oils

An Oily Day in the Life

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I use my oils daily, for sure.  Some days more than others, some days less.  Here’s what I did yesterday (meant to post this yesterday…. oops).

8:30 – I took a shower and washed my hair with my homemade shampoo.  I just do an equal mix of coconut milk, castille soap, a splash of jojoba oil.  Every time I wash my hair, I just put a drop or two of essential oils in a little bowl with a small amount of my shampoo.  Today I used a drop of Rosemary and a drop of Lavender.  They are both really good supports for the scalp and hair and I often use them.  Sometimes I choose oils that will support my mood, rather than my scalp.  Sometimes I choose ones that just smell good.  I also use the shampoo as my body wash.

8:45 – My after-shower routine is pretty set.  I always put diluted Thieves on my feet for immune support.  Then I put a drop of Frankincense on the roof of my mouth to feel grounded and support basically all of my body’s systems (more about Frank here).  Then I put on my face lotion with a drop of something added – usually Patchouli or more Frankincense.  I also put some Progessence Plus Serum on my neck or forearms for amazing hormonal support.

9:30 – I started diffusing 3 drops of Grapefruit with 5 drops of Idaho Blue Spruce.  Such a good combo.  Megan got me into citrus/tree blends because they’re awesome.

11:00 – I added a drop of Lime Vitality (FDA approved for ingesting) to my water as I was making lunch for the girls.

11:30 – I used my roller bottle of Stress Away diluted with sweet almond oil.

1:45 – I switched it up in my diffuser and went with Christmas Spirit because it’s too hot and I’m ready for cozy smells and chilly air.

4:45 – Alma needed a little emotional support, so she put her Gentle Baby roller bottle on her belly.

8:35 – After a fun, sugary birthday party for Kylie, the girls totally needed help getting settled down for sleep, so I put some Palo Santo in their diffuser.

9:30 – I threw some Lavender in my diffuser, read for a bit and fell right asleep.

I use a lot of other Young Living products during the day (deodorant, laundry soap, cleaner, etc) but I only wrote down the actual oils I used.  How do you use your oils?  I’d love to get some more worked into my routine and am always looking for ideas!

My Favorite Essential Oil – Frankincense

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How do you choose a favorite out of all the favorites? I mean, there are the oils that help elevate my mood, the oils that I turn to for support throughout the month, the oils that support my skin, my hair, my family.  But there’s one oil that can do pretty much all those things, so I’d say it’s my favorite and it’s Frankincense.

I love how scents can totally take you back to a memory.  When I first smelled Frankincense, it instantly reminded me of growing up at my church and smelling the incense on the Sundays when they would use the thurible (I just learned that this is the word for the incense burner that’s swung around on the chain) during the processional.

It also reminded me of all the old churches and cathedrals in Europe, where the centuries of burned incense have built up on the walls and pews and floors, connecting each pilgrim and visitor with its history.  Every time I smell Frankincense, I remember Notre Dame in Paris, St. Paul’s in London, Aya Sofya in Istanbul, Santa Croce in Florence and I’m right back in those places, feeling the immense feelings of humanity and history and faith.

Frankincense can be used to help me feel grounded and peaceful.  I use it every morning and I have been trying to say an affirmation as I smell it and apply it.  The affirmation changes, as I’m trying to find the right one that fits.  Here’s one that I found in the Book of Common Prayer that is meant for Evening Prayer, but works any time of day, really – “Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”  I love that visual – that our prayers and intentions are lifted like the smoke rising from the thurible.

Frankincense is also amazing for other reasons.  First of all, it is so great for supporting the skin, especially aging and dry skin.  It has been used in medication for thousands of years – in fact it was mentioned in the oldest known medical records, the Ebers Papyrus from ancient Egypt.  It also supports our body’s natural response to inflammation and is an incredible support to our immune systems.  Just google it to find out more than I can say here.  It’s amazing.

So, Frankincense supports my skin, my body, and my mind.  What’s not to love?