There are many carrier oils out there that you can use with essential oils. Carrier oils are great when using essential oils topically. Essential oils can be powerful and highly concentrated, and can sometimes cause skin irritation. Carrier oils can also provide needed lubrication during massage when working with larger areas and muscles. Another advantage is that carrier oils don't evaporate like essential oils, and actually aid in absorption.

My personal favorite carrier oil is Coconut Oil. It can be found in whole, solid state, or it can be found in the liquid or "fractionated" form. Because there is no oxidation with fractionated coconut oil, it never goes rancid. You can visit Everything Essential to learn more about the benefits of different carrier oils. 

Another reason I love Coconut Oil so much is that there are hundreds of ways to use it in addition to using it as a carrier oil! There are so many health benefits to using Coconut Oil in your every day life. 

Here are just 101 of those ways to use Coconut Oil: 

1.       A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)

2.       A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat

3.       A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion

4.       A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizz

5.       Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost

6.       After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn

7.       As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)

8.       As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)

9.       As a completely natural baby lotion

10.   As a delicious tropical massage oil

11.   As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora

12.   As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion

13.   As a naturally antibacterial skin cream

14.   As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen

15.   As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe

16.   As a safe cooking oil for deep frying

17.   As an eye-makeup remover

18.   As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours

19.   As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer

20.   Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils

21.   Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu

22.   By itself as a great tanning oil

23.   By itself as a natural deodorant

24.   By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste

25.   Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth

26.   Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea

27.   Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs

28.   Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush

29.   Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally

30.   Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold

31.   Can help improve cholesterol ratios

32.   Can help improve insulin levels

33.   Can help improve sleep when taken daily

34.   Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins

35.   Can help resolve acne when used regularly

36.   Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema

37.   Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily

38.   Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites

39.   Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically

40.   Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth

41.   For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally

42.   I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing

43.   In a filling and energy boosting Brain Power Smoothie

44.   In any recipes where vegetable oils are used

45.   In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-fry or as a dairy free replacement to butter.

46.   In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters

47.   In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars

48.   In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin

49.   In homemade lotion recipes

50.   In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils

51.   In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars

52.   In homemade vapor rub

53.   In making your own Re-mineralizing Toothpaste

54.   In natural homemade diaper cream

55.   In natural Homemade Sunscreen

56.   In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)

57.   Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms

58.   Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness

59.   Internally as part of the protocol to help re-mineralize teeth

60.   Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)

61.   Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat

62.   It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium

63.   It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis

64.   It’s high lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism

65.   Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer

66.   Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)

67.   Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent

68.   Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)

69.   Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet

70.   Naturally clears up cold sores

71.   Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients

72.   Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health

73.   On cuticles to help nails grow

74.   On feet to fight athlete’s foot or fungus

75.   On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin

76.   On split ends to de-frizz

77.   On the skin as a basic lotion

78.   One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.

79.   Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms

80.   Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows

81.   Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick

82.   Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety

83.   Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism

84.   Taken as a supplemental for daily energy

85.   There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast

86.   There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimer’s

87.   To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth

88.   To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning

89.   To help soothe the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy

90.   To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin

91.   To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

92.   To season cast iron skillets

93.   To support healthy thyroid function

94.   Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections

95.   Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection

96.   Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack

97.   When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production

98.   When taken regularly, it can help fight candida

99.   When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite

100.                        Whipped with Shea butter for a soothing body balm

101.                        With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works

Here are some links to more inforamtion on the many uses for Coconut Oil: 

333 Uses for Coconut Oil

107 Uses for Coconut Oil 

50 Ways to use Coconut Oil

76 Genius Ways to use Coconut Oil

Do you know of more ways to use Coconut Oil? We'd love for you to share them! Please comment below with your favorite way to use Coconut Oil. 

I invited my sweet friend Joy to visit and tell you her story. Joy and I have known each other for over 20 years, and she has always been a special friend to me. We spent some of our "wild" years together, then both grew into the role of wife and mother. I am so blessed to have her as my friend and love the woman that she has become. 

Here is Joy's story.... 

You see, a month before my third birthday, my life was almost stolen.  I was born just like any other baby.  I grew and developed just like any other child.  One August afternoon, as my mom was painting our backyard fence I was playing on our patio by our pool.  Before my precious mom knew it, a toy had fallen into the deep end and I went in after it.  Not knowing the dangers that the water can hold, my little body lay lifeless.  

Before I continue, I want you to know, I do not fault my mom.  I hold her in very high regard!  She is my best friend and has been there for me through thick & thin. In fact, I believe that it was her faith & perseverance that brought me through the first stages of my healing.  And it is her faith & perseverance that I now am able to call my own!  She is my hero!! I am told that my sister (age 7) discovered what had happened and without thought she dove in after me.  She too is my hero!!  My brother (age 10) had just learned CPR in the boy scouts (now that is God!) and he became my breath all the way to the hospital.   He too is my hero!

This tragic event in my life was necessary for the Lord to be glorified!!  I need you to know, that when I feel the cruel pangs of “why me” or self-pity, I remember how far God has healed me and His promise to bring my body into full restoration!!  MY LORD JESUS CHRIST, NEVER GOES BACK ON HIS PROMISES!!!!  Oh yes my life has been tough and there are things that I would like to experience like running and jumping and, of course, driving!  But it is just as well, because I probably would have given my mom heart failure with the wild things I might have tried to do in my youth.   

As a result of my drowning, my brain was deprived of oxygen. I was declared dead on arrival!!  Everything that I had learned how to do in life was gone.  I was declared a vegetable, my doctors told my parents to go ahead & give up on me I would NEVER improve and they would be happy to recommend some fine institutions that would adequately meet my “special needs”.  My mom (the SUPERMOM she is) would not hear of this.  She would not send me to a cold heartless institution.  I remember how grateful I was when I fully understood what a true gift that was.  I remember being quite young & visiting a local “home” in the 1970’s. The kid’s looked so lonely and it broke my heart.  I know that if my parents had chosen to follow the doctors’ advice, I would not have realized my full potential; I would not be the woman I am today!

Today I am married to the Love of my Life for 16 years strong!!  Together we share 3 amazing mighty men, 14, 12 and 5.  I am a stay at home mom, I serve at my church and I love coming along side of my friends helping them in any way that I can.

If you would like to learn more about Joy's business and the amazing products she creates, please visit her Sheer Joy Scents website or like her Facebook page. 

Slim & Sassy Trimshakes, like the Slim & Sassy essential oil, help curb your appetite and over eating, even carbohydrate cravings! Trimshakes also help enhance energy levels. They are low-fat, low-calorie, high-protien, high-fiber. On top of that, they are delicious! 

You can mix Trimshake with unsweetened Almond Milk, Water, Coconut Water, or any thing else you can think of. 

There are LOTS of recipes for Trimshakes. Try one or make up your own! 

For more ideas on Trimshake recipes, check out my Trimshake page.

I found this picture the other day. This is so true for me. I want to inspire people. Not for the credit or the recognition, but because others have inspired me. Many probably without even realizing it.

How can you inspire someone today? How can you make a difference in someone's life? Sometime it's something as simple as listening,  or sharing a smile. Other times it may be the way you live your life, or how you treat others.

What inspires you? How in your life has made a difference? Have you told them?

A few years ago, my family and I were in a pretty bad financial situation. At the time, my husband and I could barely afford to feed our children. Somehow, a friend of mine found out. One night she gave me a call and said she would be in my area, and could she stop by. When she showed up, she walked in with bags of groceries that had been donated by others. She had reached out and asked for donations, without letting any of our mutual friends know who it was for.

I will never forget that feeling of gratefulness and profound inspiration. Since then, I have done my best to do the same for others. Not for the recognition, but because I know how it feels and how much that simple act was appreciated.

I would love to hear from everyone on what or who has inspired them or made a difference in their lives. I invite everyone to comment below with their stories.

Recently, several friends have asked me "What oils can help with...?". I always love this question. If I don't know the answer off the top of my head, I love researching for them to find out the different options they might have. Here are a few that people have asked me about recently... 

Insomnia can be caused by many different things, and can manifest in many different ways. Some people may have a hard time falling asleep, others might have a hart time staying asleep, while even others might not get the deep and restful sleep that they need. 

There are several oils that can help with insomnia. Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Serenity and Ylang Ylang are some. Others that may help are Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary and Wild Orange. 

Personally I use Lavender and/or a blend of Serenity and Balance. Every night I rub Lavender mixed with Coconut Oil on the bottom of my children's feet to help them relax and calm down after a day of activity at school and martial arts. After a full day of work, running around with the kids and trying to keep up with the house, my mind just cfan't stop. I rub a few drops of Serenity and Balance on my pillow case, sheets, forehead and temples, and I am off to dream land, usually within a few minutes. Not only does it help me fall asleep, but I get a deeper, more restful sleep as well. 

Another option as well is to difuse any of these oils in your room while you are sleeping. DoTERRA just introduced a new difuser, and I'm so excited about it! 

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis can both be very painful and debilitating, and originate from an inflammatory condition of the joints. 

Oils that can help with arthritis are Birc, Deep Blue, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Oregano, Peppermint, Vetiver and Wintergreen. Also, Eucalyptus, Geranium, German Chamomile, Ginger, Lime and Sandalwood. Other products that can help are AromaTouch Technique, Deep Blue Rub, GX Assist and Life Long Vitality.

Equal drops of Wintergreen, Lemongrass, Frankincense, and Eucalyptus blended with a 50% carrier of coconut oil has been found by some to be the effective formula for arthritic pain. An oil or blend should be applied directly to the affected areas using light massage. Use a hot compress after massage application for deeper penetration and relief. For further relief use a local bath for the hands or feet. Fill a bath bowl with hot water. Add 3-4 drops of the oil or blend and soak your hands or feet till the water begins to cool. Agitate the water often to keep the oils well mixed with the water.

Essential oils are not a cure for health issues. They aren't medications. However, with that being said, I have used them and have seen first hand how they allow the body to heal itself. Whatever the health issue might be, there is probably am essential oil out there that can help. If one oil doesn't work for you, or one protocol doesn't work, try another. We are all different, so essential oils work differently for each person. I invite you to try them for yourself and see what works for you. 

For more information on what essential oils have been found beneficial for different health issues, I enjoy going to Everything Essential website or my Modern Essentials App. Both list health concerns and what oils can help, as well as different uses and benefits of each oil and blend of oils from doTERRA. 

Last week I posted a survey and asked for ideas on what subjects people might want to see in my future blog posts. One of the requests was to see ideas on how to use the essential oils that I love so much. 

There are many essential oils out there, and each has a multitude of ways you can  use them and what they can help with. As we get into flu season, one of my favorite oils is OnGuard. Made up of Cinnamon, Clovebud, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Wild Orange, this blended oil addresses bacteria, immune system support, mold, topical disinfectant and viruses. Below are 52 uses for this antimicrobial blend of essential oils. 

1. Mix with a Tbsp of water, gargle for 1 minute then swallow at the on-set of a sore throat.

2. Put 5 drops oregano and 5 drops on guard in a 00 capsule and take 3 times daily at the onset of cold or flu symptoms.

3. Put on the soles children’s feet at night during cold & flu season to support immune system.

4. Put several drops on a bowl of hot water and breathe in the vapors as it begins to volatilize when you have lung congestion.

5. Put 50 drops in a spray bottle with 30 oz of distilled water. Shake often and use to sanitize kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

6. Add to your dishwasher for micro clean dishes.

7. Add to your laundry cycle for micro clean clothes.

8. Add to your mop water for cleaner floors.

9. Apply to bee and insect stings to neutralize the toxin and relieve the pain.

10. Gargle and brush daily for healthy teeth and gums and to prevent and treat gum disease.

11. Apply to gums and teeth, or swish with 5 drops of On Guard & 1 Tbsp of water for pain relief from toothaches and after dental work.

12. Diffuse in homes or business to kill air borne pathogens, inhibit mold and build immune systems.

13. Put a few drops on air filters when changing them to kill pathogens in the duct work.

14. Add to Emergen-C or orange juice to help congestion and fight flu and cold.

15. Put a drop in your mouth and push or squeeze it around to relive smoking urges. (enhance with an extra drop or two of clove.)

16. For warts, apply topically, rotating between oregano & frankincense.

17. Apply a drop on a pets sore or wound to enhance healing.

18. Have the diffuser going in your home when the kids come home to ward off germs.

19. Make an antibiotic blend using On Guard (12 drops) Oregano (6 drops) Frankincense (2 drops) in a 00 gel cap.

20. Add 15 drops to every cup of corn starch, mix and sprinkle on carpet. Rake, leave for 1 hour then Vacuum for micro clean carpet.

21. Mix a 2-3 drops of on guard and 2 drops of lemon essential oil with honey or agave in a teaspoon for a cold or cough relief medicine for kids.

22. Gargle with 1 tbps of water and 1 drop each of lemon and on guard hourly for laryngitis.

23. Put several drops on the HVAC vents of a hotel room or office to kill airborne pathogens and germs.

24. Mix with baking soda to clean bathtubs.

25. Apply neat to the toes and nails to combat fungus.

26. Combine 2 tbps of water with 5 drops of on guard in a small glass and store your toothbrush overnight to sanitize.

27. Use a 50/50 mix of on guard and purified water and spray onto oven interior. Leave for 15 minutes, then wipe away greasy spots.

28. Apply to hands to remove stubborn, sticky substances like tree sap.

29. Add to the water in your vacuum cleaner/steamer to disinfect the carpet.

30. Put a few drops in your vacuum bag to kill pathogens.

31. Put 15 drops in a 6oz spray bottle, shake and spray rooms, desks, or bed sheets to protect against pathogens.

32. Clean the upholstery and dashboard of your car.

33. Gargle with on guard and 1 tbsp of water prior speaking engagements or singing performances.

34. Rub on stains as a pre-wash stain remover.

35. Add 3 drops to your tooth brush and brush every day for a healthy mouth and to prevent cavities, gum disease.

36. Apply to teeth that have been damaged or broken to help them heal.

In a glass bottle, make an on guard spray with 15 drops for every 6 oz of water – use the spray for…

37. Wipe doorknobs and other things touched by the public.

38. Wipe dirty piano keys to clean and disinfect.

39. Use to clean children’s hands when traveling.

40. Use on the steering wheel and gearshift of your vehicle.

41. Use on public telephones to remove germs.

42. Use on public computer keyboards and mice.

43. Use as an underarm deodorant.

44. Spray on hands before and after shaking hands with a lot of people.

45. Spray in public restrooms on airplanes to reduce airborne bacteria.

46. Carry for protection in countries with cholera, malaria or dysentery.

47. Use as an air freshener for cooking odors or other unwanted smells.

48. Take to the gym and spray all the equipment you use.

49. Take to the supermarket and use to disinfect shopping cart handles.

50. Use in the classroom for desks, tables and other items handled by children.

51. Spray in your mouth and throat at first onset of cold or bronchitis.

52. Spray on shower stalls and bathroom walls to disinfect and remove mold.

Want a sample of OnGuard to try? Complete the form below and I'll mail you a free sample! (while supplies last, no purchase neccessary)

After dropping the kids at school this morning and doing a few morning chores, I sat down at my computer and was browsing through Facebook posts, when I came across one from an old friend from elementary school. (Yes, I still keep in touch with people 30 years later. My husband thinks I'm nuts.) In the post, she talked about how she went to the nail salon for the first time after having a double mastectomy, and the reactions of people there, and how she felt. Throughout the post, she and other friends who have also fought breast cancer, talked about their different treatments that they went through, some of the side effects, and just how they felt in general. 

This is such an important topic to me. You see, not only do I have these beautiful friends who have fought cancer, I also have several family members as well. Not just breast cancer, but leukemia, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and several other types of cancer. I, myself, have even been diagnosed with cervical dysplasia (pre cancer).

Being who I am, I want to do anything I can to help. Unfortunately I am not a doctor. I don't know the latest treatments out there. I don't know what is the best option for my family and friends. It is so frustrating for me to not be able to do anything. So I research... 

Of course, my research leads me to essential oils. This is what I know, this is what I trust. And I find some options. I find hope. 

I find that there are several essential oils that can help with different types of cancer, as well as the pain and other symptoms that go along with it. My first stop on my road to researching is the new Everything Essential. I love this site. Here is what I found...

The site goes on to talk about a protocol that was provided from someone else doing research. It talks about how when you go through chemotherapy, not only do the medications kill off the cancer cells, but they can also kill off the good ones to. They found during their research that when using the essential oils during chemo treatment, the rate of the healthy cells dying was less than 25 per 100 healthy cells! The essential oils were inhibiting the cancer cells by 50% or more, but the healthy cells by no more than 25%! This is phenomenal!

(Oils in BOLD inhibited cancer cells up to 70%, sometimes up to 90%)

• Cervical Cancer:  Galbanum, Hyssop, Patchouli, Douglas Fir, Thyme (linalol), Tsuga, Tarragon, Nutmeg, Geranium, Sage, Sandalwood, White Fir, Dill, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Tangerine, Melaleuca, Ravensara, Thyme, Valerian
• Prostate Cancer: Western Red Cedar, Myrtle, Thyme
• Breast Cancer: Myrtle, Sandalwood
• Skin Cancer: Tsuga, Grapefruit, Hyssop, Tarragon, Thyme, Thyme (linalol)

    
The following oils inhibited two or more cancer cell lines: Hyssop, Myrtle, Sandalwood, Tarragon, Thyme, Thyme (linalool), Tsuga

There are many other websites out there that provide information on essential oils and how they can help fight cancer. I may not be a doctor, I may not have any miracle that can cure cancer, but what I have found gives me hope. This is what I can do for my family and friends, share this hope with them. 

For anyone reading this who is fighting cancer, or has a loved one fighting, this is my gift to you. I give you my hope and prayers. 

I have learned so much since I started looking into essential oils and all they could do for my family. I didn't start out knowing everything right away. It took some research and a lot of great suggestions from others to learn what I know now, and I still have a long way to go. 

I thought today I would share some great places to find important information on Essential Oils with you. 

One of my favorite go-to sources for information on essential oils and what health concerns they can help with is my Modern Essentials App. It is available for both iPhones and Androids. 

This app lists all the doTERRA single oils and what they can be used for. It also lists many health concerns and what oils are helpful for them as well, including many protocols or how to use the oils to help. 

The app is $6.99, but I found that it was well worth the money spent on it. 

Another of my favorite go-to spots for information on essential oils it Everything Essential. This is a great website to visit to learn more about essential oils, both single oils and blends, and what health concerns they can help with. You can search by the oil itself, or by the health concern. 

Also included on this website are suggested protocols, experiences and testimonials from others who have used the essential oils for the specific health concerns, and information on diet and nutrition. You can also find out more about how to apply the oils, the history and science behind them, as well as hints and tips. 

There is also a free app that you can download for this website as well. A convenient way to access the site whenever you are on the go. 

doTERRA blog is a terrific place to find all kinds of information on essential oils. Here you will find spotlights on specific oils, DIY projects, recipes, ideas on healthy living and much more! 

There are even links to the Living Magazine and Leadership Magazine on the website as well. These magazines include lots of great ideas, tips, recipes and information on the doTERRA business as well. Both definitely a must read if you want to learn about essential oils or are thinking about starting your own doTERRA business. 

And finally, my personal favorite site to find and purchase essential oils, of course, is doTERRA. I know there are several other companies that sell essential oils, and I am sure that they are wonderful, but doTERRA is what I feel comfortable using for my family. These are the oils that have shown me, without a shadow of a doubt, that essential oils and natural healthcare are my first line of defense with my family. I can't tell you how grateful I am for them, and what they have done for my family. I personally use these every day, for myself, my husband, my children (diluted of course) and even for our dog Nellie. I encourage you to try them out and let me know what you think. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or even for samples. I'd love to share with you.