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.