Birch & Wintergreen Are Not For Children!

My friend Tonya of  Created2fly (Facebook - Created2Fly) and I collaborated to create this post as a source information source for you and your growing knowledge of Aromatherapy and essential oil usage.

“The U.S. Surgeon General, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, and WHO recommend that aspirin and combination products containing aspirin not be given to children under 19 years of age during episodes of fever-causing or viral illnesses. Acetylsalicylate is another word for aspirin; some medicine labels may use the words acetylsalicylate, acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid, or salicylate instead of the word aspirin.” 1

When asked about the possibility of the use of Birch & Wintergreen and the development of Reye’s Syndrome.  Robert Tisserand commented, "We do say in Essential Oil Safety that sweet birch and wintergreen oils should not be given or applied to children because of this risk. The safety information also applies to using Sweet Birch aromatically." 2

"Our Safety Advice
Our oral and dermal restrictions are based on a total of 95.9% total salicylate and methyl salicylate limits of 2.5 mg\kg\day and 2.4% (See Methyl salicylate profile, Chapter 14). Oral use of methyl salicylate - rich essential oils should be avoided in GERD, and the salicylates are contradicted in children due to the risk of developing Reye's Syndrome. Essential oils with a high methyl salicylate content should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation, and by anyone currently taking anticoagulant drugs. Caution is advised in those with hypersensitivity to salicylates, or dermatological conditions where the integrity of the skin is impaired." 3

Sources:
1 - http://reyessyndrome.org/aspirin.html
2 - Tisserand, Robert Conversation in Private Facebook Group
3 - Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition pg 215 & pg 469 Our Safety Advice http://reyessyndrome.org/pdfs/ReyesSyndromeandSalicylateUse.pdf 
http://www.naturesgift.com/birch.htm

Fresh Air FAST!

 

I want to tell you a little about me.  I have an aversion to odors.  Seriously.  I will get sick by smelling certain spices.  I don't like to smell certain foods cooking.  Well, you get the idea :-)

I know all of us have had a moment (well, tons of moments) where we go into a room and are thinking "Whoa, what is that smell?"  or better yet, "Ewww" and hold your breath as long as you possibly can.

This is my little secret that I keep in my purse at all times.  It saves me from having those "moments" now.

This is a potent concentrated blend.  It uses a lot more essential oil than recommended for dilutions.  It has a special purpose and it works perfectly for that purpose.  

The Eucalyptus is strong and antibacterial.  Lemongrass is an antibacterial, antimicrobial and an anti-septic air disinfectant.  These oils marry well for a perfect blend for quickly dissipating smells & odors.  It smells awesome, too!

I keep this in my purse.  I keep this in my bathrooms.  I keep this in my kitchen.  I use it for lack of a better word - Stink.  Stinky smells, lingering odors, you get the idea ;)

This is a super cheap alternative to commercial air fresheners.  Bonus, you can keep it in your purse!

If you're interested in purchasing PET plastic bottles, PET plastic spray bottles or spray bottle tops, please message me or visit my Facebook page A Hip & Humble Life!

Lifting My Spirits

 

Everyone needs it on occasion.  I know I need it more often than not!

Curb That Appetite!

I think its safe to say that most people experience issues with their appetite.  My appetite seems to come and go.  Lately, they are coming more than they're going.

This blend is multifaceted in that it helps curb the appetite, and detoxify the body.

Grapefruit & Lemon detoxify your body.  Spearmint & Ylang Ylang satisfy the brain that your appetite isn't as voracious as it thought it was.

If you've never heard of dry brushing, you really need to consider it.  

Basically, you use a natural bristle brush and brush your body before you get in the shower or tub.  You always brush in the direction toward the heart.  It's a great exfoliator, gets the skin glowing and here's your bonus - it helps eliminate cellulite.  

Notice this blend has grapefruit, it's known for helping reduce cellulite ;)

Got Shingles?

Someone, somewhere has shingles and you'll be happy you have this in your arsenal of recipes so you can share and help that someone.  They'll be so grateful to know you ;)

SHINGLES BLEND

3 drops Clary Sage
4 drops Frankincense
4 drops Geranium
6 drops Lavender
2 drops Rosemary

Blend in a small 2 oz PET plastic spray bottle topped off with Fractionated Coconut Oil.  Spray as often as required for relief. 

Handmade Essential Oil Pack!

I saw this bag posted on Facebook by my friend Tonya at Created2Fly.net.  I just loved it.  

I admit to being a junkie to my essential oil diffusers and accessories.  Much better than any other alternative, I believe.

I went to the ETSY page straight away and behold, there they were.  I didn't see my favorite color - purple.  I had to have it in purple (essential oil junkieism - is that a word?).  I clicked the button to "Ask A Question" and lo and behold, there was a quick response.  Even better, Bekah was going to the fabric store the next day.  Oh, thank you Lord!  I gave Bekah some information and offered my phone # in case she wanted to text pictures and there we were a day later with fabric selected!

I got a sweet text earlier today with the pictures above.  I am floating on air :)

I immediately "liked" her Facebook page Neck ties for your little guys and I quickly added a little button to my blog page.  You see, Bekah is a stay at home mom who runs her business making Essential Oil Packs and custom neck ties for little guys (and matching ties for big guys and the little guys).

Well, that just warms my heart to no end.  I LOVE to help people and anything made in the USA just puts me over the moon.

So, please click her facebook page and show her some love at Neck Ties For Your Little Guys and order one (or more) of those great essential oil packs.  You can also order from her ETSY store here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/129551500/essential-oil-pack?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Love your little hearts~



Believe Blend

We all need to believe in something, especially ourselves.  This is a wonderful blend to help you believe...

Summon Strength

Everyone needs strength to get through something.  This blend helps me.

   

 

Sprinkle Joy Blend

I feel with life being so busy, we forget where we find joy.  I've discovered this in myself.  A couple of months ago, I rediscovered my joy when I noticed I had flip flop tan lines!  It's the little things ~
~Feel the JOY~

HIPPY DIP DEODORANT

I am always up for a new deodorant recipe.  Unfortunately, I don't remember where I saw this one (if you know, let me know so I can credit that page).  I did alter this recipe for myself.  I can't use baking soda on my body.  Let me tell you, it gets ugly and fast!

This deodorant originally used 1/2 baking soda & 1/2 arrowroot starch/powder.  Since we're now aware I can't do the baking soda thing, I knew that wasn't an option for me.  

I live in the South.  It's HOT.  It's HUMID.  Well, lemon isn't enough to keep the stink at bay down here.  This is a nice, smooth deodorant.  It's a cream of sorts, so you store it in a 4oz jar (or some tins, etc).  It's super easy peasy to make.

I use these Essential Oils and this is the reason:

Frankincense - Has been proven to fight cancer and it's a great thing to have going through the lymph  nodes that are so close to the armpit area.  I have personal experience with this one and I know it's true.

Lemongrass- Keeps the odor down and helps with muscle/joint  pain

Lime – Boosts keeping odor away and helps perk you up to get you ready for the day

Lavender – Soothing and antibacterial

Tea Tree – Antibacterial, anti-fungal

You will need Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil (not a lot - don't freak out), Baking Soda (if you can use it),  Arrowroot Starch/Powder and your essential oils.

HIPPY DIP DEODORANT

6 TBSP Coconut Oil (Melted)***

1/2 cup Baking Soda and 1/2 cup Arrowroot

OR

1 cup Arrowroot (this is what I used for mine ;) )

Put melted coconut oil in a bowl, add arrowroot (and baking soda if you're using it). Mash it together until it's nice and smooth. Add your essential oils:

5 drops Frankincense
15 drops Lemongrass

15 drops Lime

3 drops Lavender

3 drops Melaleuca

Stir together and pour into your jar. This will make over 1 - 4oz jar. You can see in my photo, exactly what I made from this recipe.

I put my goodies on a cookie sheet and placed on a level surface in my freezer to get it to set faster. You can use this right after using it. It will setup on its own.

**Please be aware that coconut oil becomes softer and liquid in temperatures above 76 degrees**.   Store in a cool dark place and it should be ok.  

***You may need to adjust the coconut oil according to your climate***

To use? Just put some on your fingers and rub it in. Personally,  I do 2 rubs just because it feels like silk to me :D

Let me know what you think!

Rose Petal Lemon Grass Sugar Scrub

I took Camp Wander’s recipe for Rescue Remedies for Summer Dry Heels and modified it a bit. I keep it in a plastic container in my shower. I usually use this twice a month in the shower and it's the last thing I do in the shower because it feels GREAT!! I also use it when I do my monthly pedicure treat.

Rose Petal Lemon Grass Sugar Scrub

~Use a medium sized sturdy plastic container with a lid
~Fine chop about 4 handfuls of Rose Petals
~Fine slice about 4 leaves of Lemon Balm
~4-8 drops of Lemongrass EO
~Approx 1-2 cups of Sugar
~Coconut Oil (not Fractionated)
~Olive Oil

Fill container about 1/3 with sugar, add rose petals & lemon balm, layer until your container is about 2/3 full. Mix 1/2 & 1/2 Coconut Oil (melted) and olive oil. Pour over the sugar and allow time for it to absorb. Add more sugar if you have too much oil (add oil if you have dry looking sugar). Add Lemongrass Oil (no need to stir).

This should look stiff and a little dry in your container.

While in the shower (last thing), scoop scrub in your hand and rub/massage into one foot. Use a pumice sponge (I've found these at TJ Maxx, Marshall's and beauty supply stores) and scrub your heels well... don't forget to do the bottom of the whole foot.

Rinse and do the same to the other foot.

Be careful while standing and doing this  I steady myself with one hand and use the same hand to scrub each foot, so I don't slip. Pretty feet & bruised bodies are not too hip!

Make sure you wipe the shower floor or tub with a soapy cleanser.  I use some thing like this dish detergent wand and got it at WalMart or the Dollar Store.  I also use One Good Thing By Jillee's One Good Thing by Jillee's recipe and it works awesome!

photo courtesy of www.insparationmassage.com

Hi Everyone!  Still under construction, but glad you're here!  Check back for further updates and in the meantime, you can find more communication on my Facebook page - A Hip & Humble Life~