Categories
General Wellness Healthy Home Hormone Support

Ditch and Switch toxic items for a healthier home

DITCH and SWITCH is one of the ways I have worked on creating a more healthy home environment for my family.

Identifying the sources in our homes and switching out with safe and natural products is a great place to start.

Many years ago when I trained to be a Massage Therapist I learned our skin is our body’s largest organ. It is also one of the most common pathways of toxic exposure so be mindful of the things you put on your skin. Many common personal care products have less than ideal ingredients. doTERRA’s skincare line and solutions have ingredients that were carefully selected to be as safe and gentle for your skin and your body as a whole.

Reduce toxins in the air

Your body absorbs toxins through the air you breathe. You can keep the air in your household clean in number of ways. Replace artificial air fresheners with essential oils, ditch your traditional cleaners for natural substances, and keep indoor plants to clean the air.

One of the easiest ways to get started reducing toxins in your home is to scout out all the ways you normally make you or your air smell better.

Not only are these commonly filled with toxins and junk, but they can also be huge fire hazards.

You may even have a friend or know someone who has a friend who is selling Norwex products! I too am a big fan of these as they not only allow us to do an exceptional job cleaning our surfaces without extra chemical cleaners… they also save us a ton on paper towels!!

In the past, if we wanted better, more natural choices for cleaning around the house, we had to make our own.

…Thankfully, doTERRA has us covered with the On Guard cleaning Product Line.

The Cleaner Concentrate is my favorite product because I really do use it in everything.

A squirt in my dishwasher to boost the washing power, a capful in my spray bottle to wipe down all my surfaces, and even a splash in my steam mop to make my floors look awesome and my house smell great.

DIY’s just not your thing? – I understand! Most of us either don’t have time to or simply just don’t wish to make our own everything. But understanding how effective we can clean without all of those nasty ingredients and you will understand the importance of “Less is More” when it comes to supporting our bodies and avoiding toxins.

Let me share more about what to look for and why…

I would like to share with you some of the nasty chemicals that are included in many of the commercial products we bring into our home.

Some of these are pretty scary and although there are those that will argue that the amounts are so minimal they aren’t going to affect you, consider your lifetime of using these products, or occupational exposure? (like manufacturing or product use on a daily basis, like a Salon worker)?

On a personal note, I know I didn’t develop any allergies until after I reached the age of 30! Over time these chemicals really build up! What about your kids and grandchildren!? Have you ever wondered why kids are physically developing earlier than when we were young or even our grandparents? Everything we clean with, eat and wear has some type of “money-saving” chemical added to extend shelf life, preserve color, and bottom-line make the manufacturer more money. …but that is another sad story for another time.

Let’s focus on the chemicals to look for and to avoid as you are looking to Ditch and Switch for your family.

Many products list “fragrance” on the label, but very few name the specific ingredients that make up a “fragrance.”

This lack of disclosure prevents consumers from knowing the full list of ingredients in their products. While most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, we do know that some are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities. Clearly, there is a need for stronger regulations, more research, and greater transparency.

Butoxyethanol:

The ingredients below are not indicated by authoritative bodies as potential concerns for use in products, but they can have adverse effects on the workers who make the products, or on salon workers who use them repeatedly.

FOUND IN: Most personal care products including sunscreen, shampoo, soap, body wash, deodorant, body lotion, makeup, facial cream, skin toner, serums, exfoliating scrubs and perfume.

Butoxyethanol is a skin, eye, nose, and throat irritant.

Exposure can lead to blood in the urine, vomiting, and nausea with long-term damage to the kidneys, liver, lymphoid system, nervous system, respiratory system, and blood cells.

Butoxyethanol is also a reproductive toxicant. The IARC (a global agency researching causes of the terrible condition that starts with a “C”) confirms the carcinogenicity of butoxyethanol in experimental animals. Both the European Union and Canada restrict butoxyethanol in consumer products.

Learn more about 2-butoxyethanol & SLES by clicking the picture or HERE

Thankfully, an easy, healthier solution is available! You are here so you are already learning about the benefits of essential oils and probably already have them.

Step one: essential oils – done

Step two: simply add 10-20 drops of your favorite citrus oil like lemon or wild orange or a cleaning oil or blend like OnGuard blend, Lemon oil, Cilantro, or Tea Tree to a 4oz glass bottle and you will have an amazing solution to replace a number of surface and window cleaners.

When I don’t feel up to DIY-ing it, I just grab a bottle of the OnGuard Cleaner Concentrate. It only needs a little and really lasts a long time. It is very effective a cleaning all of my kitchen and bath surfaces with just a tablespoon or two to an 8oz glass spray bottle. This simple all-natural surface cleaner smells amazing and provides all of the viral and bacterial fighting properties of commercial products without all the toxins!

We have completely Ditched and Switched the hand soap and body soaps at our sinks and showers with doTERRA’s foaming hand wash and one or two of the many scented and natural soap bars in the spa area. There is also less soap scum to deal with on our shower walls… what does that tell us?

I love to fill my pumps at the beginning of the week and add a little extra Wild Orange to the mix for a few extra happy feelings when I wash my hands.

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs).

Did you know, these are used in many personal care products,[1] particularly in shampoos and liquid baby soaps? These chemicals, which are intended to prevent microbes from growing in water-based products, can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to cancer and allergic skin reactions.

FOUND IN: Nail polish, nail glue, eyelash glue, hair gel, hair-smoothing products, baby shampoo, body soap, body wash, color cosmetics, fresheners, plug-ins, perfunes, and candles.

Learn more about Formaldehyde HERE

Find a diffuser you love or add a couple of drops to a spray bottle of water and witch hazel for a lasting fabric spray.

There is plenty of recommendations on any number of oil combinations that you can add to your diffuser. I prefer to make my own blends and only trust doTERRA for it’s purity and efficacy standards. And we diffuse in every room in the house.

There are also oils that purify the air and smell amazing like Air-X, Island Mint, Citrus Bliss, OnGuard, Breathe, just to name a few.

The fun thing is you can also make your own blends! This can be fun and you will eliminate those smells like pets, dirty clothes, cigars, kitchen odors, and more.

Are there cheaper oils available? Of course, there is just like you can purchase disposable and less expensive products at the dollar store. This is an unregulated industry, and Brokers and Distributors will adulterate, a single oil or a blend to make more volume, sell it at cheaper prices in hopes to make more money. But what are you really getting? Would you really feel comfortable putting it into the air you breathe or on your skin?

So yes, there are cheaper essential oils on the market, and we are looking to reducing toxic load right!? So be vigilant, do your homework! You really do get what you pay for, and that is why I trust doTERRA. They are committed to purity and the science of efficacy (when and how a plant is grown, harvested, and extracted will affect how it works), and doTERRA will never choose profit over purity.

Let’s keep rollin’ with those healthy swaps. Hand wash is such an easy swap.

Learn more about Triclosan HERE

DITCH and SWITCH some of your Personal hair care products! Remember, I am not suggesting you be wasteful and just throw things away… but if it’s broken, and you can’t fix it… well it’s time to go!

I love the doTERRA hair care line, and they are always looking to improve it. Not only is it safe for your hair color, it’s also super concentrated to save you money.

If you are a wholesale club member you can set it up in your Loyalty Reward Order will save you even more with bundle discounts, and product and shipping credits. Who doesn’t love free stuff?

I love the scent of the shampoo and the Root to Tip Serum is so amazing at controlling my hair. I apply the Root to Tip Serum after every shampoo to help me comb through my wet hair and condition and strengthen the ends… this is particularly helpful during the summer months when we are out on the bike in the sun and the wind. But it also helps in the dry environments of our home while the heat is on and the windows closed up. My point is that no matter where you live, this serum is natural and save to use and you will love how it works.

Learn more about Phthalates HERE

If you would like to learn more about Avoiding Toxins you can also visit the doTERRA Science Blog. HERE

Are you interested in getting your own doTERRA collection started for a Ditch and Switch of your toxic home products? Why not get them at wholesale prices!?

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
General Wellness

Oregano Essential Oil

Although I had often grown it in my garden and incorporated the fresh herb in my recipes, I had never considered the possibility or the power or Oregano oil for health and Wellness.

Not only is this oil effective in it’s qualities for wellness it is inexpensive and can be used in a variety of ways, much like lemon oil or even lavender oil.

History of Oregano Oil

It was widely used in ancient times, although oregano oil didn’t make its North American debut until the early 20th century.  Hippocrates wrote extensively about the oil of wild oregano, claiming it as a cure for digestive ailments, skin conditions and respiratory diseases.  There is also evidence that in ancient Greece, oregano oil was used for the treatment of headaches, wounds, snakebites, spider bites and even the common cold.

In more modern times, oregano oil is considered to be antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-allergenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic.  Perhaps most notable, oregano essential oil is an anti-microbial with a demonstrated ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Very Important to Note

Oregano oil is considered a hot oil.  What this means is that it can burn or cause some irritation with used directly.  This is why it is often recommended to dilute.  Other hot oils include Cinnamon, Clove, and Thyme.  When using Oregano oil “neat” (undiluted) apply carefully with a q-tip only to the affected area and do not spread beyond it.  For most applications, my recommendation is that is should be diluted for all but spot treatment (such as warts and skin tags).

Therapeutic use of oregano oils should also be avoided on infants, children and pregnant or nursing women. Also as we age our skin gets thinner and more fragile, so always dilute when applying to the elderly. That is not to say that some bad will happen but that to be safe, the use of oregano oil should be carefully used and should be avoided to those at risk without first consulting a qualified professional.

Carrier Oils and Dilution

In order to effectively use essential oils, it is often necessary and recommended to dilute them in another oil so that they can be easily spread or massaged on a affected area.   This dilution in no way weakens to efficacy of a quality grade Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oil, but it slow the absorption rate down through the skin so the parasympathetic nervous system doesn’t trigger a reaction to the properties of the oil.

Most common carrier oil includes coconut oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, and a natural salve which can be prepared and applied.    The nut oils mentioned above are the most common and most effective although in theory, any vegetable oil or lotion could also be used, but the molecules will not be as easily absorbed by the skin and a store bought lotion may have other preservatives and contaminants in them.  I use coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil (liquefied) most often. 

I often follow the chart above in different applications but this is a good reference to use depending on the amount that I am mixing up and for who will be using it.  The smaller percentage of dilution would be for more sensitive skin or long term use.

With all of that in mind, it isn’t too far fetched to consider all of the supporting properties it can offer.  Here are 20 of my favorite uses for Oregano Essential Oil…

  1. Warts, Moles, and Skin Tags:  Apply one drop morning and night using a q-tip applied to the affected spot (not the whole area).  Keep at it and within a few weeks, the warts/mole/tag will shrink and flake or slough off in the shower.  Another way to would be to add a mixture of oregano oil and fractionated coconut oil to a roller ball bottle (50:50), and apply twice daily until they are gone.  *I personally add several drops of Melissa essential oil to the 50:50 blend mentioned above, as Melissa oil is also very very effective, smells nicer, but is more costly.
  2. Athlete’s Foot: Dilute in a carrier oil and apply directly 2-3 times a day.  You can also add a few drops to baking soda to sprinkle inside your shoes to absorb moisture and offer added protection. Nail Fungus: using a roller ball bottle or eye dropper bottle, apply a diluted oregano oil and coconut oil (see above dilution chart) directly onto clean nail beds and work into cuticles.
  3. Skin Infections: Dilute in coconut oil and apply topically to boost the healing of the skin infection. Psoriasis:  Mix with a carrier oil or salve and apply topically twice a day.  There is also some medical evidence that drinking a glass of water twice daily with 2-6 drops of Oregano oil added helps with symptoms of psoriasis.  Eczema: Blending oregano oil with a carrier oil or salve and apply it topically to help control eczema.
  4. Fight Infection:  Rub a few drops of oregano oil into your gums to fight an infection
  5. DIY Hand Sanitizer:  Combine 10 drops of oregano oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil.  Rib it into your hands as a natural hand sanitizer.
  6. Control Itching: Apply diluted oregano oil to insect bites and skin rashes to relieve itching
  7. Sickness and Flu:  Diffuse Oregano essential oil in your diffuser to help quickly get rid of the flu or any other sickness.
  8. Sinus infections and colds: Place a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water.  Carefully inhale the steam, being careful not to get burned.  You can also dilute in carrier oil then place under the nostrils to provide additional relieve for sinus infections. I have a diluted dose (50:50) with coconut oil in a roller ball bottle to apply around the ear for ear aches
  9. Congestion: Dilute in your favorite carrier oil or lotion and apply to the chest area.  For nasal congestion, try adding one or two drops of oregano essential oil on a clean handkerchief and inhale the vapor.
  10. Sore Throat:  To ease the scratchy feeling of a sore throat, simply add on or two drops of oregano essential oil to a glass of juice and drink it.  (oregano is considered a hot oil so use caution)
  11. Dandruff:  Add a few drop to your regular shampoo being mindful to keep it from washing into your eyes during the rinse.
  12. Relieve Sore Muscles and Joints: Dilute in carrier oil or lotion then gently massage on the affected area.  Repeat up to three times a day. Arthritis: Dilute in a carrier oil and rub onto painful joints to reduce swelling.
  13. Treat Parasites: Combine 1 drop of oregano oil with 1 drop of a carrier oil.  Place under the tongue and hold it for a few minutes before rinsing the mouth with water. Repeat up to four times a day.  Ringworm: To kill ringworm, apply 2-6 drop of oregano oil to the effected area.
  14. Acne: Dip a Q-tip into the oil and apply directly to acne.  The oil will kill the bacteria and reduce the inflammation.  For the very bast results, do this twice a day morning and night immediately after washing the face.
  15. Mouthwash: add a few drop to a glass of water to sweeten your breath and kill bacteria that can lead to gum disease and gingivitis.
  16. Cleaning Supplies:  Add a few drops to your DIY cleaning supplies to give them an antiseptic and disinfectant boost.  This is especially effective in the kitchen, bathroom and at the baby’s changing table. Laundry: Add a few drops to your load of laundry to kill bacteria or parasites and also to leave your clothes smelling nice and fresh.
  17. Fungus and Mold: Mix with water and spray the shower to prevent fungus and mold from growing.  This also works in other warm, humid areas of your home.  I use it on the front seals of my front load clothes washing machine.
  18. Natural Insect Repellent:  Mix a few drops in a carrier oil or salve and rub over your skin to repel insects.  You can also mix oregano oil with water in a spray bottle to create your own insect spray.  Be sure to shake it up before using since the oil will separate a bit in the water.
  19. Diaper Rash:  Mix with coconut oil or salve to sooth and balance skin reaction with diaper rash.

 

Part Number: 30180001
Size: 15 mL
Wholesale Members order through your login

Where to Purchase Certified Tested Grade Essential Oils?

Essential Oils are becoming more and more popular and there are many suppliers who without regulation are trying to capture their piece of the pie.  We personally trust in the direct purchasing and integrity of the largest provider in the market today.

doTERRA is a wholesale club provider of co-impacted sourced essential oils.  Smaller companies who source their oils or botanical material on a smaller scale, may not have the resources or order commitments to secure long term commitments, quality assurances, and consistency.  doTERRA has partnered with growers and harvesters and distillers in 46 countries and has a 84% exclusive contract with what has been determined to be the best quality oil for therapeutic use in the world.   You can find some oils cheaper, but as the story goes you get what you pay for. And without regulatory monitoring just because a company claims that the bottle contains pure essential oil, it doesn’t mean that what is in the bottle hasn’t been diluted or contaminated with other cheaper oils or adulterants (used by the perfume industry for years) to enhance the aroma.

doTERRA’s oils are only guaranteed when purchased directly from the company through you own wholesale membership (Only $35 for the first year).  Purchasing doTERRA’s branded products online through other commercial parties like Amazon or Walmart or Ebay will not insure the purity of the oil.

One of the many benefits of having your own account will be the confidence of knowing the product is the best quality, the best customer service team in the industry, and the support of your team.  doTERRA’s direct sales Network Marketing approach to marketing means that you will have the help and support from the helped enroll you in your membership.  We would be honored to have you join our team.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Wholesale Member or the benefits listed above, click here, and we will contact you as soon as possible to answer any questions you may have.

If you are ready to become a Wholesale Customer or Wellness Advocate and join our business team, both offer all of the support and community to help you on your wellness journey.  Join & Save Now   Be Healthy, Happy, and Strong!  – Jen & Joe

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
General Wellness

Why these oils?

The Best Essential Oils

If you know me, you trust my opinion and know that I wouldn’t bullshit you, I would never suggest you try something that didn’t taste good, or recommend you purchase or invest in something that wasn’t worth it. So if you are here you may be wondering where to buy essential oils, well trust me… I Got You! But I want you to understand why you don’t have to look farther than here. 

I have been using essential oils for over 20 years and have tried most of them. These are by far the Purest, Safest, Most Effective and therefore the Most Affordable essential oils available on the market today. And I take great pride and love helping people learn how, and when to safely use them. I know you are on a journey of discovery for yourself or maybe a loved one so I’m sharing here some additional information you may find helpful in your learning search.

Be careful where you look, and what you read… some articles aren’t written by an aromatherapist and those knowledgable about the use of oils but commercial writers who query information on the internet, including content sponsored by Big Pharma, which will often convey caution and fear so you continue to rely on pharmaceuticals and over the counter remedies to “treat what ails you”…

Essential oils are everywhere. You can find essential oils at grocery stores, online, and even in your neighborhood market. With so many choices, how do you know which essential oils are best?

The essential oil industry is not regulated so many essential oils on the market are heavily contaminated or adulterated with synthetic chemicals, and that means they should not be used for therapeutic purposes. But Pure essential oils are different, you need to trust that the company providing the oils has integrity and offers quality guarantees. If you aren’t buying direct, and if it is inexpensive, I feel confident in saying it is probably not pure. In an unregulated industry with growers, harvesters, brokers, bottlers, marketers and distributors… everyone needs to make money. And the cheaper it is to you the cheaper the quality of what is in the bottle. …let that soak in.

If you’re buying essential oils for your health and mood, you want something completely natural and safe. Make sure that you don’t inadvertently buy something you think is natural but turns out to be synthetic.  And unfortunately buying from third-party sources (like Amazon, and Walmart online are not buying direct…and I won’t trust the quality).

When you want essential oils that are safe and effective, the most important thing to look for is purity. Pure essential oils will allow you to reap the full benefits that nature has to offer, and you can be confident knowing that they are safe to use to use with your family. Remember, you usually get what you pay for, and essential oils are no different. 

What to Look for When Buying Essential Oils

In a market where every company claims to have “pure” essential oils, how do you really know if the oils you’re using are pure? How do you know if the essential oils you’re buying are worthy of being used by you and your family? 

If you want the best essential oils, find out if the company you plan to buy from takes the following precautions to ensure the quality of their oils: 

  • Sustainable and responsible sourcing (Where do their oils come from?)
  • Extensive and thorough testing (Do they test their oils for adulteration and contamination?)
  • Clear and accessible safety and usage information (Do they show customers how to use the oils safely?)
  • Transparency (Do they use third-party testing? Do they make test results public?)

What Makes doTERRA Different?

When you use a bottle of doTERRA essential oil, you’re using an oil that is pure. There are no contaminants, fillers, or adulterations. The essential oil industry did not have standards to ensure purity, so doTERRA created one. 

Every batch of doTERRA essential oils goes through a rigorous testing process—well beyond what would be considered “good enough.” After that, each oil is sent to an independent third party for further testing and validation.

Pure Essential Oils Pass Tests

If the oil passes the tests, it’s labeled as CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade®. When you see the CPTG® label, you know you’re using the purest essential oils on the market.

Want to see the purity of doTERRA oils for yourself? Every single bottle of doTERRA oil comes with a quality ID. Use the ID number on the bottom of your bottle to view the third-party test results for that batch of oil by clicking below: 

View results here

More than Essential Oils

It’s more than just testing that sets doTERRA essential oils apart. doTERRA works diligently to make a difference. Our mission is to change the world one drop, one person, one community at a time. 

Responsible Sourcing of Essential Oils

There are several ways to produce essential oils, and not all essential oils are created equal. Some companies choose to cut costs by using low-quality plants or adulterate their oils with cheap substances. While cutting corners might save an essential oil company time and money, it will result in a low-quality oil. 

Unfortunately, many of the production methods in the essential oil industry can also be harmful to the environment or result in the unfair treatment of farmers and growers. 

Where do doTERRA essential oils come from? 

Every oil sold by doTERRA is responsibly and sustainably sourced. doTERRA focuses on sourcing practices that will produce only the highest quality essential oils—no matter the cost. We make it a top priority to protect the environment during the production process and provide fair treatment of all harvesters and growers.

doTERRA created the Co-Impact Sourcing® Initiative and the following 8 principles to ensure responsible practices in all our sourcing communities:

  1. Generating Jobs: Reduce poverty by creating and sustaining jobs
  2. Providing Fair, On-Time Payments: Offer consistent, fair payments to producers, including prepayments
  3. Building Supplier Capacity: Support farmers, producers, and distillers through training and financial support
  4. Sustaining Long-Term Partnerships: Provide multi-year contracts with growers and distillers based on solidarity and respect
  5. Ensuring Fair Labor Conditions: Create healthy and safe working environments, free from harassment and discrimination
  6. Promoting Cooperatives: Guarantee respect the right for all employees and producers to join and form co-operatives
  7. Furthering Environmental Stewardship: Promote energy efficient technologies, renewable energy, and waste minimization
  8. Facilitating Community Development: Support community development projects in sourcing communities such as schools, health clinics, training facilities, and clean water systems

We take pride in sourcing the most pure, potent, and effective essential oils in environmentally and socially responsibly ways. Learn more at sourcetoyou.com.

Humanitarian Impact

From the beginning, doTERRA wanted to be more than a business. “There are givers and there are takers,” said David Stirling, doTERRA Founding Executive, CEO. “We wanted doTERRA to be a giver.” 

To accomplish that, the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation® was created—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps support community development projects in sourcing communities. These kinds of projects include funding for and building of schools, health clinics, training facilities, and clean water systems. 

The doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation also partners with a variety of other organizations to support disaster relief; anti-human trafficking prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation; microloan programs; and feminine hygiene education. 

doTERRA generously donates to cover all administrative costs of the foundation so that 100% of all donations go directly to aid. When you partner with the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, your donation could save a child from human trafficking, repair a home devastated by a natural disaster, or help provide someone with access to healthcare. 

Click below to see how you can help:

Healing Hands Foundation

Cutting-Edge Research

As a leader in the essential oil industry, doTERRA invests in research and testing to remain at the forefront of essential oil science. Through partnerships with research facilities, hospitals, and universities, we’re learning more about the therapeutic potential of essential oils. 

“doTERRA’s mission hinges on discovering and developing the world’s most potent and effective essential oils,” said Dr. David Hill, doTERRA Founding Executive, Scientific and Healthcare Initiatives. “These studies are a demonstration of our leadership in essential oil scientific advances, as well as our commitment to ensuring safe and powerful outcomes for families and individuals using doTERRA essential oils.” 

Learn more about doTERRA’s commitment to essential oil research below:

doTERRA Science and Research

In addition to scientific research and academic partnerships, doTERRA is working to change the landscape of healthcare. Collaborating with many of the top universities and independent facilities in the world, doTERRA is at the forefront of essential oil clinical research.

We’re building healthcare clinics that focus on integrative care, utilizing both traditional and holistic medicine. This initiative is called Prime Meridian™, and you can learn more by clicking below:

Prime Meridian

Yes, there are safety protocols and practices to use them. But not unlike what you currently follow when you purchase an over-the-counter remedy from the store. When you join doTERRA as a wholesale customer with us you join our Healthy, Happy, and Strong Tribe and have unlimited access to our Community, Education, and Resources to learn everything you can about how to safely use your essential oils and make them a part of you wellness lifestyle.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
General Wellness Kids and Pets

Cultivating Growth Mindset: Positive Learning for a Wonderful School Year 

This past season I needed to step away from the computer screen for a number of reasons. I am a shy, but social creature and too much time not interacting with people face to face has impacted my joy.

A dear and trusted friend asked me to consider driving a school bus with her as a part-time opportunity, I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it, but it has been a blessing in so many ways. I have been a coach and a trainer for more years than I can remember, and coaching adults has always been something I was comfortable doing. Working with the kiddos on the other hand, while driving a 16 ton chunk of metal down the street, remembering all of their names, and where they lived!? Well, I wasn’t sure I could do it. I had limiting beliefs.

I am a Mother too

Working as much as I did, back when my own children were in school, I probably wasn’t as involved as their work from home father was. But interacting with the children I now have the pleasure to drive to and from school, and having a handful of friends who either teach from home or at school, I am confident to share with you some recommendations to empower you and your students to make this year an enjoyable and productive one.

A corporate trainer and essential oils educator

For over 30 years I have been an adult educator and trainer. With each consecutive year of coaching and training, I have learned the importance of setting the stage for success. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned – creating healthy habits, the power of communication, and creating an environment for learning.

Positive Learning

Remember the Staples back to school commercial with “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” playing, the dad is dancing through the store loading a shopping cart with school supplies. When he took the pencils and dropped them in the cart like a chef adding spices to a dish… I laughed so hard the first time I saw that commercial!

This week we’re diving into the growth mindset. What it is and how we can help our kids of all ages (I’ll call them students here), develop that growth and can-do mentality, for a Positive Learning experience.

WHAT IS A GROWTH MINDSET?

Not to be confused with a fixed mindset…this is as good as I’ll ever be…growth mindset was first coined by Carol Dweck, a professor of Psychology at Stanford University. She describes someone with a growth mindset as an “individual who believes their talents can be developed through hard work, good strategies, and help from others”.

HOW DO I HELP BUILD THAT MINDSET?

As parents, grandparents, and influencing guides, we play a major role in nurturing our student’s mindset. We’re laying the groundwork for academic and personal growth. We want to enforce the belief that intelligence and abilities can blossom through effort, learning, and resilience. So, what does building a growth mindset look like for students? 

  1. First, consider the student’s original mindset. Does the student have any limiting beliefs? How often do you hear comments like: “I wasn’t born with the talent/ability to do xyz,” or  “I’m not good at math”, or as adults you may hear “I’m just not organized”. I’ve heard my fair share over the years. I’ve even said plenty of limiting comments to myself, “I’m too shy”, or “too old”, or as I mentioned before, “I don’t know if I have the patience for all of those children”… you get the point. Being aware of how we speak to and about ourselves is always the first step to improving our mindset. 
  2. Next, help the student to rephrase the thought, to see it from a positive perspective. “Boy, I couldn’t have done that a year ago. Look how far I’ve come,” or “Wow, by doing that extra studying, I aced the test”, or “I thought I would be frightened and mess up my speech, but once I got started it came natural”. Eventually this will start to become a natural habit. 
  3. Another way to help enforce the growth mindset is to have the student think about things they’ve already accomplished…learning how to ride a bike, writing cursive, memorizing the multiplication tables, playing an instrument, or mastering another skill. Remind them of things they have accomplished.
  4. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, we should celebrate efforts and strategies. If done with kind intention, feedback is a great tool. Providing positive reinforcement for achievements, big or small, reinforces the idea that hard work and dedication lead to progress.
  5. The power of YET. I wish I had learned this a long time ago. Teach them to embrace the power of “yet.” There is still plenty of opportunity to grow in whatever area they are struggling with. At the beginning of each school year, there are plenty of concepts and skills a student hasn’t learned…yet. Help them to realize, with practice and perseverance, this skill will grow. Growth mindset is realizing you’re not done growing…yet. 
  1. For older students, look for people that are already where they want to be. Read books on those who inspire them. Look at how they approached the challenges in their life and how they overcame them. What can be learned from their struggles to help apply to your student child’s goals and dreams? 
  2. Mistakes should be viewed as valuable learning experiences, not as failures. As guides, we need to encourage them to think critically and come up with solutions on their own. We empower them to develop problem-solving skills and self-confidence. Mistakes are NOT failures, they are lessons. We only FAIL when we make the MISTAKE to not try again. 
  3. Break bigger goals into smaller attainable ones. I have heard and say this often, “How do you eat an elephant? …One bite at a time.” Breaking down a bigger goal into smaller bite size goals helps create the positive mindset that our students CAN accomplish something huge. 

CREATING ROUTINES

Setting the stage, or providing an environment for progress is helpful too. We do it throughout our house. Bedroom walls are dark, and there are limited and no electronic screens to distract from a good nights sleep. And my office is set up with inspirational, and motivational quotes to help my mindset and keep me focused on my task. Aromatics are also a key part of our household to help with mindset.

Diffusing is a great way to create an environment that nurtures a growth mindset. If I am down in my sewing room, that happens to be near the cat boxes, I can not get much accomplished if the odor from the cats is distracting me.

When one of my students is struggling to remember that they’re not there YET, I have them grab one of these oils to diffuse and help refocus:

  1. Rosemary: Boosts focus and memory! Rosemary essential oil can enhance cognitive function, helping you stay sharp and attentive during study sessions or while working on goals.
  2. Lemon: Stay motivated and uplifted! Lemon essential oil is known for its mood-boosting properties, promoting a positive and optimistic outlook on life, even when faced with challenges.
  3. Ylang–Ylang: Embrace self-love and confidence! Ylang-ylang essential oil can help develop a strong sense of self-worth and emotional empowerment to believe in those natural abilities.
  4. Wild Orange: Foster creativity and inspiration! Sweet orange essential oil can spark imagination and encourage innovative thinking, helping find unique solutions to challenges.
  5. Frankincense: Cultivate mindfulness and reflection! Frankincense essential oil promotes a sense of inner peace, making it a perfect companion for self-reflection and personal growth.
  6. Lavender: Manage stress and promote resilience! Lavender essential oil is a soothing companion during tough times, encouraging a calm and collected response to setbacks.
  7. Peppermint: Enhance mental clarity and alertness! Peppermint essential oil can clear the mind, making it easier to absorb new knowledge and approach tasks with a fresh perspective.

So to recap this week about Mindset

Remember, developing a growth mindset is all about believing in the potential to learn and grow. A Positive Learning experience is aided with the support of essential oils. Students will be better equipped to face challenges, embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, and achieve dreams, with the aromatic support the essential oils offer. 

Now, back to that commercial with the song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” It truly can be a magical time of the year for our children. It’s the start of something fresh and new. A new opportunity to create and learn and grow. We want our kids to be excited and feel empowered as they embark on this new year.

This whole month is dedicated to helping parents help students start the new school year off on the right track. 

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Wholesale Club Pricing

If you are not yet a wholesale member yet, (in my opinion this is better value than Costco or Sams Club), then I would personally like to invite you can join our team to take advantage of these great savings promotions, and additional benefits available to doTERRA members.  JOIN & SAVE

Wholesale Customers who are not Wellness Advocates would need to contact their doTERRA sponsor to enroll someone or simply ask how you can host a class or upgrade your account to enroll someone their self !!

As a Wellness Advocate, you can enroll members, friends, a family from your back office or from your personal doTERRA website (which all Wellness Advocate members have).  It offers a great way to offer insight and information to people regarding the membership and the products and has some great recipes and project ideas too.  CHECK OUT OUR SITE HERE

Categories
Healthy Home Oral Health recipe

DIY: Mouth Rinse

Patchouli is part of the mint family and pairs well with Peppermint for a simple, effective mouth rinse.

Mouthwash is a handy tool for disinfecting the mouth and freshening the breath, but it has some downsides as well. A DIY Mouth Rinse recipe is a perfect alternative for the many people who avoid mouthwashes due to alcohol. The majority of the commercial brands contain alcohol in it. On the other hand, some people avoid it due to artificial colors, fluoride, and other additives.

Still, there are some people who just want a more cost effective and natural way to use your oils to support your oral health in a safe and cost effective way. We enjoy this DIY Mouth Rinse Recipe so much I wanted to share this with you.

Benefits of the ingredients

Baking Soda

Many teeth-whitening products and toothpastes include baking soda because it has the ability to remove minor stains from the teeth. Baking soda is made up of a chemical compound that acts as an abrasive that can help to remove teeth stains, helping your smile look whiter. When using baking soda for teeth-whitening purposes, be aware that too much baking soda can damage tooth enamel—the coating that protects your teeth.

Salt

Oil and water don’t mix well and in addition to the salt adding a little flavor the minerals in the salt water will help to evenly distributed the essential oil throughout the mouth rinse as well as extend the shelf life by minimizing bacterial growth… not that it will be sitting very long! (you may even want to make a larger batch)

Peppermint

Peppermint is commonly used in oral health products for mint flavoring, and to help freshen breath. On its own, Peppermint essential oil can be used to freshen breath, and makes the perfect addition to a homemade mouth rinse.

Patchouli

A member of the mint family, Patchouli is a fitting companion for Peppermint oil and baking soda in this DIY Mouth Rinse recipe, as it is used in many scented products for its distinct aroma. It also has freshening and deodorizing properties as well.

DIY Mouth Rinse Recipe

Ingredients
½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt (either ionized or pink Himalayan)

½ teaspoon xylitol (optional sweetener)

10 drops minerals (optional)

1/2 cup water

2 drops Peppermint oil

1 drop Patchouli oil

Instructions

  1. Combine baking soda, salt, xylitol (if used) and water in a larger 2 cup glass measuring cup.
  2. Add essential oils and mineral drops (if used) and stir with a stainless straw metal spoon to mix well.
  3. Pour mixture into a small bottle with a stopper. I like this 125ml glass topper bottle from amazon or you can clean and sterilize another small necked bottle with a cap.
  4. Swish mixture around in mouth for one minute before spitting into the sink.

Additional oils recommended to support Oral health and an effective DIY Mouth Rinse would include —

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
General Wellness

Calendula officinalis

Calendula Officinalis

Calendula or Marigold plants are considered by many gardening experts as among the easiest and most versatile flowers to grow in a garden, especially because they tolerate most soils. 

Marigold flower

Have you heard of calendula yet?

Of all the flowers you can grow Calendula can easily be the favorite. Calendula is an amazing and versatile plant. Did you know that it is technically an herb? Yes it is! And Calendula has many medicinal uses, it is an excellent companion flower to grow alongside vegetables, it attracts pollinators, adds a beautiful pop of color to the garden, and is also edible!

Of all the ways you can use calendula, I most often use the dry flowers for tea – or make healing calendula oil.

Read along to learn how easy it is to make calendula oil at home – even if you don’t grow your own! All you need is dried calendula flowers and your choice of oil. This article will go over the differences between popular oils commonly used to make calendula infusions, so you can decide which option works best for your needs! Let’s also briefly explore the healing properties of calendula, along with 8 ways you can use your homemade calendula oil!


Note that calendula is sometimes referred to as “pot marigold” – but don’t confuse it with true marigolds, such as french marigolds! They’re distinctly different, and not nearly as medicinal in nature.

How to Grow Calendula


Calendula is just about as no-fuss and low-maintenance as they come. It will perform best in rich, well-draining soil, but will tolerate a wide variety of soils – including poor soil. Hell, half of ours this year isn’t even growing in soil.  Blooms that were left behind dropped their seeds in the gravel around our raised beds, and so there they grow! The volunteer calendula shown below is growing in 4” of gravel, which has weed block fabric below that. Hardy little plants, aren’t they? Therefore, it should go without saying that it can easily be grown in containers too!

Speaking of being hardy, calendula is tolerant to both heat and cold. Direct-sow their trippy large seeds in the garden in spring. Follow the instructions on the seed package in regards to depth. I believe it is usually around 1/4″ deep. The plants and long-lasting blooms may continue straight through the first freeze the following winter!

Calendula grows best in full-sun, but will tolerate some late afternoon shade, especially in the hottest climates. Provide moderate water. It won’t like being overly wet, as it is fairly drought-tolerant. It is also reported to be deer-resistant!

When & How to Harvest Calendula


Herbalist all agree that the best time to harvest calendula is during mid-morning, shortly after the new blooms have opened but after any dew has dried. That said, simply do your best given your schedule. Harvesting midday or even in the afternoon is better than not harvesting them at all!

To harvest blooms, pick or cut off the flower where it meets the stem. If you plan to use it for edible or medicinal purposes, avoid collecting the heads that are already starting to dry and go to seed. Fresh blooms are best for this. Use the older ones for seed-saving instead. And yes, take the whole head! The most medicinal value is found in the green pedestal, not just the flower petals.

If you aren’t up for drying or using the fresh blooms, some calendula varieties have strong enough stems to make good cut flowers too.

A Few Notes on Harvesting Calendula


While harvesting, your fingers may get a bit sticky from the resin. This is a good thing! The resin has potent antifungal properties, and is where most of the healing power comes from.

Don’t worry about “saving” flowers on the plants, or feel bad about taking blooms! The more you take, the more will come. If you’re serious about stocking up on calendula, plan to have new blooms ready to harvest every few days.

On that note, uncollected flower heads will allow this flowering herb to freely re-seed itself. If you don’t want your garden full of these volunteers, plan to collect spent flowers before the seeds dry and disperse. I harvest some, but leave plenty behind as well so they make my seeding in the spring easier.

Calendula Infused Oil


Calendula officinalis has been used by herbalists, homesteaders, and natural healers for centuries. It can be used both internally or externally to support the immune system, heal skin and infections. Calendula works its magic by promoting cell repair and growth, coupled with its natural antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Above all, it is gentle in its work. Unlike some natural remedies, you don’t need to worry about “overdoing it” with calendula. 

The potent medicinal oils within calendula blooms are most concentrated on the sticky green base of the flower head. Resin is also present (but lesser so) on the petals themselves, which is why we choose to use whole dried flowers rather than plucked petals alone when making calendula-infused oil.

  • harvest flower tops and place flower side down on a drying screen or dehydrator
  • fill a mason jar 2/3 of the way to top with the dried flower tops
  • Pour olive oil (or oil of choice) into the Jared, making sure to cover the flowers by at least one inch with oils so they will have space to expand.
  • Stir well and cap the jar tightly.
  • Place jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more daily.
  • After 4 to 6 weeks, strain the herbs out using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a mason jar
  • Por the infused oil into sterile mason jars with air tight lids and store in a cool, dark shelf out of sunlight.

I really enjoy using the solar or folk method described above, but you can also infuse oils on the stove by applying heat if you don’t want to wait the 4-6 weeks…

Dried Calendula Flower heads

If you aren’t a DIY’er like me you may want to just give it a try and this oil.

  • Calendula Oil 6 oz Bottle and is reasonably priced on Amazon
  • A natural skin care oil for people and pets
  • Used for sprains, bruises and swellings
  • Organic Product from Wiseways Herbals
  • Contains: Olive Oil Extract of Organic Marigold Flowers

This is an infused oil with an olive oil base and made with the extract of the Flower heads which should come from the base of the flower buds not just the petals, but I am unfamiliar with the manufacturer, so this is why I like to I make my own. 

Uses

Pot marigold florets are edible. They are often used to add color to salads or added to dishes as a garnish and in lieu of saffron. The leaves are edible but are often not palatable. They have a history of use as a potherb and in salads. The plant is also used to make tea.[12]

Flowers were used in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb, as well as a dye for fabrics, foods, and cosmetics.[5] Many of these uses persist today. They are also used to make oil that protects the skin.

Marigold leaves can also be made into a poultice that is believed to help scratches and shallow cuts to heal faster, and to help prevent infection.[13] It has also been used in eye drops.[12]

  • CULINARY: Use to garnish soups and salads. May also be baked in cookies, cakes and breads. Excellent tea herb.
  • HOUSEHOLD: Calendula produces a natural yellow dye for coloring wool and cloth.
  • USES COSMETIC: Infuse in in oil for use in soaps, lotions, balms and other topical formulations.
  • DECORATIVE: Add the petals to floral displays and potpourri mixes.
  • FLAVOR PROFILE: Mildly sweet, sometimes peppery. Goes well with other florals,citrus peel, vanilla, black pepper and warm spices.

Medicinal Benefits


Calendula has been called upon for centuries to treat skin ailments, support the immune system, and heal infections, both internally and externally. If you pay attention to labels, you’ll probably notice calendula as a key ingredient in many natural skin care products, and for a good reason! I use our homemade calendula salve every day.

Topically, calendula can ease, heal, or otherwise treat a huge array of skin conditions. According to the Chestnut School of Herbs, this includes: “rashes, stings, wounds, burns, sunburn, swelling, eczema, acne, surgical wounds, scrapes, chicken pox, cold sores, and even genital herpes sores.” It works its magic by promoting cells repair and growth, coupled with its natural antiseptic properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Above all, it is gentle in its work.

“Calendula is a wonderful herb for babies, being potent as well as soothing gentle. It is one of the most popular herbs for treating cradle cap, diaper rash, and other skin irritations. And calendula tea is a useful remedy for thrush type of yeast overgrowth not uncommon in infants.”

Rosemary Gladstar, from her book Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide


Internally, it can help boost the immune and lymph system, fight fungal infections, reduce inflammation, menstrual cramps, and gastrointestinal upset, as well as keep fevers at bay. It is also an anti-viral. One of the quickest and easiest ways to consume calendula is by making tea, which we’ll cover soon!

Tea

The tea is a mild, slightly bitter beverage that offers a number of health benefits.

It has long been popular in herbal medicine for its alleged healing properties. Tea made from the Calendula officinalis plant is often applied externally to wounds and burns, or taken internally to heal tissues of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.

Nutrition Information

The vitamins and minerals present in calendula tea have not been widely published, and may be negligible.

Like most teas, one cup of unsweetened calendula tea contains:

Nutritional facts of Calendula Tea

  • 0 calories
  • 0 grams of fiber
  • 0 grams of protein
  • 0 mg of sodium
  • 0 grams of fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and sugar

Potential Health Benefits of Calendula Tea

Research suggests that calendula deserves its reputation for wound healing. The herb’s antifungal and antimicrobial properties help prevent infection and heal injuries to body tissues.

This flowering herb is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components, which might help to fight cancer, protect against heart disease, and ease muscle fatigue.

Calendula tea can also:

Help heal your skin. Rather than drank, this tea is usually applied directly to the skin to promote healing. In one study, 78% of participants who treated diabetes-related foot ulcers with calendula tea showed complete healing. Another study showed that 72% of the participants using calendula tea experienced full healing of leg ulcers, compared to fewer than a third of the control group.

Calendula is full of carotenoids and flavonoids, which are known to help lower your risk of cancer and other diseases.

Provide antioxidants. Preliminary research suggests that calendula tea may offer powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Potential Risks

In some cases, calendula tea can cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction when you put it on your skin. Doctors also warn that there may be unexpected interactions when you drink calendula tea and take sedatives.

We need more research to figure out if calendula is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. So for now, women who are either should stay away from calendula tea.

Healthier Alternatives

If you get an allergic reaction from calendula tea, or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, depending on what you were using calendula tea for, there are a number of herbs that can give you similar benefits. Some of these include:

  • Aloe
  • Cayenne
  • Chamomile
  • Echinacea
  • Feverfew
  • Flaxseed
  • Green Tea
  • Lavender
  • Milk Thistle
  • Rosemary
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Turmeric

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
General Wellness recipe

DIY: Fresh Raspberry Jam

I am far from the Goddess in my own Kitchen, but when I have something fresh on hand I am fearless with finding a way to use it… so here is my quick recipe for the fresh raspberries I am pulling from my garden. I hope you enjoy this Fresh Raspberry Jam as much as I do.

Raspberries – use fresh berries in good condition, ideally with some slightly unripe berries as they will contain more pectin.

Sugar – regular granulated sugar is best but you can also use brown sugar… I use 1/2 of the volume of raspberries to reduce the sugars content and bring out the natural sweetness of the berries

Lemon juice – use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The juice is vital, it aids in the setting of the jam. ( today I used a lime, because that is what I had on hand)

Wild Orange Essential Oil – With multiple health benefits from internal use and an uplifting, energizing aroma when used aromatically. This is Cold Pressed/Expressed from the Orange rinds (peel). Main Constituent is Limonene (Limonene acts as an antioxidant in the body, absorbing and removing damaging free radicals before they can injure cells. Dietary limonene may help lower your risk of certain cancers and signs of aging by reducing the amount of oxidative stress on your body).

My most trusted Wild Orange Essential Oil is from doTERRA

– Learn More HERE

Other uses for Wild Orange Oil

Instructions for the Fresh Raspberry Jam:

To begin, place two small saucers or plates in the freezer. You will use these to test when the jam is set.

Sterilize the jars by heating them in the oven. Full directions are in the recipe below.

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the raspberries. Add the raspberries, sugar and lemon juice to a large saucepan and mix well with a wooden spoon.
  2. Turn the heat on low, stir until the sugar dissolves and then increase the heat to a rolling boil. 3. Boil for 10 minutes stirring frequently. Turn off the heat and spoon a little of the jam onto a chilled saucer.
  3. Let it stand for 30 seconds to cool, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles, it is ready. If it is still quite liquid, put it back on the heat and boil for a further 1-2 minutes, and retest.
  4. Allow the Raspberry Jam to sit for 10 minutes before carefully ladling into jars. This helps the chunks of fruit to disperse evenly throughout the jam.
  5. Ladle the hot jam into jars and seal immediately.

Enjoy your delicious jam!

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
General Wellness

Almond Cranberry Protein Bars

These are a delicious and Protein packed option for the bike or road trip!

Finding healthy snacks is no easy task. Grocery store shelves are full of snacks that claim to be “healthy”, but they can still be extremely processed or even contain unhealthy ingredients. The easiest way to get healthy snacks that you actually enjoy is to make your own! 
 

These almond and cranberry protein bars provide a simple, tasty way to fill your belly between meals. With doTERRA Vanilla Protein , Cinnamon oil, and other healthy ingredients (like cranberries, nuts, and oats), this will quickly become your new favorite snack.  

Almond Cranberry Protein Bars Recipe

Ingredients
2 cups oats (these are super affordable and delicious from Amazon)
½ cup raw sunflower seeds (or this seed mix from Yupik on Amazon) 
1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped (I also like to use cocoa coated almonds)
1 cup doTERRA Vanilla Protein 
¼ cup dried cranberries 
¼ cup preferred sweetener (try honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar) 
¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce 
1 teaspoon vanilla 
Pinch of sea salt (optional or you can sprinkle with sea salt before you set them to refrigerate)
1–2 drops Cinnamon essential oil 

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and stir.  
  2. In a small pot, combine the wet ingredients and gently warm on the stove until well combined (normally about two minutes).  
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients and stir to combine.  
  4. Place baking paper into a rectangle pan (OR) you can use can use one of these silicone mold for protein bars that I love to use from Amazon!  
  5. Add the mixture on top of the baking paper and flatten down, pressing to the edge of the pan.  
  6. Refrigerate for an hour to set, then remove and cut into bars and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.  If using the molds… be sure to refrigerate to set form and them pop them out of their forms and store in a airtight container.
You can use cocoa coated almonds too!!

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
General Wellness Getting Started herbs Immune Support

Oregano Essential Oil

doTERRA Oregano Oil

What Is Oregano Oil?


Oregano oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of oregano (Origanum vulgare), a hardy, bushy perennial herb, and a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It’s native to Europe, although it grows in many areas around the world.


The plant grows up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) high, with dark green leaves that are 2 to 3 centimeters (.7 to 1.18 inches) long. The ancient Greeks and Romans have a profound appreciation for oregano, using it for various medicinal uses. In fact, its name comes from the Greek words “oros” and “ganos,” which are words for mountain and joy — oregano literally means “joy of the mountain.”


It was revered as a symbol of happiness, and it was an ancient tradition to crown brides and grooms with a laurel of oregano. There are over 40 oregano species, but the most therapeutically beneficial is the oil produced from wild oregano or Origanum vulgare that’s native to Mediterranean regions.


Beware, though, as many of the oregano oils sold in grocery stores are not made from this variety, and may have little to no therapeutic value.

Opt only for oregano oil made from Origanum vulgare and Thymus capitatus, a variety that grows in Spain. To obtain oregano oil, the dried flowers and leaves of the wild oregano plant are harvested when the oil content of the plant is at its highest, and then distilled. The resulting oil is golden to dark yellow, with a strong spicy odor.


Uses of Oregano Oil:
I highly recommend adding oregano oil to your arsenal of natural healing tools, as it has a wide range of uses. This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. Oregano oil also has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Other ideal uses for oregano oil are:
• Treating foot or nail fungus. Put a few teaspoons of oregano oil in a basin of water and soak your feet in it. You can also dilute the oil (mix a drop with a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil), and then apply it on your nails or skin.
• Help in killing parasites and easing infections. Dilute the oil (mix a drop with a drop of a carrier oil such as coconut oil), and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. Repeat this at least four times a day.
• Alleviating sinus infections and colds. Put a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water, and then inhale the steam.
I also encourage using the antiseptic powers of this herbal oil to clean your home. Here’s one way how: combine four drops of oregano oil with 10 drops of lemon oil and a quarter-cup of white vinegar, and then add to a bucket of water. Use this mixture to wipe and clean surfaces.


Benefits of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has wide-reaching health benefits, but is most associated with respiratory and immune system health. It is known for helping prevent and treat infections, such as:
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria like E. coli, Proteus,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Respiratory infections brought on by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strains.
• Yeast infections, even those that are resistant to the commonly used antifungal drug Diflucan.
• Parasitic infections caused by the amoeba giardia — it was even found to be more effective than antibiotics like Tinidazol.
• Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection — A team of Indian and British researchers found that oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can help kill this deadly superbug.


Oregano oil has also shown promise in preventing food-borne illnesses caused by pathogens like listeria, salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella dysenteria. Adding it to foods not only helps kill the bacteria, but may also alleviate food poisoning symptoms.

An animal study from University of Arizona researchers also found that oregano oil can help kill norovirus, which causes gastroenteritis. Oregano oil is also a prized antiseptic essential oil in aromatherapy because its proportion of phenols is said to be the highest of all aromatic plants.


Aside from using the steam method to help relieve coughs and other respiratory illnesses, you can also use it to:
• Ward off insects. Carvacrol in oregano oil works as a natural insect repellant. Try putting a few drops on outdoor furniture, or apply a diluted mixture on your skin when heading outdoors.
• Relieve bug bites and rashes, including poison ivy rash. Apply oregano oil diluted with olive oil on the affected areas.
• Help heal cold sores, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Some experts also advocate using a diluted version to treat acne and rosacea.
• Ease sore throat. Simply add a few drops to a glass of water. It can help alleviate toothache as well.
• Help relieve muscle and joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sprains, and cramps

Learn more about the benefits of essential oils and how you can incorporated them safely and with confidence. I am passionate about educating others how to seek healthy alternatives. You can attend one of our educational classes HERE

Wholesale Club Pricing

If you are not yet a wholesale member yet, (in my opinion this is better value than Costco or Sams Club), then I would personally like to invite you can join our team to take advantage of these great savings promotions, and additional benefits available to doTERRA members.  JOIN & SAVE

Wholesale Customers who are not Wellness Advocates would need to contact their doTERRA sponsor to enroll someone or simply ask how you can host a class or upgrade your account to enroll someone their self !!

As a Wellness Advocate, you can enroll members, friends, a family from your back office or from your personal doTERRA website (which all Wellness Advocate members have).  It offers a great way to offer insight and information to people regarding the membership and the products and has some great recipes and project ideas too.  CHECK OUT OUR SITE HERE

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
General Wellness

Turkey, Cheese, and Cranberry Mustard Panini

Paninis are perfect for cooler weather!

Left overs are the best! But this panini recipe will have you and your family thinking this is the main dish.

If I have even used sliced turkey from the deli, but use the white meat leftovers after Thanksgiving and be sure to stash away and freeze leftover turkey breast from that delicious bird, you will want to have these again in the future.

The mustard/cranberry spread is so amazing for this recipe you will love it!!

I even used Rosemary Oil in my stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving dinner because I didn’t have fresh or dried rosemary available…

Ingredients

Sliced Whole-wheat Bread
8 oz Turkey Breast
4 oz Cheese sliced (brie or provolone, your choice)
1 cup Cranberry sauce
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tsp Olive Oil
4 tsp ground Mustard
2 drops Rosemary essential oil
Salt

Instructions

1. Mix the cranberry sauce, mustard, olive oil, and Rosemary oil together in a bowl.

2. Heat up a grill or panini press over medium heat.

3. Lay out four slices of bread on the griddle. Layer each slice with cheese of choice, turkey, and a layer of cranberry mustard. Add the second piece of bread to the top and brush with olive oil.

4. Once toasted, cut each panini in half and serve.

No need to thank me, but please comment back and let us know what you think.

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils

Categories
herbs

BASIL

BASIL

Basil herb is originally native to Iran, India, and other tropical regions of Asia. Basil grows best in warm, tropical climates. The fully-grown plant reaches about 100 cm in height. Its leaves vary from light green to dark green and purple, smooth and silky, about 2–6.5 cm long and 1.2–.5 cm broad with the opposite arrangement. The flowers are quite large, white, or purple, arranged in terminal spikes.

HEALTH BENEFITS

1- Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Basil contains powerful essential oils, including eugenol, citronellol, and linalool. These are enzyme-inhibiting oils help lower inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions. Consumption of Basil could also soothe a fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough, flu.

2- Antioxidants Properties:
Basil essential oil has the ability to help fight free radical damage while protecting DNA structure and cells. Basil contains two important water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants, known as orientin and vicenary, which help protect white blood cells responsible for immune function, as well as cellular structures where DNA is stored.

3- Anticancer Properties:
Basil contains phytochemicals that can help prevent cancer, including chemical-induced skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers. Basil is able to increase antioxidant activity, positively alter gene expressions, induce cancerous-cell apoptosis (death of harmful cells), and stop cancerous tumors from spreading.

4- Antibacterial Properties:
Basil essential oils provide protection against harmful bacterial growth. Basil extract is helpful in inhibiting resistant strains of bacteria that do not respond to antibiotic treatments.

5- Antimicrobial Properties:
Basil essential oils have been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses.

6- Improves Digestion:
Basil helps balance acid within the body and restore the body’s proper pH level. It improves digestion and immunity by helping healthy bacteria flourish within the gut microflora, while also decreasing harmful bacteria that can cause disease.

7- Detoxifying:
Consuming Basil extract improves the production of detoxifying enzymes and higher antioxidant defenses which lead to a reduction of fat buildup in the liver that can cause liver disease.

8- Cardiovascular Health:
With both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Basil can help the muscles that control blood vessel function to contract and relax, promoting healthy blood pressure. Basil has the ability to help prevent dangerous platelet aggregation, clumping together of blood platelets that can form a clot within the arteries and cause cardiac arrest. Basil extracts also reduce inflammation that can cause cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteins that are secreted from cell to cell in order to communicate and raise the body’s immune defenses.

9- Antidepressant Properties:
The benefits of Basil also apply to those with mental disorders or mood-related illnesses, including depression and anxiety. Basil is considered an antidepressant since it can positively impact brain function within the adrenal cortex, helping stimulate neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for making a happy and energetic mood.

10- Manages Diabetes:
Basil extracts have been found to reduce circulating blood glucose levels and inflammation, which makes basil protective against diabetes development and other forms of metabolic syndrome. Basil essential oil has the ability to help lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, in which diabetic patients are at a higher risk for developing.

CAUTION

– Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clotting. Large quantity intake could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin.

– Avoid using Basil if allergic or sensitive to it or members of the Lamiaceae (mint) plant family.

– Be cautious about using Basil if having low blood sugar, trying to get pregnant, or take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs.

– Women who are pregnant should avoid Basil since it might cause the uterus to contract.

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils