Abundant Health™ Blog

July 21, 2016
by Abundant Health™
1 Comment

Summer Citrus Cooler

This is the perfect sweet and tangy beverage for a hot summer day!

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Summer Citrus Cooler

Servings: 8–12 | Time: 20 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

  • Juice of 6 lemons
  • Juice of 6 limes
  • Juice of 6 oranges
  • 2 quarts (~2 liters) cold water
  • 5 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops tangerine essential oil
  • 2 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml)  raw organic agave nectar
  • Mint leaves and sliced citrus fruits for garnish
  • Ice
  • Mason Jar Mugs
  • Stainless Steel Straws

Instructions:

  1. Combine the fresh juices and the water in a large pitcher.
  2. Add the essential oil and agave.
  3. Pour into glasses with ice, and garnish with mint leaves and sliced citrus fruits.

Floating mint leaves and sliced citrus fruits in the serving pitcher will add flavor and make the drink look extra appealing.

July 16, 2016
by Abundant Health™
2 Comments

Honey Orange Foaming Face Wash

This face wash recipe is brought to you by Kathy Rodin. She submitted it as part of our 20 Days of Giveaways contest on Facebook in celebration of our 20th anniversary. Kathy won a copy of our new book, The Essential Home, which is filled with recipes, DIYs, and crafts that are great for marketing essential oils.

You will love washing your face with this Honey Orange Foaming Face Wash! Not only does it smell yummy, but it leaves your skin feeling clean and soft.
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Honey Orange Foaming Face Wash

Servings: Yield=8 oz. (240 ml) | Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to the 8 oz. Foaming Pump Bottle. Use a spoon to stir the mixture until the honey is fully incorporated with the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Screw the lid on, and gently shake a few times.
  3. To use, gently shake, then pump 1–2 pumps in hands and lather over face. Rinse well.

July 14, 2016
by Abundant Health™
0 comments

Basil Orange Salmon

This delicious salmon recipe will convert even the pickiest of eaters. It has a delicious flavor that was a hit with us to be sure! Special thanks to Debbie Sickels for submitting her recipe idea via our Facebook 20 Days of Giveaways contest. She won a copy of our new book, The Essential Home, which is filled with delicious recipes and more from our blog!

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Basil Orange Salmon

Servings: 7 | Time: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 3–4 lbs. (1.5–2 kg) Salmon
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted coconut oil
  • 1 drop oregano essential oil
  • 1 drop basil essential oil
  • 1 drop orange essential oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic

Instructions:

  1. Combine the essential oils with the melted coconut oil.
  2. Rub the essential oil mixture into the salmon.
  3. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste.
  4. Cook on the grill at medium heat for about 5–10 minutes on each side.

July 12, 2016
by Abundant Health™
1 Comment

Happy Roll-on Blend

This roll-on blend recipe was submitted to us by Elaine Alvarez as part of our 20 Days of Giveaways contest on Facebook in celebration of our 20th anniversary. Elaine won a copy of our new book, The Essential Home, which is filled with recipes, DIYs, and crafts that are great for marketing essential oils. May you try this roll-on blend and be happy you did!

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Happy Roll-on Blend

Servings: Yield=1/3 oz. (10 ml) | Time: 2 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a 1/3 oz. (10 ml) roll-on bottle. Insert roller ball, and screw the cap on. Shake to combine.
  2. To use, roll as needed on wrists, neck, or feet.

July 7, 2016
by Abundant Health™
0 comments

Simple & Delicious BBQ Sauce

Are you all out of barbecue sauce and need something simple in a pinch? Or maybe you just want to know exactly what ingredients are going into your sauces and would like to have more control over that. Either way, this barbecue sauce is a breeze to make and is incredibly tasty. Add the benefits of essential oils, and you have a perfect addition to your summer barbecue.

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Simple & Delicious BBQ Sauce

Servings: Yield=2 cups (480 ml) | Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 15 oz. (425 g) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. (23 ml) mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) hickory liquid smoke
  • 1/2 Tbsp. (about 7 g) sea salt
  • 1 tsp. (3 g) garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. (2.5 g) onion powder
  • 1 tsp. (5 ml) molasses
  • 1/4 cup (65 g) brown sugar
  • 2–3 drops black pepper essential oil
  • 1 drop lemon essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Put all the ingredients in a blender.
  2. If you have a high-speed blender, use the soup setting, and it will heat and blend your sauce at the same time.
  3. If you have a regular blender, blend on high for a minute; then transfer contents to a saucepan, and heat thoroughly.
  4. Serve in your favorite dishes calling for barbecue sauce.

July 2, 2016
by Abundant Health™
0 comments

Essential Oil Spotlight: Clary Sage

Clary sage essential oil is steam-distilled from the Salvia sclarea plant of the mint family. Its spicy, hay-like aroma brings a sense of calm and euphoria.

Historically, it was nicknamed “clear eyes” and was well known during the Middle Ages as a successful treatment for eye problems. It was also widely used for female complaints, inflammation, and wounds.

The French use clary sage to treat a variety of ailments, including bronchitis, cholesterol, hormonal imbalance, impotence, PMS, and weak digestion.

Clary sage may also be used for kidney disorders, cell regulation, depression, circulatory problems, insect bites, dry skin, infections, and whooping cough. It may help balance the body’s hormonal system.

It can be applied topically, diffused, or taken orally if diluted in honey or milk.

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

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2016 Edition, pp. 60–61.

June 30, 2016
by Abundant Health™
0 comments

Essential Oils Safe For Kids

Parents want the very best in health and safety for their children. Although essential oils are very potent and should be used with caution, they can also offer a wide application of healthful benefits, even for children.

Essential oils have been known to treat and relieve numerous childhood ailments such as colic, allergies, chicken pox, whooping cough, constipation, diaper rash, cradle cap, earaches, rashes, teething, thrush, and hyperactivity. Although they are natural, essential oils are powerful and should be used properly and with caution. When using essential oils with babies or children, it is best to dilute 1–2 drops of essential oil with 1 tsp. of carrier oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil.

The following 20 essential oils are considered safe for children:

  • Bergamot
  • Cedarwood
  • Chamomile
  • Cypress
  • Frankincense
  • Geranium
  • Ginger
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Mandarin
  • Marjoram
  • Melaleuca
  • Orange
  • Rose Otto
  • Rosemary
  • Rosewood
  • Sandalwood
  • Thyme
  • Ylang Ylang

Always dilute photosensitive oils, and do not use citrus oils on the skin when in direct sunlight. When using essential oils in the bath, always use a bath gel base.

Keep essential oils out of reach of children. If an oil is ingested, give the child and oil-soluble liquid such as a high-fat dairy beverage, then call a poison control center to seek advice. A few drops of pure essential oil should be safe, but it is always best to take precautions.

See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about how to use essential oils for your children.

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2016 Edition, pp. 391–95.

June 23, 2016
by Abundant Health™
1 Comment

Welcome Summer Diffuser Blend

Are you looking for a great oil blend to diffuse in your home or car this summer? Give this one a try! If you are lacking a diffuser, head over to abundanthealth4u.com to find just what you need.

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June 21, 2016
by Abundant Health™
0 comments

Tomato Bruschetta with Basil Essential Oil

This tomato bruschetta is a great appetizer to serve at your next essential oil class or party! Share this healthy refreshment, and allow your guests the opportunity to experience food flavored with essential oils!

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Tomato Bruschetta with Basil Essential Oil

Servings: 15–20 | Time: 10 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 4 Tbsp. (60 ml) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 drops basil essential oil
  • 4 ripe roma tomatoes, diced
  • 3 Tbsp. (11 g) fresh parsley
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1–2 baguettes
  • Butter (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil and garlic in a pan, and sauté over medium-low heat for 1–2 minutes. Transfer garlic and oil to a glass mixing bowl. Allow to cool before adding basil essential oil, tomatoes, parsley, and salt.
  2. Slice baguette, and brush the tops with butter if desired.
  3. Broil the baguette slices until golden brown.
  4. Place some of the tomato mixture on top of each bread slice, and serve immediately.

June 14, 2016
by Abundant Health™
0 comments

Beard Balm

You’ll love the smell and softness of your beard, as well as the benefits to your skin, when you use this beard balm!

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Beard Balm

Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. Pour the jojoba oil and sweet almond oil into the spray bottle.
  2. Drop in your essential oils, put on the cap, and shake everything up to mix.
  3. Spray once or twice into your beard, and massage in.

This balm is best used after a shower when you’ve washed your beard. Enjoy your healthy facial hair!