Each of these plants contains a small percentage of essential oil which varies from plant to plant. How much of a percentage together with the method of extraction and availability, usually determines its price. For example it takes more than three times the weight of rose petals to lavender flowers to extract the same volume of essential oil and this is primarily why rose oil commands such a premium price over lavender.

Essential oils have been utilized by man for their therapeutic benefits for thousands of years. Records going as far back as Ancient Egypt show the High Priests and Royal Family members used essential oils in skin care cosmetics, perfumes, medicines and massage oils. It has been said Christ Himself was anointed with Spikenard signifying the link between Body, Mind and Spirit and the use of essential oils in healing.

The physical side of Aromatherapy as energy medicine is the breaking down of these so called components of essential oils (their chemistry, biophysics etc) into antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral to name just a few physical actions. On the other hand Spiritual or subtle energy is present in all organic life. It flows through us all and is also known among other names as qi or chi (Chinese) or as prana (Sanskrit) the lifeforce that emanates from all living things. So too the uniquely delicate energy captured within the essential oils such as rose or neroli reminds us of gentle love and the beauty that abounds not only in nature but also within ourselves. This subtle energy vibrates at the souls level wrapping us in the wings of an angel.

So when we use essential oils in everyday life, either through inhalation for a cold or in a carrier oil for a relaxing massage or simply diffusing the oils a distinctly different energy is created within our being. Each essential oil is a holistic creation that has the intelligence capable of influencing us on a physical, emotional or spiritual level. When using essential oils harmonically our life force has the subtle potential to transform dynamically.

The following oils will naturally harmonize and enhance each other. Neroli (orange blossom) with it’s delicate and sophisticated scent calms the nerves and uplifts the Spirit. It is a sensual oil that is both soothing for negative emotions and harmoniously grounding. Orange (fruit) is a sweet, warm and joyful oil. It conveys an easy-going approach for the obsessive perfectionist types. Lastly, Petitgrain (stem) is bitter and herbaceous instilling comfort and settling emotions.

Such is my own Aromatherapy initiation back as a young adult when I started wandering in and out of health food stores playing with oils AND when I visited a natural beauty therapist who used Aromatherapy skincare products. I can distinctly recall how deeply relaxed and calm I felt following the Rose, Sandalwood and Lavender essential oil facial steam. That experience has stayed with me long after days gone by.  Of course there are certain scents that trigger not so pleasant memories….

Young Living Essential Oils

You can put them in your bath, use them in candles and diffusers, or anoint yourself with them. The most traditional areas to anoint are the centre of the forehead and the crown. But you can also benefit from anointing your psychic centre, your chakras, your wrists, throat, ankles and the back of your neck.

Here are some of the most “essential” essential oils and their psychic and spiritual properties:

Cinnamon Essential Oil: Purifying, healing, empowering, protective. Stimulates visions, strengthens focus, attracts wealth, love and harmony. Opens Root Chakra, aids in connecting with guides. Associated with the Element of Fire. Be careful as it can be an irritant.

Frankincense Essential Oil: Uplifting, balancing, purifying, protective. Good for meditation and connecting with guides. Promotes enlightenment, multidimensional awareness, transcendence. Dispels negativity. Associated with the Element of Fire.

Jasmine Essential Oil: Balancing, inspiring, sensual. Attracts love, romance and sex. Stimulates psychic dreams, astral projection, creativity and visions. Encourages compassion and transcendence. Aids meditation. Associated with the Element of Water.

Lavender Essential Oil: Integrating, balancing, healing, protective, purifying. Aids meditation, stimulates dream recall and clairvoyance. Opens Third-Eye Chakra. Associated with the element of Air.

Mugwort: Psychic stimulant. Opens Root Chakra. Promotes visions, prophetic dreams, astral projection. Its difficult to find this special oil ~ if you see it somewhere please let me know – ta xx

Myrrh Essential Oil: Grounding, healing, protective, purifying. Clears blocks. Encourages enlightenment, transcendence. Good for meditation and blessings.

Patchouli Essential Oil: Grounding. Attracts money, love and sex. Dispels negativity, stimulates spiritual growth. Great for divination and self-hypnosis.

Rose Essential Oil: Cleansing, healing, balancing, protective. Opens Heart Chakra, attracts love. Stimulates creativity, assists in letting go. Use for divination and blessings.

Rosemary Essential Oil: Protective, cleansing, psychic stimulant. Opens Heart Chakra and Third-Eye Chakra. Promotes visions, creativity and past life-recall. Dispels negativity.

Sandalwood Essential Oil (when possible I prefer to use the Western Australian Sandalwood): Purifying, protective, healing. Opens Sacral Chakra. Good for meditation, astral projection, manifesting, blessings, house cleansings and releasing the past. Dispels negativity.

Many Blessings, enjoy, JJx

Using essential oils and herbs in a recipe enhances the quality of the meal. In fact, I prefer to use essential oils for increased therapeutic benefit. Herbs make a lovely presentation on the plate and most are able to be eaten raw.

Every Goddess who loves gourmet cooking should be adding at least one essential oil and herbs to their main meal. Essential oils and herbs bring out the aroma and make your taste buds soar! Not to mention the therapeutic benefit of essential oils! Of course, if you are going to eat it, don’t fool around with cheap essential oils. Pure, organic, and therapeutic is what we are looking for.

If the essential oil bottle does not contain all the relevant information, do not use it for cooking.

So how do you use essential oil and herbs in cooking? Very sparingly! Remember, essential oils are concentrated. For example, 1000kg of thyme plant material produces approximately 200mL of essential oil! This also accounts for some of the price differences between essential oils. Some produce significantly more oil and some produce less. These are the most expensive.

The number one rule for recipes using essential oils is to use minimal amounts. 1-2 drops is usually enough for adding or replacing herbs. Drop onto a spoon first to avoid adding too much in the recipe. For strong tasting essential oils (eg. basil, sage, oregano, rosemary), use a toothpick and dip into the bottle. Swirl the toothpick through the food.

Essential oils and herbs make meals healthy and tasty. If you can, grow you own herbs.

Remember, herbs are best for decoration and most are able to be eaten raw.

Essential oils and herbs for gourmet cooking can be added to any recipe – sweet or savoury. Of course, some are more suitable to one or the other. Some are easy to use in both sweet and savoury recipes.

Be careful when you add the oils. Essential oils are extremely volatile. Don’t add essential oils and cook it for hours as it may alter the chemical constituents of the essential oil and it will lose all its therapeutic benefits.

So rule number 2 is…recipes using essential oils must add the essential oil towards the end of cooking for best aroma and taste. This helps to keep as much of the therapeutic quality as possible.

OK, now we know the “how” and “when” for gourmet cooking using essential oils and herbs. We just need the “what” oils for “what” recipes! Here are my top 10 essential oils and herbs for cooking (use both essential oils and herbs if you can):

Lemon can be added to cakes, stir through muesli in the morning, add to juices. Remember the old remedy your gran used to make when you had a cold? Lemon and honey. Try adding a couple of drops of lemon essential oil to enhance the blend.

Black Pepper can be added to dips, sauces, soups. My favourite way to use black pepper essential oil is to mash an avocado, add a drop of lemon and black pepper oil, mix and serve on toast. Easy! Did you know black pepper helps to aid digestion and assists with elimination of toxins. Fantastic for losing excess fat!

Peppermint can be added to anything chocolate to give a choc-mint flavour! Yummy! A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil in a cool glass of water is very refreshing and energising. Peppermint water may counteract sweet cravings too. Try it! Try adding some slices of fresh lemon too!

Oregano essential oil for the Italian food lover! I add a drop or two in a tomato sauce base to serve with pasta. A drop on a toothpick and swirled around on the base of a pizza is great. Add to pesto or other herb based sauce. Delicious!

Orange just like lemon essential oil, it can be added to cakes, muesli and juice. Try a mix of orange essential oil and lemon essential oil. For a jaffa taste, add orange essential oil to anything chocolate! A couple of drops in a glass of water is very tasty and gives you a lift. Add some fresh orange slices to the water for added appeal!

Ginger essential oil is very versatile. It can be used for sweet or savoury foods. For savoury, add to soups, stir-fry (authentic Asian taste!) or other Asian food. For sweet try adding to chocolate sauces, biscuits and jam.

Cinnamon Bark essential oil can be added to cakes, biscuits, and juices. It may also be added to chocolate recipes for a luxurious treat!

Basil essential oil is great for Italian food too! It also tastes great mixed with an avocado and a couple of drops of lemon too. Add to soups and other savoury dishes. Very nice added to sauces. Freshly torn basil sprinkled onto a pizza just before serving is one of my favourites! Great use of essential oils and herbs!

Sage esential oil is a fantastic all-rounder for savoury dishes. Add to sauces, burger mixes (especially my favourite vege burger mix!), and soup for a taste sensation. Be creative – add to any existing savoury recipe that calls for herbs or spices. Use fresh sprigs for any savoury meal. Gourmet cooking at its best! This is another example where you can use essential oil and herbs together to enhance the flavour of the meal.

Grapefruit essential oil is great for a recipe that requires a citrus taste. Add to punch, jelly, or to a favourite fresh juice for extra zing. It is also great to add to water and may help to control appetite. So there you have it – my top ten essential oil and herbs (and fruit!) for gourmet cooking. I highly recommend using at least one essential oil and herbs as needed to your main meal.

What do you think? Can you see new potential for that boring soup, salad dressing or juice? There are plenty of other types of essential oil and herbs that may be used for cooking – of course the essential oils must be pure!

ENJOY

visit the Avalon Essences Young Living Essential oils Online Shop for all your Essential oils

But of course this fabulous little Do it yourself Facial Massage can be done anytime

This technique brings blood to the surface, clears out puffiness, and reduces fatigue in the skin AND a great way to loosen muscles scrunched into habitual expressions

How?

Starting at the chin, move your hands in small circles and continue to the cheeks, around the eyes, and to the forehead. By doing this, you’re stimulating circulation and bringing more nutrients to the skin. Follow with a warm compress to increase the absorption of the serum.

Here are some DIY recipes based on your type of skin:

For Dry Skin

Ingredients

In a glass bottle add

• 15ml avocado oil
• 15ml evening primrose oil
• 6 drops rose geranium essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops German chamomile essential oil

Directions
Pour in the avocado oil. Add essential oils, cap bottle, and shake well. Top off with the evening primrose oil and shake again.

For Oily Skin

Ingredients

In a glass bottle add

• 15ml apricot oil
• 15ml jojoba oil
• 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops juniper essential oil
• 4 drops neroli essential oil

Directions
Pour in the apricot oil. Add essential oils, cap bottle, and shake well. Top off with the jojoba oil and shake again.

For Sensitive Skin

Ingredients

In a glass bottle add

• 15ml jojoba oil
• 15ml rosehip seed oil
• 3 drops Frankinsence essential oil
• 2 drops German chamomile essential oil
• 6 drops rose geranium essential oil

Directions
Pour in the jojoba oil. Add essential oils, cap bottle, and shake well. Top off with the rosehip seed oil and shake again.

Love who you are

ENJOY xxx

Young Living Essential Oils Mission Statement:

“Young Living Essential Oils Champions nature’s living energy-essential oils-by fostering a community of healing and discovering while inspiring individuals to wellness, purpose, and abundance.”

Young Living Essential Oils was founded by Gary Young . It is an MLM Company that  offers opportunity to serious people, who love the products and have a vision for a healthier world,  looking for financial freedom. To make an income by doing what you love to do, share information and inspire people toward a healthier lifestyle The company produces natural products  for beauty and general well being of a person all with the addition of the highest quality therapeutic grade essential oil.

Their unique approach includes the production of many of their oils from seed to bottle. Their diligence in producing the highest quality oil and carefully maintaining the integrity of the healing benefits of the oils is their special ingredient.

Young Living exists because their products are superior and work, and by sharing these products with people seeking wellness, you are rewarded with a wonderful business opportunity. When you become a distributor in the company, you will have access to their training material such as brochures, catalogs, DVDs, CDs and other marketing tools.

Marketing Strategies:

Young Essential Oils and Network Marketing.

Network marketing allows you to have the personal freedom that you desire. Unlike other home run businesses, this type of venture will not take up all of your free time. You have the opportunity to spend as much time as you like with your family at home. You are able to be your own boss and tackle tasks as and when you want. There is no need to ask anyone for permission as you do when you work for somebody else. You can create your own schedule and plans and focus on the areas you want – making it very stress free.

You get to choose the team that works with you, ensuring each member shares common goals towards success. As you benefit directly from your colleagues success you will soon find that motivation is a natural part of network marketing – as everyone benefits in a kind of cycle. Unlike other industries that focus on your own personal success, network marketing benefits everyone, so the more people on board, the better.

With this kind of business opportunity, there is the potential to earn as much or as little as you like. The more people you sign up, the higher your income will be, so it can be worth a little bit of hard work to begin with in order to reap substantial rewards in the future. Also, as network marketing requires a lot of interaction with others, you get the chance to develop your selling skills, as well as building your confidence and self esteem. Good network marketers can turn any social interaction into a business deal – either to sell or to sign up.

With Young Living, network marketing brings a sense of community, sharing what you are passionate about, which may be the oils or beauty products or health products or all of the above. Modalities specific to the use of YL essential oils such as Raindrop Technique and Emotional Clearing are wonderful adjuncts for therapists.

Young Living is an opportunity to inspire others to healthy living by being a active part of a world change.  Becoming active and passionate with sharing the benefits of  these wonderful products, while inspiring people towards a chemical free lifestyle will help you to build a real residual income with Young Living Essential Oils company if you so desire.

The initial cost depends on the amount of training material you decide to buy , that is why it varies from distributor to distributor.

The Product:

Young Living sells therapeutic high grade essential oils and health products containing the highest grade therapeutic oils. They are known for their supreme quality and dedication to health lifestyle in a healthy world. Young Living Essential Oils company sell variety of natural products and supplement such as  beauty products, omega -3, Skin & body care products, omega blue, NingXia Red which is high in antioxidant and much more.

Compensation Plan:

Just like any Network marketing company, you get paid from your direct sales of the product and also from the new distributors you personally bring on board.

You also get paid  a percentage from the profit of your personal recruits. Meaning you can earn money without you personally having to sell the product. So if you are a great recruiter, then you can just focus on bringing new distributors to the company.

I find the products are so fantastic that once people start using them and are inspired to a better lifestyle they would not be without them.

Support: As a distributor , you will receive lots of support to make sure you have the right tools and well equipped to succeed in your business. You join under a distributor in this case me who will share knowledge, friendship and experience to assist you in building you own team.

You will be given marketing tools such as brochures, DVD, CDs  in your start living kit which is purchased upon joining for $45. There are no start up fee’s.

Since this is  your own business, you work only when it is convenient for you. You can put as little or more into the business as you choose to, all the while enjoying the products and learning to improve your own life.

Those who are really passionate and who really want to make a fortune push themselves to achieve, so they can attain their financial freedom and then relax. This is a choice.

YL have conventions that are reasonably priced in America, Europe and Australia. These are always fun, inspiring and full of free gifts and information that is scientific and supportive to a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion:

If you are interested I would love to meet you or talk about how you can become a part of our Young Living family and earn an income with products you feel passionate about and which will help people improve their lives. I have met amazing people and learned so much on my journey with this company it has been a joy.

Health and Happiness ~ Jennine

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS DISTRIBUTOR: 1310469

Visit my Young Living online shop and website to learn more

1. Rub Lavender oil on the feet for a calming effect on the body.
2. Rub a drop of Lavender oil on your palms and smooth on your pillow to help you sleep.
3. Put a drop of Lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching and reduce swelling.
4. Put 2-3 drops of Lavender oil on a minor burn to decrease pain.
5. Drop Lavender oil on a cut to stop the bleeding.
6. Mix several drops of Lavender oil with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil and use topically on eczema and dermatitis.
7. To alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, place a drop of Lavender oil on the end of the tongue or around the naval or behind the ears.
8. To stop a nosebleed, put a drop of Lavender oil on a tissue and wrap it around a small chip of ice. Push the tissue covered ice chip up under the middle of the top lip to the base of the nose and hold as long as comfortable or until the bleeding stops (do not freeze the lip or gum).
9. Rub a drop of Lavender oil over the bridge of the nose to unblock tear ducts.
10. Rub Lavender oil on dry or chapped skin.
11. Rub a drop of Lavender oil on chapped or sunburned lips.
12. To reduce or minimize the formation of scar tissue, massage Lavender oil on and around the affected area.
13. Rub 2 – 4 drops of Lavender oil over the armpit area to act as a deodorant.
14. Rub a drop of Lavender oil between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.
15. Rub several drops of Lavender oil into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.
16. Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a cotton ball and place in your linen closet to scent the linens and repel moths and insects.
17. Place a drop of Lavender oil in your water fountain to scent the air, kill bacteria and prolong the time between cleanings.
18. Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a wet cloth and throw into the dryer, which will deodorize and freshen your laundry.
19. Put a drop of Lavender oil on a cold sore.
20. Diffuse Lavender oil to alleviate the symptoms of allergies.
21. Spritz several drops of Lavender oil mixed with distilled water on a sunburn to decrease pain.
22. Drop Lavender oil on a cut to clean the wound and kill bacteria.
23. Apply 2-3 drops of Lavender oil to a rash to stop the itching and heal the skin.

Purchase Therapeutic-grade Lavender from my Online Shop

Building good health through the goodness of nature!

1. You can purchase these wonderful products through me via my Young Living website or directly through me as a Retail Customer and pay Retail Prices
2. You can be one of my wonderful Preferred Customers and receive discounts and get your orders delivered to your door each month through our fabulous Autoship program OR
3. You can also become a Young Living Independent Distributor and purchase these Amazing products at wholesale prices and start Your Own amazing “Wellness” business

Combining Aromatherapy with Wellness treatments is a journey I am on and so very happy I can share.

LAVENDER – (Lavandula angustifolia) has to be one of the most versatile of all essential oils. Therapeutic-grade lavender has been highly regarded for the skin. Lavender has been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. The fragrance is calming, relaxing and balancing — physically and emotionally.

1. Rub Lavender oil on the feet for a calming effect on the body.
2. Rub a drop of Lavender oil on your palms and smooth on your pillow to help you sleep.
3. Put a drop of Lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching and reduce swelling.
4. Put 2-3 drops of Lavender oil on a minor burn to decrease pain.
5. Drop Lavender oil on a cut to stop the bleeding.
6. Mix several drops of Lavender oil with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil and use topically on eczema and dermatitis.
7. To alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, place a drop of Lavender oil on the end of the tongue or around the naval or behind the ears.
8. To stop a nosebleed, put a drop of Lavender oil on a tissue and wrap it around a small chip of ice. Push the tissue covered ice chip up under the middle of the top lip to the base of the nose and hold as long as comfortable or until the bleeding stops (do not freeze the lip or gum).
9. Rub a drop of Lavender oil over the bridge of the nose to unblock tear ducts.
10. Rub Lavender oil on dry or chapped skin.
11. Rub a drop of Lavender oil on chapped or sunburned lips.
12. To reduce or minimize the formation of scar tissue, massage Lavender oil on and around the affected area.
13. Rub 2 – 4 drops of Lavender oil over the armpit area to act as a deodorant.
14. Rub a drop of Lavender oil between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.
15. Rub several drops of Lavender oil into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.
16. Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a cotton ball and place in your linen closet to scent the linens and repel moths and insects.
17. Place a drop of Lavender oil in your water fountain to scent the air, kill bacteria and prolong the time between cleanings.
18. Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a wet cloth and throw into the dryer, which will deodorize and freshen your laundry.
19. Put a drop of Lavender oil on a cold sore.
20. Diffuse Lavender oil to alleviate the symptoms of allergies.
21. Spritz several drops of Lavender oil mixed with distilled water on a sunburn to decrease pain.
22. Drop Lavender oil on a cut to clean the wound and kill bacteria.
23. Apply 2-3 drops of Lavender oil to a rash to stop the itching and heal the skin.

Purchase your Young Living Essential oils, Wellness Supplements and Skin Care from my Young Living Online Shop NOW!

Young Living Wellness

NingXia Red™

Energise, fortify and replenish with NingXia Red™, the naturally delicious, nutrient-infused wolfberry drink. With a big boost in antioxidant activity, NingXia Red™ outperforms the competition time and again, as proven by independent tests. Step up to a whole new level with NingXia Red™. It combines the benefits of whole Ningxia wolfberry puree (peel, pulp and juice), blueberry, pomegranate, apricot and raspberry juices and enhances them with essential oils and dark grape pomace.

The wolfberry from the Ningxia region is revered for its superior nutrition and Young Living’s special “Nutrient-Guard” process gently captures those nutrients and retains them through to the carefully packaged glass bottle that arrives to you. Ancient texts extoll the remarkable attributes of this special superfood and modern science verifies the legends.

How to use: Drink 30mL diluted in purified water as desired. Ingredients: Purified water, Whole Ningxia wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) puree (over 50%), concentrates Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) juice, Pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice, Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) juice, Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) juice, Organic blue agave (A. tequilana) nectar, Grape (Vitis vinifera) seed, skin, and stem, essential oils of Lemon (Citrus limon) and Orange (Citrus sinensis). Preservatives (Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate). Packaged in glass.

Essential oils increase the blood supply to the tissues, which helps the proliferation of cells and regeneration, increasing oxygenation and lymphatic flow. By increasing the micro-circulation in the skin and by strengthening the capillaries essential oils, such as cypress, lemon, rose and geranium, are useful for the treatment of spider veins and varicose veins.

Essential oils are very complex and contain many trace compounds – very small components, some of which may not even have been analysed scientifically. It is the combination of all its ingredients that make an essential oil what it is. Extracting one component generally won’t work effectively without the other trace elements to provide balance. Also the better the quality of the essential oil, the more effective it will be in treatment. This is often called the “holistic” approach, in that one extracted component may not be as effective as the entire extract from the plant.

Essential oils work well in cosmetics and beauty treatments as anti-ageing agents because their properties work to stimulate skin cells into reproducing at a faster rate, and by protecting the body against free radicals (believed by many scientists to be the greatest cause of ageing). Skin that has been treated with essential oils becomes stronger, healthier and more even in appearance.

The improved circulation, which aids oxygenation, increases the rate at which nutrients are fed into the dermis. The production of the skin’s sebum is influenced by hormones. Certain essential oils balance the rate which sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands, thereby encouraging healthy skin. As certain essential oils may influence the hormonal level it makes sense to include these as a treatment when dealing with skin problems that are caused by hormonal imbalances.

Others are anti-inflammatory and calm sensitive and damaged skin. Some such as fennel contain phyto-hormones which create equilibrium within our endocrine system and can be used in the management of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. All essential oils are anti-bacterial in nature, some more than others. Oregano, for example, is twenty-six times more powerful as an antiseptic than phenol, which is the active ingredient in many commercial cleaning products. It has been shown that their antiseptic properties cause damage to a biological membrane due to their lipophilic properties (their solubility in the phospholipid bi-layer of cell membranes). According to Knobloch, the oxygen intake was completely inhibited by functional groups such as phenols (see Oregano above). Yet in correct dosages and applications they are completely safe when used on the human body. They are probiotic or ‘for life’ as opposed to antibiotics which are ‘against’ life. Some such as lemongrass contain anti-viral properties. Dr. Penoel suggested a combination of essential oils applied topically. The essential oils alter the pH and the electrical resistance of the terrain in a way which is unfavourable to the viral organism

Don’t think that essential oils can only be used for aromatherapy or massage therapy—they have so much more to offer!
While going about your daily household tasks you’ve probably stopped to consider the effects of artificial flavouring in foods or the synthetic compounds in your household cleaner. More than likely you’ve wondered if these mystery ingredients are even safe to use in your home.

It can be daunting to live a healthier lifestyle, and one of the last areas you may think to change is your cleaning products. Most modern cleaning products require certain chemicals and surfactants (or cleansing agents) to make them work, and you should know what they are and their potential effects. It’s also important to find ways to limit your exposure to these toxins, and learn about safe, effective alternatives.
Here’s a quick run-down of some common cleaning chemicals, along with some of the many places you may see them:

• DEA (Diethanolamine)—Found in more than 600 home and personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, bubble baths, lotions, cosmetics, soaps, laundry and dishwashing detergents. Suspected of carcinogenic activity (causing or contributing to cancer) or of being potentially dangerous or hazardous to health.
• Propylene Glycol—The main ingredient found in anti-freeze; also common in shampoos, deodourants, cosmetics, lotions, toothpastes, processed foods, baby wipes, and many more personal care items. Implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage, and liver abnormalities; can inhibit skin cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin, and surface damage.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)—Industrial uses include concrete floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and car wash detergents. Also found in shampoos, liquid soaps, conditioners, cleansers, toothpaste, and children’s personal care products. SLS is found in nearly all toothpastes, and is absorbed through skin contact and retained for up to five days.
• Talc—Chemically similar to asbestos, talc has been inked to ovarian cancer. It’s found in many body and baby powders, as well as many cosmetics.
• Alcohol—Most mouthwash products have a higher alcohol content than most alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, etc). Mouthwash products with alcoholic content greater than 25 percent have been linked to cancers of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Alcohol acts as a solvent inside the mouth, making tissues more vulnerable to carcinogens.

Essential Oil Cleaning Solutions

It may not be possible or cost effective to avoid all of these chemicals in your cleaning and personal care products, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your family’s exposure to them. Using therapeutic-grade essential oils is a safe, effective alternative to many store-bought cleaning products. Some of the best essential oils for cleaning include cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, thyme, spruce, lemon, lemon grass, and grapefruit. Try some of the following ideas for a powerful, natural clean:

Household cleaner:

• Fill a spray bottle with water and a squirt of dishwashing soap.
• Add 3–5 drops each of lavender, lemon, and pine essential oils.
• Shake well.

Floor cleaner:

• Add 1/4 cup white vinegar to a bucket of water.
• Add 5–10 drops lemon, pine, spruce and/or melaleuca.

Fighting dust mites:

• Recent research has shown that eucalyptus essential oil kills dust mites that live in bedding.
• Add 25 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to each load of laundry for an effective dust mite deterrent.

Hot tubs, Spa’s and saunas:

• Use 3 drops per person of lavender, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, thyme, lemon, or grapefruit to disinfect and freshen the water.
• For saunas, add several drops rosemary, thyme, pine, or lavender to a spray bottle with water and spray surfaces. This water can also be used to splash onto hot sauna stones.

Kitchens and bathrooms:

• Mix into 1 litre water: 2 drops rosemary, 4 drops lemon, 3 drops eucalyptus, and 4 drops lavender.
• Shake well and put into a spray bottle. Shake again before using.

Window cleaner:

• Mix in 1 litre spray bottle: 1 cup White Vinegar, 10–15 drops of Lemon Essential Oil, water.
• Mix vinegar and water in spray bottle.
• Add essential oil.
• Shake and use.

Stain Removal:

• Use a drop or two of lemon essential oil on stains.
• Let stand and rub off with a clean cloth or throw into laundry cycle.

In the Dryer:

• Instead of using toxic and irritating softening sheets in the dryer, toss in a dampened washcloth with 10 drops of lavender, lemon, melaleuca, bergamot, or other oils added.
• While the oils will not reduce static cling, they will impart a lovely fragrance to the clothes.