Abundant Health™ Blog

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!

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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.

September 10, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Odor-Blocking Toilet Spray

Leave the bathroom better than you found it with this odor-blocking formula! Just spray it on top of the water before you go, and you won’t leave behind any odorous evidence. The soap and essential oils create a film on the surface of the water and leave a fresh scent instead!

poopouri

Odor-Blocking Toilet Spray

Servings: Yield=35 ml | Time: 5 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Instructions

  1. Combine castile soap, glycerin, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils in a small glass spray bottle.
  2. Shake to mix thoroughly.
  3. Spritz toilet water a few times before you “go” to trap the odors.
  4. Shake well before each use.

This is great to carry along on trips or while visiting somebody else’s home!

September 8, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Peppermint

 

Peppermint essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves, stems, and flower buds of the Mentha piperita plant.

For centuries, peppermint has been used for a variety of purposes. It is known to soothe digestion and freshen breath, as well as treat headaches and heartburn.

The French have been known to use peppermint to alleviate asthma, diarrhea, indigestion, migraines, itchy skin, and throat infection.

The antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint make it a versatile in uses that aid the digestive and respiratory systems as well as muscles, bones, and skin.

It may also be used to help anger, arthritis, colic, depression, morning sickness, and toothaches.

The aroma is both purifying and stimulating to the mind. It can reduce fevers and increase mental accuracy.

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

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2016 Edition, pp. 112–14.

September 6, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Crunchy Chocolate Mint Power Balls

Try these power balls for a delicious and healthy snack! They taste like a cookie with a bit of a crunch and will leave you feeling satisfied.

AH_ChocoMintEnergyBalls1

Crunchy Chocolate Mint Power Balls

Servings: 18–20 balls | Time: 20 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (90 g) oats (quick or rolled)
  • 1/3 cup (53 g) chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup (22 g) cocoa or cacao powder
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (125 g) almond butter
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey
  • 2 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 3/4 cup (139 g) cooked quinoa

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 peppermint essential oil. Mix well, and then add cooked quinoa. Stir until well combined.
  3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients together, and mix well. You may need to use your hands.
  4. Roll mixture into 1 1/2″ (4 cm) balls.
  5. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Note: To cook quinoa, place 1/4 cup (43 g) quinoa and 1/2 cup (120 ml) water in a small pot, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, and continue cooking for 5 more minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. You can also cook the quinoa in a rice cooker as you would cook regular white rice.

September 3, 2016
by Abundant Health™
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Bubbling Lavender Bath Salts

Make bath time even more relaxing with these Bubbling Lavender Bath Salts!

AH_BubblingLavenderBathSalts

Bubbling Lavender Bath Salts

Servings: 4–6 | Time: 10 minutes active; 24 hours inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl.
  2. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Spread the mixture out on the cookie sheet, and let dry for 24 hours. Stir every few hours or so to make sure the mixture dries evenly and doesn’t stick together.
  4. Once fully dry, break up any large chunks, and pour into the 16 oz. PET jar.
  5. To use, place 1/4 cup (~60 g) of bath salts in the bathtub as it is filling with water.

September 1, 2016
by Abundant Health™
2 Comments

Easy Citronella Candles

Summer and autumn evenings are a perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy time with family and friends, yet they are often accompanied by unwelcome visitors. To create a lovely ambiance and shoo away unwelcome mosquitoes and other bugs, try making this quick and easy citronella candle.

Citronella-Candle

Quick & Easy Citronella Candle

Servings: Yield=1 candle | Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

  • Mason jar
  • Water
  • Olive oil
  • Floating candle wick
  • 2–4 drops citronella essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Fill the mason jar 3/4 of the way full with water.
  2. Fill the remaining 1/4 of the jar with olive oil.
  3. Add 2–4 drops of citronella essential oil to the jar.
  4. Set a floating candle wick on top of the oil, light the candle, and set it outside where bugs are likely to linger.

Make as many candles as you’d like to create ambiance and repel bugs.

Save

August 31, 2016
by Abundant Health™
2 Comments

EO Dry Shampoo For Dogs

This dry shampoo for dogs smells fresh and sweet! The baking soda and cornstarch absorb the stink-causing oils from your dog’s skin and fur, making this recipe the perfect solution to keeping your dog smelling clean between baths!AH_DryDogShampoo

EO Dry Shampoo For Dogs

Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  2. Pour mixture into a plastic spice jar.
  3. Sprinkle a little on your dog’s hair, and rub it in with a good petting and scratching.

Your dog will love the attention and will smell better instantly!

August 27, 2016
by Abundant Health™
2 Comments

Soothing Lavender Lotion

Help your kids sleep at night by massaging a little bit of this soothing lavender lotion on their feet. This lotion is so smooth and smells amazing—you may even be tempted to just apply it to yourself!

AH_SoothingLavenderLotion

Soothing Lavender Lotion

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

Ingredients & Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. In a double boiler, melt shea butter and beeswax pellets over low heat. Once melted, add coconut oil, and continue heating until almost melted. Remove from heat, and stir until everything finishes melting.
  2. Stir in 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. Keep beating for a couple minutes. As you blend, you will hear a change and feel the lotion thicken. Let stand for a few minutes. If lotion separates during this time, continue to blend it again for a couple more minutes. If it doesn’t separate, then it has emulsified properly.
  5. Mix in lavender essential oil.
  6. Pour lotion into a plastic bag. Snip off a corner of the bag, and squeeze the lotion into the 8 oz. bottle with pump top.
  7. To use, pump a little into your hand, and massage into the skin as needed.

*Shea butter contains latex. If you are allergic to latex, substitute 1/4 oz. Cocoa Butter and 1/4 oz. Coconut Oil for the shea butter in this recipe.

August 25, 2016
by Abundant Health™
1 Comment

Banana Sushi with Essential Oils

Making banana sushi is a great way to have some fun during snack time! Give yourself a chance to get creative and practice your chopstick skills while eating a healthy treat! There are countless flavor combinations, so feel free to experiment and find out what you like best.

AH_BananaSushi_1

Banana Sushi with Essential Oils

Time: 5–10 minutes active; 0–60 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • Bananas
  • Essential oils safe for consumption (such as lemon, lime, orange, cinnamon, cardamom, etc.)
  • Sticky substance (such as peanut butter, melted chocolate, yogurt, whipped cream, jam, chocolate-hazelnut spread, etc.)
  • Toppings (such as chocolate chips, coconut flakes, sesame seeds, chia seeds, nuts, berries, etc.)
  • Dipping “sauce” (such as melted chocolate, yogurt, chia seeds, etc.) (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Peel each banana.
  2. Mix 1 drop (or 1–2 toothpicks) of essential oil with 2–3 Tbsp. (30–45 ml) of your sticky substance. Taste, and add more essential oil if desired.
  3. Spread your sticky substance over the top of the banana lengthwise.
  4. Sprinkle on your desired toppings.
  5. Freeze for 30–60 minutes, if desired.
  6. Slice the banana with a sharp knife.
  7. Use chopsticks to pick up banana slices and dip in your “sauce.”

Possible Flavor Combinations:

  • Peanut butter with 1 toothpick of cinnamon essential oil • chocolate chips • coconut flakes
  • Plain yogurt with 1 drop of lemon essential oil • blueberries • chia seeds
  • Melted white chocolate with 1 drop of lime essential oil • raspberries • cashews
  • Melted dark chocolate with 1 toothpick of cardamom essential oil • chopped pistachios • chia seeds or coconut flakes
  • Peanut butter • melted dark chocolate with 1 drop orange essential oil drizzled on top • sesame seeds or coconut flakes
  • Plain yogurt with 1 drop of lemon essential oil • jam of choice • chia seeds
  • Chocolate-hazelnut spread with 1 drop of orange essential oil • coconut flakes • chopped nuts
  • Whipped cream with 1 drop of lemon essential oil • strawberry or peach slices • chia seeds or chopped nuts

AH_BananaSushi_2