sure like sitting out with a good book before watching the sun go down. This diffuser blend has a fresh and flowery aroma that will leave you feeling calm and relaxed—much like a soft summer night. Use this blend any time of year when you just need a breath of summer air.

Click here to find a great diffuser for using this new blend. Don’t know which one is best for you? See a previous post comparing the different types diffusers by clicking here.

August 9, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Baked Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon

Who doesn’t love some delicious baked salmon? You will absolutely love this sweet and savory dish. The lemon essential oil adds a wonderful extra tangy flavor. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Baked Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon

Servings: 4–6 | Time: 10–15 minutes active; 30 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. (450 g) side of salmon
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) whole-grain dijon mustard
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. (1 g) paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. (400 mg) red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp. (440 mg) cayenne pepper
  • 2–3 drops lemon essential oil
  • 1 drop cilantro essential oil
  • 1 drop black pepper essential oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the honey, garlic, dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Add the essential oils to the mixture, stir them in, and set aside.
  3. Line a baking dish with tin foil, leaving enough foil to cover the fish while cooking.
  4. Place the salmon in the lined baking dish, pour the mixture over the fish, and spread out evenly.
  5. Generously sprinkle the fish with salt.
  6. Fold the foil over the fish, sealing the foil on all sides so that the juice doesn’t leak out.
  7. Bake the salmon at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes away with a fork.
  8. Carefully open the foil, and broil on high for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture caramelizes on top and the fish browns.
  9. Serve with veggies, rice, and lemon slices.

August 7, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Cocoa Butter Lotion Bars

These lotion bars leave your skin so soft and rejuvenated! The wonderful smell of cocoa butter and coconut oil blends well with any of your favorite essential oils, so you can customize these lotion bars to your needs and favorite smells.

Cocoa Butter Lotion Bars

Servings: Yield=8 bars | Time: 10–15 minutes active; 1–2 hours inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz. (85 g) Cocoa Butter Wafers
  • 1 Tbsp. (12 g) Coconut Oil
  • 15–20 drops essential oil
  • Ice cube tray or silicone mold
  • Food coloring or mica colorant (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a double boiler, melt down the cocoa butter wafers.
  2. Add the coconut oil to the cocoa butter, and stir until melted in.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, and then stir in your essential oils and colorant (if desired).
  4. Pour the mixture into a mold, and place it in the fridge until it is completely solidified.
  5. Once solidified, remove the lotion bars from the mold, and transfer to an airtight container.
  6. Gently rub the lotion bars across your skin, and massage in as needed.

We mixed 10 drops grapefruit with 8 drops lavender for a soothing and relaxing blend, and an added sweet floral scent. Other great oils for skin include peppermint, tea tree, sandalwood, frankincense, neroli, geranium, rosemary, ylang ylang, juniper berry, lemon, orange, lime, and patchouli.

These lotion bars can melt easily if stored in a warm place. Keep in the fridge if necessary.