What are 'Hot' Oils ?

You may have heard someone refer to an essential oil as “hot” but were not entirely sure what they meant? or which oils were considered hot? This is something that I get asked about frequently so thought I'd write a post to help clarify it.

Here at All in a Drop.com we have many times highlighted that oils work differently for each person; one that calms you, may have the opposite effect on another. It is similarly prudent to say then that 'feel' is also different person to person, what is 'hot' for one may not be for another. It is of course important to remember that whilst some oils, like Lavender, are gentle enough to use neat on babies and children, you should dilute all oils as babies and children are unable to make their feelings entirely understood.

W H A T  I S  A  H O T  O I L ?

If an oil is said to be 'hot', that means it may feel tingly if applied neat to the skin. Whilst some experience this as a hotness, Peppermint in particular feels cold on the skin; a bit like if you go out in to cold weather with a wet hand.

Young Living recommends performing a patch test prior to first use. To perform a patch test, apply one to two drops of the neat essential oil on the inner forearm or inner thigh. Observe the area during the proceeding two hours for any noticeable reaction. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or if you develop a rash, add a carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Remember to document your reaction (or not) in your Oils Journal so you can build up your personal oils usage guide.

NB. No oils should be applied directly in the eye, but if this does occur with 'hot' oils you may feel a stinging or burning sensation. Remember to flush with a carrier oil - coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, et al - not water since this will drive the oil deeper in to the eye.

20:80 is a good ratio to start with if using on an adult. The following single oils are considered "hot" because the majority of people experience the feelings outlined above. If any of these singles are included in a blend then please treat the blend in the same way; Thieves is the most commonly talked about 'Hot' oil blend:

• Cassia
• Cinnamon Bark
• Clove
• Hyssop
• Lemongrass
• Ocotea
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Thyme

This list is by no means exhaustive and contains only the most commonly regarded 'hot' oils.

Just as there are some people who feel an oil or blend is 'hot', others may experience different oils as 'warm'. Please remember to use common sense when using oils, always err on the side of caution if trying a new oil or using around children.

The following single essential oils are considered “warm” — this means they may feel warm to the skin and/or mouth. Follow the same instructions as above if an oil gets in the eye or if the oil cause any adverse affects. Please perform a patch test to ascertain your reaction to it.

Single Essential Oils considered “Warm” are:

• Angelica
• Basil
• Bergamot
• Benzoin
• Western Red Cedar
• Cardamom
• Citronella
• Cistus
• Clary Sage
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Cypress
• Dill
• Dorado Azul
• Eucalyptus et al
• Douglas Fir
• Idaho Balsam Fir
• White Fir
• Frankincense
• Sacred Frankincense
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Goldenrod
• Grapefruit
• Helichrysum
• Juniper
• Laurus Nobilis
• Lavandin
• Majoram
• Melaleuca
• Mountain Savory
• Myrtle
• Nutmeg
• Palmarosa
• Black Pepper
• Pine
• Ravintsara
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Spanish Sage
• Spearmint
• Spruce
• Tarragon
• Tsuga
• White Lotus
• Wintergreen

Please remember that any blends containing these single oils would also be regarded as 'warm' and need to be treated accordingly.

Travelling with Essential Oils

The season of travel is upon us, so here's a sneak peek at my season essentials.

1. The first thing in my bag is Thieves. A blend consisting of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Rosemary and Eucalyptus oils; because of the Cinnamon and Clove, Thieves is considered a “hot” oil & should be diluted with a carrier such as coconut, olive oil, v-6, grapes, etc. Proven to kill 99.96% of airborne bacteria this will be diffused as soon as I get to my destination. 

I'll also be applying to my feet before travelling and daily to protect myself from any germy fellow travellers. Along with the essential oil blend, I'm also packing a bottle (or two) of the thieves hand purifier. A bottle of Thieves spray is also accompanying me for similar reasons!

2. Peppermint is a must-have even when not travelling, so it's coming with me to Spain too. I use it for headaches and to help invigorate me for the day ahead. Peppermint can also help relieve anxiety and alleviate fatigue. In terms of traveling, Peppermint is essential for any queasy travellers. You could add a drop to mug of warm water and consume before travelling. It is also a great idea to dilute this oil in a liquid carrier and put in to a roller so it can be used easily on the go. If you have space then ginger is also great for tummy issues. Digize is a blend containing both longer and peppermint (amongst others) so is good to have on hand too. I will also be adding a drop or two to the bottom of the shower tray to help wake me up, since getting up at silly o'clock is going to be a reality more than once! Traveller's cold is also commonplace in the first few days of travelling, so if possible taking some of my D.I.Y. shower discs would be amazing. Unfortunately I can't so peppermint in the shower is the next best thing.

  

3. Lavender is, as we know, the swiss army knife of essential oils; used to help a multitude of ailments. Like Peppermint, Lavender normally comes every where with me, so taking it whilst travelling is a no-brainer. Lavender essential oil can be used to alleviate swollen feet and ankles, so it is a must for any long-haul flights. if possible add three to five drops to a damp pieces of cotton, store in a small plastic bag and apply as necessary to feet/ankles in an upwards motion for 

a few minutes. Lavender may also help you get a more restful sleep and assist with seasonal discomforts. Getting sunburn is the unpleasant bit of travelling. You can make a sunscreen with essential oils (which i'll post shortly). However, if you find yourself with sunburn at the end of the day then Lavender oil is the most effective treatment. The most important thing is to reduce the heat in the skin. You could try filling a sink or bath with cold water and immerse the affected part for at least ten minutes. Then apply three to four drops of Lavender essential oil directly to the affected area. Note: Water and oil do not mix, so add some salt (preferably epsom salts) to give the oil something to cling to and disperse.

4. Purification is a blend oil. It includes citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, Melaleuca (tea tree), lavandin, and myrtle oils. This has made my travelling shortlist, because as the name suggests, it is a purifying blend that helps to cleanse and disinfect the air and neutralises mildew, cigarette smoke, and disagreeable odours. This is a must in hotel rooms which often have poor quality air. I am taking a small travel diffuser with me, but unfortunately have not yet found one that is suitable for citrus oil (since they eat petrochemicals in plastics) so instead will be doing a few drops to some tissue and placing strategically around the room. It may also help to disinfect and cleanse cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings, so great to have on hand just in case. Bugs are not prevalent at this time of year where i'm going, but because it contains citronella is great for travelling with.

E x t r a s If you are travelling with kids then I would make sure you pack Peace and Calming. It is a gentle fragrant blend oil of: Blue Tansy, Patchouli, Tangerine, Orange and Ylang Ylang. Use during long trips in confined spaces to help with the “ants in the pants” syndrome. I added a roller-fitment to the top of P&C and leave in the car, pass it around the car and hey presto - calm space!

If you or any of travelling companions are nervous about flying or indeed travelling, then a mix of the four below, make a great anti-anxiety combo. \

Young Living have also recently introduced a great Travel Pack, 'Bon Voyage Travel Pack'.

Bon Voyage offers ten Young Living personal-care products inside an attractive, custom-designed Young Living bag:

• 1. Thieves® AromaBright Toothpaste, 60ml.
• 2. Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier, 29.5ml.
• 3. Thieves Dental Floss
• 4. Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash, 60ml.
• 5. Young Living branded Toothbrush
• 6. Lavender Shampoo, 60ml.
• 7. Lavender Conditioner, 60ml.
• 8. Cinnamint Lip Balm
• 9. Morning Start™ Bath & Shower Gel, 60ml.
• 10. Genesis™ Hand & Body Lotion, 60ml.
• 11. A.R.T™ Light Moisturizing Cream, 10g.

What are your favourites for travelling?


If you would like to find out more about these amazing oils and how they have helped my family, you can browse this site and check out the post, 'Wellness Toolkit', to see how you can get these oils with 24% off R.R.P. Alternatively please do contact me and I will be more than happy to discuss oils with you.

Hoping To Help

Did you know in 2013-14, almost 150,000 people were admitted to hospital with poisoning in England. Most cases occurred from products found in the home ?

Did you know when you’ve got clean washing, with a noticeable fragrance, you’re breathing in pure chemical ?

Did you also know that typical air fresheners, such as aerosols and plug-in, have been shown to reduce the air quality in the home and can be carcinogenic ?

and did you know that these toxins have been linked to hormonal imbalance and infertility in women, me and children, as hormone disruptors ?

Did you know that there IS a better way ? We do not have to accept this!

I'd love to share with you how we've achieved a healthy household of five with just two sick-days in two years and the simple steps I took to rebalance my hormones and regulate my cycle.

I'm holding an online class next Monday and I'd love for you to join in.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

In this class you're going to learn about the easiest ways to reduce the toxins in your home and start creating a thriving environment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this message or 'friend' me on Facebook and we can chat there.

"See" you on Monday !

Spotlight On: Purification

Purification is a blend oil. 

It includes Citronella, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Melaleuca (tea tree), Lavandin, and Myrtle oils.

As the name suggests, it is a purifying blend that helps to cleanse and disinfect the air and neutralises mildew, cigarette smoke, and disagreeable odours. It can help to disinfect and cleanse cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings.

H O W  W E  U S E :
* 2 drops of Purification on a cotton ball placed in the ear can help with ear pain (remember NEVER drop the oils directly into your ear).

* Diffuse to clean the air. It helps neutralise those musty smells or bad food odours out of your room.

* Use 4-8 drops on cotton balls in the car (place them in the vents) to purify the air.

* Use as a natural bug repellent!

* Spray into your shoes for a natural shoe freshener! You’re welcome!

* Add 4-8 drops on a cotton ball and place in the bottom of a bin or nappy bucket to keep it smelling fresh.

* Add 1-2 drops to your laundry to freshen up stinky clothes without synthetic perfumes!
* Place a few drops onto the inside of the toilet paper roll to help purify the bathroom.

How do you use Purification?

How to get hold of this oil

If you would like to purchase a bottle at wholesale price or would like a free sample please do contact me. Alternatively, please see Wellness Toolkit for the best ways to join Young Living and the amazing Essential Families team with over 5000 members.

Spotlight On: Grapefruit

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) has a fresh, citrusy aroma that is energising and uplifting.

Rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene, it is good for skin, and like many cold-pressed citrus oils, it has unique fat-impacting characteristics.

It is mentally uplifting and can ease stress as well as anxiety.

Like all the citrus oils, Grapefruit contains d-limonene which is a powerful anti-oxidant; Grapefruit contains 88-95%.

This makes it a great choice to include in any weight management programme since it cleanses and aids detox; is well known for skin; satiety (feeling of fullness) and weight management.

H O W  T O  U S E

Topically:

The unique nature of Grapefruit makes it a fantastic choice for topical application to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and also to help get rid of unwanted body hair.

Caution: Grapefruit, like all the citrus oil are photosensitive. Do not expose skin to direct sunlight within 72 hours.

Aromatically:

 The sense of smell penetrates to the heart of the brain, to the limbic system.

This part of the brain controls emotions - ever smelt apple pie cooking and it's reminded you of your grandma? This is why.

By inhaling Grapefruit essential oil it may stave of feelings of hunger and inhibit sugar cravings.

Inhale straight from the bottle or diffuse just before mealtimes. 

If you want more information on oils and weight loss you can see this post - Losing Weight with Essential Oils.

How to get hold of this oil

If you would like to purchase a bottle at wholesale price or would like a free sample please do contact me. Alternatively, please see Wellness Toolkit for the best ways to join Young Living and the amazing Essential Families team with over 5000 members.

Losing Weight With Essential Oils

I've blogged elsewhere on my battle with PCOS and my struggles with weight-loss. However, I wanted to document it separately here since I know so many of us struggle with losing weight aside from other challenged systems. If you want to read part of my PCOS story see here.

W H Y   E S S E N T I A L  O I L S?

Essential oils can be a natural aid for weight loss and weight maintenance. They can have a very positive impact on weight loss efforts when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Essential oils may aid in your weight-loss journey by helping to melt the unwanted fat, assisting in ridding the body of toxins and maintaining overall health of all the body's systems.

Diffusing or directly inhaling essential oils can have an immediate positive impact on moods and appetites.

Olfaction (inhaling) is the only sense that has a direct effect on the limbic region of the brain.

Fragrance influences can penetrate the amygdala in the centre of the brain in such a manner that frequent inhalation of pleasing aromas can significantly reduce appetite.

(Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 6th end. Life Science Publishing, 2014, p.387)

W H A T  O I L S?

Peppermint: Best For Sweet Cravings and Digestion

Peppermint essential oil has unique weight loss benefits.

It is great for reducing appetite and helps suppress cravings. As we all know, it takes twenty minutes (on average) for the stomach to tell the brain that it is full. When inhaled peppermint works on that part of the brain.

It is effective in creating serotonin in the brain that is linked with cravings for sweets.

A study on the effects of Peppermint scent on appetite control found that participants inhaling peppermint essential oil were less likely to feel hungry and had fewer cravings than the ones who didn’t inhale peppermint essential oil.

You can read more about that study here.

Peppermint oil is also great for relieving digestive issues and can sooth stomach upset.

How We Use Peppermint Essential Oil:

1. Since peppermint essential oil smells refreshing I diffuse a few drops an hour before each meal to aid in suppressing my appetite.

2. Peppermint+ tastes great and I find adding a drop to a large glass of water and consumed through the day, not only reduces my appetite but gives a much needed energy boost too.

TOP TIP: Young Living Essential Oils are the purest you will find, because of this using one drop will be more than enough for a large glass (pint) of water. This is because one drop of Peppermint oil is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea!

3. To start my day right, I use my D.I.Y. shower discs to energise and again aid in appetite suppression - I add 2-3 drops to each pre-made disc. 

Grapefruit Essential Oil: Prevents Bloating, Water Retention and Dissolves Fat

Grapefruit essential oil is one of the best essential oils for weight loss due to the d-limonene found within it. It helps in releasing fatty acids into bloodstream where the body breaks them down and uses for energy.

It has long been used for its many and varying health benefits such as: metabolism stimulating, detoxing the lymphatic system and burning fat.

It is packed with Vitamin C and the powerful antioxidant Lycopene which helps detoxify and cleanse the lymphatic system.

Toxicity in the body can lead to unwanted weight gain because our body stores toxins in the excess fat when it does not know how to release it from the body.

Citrus oils like Grapefruit, Lemon and Orange essential oils help to release the toxins from our metabolic pathways.

Along with natural weight loss management properties, grapefruit is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant properties.

Grapefruit is also a major constituent of the Slique Essence oil, which I discuss further in this post.

How we use Grapefruit Essential Oil:

1. I add one to two drops to a glass of water, which is not only invigorating and refreshing but helps to flush out toxins and burn fat.*

Top Tip: If you add any citrus oil to any drink, you will need use a glass, not a plastic cup, since they break down petrochemicals. This is great for the body, not so great for the cup!
2. I  add 20 drops to a cup of coconut oil and massage in to areas affected by cellulite.

NB. Please be aware that citrus oils are photosenstive. Do not expose skin with citrus oils on for at least 24 hours.

3. Add 5 drops of Grapefruit essential oil to your (hot) bath, combining it with 5 drops of Ginger, 5 drops of Orange, 5 drops of Sandalwood and 5 drops of Lemon essential oil for an anti-cellulite bath.

Be sure to combine your oils with a cup of Epsom salts before adding to your bath, to ensure the oils disperse throughout the water and do not just sit on the top. Since Epsom salts aid in the detoxing of the body, make sure you are well hydrated, before, during and after your bath.

Lemon Essential Oil: Energy Boosting, Mood lifting, Fat Burning

Like Grapefruit essential oil, Lemon oil contains d-Limonene and is full of minerals and vitamins.

Lemon essential oil aids in weight loss by assisting with various digestive ailments, balancing your metabolism and increasing energy levels. It helps eliminate toxins which may be carried in the fat cells.

The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Institute of Chicago found that inhaling lemon (and peppermint) essential oil scent provides an effective way to suppress the appetite in a natural, non-invasive way.

How We Use Lemon Essential Oil:

1. I often add a few drops of Lemon essential oil to my morning face-cream to help wake me up. I sometimes use it in place of Grapefruit for my cellulite massage.

2. Like Peppermint+ and Grapefruit, I often add one to two drops of Lemon+ to a glass of water. They are great for flavouring water individually, but also when combined.

3. I often diffuse a mix of the three oils before each meal to aid in appetite suppression.

Bergamot Essential Oil: Mood Uplifter, Improve Bad Cholesterol and Suppress Stress Eating

Bergamot essential oil is a new found favourite of mine.

This oil is extracted from Italian citrus fruits and it is perfect for those (like me) who eat when they are stressed.

Bergamot is great for calming, hormonal support and for lifting a bad mood.

When inhaled it can also help to relieve anxiety.

Bergamot can be extremely effective for weight control because it contains extremely large amounts of the polyphenols (that are also found in green tea).

The high polyphenols content is great for fat oxidation (halt production of blood fat), increasing metabolism and preventing the absorption of cholesterol.

Bergamot aids in inhibiting an enzyme that is linked with blood sugar levels, being more active when sugar is high which promotes the decomposition of sugar and fats.

Bergamot Fact: Bergamot is a key ingredient in Earl Grey Tea and is what creates its distinctive flavour!

How I Use Bergamot Essential Oil:

1. I inhale this frequently when my stress levels begin to increase. I often diffuse after the afternoon school run to help calm the kids. I also leave a bottle in the kitchen next to the fridge and inhale before opening it for food.

2. I have a roll-on with this and Stress-Away, which stays in my handbag and is applied to the feet or neck frequently!

3. At the end of a long day, I often add a few drops along with Lavender to epsom salts and add to my bath.

Slique Essence: Supports Healthy Weight Management, May Reduce Sugar Cravings

Slique Essence combines the powerful essential oils of Grapefruit, Tangerine, Lemon, Spearmint, and Ocotea into a unique blend that naturally supports healthy weight-management when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity.

These ingredients work together to activate olfactory receptors and may help suppress appetite and hunger between or during meals.

Slique Essence Essential Oil helps to control sugar cravings and hunger whilst maintaining healthy blood sugars (already within normal range).

The pleasant combination of Grapefruit, Spearmint, Tangerine, and Lemon adds a flavourful and uplifting element to any day.

Ocotea essential oil adds an irresistible, cinnamon-like aroma and may help when feelings of hunger occur.

How I Use Slique Essence:

1. I dilute 1:1 and massage over my abdomen each morning.

2. Add two to four drops to water and drink throughout the day.

3. I inhale directly from the bottle (see note below) throughout the day when I feel hungry or before a meal.

Note: I do not diffuse Slique essence (in a water diffuser) since it contains Stevia Extract which can hinder diffuser performance.

A great way to kick-start weigh-tloss is to cleanse your colon and rid your body of toxins. You can find out more about that by watching the following video:

If you would like to get started with essential oils then please see this page, Wellness Toolkit, for step by step instructions on becoming a member of Young Living and benefiting from 24% off R.R.P. price. Alternatively please contact me and we can discuss adding an oil or two to my next order for you swell as other ways to get them.

Spotlight On:Frankincense

With the arrival of advent looming, what better way to start the season than than with a spotlight on Frankincense?! 

If it's good enough for the baby Jesus, than it's good enough for me!

'Frankincense is considered the 'holy anointing oil' in the Middle East and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. "Used to treat every conceivable ill known to man," frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times and only those with great wealth and abundance possessed it.'

('Frankincense' in Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 6th edn. U.S.: Life Science Publishing, 2014. p. 69)

Frankincense is now a common oil used during mediation both by individuals and groups to aid in spiritual connections. I diffuse during my quiet prayer/study time.

Here are some of the ways that I use Frankincense every day:

1. Apply 1 drop on wrists and temples to help relieve occasional nervous irritability.

2. Diffuse or rub 1-2 drops diluted, with a carrier oil of your choice, to help provide a comforting aroma for children at night especially when in a new environment.

3. Rub 1-2 drops diluted to comfort itchy skin.

4. Frankincense can help soothe achy joints.

5. Homemade Face-cream - Frankincense is also a valuable ingredient in Young Living’s skin care products for ageing and dry skin. The Ancient Egyptians used it in rejuvenation face masks. Here is the recipe I use for my face cream which I use each morning and every evening. 

(NB. You whip coconut oil when in it's solid form. I use an electric hand whisk.)

6. On Scars and Stretch Marks - I use the same lotion as above because I have it on hand, but you can just dilute frankincense in a carrier oil and apply directly to the affected area.

7. Warts - We recently got rid of a wart that Little Man had by applying a drop morning and night directly onto the wart, undiluted. It began shrinking after about five days and was completely gone within ten!

8. Immune Booster - Now we're heading in to winter I alternate between Frankincense and Thieves on everyone's feet at least once a day to build up immunity support and keep germs at bay.

9. To Aid Spiritual Connections - Frankincense is now a common oil used during mediation both by individuals and groups to aid in spiritual connections.  It is fantastic when diffused during a Yoga session.

I diffuse during my quiet prayer/study time.

You can read more about how not all essential oils are created equal here.

How to get hold of this oil

If you would like to purchase a bottle at wholesale price or would like a free sample please do contact me. Alternatively, please see our Wellness Toolkit page for the best ways to join Young Living and the amazing Essential Families team with over 5000 members.

Sleep Essentials

Sleeping is one of those things that we all must do, but good sleep is one of the hardest things to achieve. Do you struggle getting off to sleep? Wake up feeling worse than before you went to bed? Well do not fear, you are not alone. Together we can learn the essentials for better sleep.

B E F O R E  B E D  R O U T I N E

This has got to be one of the hardest things to get right, but is absolutely one of the most important things.

There was a time when I had three children under three and in order to keep what was left of my sanity I had to instigate a strict bedtime routine; dinner, bath, massage, story, bed.

The same is absolutely true for adults - a consistent bedtime routine lets your body know what's coming next, which in turn allow for better relaxation because your body expects it and knows you're going to meet its needs.

1. Turn off digital devices an hour before you intend to go to bed. 

This is so difficult in the age of digital distractions; the first thing I do when waking is check my first and the last thing before the lamp off is, you guessed it, check my phone. 

The other problem with these digital devices is that we use them for our alarm clocks too. 

Tom and I made a decision at the beginning of the year that we would remove our phones not just from the bedroom, but from our house when we were together. 

We got our wedding gift radio alarm from the garage, moved the phone chargers downstairs and vowed to support each other. 

It's so sad that I'm even having to write that, but it's such a first world problem and we all need to know we're not alone. 

When we're in the house together our phones are not near us, we don't need to contact each other and if anyone important needed us then they have our landline number.

 Not only has this helped our bedtime routine but our marriage too - quality time is spent actually together instead of just sitting next to each other doing separate things.

2. Take a warm bath. 

In this busy society, where we're always on the go and always finding ways to cut down our time doing things, showers are an important part of life. 

Don't get me wrong i'm all for doing things quickly so we can get more done, but sometimes taking time over the mundane brings a whole new level of satisfaction to the task. 

I like to make time for a long, hot soak at least three times a week. I add about 6-10 drops of essential oil to one cup of epsom salts and allow to dissolve in a hot bath before I lose myself in it. 

My favourite oily combination is 7 drops of Stress-Away and 3 drops of Lavender.

 I'll sometimes take a book (non-Uni related of course!) in with me and lose myself in another world - I sleep so good after this! 

NB. Epsom salts have a detox effect on the body, ensure you are well hydrated before getting in, drink more during and after your bath too.

3. Ensure your bedroom is a relaxing space. 

I struggle with this almost daily. 

I get fed up with putting clothes away that by the time I get to mine I often can't be bothered so they're strewn over the floor, with baskets of clean washing piling up. 

Whenever I actually put them away and make our bed, I feel so much better for it. 

I really need to get in to a better routine of putting clothes away as my sleep definitely improves in a tidy room.

4. Get or Give a Massage

I remember when my eldest was a baby and we attended baby massage sessions, he would fall asleep about ten minutes in to the session. Why? Well because human touch is relaxing. 

When we were on honeymoon I remember having a massage at the same time as Tom in the same room and we both drifted off. 

Why? Because human touch is relaxing. 

I'd love to say that I'm lucky enough to have a massage each night, unfortunately i've not managed to convince Tom that this is good thing, so I do the next best thing and massage my feet. 

Not only does this help me relax, but I'm on my feet all day, so it releases so much tension from them too. 

I've posted my 'Bedtime Foot-Rub' elsewhere but here it is again in case you've missed it. 

The few times that I've persuaded Tom to give me a massage, I needed something on hand to use, otherwise he might lose interest in the idea in the time it took me to whip something up, so I purchased a great massage oil called Ortho-Ease from Young Living and it is simply sublime. 

Off topic a little but I also really like Ortho-Sport for a post work-out muscle rub. 

Since kids respond so well to human touch too, I often use the foot-rub on their backs for some mummy-child time too!

E S S E N T I A L  O I L S 

I've already mentioned four essential oils that I use in my sleep routine: Stress-Away, Cedarwood, Lavender and Peace & Calming.

However, every person is different and reacts to essential oils differently so here are a few other that you may wish to try.

• Vetiver - May help relax the nervous system and relieve over-stimulation. NB. This has amazing results when applied to the third-eye - middle of forehead.
• Valerian - Assist restlessness and relax the nervous system.
• Valor - May balance the nervous system and helps strengthen the body and mind; increases feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem. If you struggle to sleep because your bed-sharer snores then this is AMAZING. As they are getting in to bed apply to their big toe.
• Roman Chamomile - has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming for both mind and body. Its gentleness makes it especially valuable for restless children.
• RutaVaLa - Promotes relaxation of the body and mind. It helps ease tension and relieve stress. This blend may help overcome negative feelings whilst encouraging a positive attitude and comfort.

W A Y S  T O  U S E

I've already touched upon the ways that I use essential oils for sleep; massage would come under the section of 'topical' usage. You may also wish to try some of the options below as well. Alternating topical and inhalation methods is rumoured to help as well.

1. The easiest way to receive the benefits of essential oils is through diffusing them. I use a variety of diffusers from Young Living; If you purchase a Basic or Premium Starter Kit then you will receive the new Dew Drop Diffuser (effective as at March 2015). This is a specially designed cold-air diffuser that disperses the essential oils molecules into the air and allows you to inhale them.  The molecules of the essential oils are so small that they easily enter the olfactory nerves inside of your nose and into the limbic system, which is the seat of emotions in the body.  Diffuse oils 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
2. If you do not have a diffuser yet, you can place a one or two drop of essential oil in to the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, cup them around your nose and inhale deeply.  Do this for several minutes.  I have found this an effective way to use many of my sleep oils. You can, of course inhale directly from the bottle.
3. Just like in the Bedtime Foot-Rub recipe above you can make your own sleep time mix to apply to the bottoms of your feet, shoulders,  back of your neck or stomach. Just add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba to allow for easier application.
4. As mentioned above, taking a bath with essential oils is a great way of getting the benefits of essential oils, both through inhalation and topical application. Add your essential oil to salts before adding to the water so that the oil disperses in to the water.

O T H E R  P R O D U C T S

Sleep Essence -  This supplement contains four powerful Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ essential oils that have unique sleep-enhancing properties in a softgel vegetarian capsule for easy ingestion. Combining lavender, vetiver, valerian, and Ruta graveolens essential oils with the hormone melatonin—a well-known sleep aid—SleepEssence is a natural way to enable a full night's rest.

NingXia Red - This is my favourite non-oil product that Young Living sell. You might find it odd that I am suggesting taking this drink for sleep, when I also promote it for energy. However, it is full of naturally occurring Melatonin.

This is synthetically re-produced as the main ingredient in common sleeping tablets. When in its natural form melatonin aids in drifting off to ‘good’ sleep but is also important for staying energised throughout the day.

What other things do you do to help you get to sleep?

Promoting Healthy Hair

Since brushing my dreadlocks out at the beginning of January (2015), I've been looking for ways to help repair my damaged hair, assist in making it grow since I had to cut off so much and also not only make it look healthy but actually be healthy.

It's important to note first though that how our hair looks, feels and grows is affected by varying factors. These include

• What we eat and drink (what is good for body will be good for hair)
• What we do (swimming in chlorinated pools and the sea, using hair dryer, etc)
• Quality of our shower water (You can use a shower filter for the best way to remove fluoride, chlorine, iron oxides ("rust water"), reduce harmful VOCs and other contaminants.)
• Genetics
• How much sleep we have nightly
• Our stress level
• Thyroid function
• and lastly, what we put on it (synthetic shampoos, conditioners, gel, etc)

It is commonly known that even with our access to clean, fresh drinking water very few of us actually drink enough of it.

Are you in this category with me?

Whilst looking at the list above think about what things you may need to do to give your hair it's best chance. It may be quite simply to drink more water, it may be something bigger like a complete diet overhaul, whatever it is take control today and do it!

Whilst we need to be concerned with what goes in, we also need to consciously think about what goes on to.

Did you know that the body's largest organ is the skin? 

This means that what goes on, also goes in!

In January we made the decision to try and not put anything on our skin that we wouldn't also eat and I can honestly say I feel so much better for it, even though we haven't managed it 100%.

Did you know that most shampoos, hair and skincare products on the market contain synthetic materials that exasperate and even create many of our hair, scalp and skin challenges?

Here are a few examples -

• Propylene Glycol - may causes dry skin and skin irritation.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Laureth Sulfate - surfactant that may corrode hair follicles
• Oleyl betaine – may cause dry hair and scalp.
• Mineral oils - petroleum products clog your pores since the molecule is too big to be absorbed my the skin. With clogged pores your body cannot release it's vital nutrients and oils!

Go and check your labels!

If your shampoo has a pH between 4 and 6 and doesn't have synthetic compounds then you can be sure that it is supportive to healthy hair growth (and okay for the skin to absorb too!)

If you find that your shampoo contains some or all of the no-no's above, then you may want to do some research to find natural hair products.

The first thing to say about this is that thankfully the internet has made researching this so simple.

There are great natural hair products on the market that contain essential oils including the shampoo that Young Living make - Bath & Body Products.

I now only use these products since I know the company is ethical and I can trust the ingredients in it - you can read more about Young Living's unique 'Seed to Seal' guarantee here.

The range that Young Living have is really good, particularly the Lavender & Mint shampoo and conditioner. However, if you really want to make the most of using essential oils for promoting healthy hair then the very best thing to do is to use a base shampoo or conditioner and add the oils that are right for your hair type. I usually add a total of twenty drops to the bottle directly.

W H A T  I S  M Y  H A I R  T Y P E  A N D  W H A T  O I L S  A R E

B E S T ?

The list below contains information for all the hair types and the corresponding oils. Remember that your hair type can change over time. This may be because of environmental factors like some of the ones at the beginning of this post but pregnancy and ageing will inevitably change your hair type.

N O R M A L  H A I R

Normal hair is neither greasy nor dry; it has not been permed, coloured or damaged; it holds its style and is usually shiny. This is the optimum hair type. The oils in this section will promote growth and help to maintain shine.

These oils are best for normal hair:

• Lavender Essential Oil
• Rosemary Essential Oil
• Lemon Essential Oil
• Geranium Essential Oil
• Cedarwood Essential Oil
• Thyme Essential Oil
• Clary Sage Essential Oil

As with any essential oil combination it is best to try one or two at a time to see if they work for you. Essential oils work differently for different people so make sure you keep a note in your oily journal of what works and what doesn't work for you.

D R Y  H A I R

Dry hair looks dull, tangles easily and can become easily split at the ends. Using essential oils that stimulate the sebaceous glands so that more natural oils are secreted is important for this hair type.

Use these oils:

• Lavender Essential Oil
• Rosemary Essential Oil
• Sandalwood Essential Oil
• Geranium Essential Oil

O I L S  F O R  O I L Y  H A I R

Oily hair is caused by over production of sebum by the sebaceous glands, this makes the air appear greasy. The essential oils needed for this hair type will help normalise and balance the glands and as a result the hair.

Try these oils:

• Lavender Essential Oil
• Rosemary Essential Oil
• Lemon Essential Oil
• Peppermint Essential Oil
• Cypress Essential Oil

C L E A N S I N G  T H E  H A I R

Cleansing the hair and scalp is a great way to kick-start your journey to healthier hair. If you currently have 'normal' type hair then skip straight to step 6.

Remember though that your hair type can change and so you ma need to do a cleanse in the future.

1. Use a base shampoo without essential oils. Wash the hair only ONCE; wash, rinse, repeat is not necessary! Using this will help to remove the buildup of chlorine, grease, chemicals and other secretions on and in your hair and scalp.
2. Pick several essential oils from your hair type category to use for shampooing. REMEMBER: You may need to experiment with several oils until you find what you like. It is better for this beginning phase to add the base shampoo and oils to a small pot instead of putting them straight in to the bottle.
3. Continue to use until you feel there is improvement. You do not need to wash your every day. If your hair is used to this then you may feel it needs it, this is because when using synthetic shampoos the hair and scalp are stripped so the body works harder to produce more oils, this then leads to you wanting to wash it more. Two to three times is the optimal recommended times. If you are a prolific hair washer work your way slowly to this optimal recommendation by starting with every other day.
4. Brushing is an important part of promoting healthy hair. Brushing helps to take the oils produced from the scalp to the very ends of the hair. A natural bristle brush is the best type of brush to use - my personal favourite is a boar hair brush.
5. Keep this routine going even after you see improvement.
6. Now you can add oils to promote hair growth - these are the oils in the 'normal' category. I do this with a D.I.Y. leave-in conditioner. Here's my recipe:

F L A K Y  S C A L P ?

As we know essential oils are useful for so many ailments so it is no surprise that may be very effective in minimising occasional flakiness.

It is best to add these to the leave-in conditioner above and ensure you massage them well in to the scalp. This can be repeated daily until the flakiness disappears. To maintain a flake-free scalp add the oils that work best for you to your leave-in conditioner for promoting healthy hair growth - you may notice that some of them appear in both categories...

• Basil
• Cedarwood
• Cypress
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme
• Melaleuca Alternifolia - A.K.A. Tea Tree

Don't forget to go on over to the Facebook Page and let me know how you get on with these.

Do you have any tips or tricks for using essential oils to promote healthy hair growth?

If you are interested in starting your oily then check out WELLNESS TOOLKIT and CONTACT ME with any questions.

You can also see the new hair growth I have had from using essential oils in this video (Please subscribe to the All in a Drop channel to see new content uploaded)

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK2hE-T3vGw[/embed]