Abundant Health™ Blog

October 8, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Moisturizing Face Oil in a Roll-on Bottle

“This has really made my skin look so much smoother.” —Deborah

ah_facemoisturizer

This night-time face oil recipe was submitted as part of our Facebook contest. The original recipe used 1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut oil and twice as many drops of essential oil as listed below. We adjusted the recipe to be suitable for all skin types and so it could fit in a roll-on bottle for easier application.

Roll-on Moisturizing Face Oil

Servings: Yield=2 Tbsp. (30 ml) | Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Combine essential oils and carrier oil in the roll-on bottle. Place the roll-on top on the bottle, and screw the lid on. Shake to mix and, if possible, let the mixture sit overnight before using to allow oils to integrate.
  2. To use, roll onto face, neck, and chest as needed.

Special thanks to Deborah Holden-Grogan for submitting this recipe!

October 4, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Ginger

Ginger essential oil is steam-distilled from rhizomes of the Zingiber officinale plant.

Historically, ginger has been an esteemed spice known to help the digestive system. Up to 4,ooo years ago, the ancient Greeks used it in gingerbread, Romans put it in their wine, and Egyptians used it in their cooking to ward off epidemics. In India and China, ginger was used in teas and tonics to aid digestion and the heart. Hawaiians made broad use of ginger, scenting their clothes, flavoring their food, and adding it to their shampoos and massage oils.

In addition to aiding digestive issues, ginger can be used to relieve motion sickness, nausea, fever, teething pains, tonsillitis, and vomiting. Ginger may also be helpful in treating arthritis, colds, impotence, muscular aches, and sore throats.

The sweet, spicy-woody, and fresh aroma of ginger may help influence physical energy, sex, love, money, and courage.

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

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2016 Edition, pp. 79–80.

September 29, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Chocolate Mint Lip Gloss

This smooth lip gloss will make your lips feel tingly fresh and soft!

mintchoclip

Chocolate Mint Lip Gloss

Time: 5 minutes active; 1 hour inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Place ingredients in a small heat-safe bowl (glass or metal) and set aside.
  2. Heat a small saucepan with about 1 inch of water over medium-low heat until the water is steaming and simmering.
  3. Set the bowl of ingredients on top of the steaming pot of water. Don not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water.
  4. Stir as the ingredients slowly melt until thoroughly combined (about 5 minutes).
  5. When the mixture is smooth, pour the lip gloss into small plastic lip gloss container  and  cool to room temperature until solid(about 1 hour).
  6. Keep the lip gloss in your purse or in the fridge. It will melt under hot temperatures!

Apply with your finger or a small brush. The lip gloss should keep for up to two months.

September 27, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Extra-Veggies Sloppy Joes with Basil Essential Oil

If you need a great recipe to help your kids eat a few vegetables, this is it! Now you can feel good about feeding your kids some great vegetables with added essential oil benefits in a dish they will love!

ah_sloppyjoes1

Extra-Veggies Sloppy Joes with Essential Oils

Servings: 4 | Time: 30 minutes active; 20 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (80 g) onion, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) celery, minced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) green pepper, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1–2 drops basil essential oil
  • 1 lb. (454 g) ground beef
  • 1/2 cup (35 g) mushrooms, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 tsp. (1.5 ml) chili sauce, optional
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • Pita bread rounds or hamburger buns

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced onion, celery, and green pepper until soft.
  2. Add minced garlic and basil essential oil; continue cooking for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add ground beef, and cook until browned.
  4. Add mushrooms, tomato sauce, chili sauce, and water. Simmer for 15–20 minutes uncovered.
  5. Serve on pita bread or buns.

Note: The easiest way to make these sloppy joes is to simply pulse the vegetables in a food processor until they are small enough to blend in with the ground beef.

September 24, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Pet Odor Neutralizer

We love our pets. But let’s face it—they stink! It can be tricky to get the odor out of carpets and furniture without damaging them with strong chemicals. But there is a natural solution!petspray

Apple cider vinegar is a great cleaning agent if you are environmentally conscious. Its antibacterial properties make it a natural alternative to bleach. Using apple cider vinegar instead of bleach to clean will eliminate the strong chemical smell and prevent ruining your carpet and upholstery. Once the vinegar solution evaporates, only a sweet and slightly floral scent remains with no fumes!

Pet Odor Neutralizer

Servings: Yield=1 cup (240 ml) | Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 10–20 drops essential oil of choice (We suggest geranium, lavender, and lemon as a great blend.)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 8 oz. Glass Spray Bottle

Instructions:

  1. Add 10–20 drops of essential oil to a small spray bottle filled with apple cider vinegar.
  2. Shake well before each use, and spray on the smelly surfaces. Let the Pet Odor Neutralizer dry and take the odor away.

September 22, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Lovely Lavender Shaving Cream

Your legs will feel like a baby’s skin, and you will be left with the lovely scent of lavender, after shaving with this cream!

ah_lavendershavingcream

Lovely Lavender Shaving Cream

Servings: Yield=1 1/4 cup (300 ml) | Time: 20 minutes active; 1 hour inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together.
  2. Once melted, transfer to a mixing bowl and add the olive oil.
  3. Cool in the refrigerator until your mixture is the consistency of softened butter.
  4. Whip for about 3 minutes, until the cream forms stiff peaks.
  5. Add the essential oil 1 drop at a time as you whip, occasionally sniffing to get it to your desired scent.
  6. Transfer to a 16 oz. PET jar, and seal.
  7. To use, spread a small amount on legs, armpits, or other area before shaving. Enjoy a smooth and softening shave!

Note: If used in the bathtub, this can make your bathtub slick. Be sure to rinse the tub out well once you finish shaving, and be careful not to slip.

September 20, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Lime Tilapia and Orange Cashew Rice

This colorful dish is both healthy and delicious! The tilapia and rice can each be eaten alone, but together they make the perfect meal!

ah_tilapia_rice2

Lime Tilapia and Orange Cashew Rice

Servings: 4 | Time: 45 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Orange Cashew Rice:

  • 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water (or less if using a rice cooker or pressure cooker)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
  • 2 drops orange essential oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup (195 g) basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) cashew pieces
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) diced yellow, orange, and/or red peppers
  • 3 green onions, minced
  • 1 can (8 oz./227 g) mandarin orange segments, drained well

Lime Tilapia:

  • 4 tilapia fillets (6–8 oz./170–227 g)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 pats of butter (about 1/2 Tbsp./7 g each)
  • 4 drops lime essential oil, divided
  • Lime juice and/or lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring olive oil, water, orange juice, orange essential oil, and salt to boil. Stir in basmati rice. Lower the heat, cover, and allow to simmer until the rice has absorbed all the liquid (about 25–30 minutes). Remove from heat, and let stand for 5–10 minutes. Note: If using a rice cooker or pressure cooker, reduce the amount of water to create the proper rice-to-liquid ratio that is recommended for your cooking method.
  2. While the rice is cooking, prepare the tilapia. Preheat the oven to 375° F. (190° C.). Spray a cooking sheet or baking dish with cooking spray. Rinse the tilapia fillets, and pat dry. Place fillets in a single layer on your baking dish. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Add a pat of butter to each fillet, and drop a single drop of lime essential oil on top of each pat of butter. Bake for 8–12 minutes or until cooked through.
  3. While the tilapia is in the oven, finish the rice ingredients. Roast cashew pieces in a saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. Dice peppers and mince green onions. Mix together roasted cashew pieces, peppers, green onions, and mandarin orange segments in a bowl. Stir into rice when it’s ready.
  4. Once tilapia is finished cooking, drizzle lime juice over the top and garnish with lime slices, if desired. Serve the Lime Tilapia with the Orange Cashew Rice.

ah_tilapia_rice1

September 17, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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EO-Flavored Water: Lemon Rosemary

Though the thought of adding rosemary to your water may not seem intuitive, this lemon rosemary water is actually quite delightful! To make it, simply add a sprig of fresh rosemary to your water along with a drop of lemon essential oil.

Use an essential oil–safe water bottle so you can carry your flavored water with you wherever you go!

AH_EOFW_LemonRosemary

September 15, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Autumn Simmering Potpourri

Autumn is here! Time for crisp weather, crunching leaves, and delicious baked treats. Fill your home with the essence of the season by simmering your favorite essential oils, spices, and fruits. Not only does simmering fresh potpourri make your house smell warm and inviting, but it also helps humidify the home a bit.

simmer

Autumn Simmering Potpourri

Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • Water
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Apple peels
  • Orange rinds (Dry them ahead of time or use fresh peels.)
  • Whole cloves
  • Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract
  • Cinnamon essential oil
  • Clove essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Fill a saucepan with water, and bring to a boil. Add the ingredients from the list and several drops of each essential oil.
  2. Boil for a few minutes; then turn the heat down to simmer all day.
  3. Add water as needed, and check the pot every half-hour or so to prevent burning.

This recipe is one suggestion. You can use different amounts and mix up ingredients as you like. Save your orange, lemon, and lime peels and apple skins, and add whatever spices and essential oils you love.

*Do not leave the house while potpourri is simmering.

September 13, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Comparing Bottle Sizes with Different Measuring Systems

Do you get confused with all the different measuring systems for bottle sizes? Some bottles are measured by millileters, others by ounces, and some by drams. Wouldn’t it be nice to just have a standard measuring system that could be applied to all bottles? Unfortunately, this isn’t possible with all bottles. Even if you measured them all by drops (which can change based on the liquid the bottle contains), it would just be too impractical to call a 2 oz. bottle a 1,182-drop bottle instead. Try remembering that one!

ah_lotsofbottles

Since there isn’t a good way to have just one measuring system, we’ve put together a chart to help you compare the sizes a little better. First, let’s define what each of these measurements mean.

  • Milliliter (ml): Milliliters are used in the metric measurement system to measure units of liquid volume. One milliliter is equal to 1 cubic centimeter or 1/1000 of a liter.
  • Dram (fl. dr.): Drams come from the old English apothecary system and are used to measure units of liquid volume. One dram is equal to 1/8 of an ounce, or 3.697 milliliters.
  • Ounce (fl. oz.): Fluid ounces are used in the imperial measurement system to measure units of liquid volume. One fluid ounce is equal to 1/8 of a cup, or 29.574 milliliters.
  • Drop: Actual drop sizes can vary significantly, depending on the thickness of the oil and the size of the dropper. For purposes of this chart, we are using the pharmaceutical standard drop, or 0.05 milliliters. This is the approximate size of a drop of water.

Container Size Comparison Chart

Container Size = drams milli-
liters		 ounces cups table-
spoons		 tea-
spoons		 drops

‘0’ Capsule

=

a. .135

a. .5

a. 1/64

a. 1/512

a. 1/32

a. 1/11

a. 10

’00’ Capsule

=

a. .189

a. .7

a. 1/40

a. 1/320

a. 1/20

a. 1/7

a. 14

1/6 dram

=

1/6

.62

1/48

1/384

1/24

1/8

a. 12

1/4 dram

=

1/4

.93

1/32

1/256

1/16

3/16

a. 18

1/2 dram

=

1/2

1.85

1/16

1/128

1/8

3/8

a. 37

5/8 dram

=

5/8

2.31

5/64

5/512

5/32

15/32

a. 46

1 dram

=

1

3.7

1/8

1/64

1/4

3/4

a. 74

2 dram

=

2

7.39

1/4

1/32

1/2

1-1/2

a. 147

4 dram

=

4

14.79

1/2

1/16

1

3

a. 295

5 ml

=

1.35

5

a. 1/6

a. 1/48

a. 1/3

a. 1

a. 100

10 ml

=

2.71

10

a. 1/3

a. 1/24

a. 2/3

a. 2

a. 200

15 ml

=

4.06

15

a. 1/2

a. 1/16

a. 1

a. 3

a. 300

30 ml

=

8.12

30

a. 1

a. 1/8

a. 2

a. 6

a. 600

1 oz.

=

8

a. 30

1

1/8

2

6

a. 591

2 oz.

=

16

a. 60

2

1/4

4

12

a. 1,182

4 oz.

=

32

a. 120

4

1/2

8

24

a. 2,365

6 oz.

=

48

a. 180

6

3/4

12

36

a. 3,548

8 oz.

=

64

a. 240

8

1

16

48

a. 4,731

12 oz.

=

96

a. 360

12

1.5

24

72

a. 7,097

16 oz.

=

128

a. 480

16

2

32

96

a. 9,463

32 oz.

=

256

a. 960

32

4

64

192

a. 18,927

64 oz.

=

512

a. 1,920

64

8

128

384

a. 37,854

*a. indicates approximate measurements. All other measurements are exact.

For more images comparing bottle sizes and other information, please visit the Bottle Size Information page on our website, AbundantHealth4u.com.