Abundant Health™ Blog

June 26, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tops of the lavender plant. This highly versatile oil contains analgesic, anticoagulant, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antitumor, cardiotonic, regenerative, and sedative health properties. Lavender is well known for its floral, sweet, herbaceous, and balsamic aroma.

Lavender essential oil is commonly used to help with acne, alertness, allergies (airborne), allergies (skin), anxiety, blisters, burns, calming, chapped lips, chicken pox, concentration, cooling, dandruff, depression, dry skin, hair loss, heatstroke, high blood pressure, hives, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, itching, measles, mosquito bites, nausea, pain, physical stress, postpartum depression, relaxing, scarring, sleep, stretch marks, sunburn, tension, wounds, and wrinkles. Aromatically, lavender essential oil promotes consciousness, health, love, peace, and a general sense of well-being.

This essential oil affects the following body systems: cardiovascular system, emotional balance, nervous system, and skin. Other possible uses may include arthritis, asthma, boils, bronchitis, cold sores, depression, fainting, hay fever, headaches, insect bites and bee stings, infection, mental clarity, respiratory function, sprains, and throat infections.

Safety Data:

Lavender essential oil is recognized by the FDA as safe for human consumption. Use with caution and in greater dilution when unsure. This oil can be used neat (with no dilution).

Ways to Use Lavender Essential Oil:

  1. Diffuser blends are a great way to reap the benefits of lavender essential oil. The sweet, floral aroma adds a nice touch to many diffuser blends. Below are a few diffuser blends that we have created that include lavender.
    It’s a Great Day
    2 drops lavender
    2 drops lemon
    2 drops rosemary    		 Relieve Your Stress
    4 drops lavender
    4 drops neroli or orange    		 Crisp & Clear
    3 drops lemon
    3 drops lime
    2 drops rosemary
    2 drops lavender    		 Deep Breaths
    5 drops lavender
    4 drops lemon
    4 drops rosemary
    2 drops peppermint
  2. Although not considered as a common flavoring, lavender essential oil actually adds a wonderful flavor to drinks, chocolate, and other dishes. Try out this delicious lavender lemonade that we have created! This lemonade can serve as an anxiety and headache reliever, all while helping you feel calm and refreshed.
  3. Lavender is well known for its calming and relaxing properties, so why not use it to help calm your children when they get rambunctious? Just combine 6 drops lavender, 5 drops ylang ylang, and 2 drops Roman chamomile with 1/4 cup (50 ml) water in a small spray bottle. Shake, and mist into the air to help calm your children.
  4. Lavender essential oil contains powerful properties that are extremely beneficial to your skin and help to relax and rejuvenate your body. Here are some of the recipes we have come up with that utilize these properties in your everyday body care products. Give them a try and let us know what you think!
    Bubbling Lavender Bath Salts
    Lovely Lavender Shaving Cream
    Soothing Lavender Lotion
    Avocado Banana Face Mask
    Peppermint Lavender Lip Balm
    Lavender Bubble Bath
    Foaming Face Wash
  5. Lavender’s relaxing and calming properties can also aid ADD/ADHD. Combine 3 drops lavender and 3 drops basil on an essential oil pendant, and simply wear throughout the day to breathe in the oils.

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

Source:
Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2018 Edition, pp. 113–14.

June 19, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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“Moonlight Walk” Diffuser Blend

There’s nothing like a good diffuser blend on a warm summer night to send you to your favorite place. This blend is a fantastic combination of floral, fruity, and woody aromas, and you’ll love it! Just add the blend to your favorite diffuser, and take a deep breath of relief.

We’ve just released a bunch of new diffusers for the new season! Check out our new AmberMist™ diffuser. The fun, new style is perfect for any essential oil lover. We love the oil bottle design, and it even comes with removable decal labels to showcase the essential oil you choose to diffuse!

If this diffuser isn’t the one for you, don’t worry—we carry a wide variety of diffusers for you to choose from! You can learn more about the features of our individual diffusers and how they compare in our Diffusion Methods and Comparisons post.

June 14, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Rainbow Bath Bombs for Kids

Sometimes it can be hard to introduce our kids to essential oils. This simple bath bomb recipe fizzes and pops, exposing a toy inside. Your kids are sure to love this fun new twist on bathtime, and they’ll get to reap the benefits of essential oils at the same time. Give them a nighttime bath with a lavender-scented bath bomb to help them relax and sleep tight, or try a morning bath with lemon and orange to give them energy and lift their spirits.

Rainbow Bath Bombs for Kids

Servings: Yield=2–5 bath bombs | Time: 20–30 minutes active; 12 hours inactive | Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
  2. Combine all the wet ingredients (except food coloring) in a separate bowl.
  3. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients very slowly. The mixture will bubble and fizz and begin to clump together. Set the whisk aside, and begin to work the mixture with your hands. Mix until it has the consistency of slightly wet sand. It should clump together when you squeeze it in your hands. If it’s too dry, use a spray bottle of water to spritz it until it reaches the right consistency.
  4. Divide the mixture into separate bowls, and dye them different colors with the food coloring.
  5. Pack the mixture tightly into the bath bomb molds, alternating colors to give each a unique design.
  6. Squish a small toy into one side of the mold, and firmly press the mold together.
  7. Allow the bath bombs to dry for a couple hours before removing them from the molds. Place the bombs on a towel to finish drying overnight before using them.
  8. Drop one in the bath with your kids, and let it fizz until they find the toy inside!

Make sure to use kid-friendly essential oils, such as lavender, orange, and lemon.

You can easily skip using multiple colors and use a single color for each bath bomb.

June 8, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Essential Oil Spotlight: Fennel

Fennel essential oil is steam-distilled from the crushed leaves of the Foeniculum vulgare plant in the parsley family. Some natural properties of fennel are antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, diuretic, and expectorant. Its scent is a sweet, spicy aroma similar to licorice.

Historically, the ancient Egyptians and Romans bestowed great warriors with fennel garlands to praise them for victory. Fennel was believed to enhance strength, courage, and longevity. For thousands of years it has been used to treat snakebites; stave hunger; help female reproduction, earaches, eye problems, kidney issues, and lung infection; and expel parasites.

Fennel essential oil affects the digestive and hormonal systems. Fennel is commonly used for alcoholism, blood clots, bruises, colic, gas, gout, obesity, parasites, PMS, vomiting, and wrinkles. The French also use it for lactation and menopause problems as well as urinary stones. Diffusing it may increase courage, encourage purification, and stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity.

Safety Data: Repeated use can possibly result in contact sensitization. Use with caution if susceptible to epilepsy. Use with caution during pregnancy.

Ways to Use Fennel Essential Oil:

  1. Fennel essential oil is perfect for adding that sweet, spicy flavor to your next meal. Here are a few we’ve come up with to get you started!
    White Bean and Chicken Chili
    Leftover Turkey Curry
    DIY Essential Oil Breathmints
  2. Fennel essential oil can help with digestion and alleviate bloating. Combine 5 drops fennel with 1 tsp. (5 ml) fractionated coconut oil in a small roll-on bottle, and apply on stomach once or twice a day as needed.
  3. Diarrhea is never a good thing, but fennel essential oil can help get rid of it! Just blend 3 drops peppermint and 2 drops fennel with 1 tsp. (5 ml) fractionated coconut oil in a small roll-on bottle, and apply over your stomach as needed.
  4. Fennel helps to regulate hormones and balance the reproductive system and can be very valuable in a diffuser blend to help any hormonal problems you may have! Just add 3 drops fennel, 2 drops cypress, and 2 drops clary sage to your diffuser, and breathe in deep!

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

Sources:

Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2018 Edition, p. 78.

Aromatherapy Blends & Remedies by Franzesca Watson

June 5, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Orange Basil Sorbet

Summer wouldn’t be summer without some tasty fruity sorbet. But we just can’t handle the amount of sugar found in most frozen treats! Well, good news for you—this sorbet contains agave as an alternative to refined sugar and incorporates essential oils to make it even better for you. And let’s just talk about how amazing it tastes! This sweet treat didn’t last very long for us; people of all ages ate it up. This is truly a treat you can feel good about eating without sacrificing flavor. Give it a go, and you’ll be coming back for more in no time!

Orange Basil Sorbet

Servings: 6–8 | Time: 20–30 minutes active; 5–8 hours inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 6 oranges
  • 1 cup (250 ml) agave nectar
  • 1 cup (250 ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 drop lemon essential oil
  • 1 drop orange essential oil
  • 1 toothpick basil essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Cut the oranges in half, scoop all of the fruit into a bowl, and set aside. Try to keep the shells in tact so that you can use them as serving bowls later.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the agave nectar and water to a boil over low heat.
  3. While you are waiting for the mixture to boil, place the fruit into a blender, and puree completely.
  4. Once the agave and water are boiling, stir in the lemon juice and orange puree.
  5. Pour the mixture into a bowl, and freeze for 4 hours.
  6. Remove from the freezer, and scoop the mixture into the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
  7. Add the essential oils, and blend once more.
  8. Place the mixture in a bowl again, and return it to the freezer for at least an hour or until you are ready to serve.
  9. Scoop the sorbet into the empty orange shells, and serve!

You can freeze the sorbet for longer than the initial 4 hours. We froze ours overnight, blended it in the morning, froze it again most of the day, then served it later that afternoon. The time listed in the instructions is the recommended time allotment, but it can be modified to fit your schedule.

You can leave this sorbet in the freezer for up to 1 week.

May 31, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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“Citrus Sunshine” Diffuser Blend

We can all use an extra citrus boost in our lives! This diffuser blend will wake you up, energize your body, and invigorate your senses. There’s nothing so great as the sweet smell of citrus to help clear your mind and fill your soul with a little bit of sunshine! Try this diffuser blend out; you won’t regret it.

We carry a wide variety of diffusers, so you’re bound to find one that suits you perfectly. We’ve also written this great post about diffusion methods and how to choose the right diffuser. Let us know if you have any questions!

May 29, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Cinnamon Granola Breakfast Cups

These granola cups are so cute—and an absolutely delicious and healthy breakfast option! They can be filled with a variety of ingredients if you want to get creative. They make a tasty dessert if you fill them with pudding, whipped cream and fruit, or chocolate mousse. Or they make a simple, healthy breakfast when filled with yogurt and fruit. They can easily be frozen and thawed if you want to make them ahead of time. The options are endless with this creative and healthy recipe!

Cinnamon Granola Breakfast Cups

Servings: 12 | Time: 10–15 minutes active; 1 1/2 hours inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (250 g) rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) mashed banana
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) honey
  • 1 tsp. (5 ml) vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. (3 g) salt
  • Cinnamon essential oil
  • Yogurt, fruit, or other desired fillings

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine banana, honey, vanilla, and salt.
  2. Dip a toothpick in your cinnamon essential oil, and run the toothpick through the liquid batter. Stir to combine. You may want to taste the mixture and add more cinnamon oil until it reaches the desired taste.
  3. Add rolled oats to the batter, and stir to combine thoroughly.
  4. Spoon the mixture into the muffin tins, and press firmly against the edges to form a cup shape.
  5. Refrigerate for an hour. Remove from the fridge, and press firmly into the muffin tin again.
  6. Bake the granola cups at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
  7. Allow the cups to cool for 20 minutes before removing from the tins.
  8. Carefully remove the cups, and allow them to cool before filling with yogurt, fruit, or other desired fillings.

Notes:

Both old-fashioned oats and quick oats work well for this recipe, but do not use instant oats.

You can substitute applesauce for the mashed banana and agave for the honey if desired.

Turn these into bite-sized snacks for a party by making them in a mini muffin tin!

May 24, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Foaming Face Wash

We all know the struggle of finding a good face wash that will clean our pores without infiltrating our body with harsh chemicals. This face wash is all natural as well as effective. Witch hazel serves as a natural astringent that tightens the skin and closes the pores, and the essential oils strengthen and cleanse the skin. You’ll love the smell and feel of your face after using this face wash!

Foaming Face Wash

Servings: Yield=2 oz. (50 ml) | Time: 2 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Add the castile soap, witch hazel, and essential oils to the foamer bottle, secure the lid, and shake gently to combine.
  2. Remove the lid, and fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Secure the lid again, and shake gently to combine again.
  3. Dispense 1–2 pumps of foam into your hand or a washcloth, and wash your face as normal.

May 17, 2018
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. Peppermint is distinctly known for its minty, sharp, and intense aroma.

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

Today, common uses of peppermint essential oil include allergies, asthma, bad breath, brain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, cold sores, diarrhea, fainting, gas/flatulence, headache, heatstroke, hives, indigestion, itching, memory, morning sickness, muscle fatigue, nausea, radiation, sciatica, shock, and vomiting.

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.

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

Ways to Use Peppermint Essential Oil:

  1. Peppermint essential oil is great for adding a nice mint flavor to anything you’re making in the kitchen. It’s a healthy, simple way to get that fresh, minty taste we all love. Here are a few recipes that we have loved with peppermint essential oil!
    Chocolate Avocado Pudding
    Mint Chia Seed Pudding
    Grasshopper Brownies
    Raspberry Mint Iced Tea
    Black Bean Peppermint Brownies
    Chocolate Mint Power Balls
  2. Seasonal allergies affect the best of us. No worries, though—peppermint oil is great for providing relief. Just mix 2 drops of each lemon, lavender, and peppermint essential oils with 1 tsp. (5 ml) fractionated coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the temples, under the nose, and to the bottoms of your feet morning and evening.
  3. Peppermint oil is always a staple when it comes to diffuser blends. The minty fresh aroma is irresistible. Here are a few diffuser blends with peppermint that you can try out.
    Breathe Easy
    3 drops eucalyptus
    3 drops peppermint    		 Summertime
    2 drops grapefruit
    2 drops lavender
    1 drop lemon
    1 drop peppermint    		 Be Energized
    2 drops rosemary
    2 drops peppermint
    2 drops lemon    		 Refreshing
    1 drop lavender
    1 drop rosemary
    1 drop tea tree
    1 drop peppermint
  4. Peppermint essential oil is great for heartburn and indigestion. Try combining 1 drop peppermint essential oil with 1 tsp. (5 ml) honey in 1 cup (250 ml) warm water. Allow the honey-oil mixture to dissolve completely, and then drink slowly.
  5. For sciatica, combine 5 drops peppermint oil with 1 tsp. (5 ml) fractionated coconut oil in a 5 ml roll-on bottle. Apply to your lower back every 3 hours as needed.

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, 2018 Edition, pp. 113–14.

May 17, 2018
by Abundant Health™
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Blueberry Muffin Energy Bites

With summer coming up quickly, we could all use an energy boost to keep us going through our activities. These blueberry energy bites are full of nutrients that will give your body the extra boost it needs. Plus they taste like cookie dough, so your kids will love them too! You can’t go wrong having this healthy snack on hand.

Blueberry Muffin Energy Bites

Servings: 12 | Time: 5 minutes active; 30 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (100 g) rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) dried blueberries
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) almond butter
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) vanilla
  • 1–2 drops lemon essential oil
  • 1 toothpick cinnamon essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Combine honey, vanilla, and almond butter in a small bowl.
  2. Add essential oils, and stir to combine.
  3. Add rolled oats and dried blueberries, and stir.
  4. Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
  5. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, divide the mixture into 12 balls, rolling them in your hands to make them smooth.
  6. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate if desired. These can be refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen to last longer.

Note: You can also substitute the blueberries with any other dried fruit or nuts.