Time for Thyme

Oil of the Month!

I love discovering new essential oils, so I'm always exciting when something I haven't yet tried goes on sale.  This month, Thyme essential oil is 10% off (July 2012).  

Thyme Essential Oil

Some of the benefits of thyme are:

*  Thyme combats infection and improves immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells.
*  Thyme reduces the inflammation and irritation of skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis, as well as eczema and other types of dermatitis.
*  It can accelerate the healing of bruises, burns, cuts, sores, and wounds.
*  Thyme oil stimulates menstrual flow, it increases circulation and can elevate low blood pressure.
*  It can relieve the pain of arthritis, sore muscles, sprains and injuries and it can ease the pain of headaches, including migraines.
*  Thyme oil also helps fight candida such as yeast infections, athlete’s foot and jock itch.
*  Thyme oil is stimulating, although when used in a bath, it helps overcome insomnia.

Emotionally, Thyme oil can be effective with poor self-confidence, apathy, and fear. Thyme can strengthen your nerves when you are experiencing emotional fatigue. It eases nervousness, stress, and some stress-related complaints. It can reduce the severity or frequency of anxiety attacks. It enhances memory and increases concentration. Whether demoralized, apprehensive, or alienated reach for Thyme’s warm and virile strength.

Thyme is, of course, great to use in cooking.  Simply substitute a drop or two for the seasonings called for in your recipes.  Cooking with essential oils enhances the aroma and flavor of your foods.

 Caution: Avoid during pregnancy, and always dilute for small children and sensitive skin (1:5).  Use with caution if high blood pressure is diagnosed.  Like Oregano, Thyme is a very hot oil. 

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I have a confession to make: I love gardening, but I don't really know what I'm doing.

My boys helped me plant a few plants this year.  We got some tomato, basil, cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash.  They might be kind of squished together.  I added some nice compost to the soil, and I ordered 200 worms.  That should do it, right?  Now, we're just sitting back (picking at weeds) and watching them grow.

Zucchini or yellow squash

Tomato

Zucchini or yellow squash

But the other day, I noticed that something was beating me to my harvest.

Basil

I don't want to turn to traditional pesticides. The whole purpose of growing my own veggies is to enjoy healthier options. Instead, I got a small bottle of water and added about 20 drops of TerraShield essential oil blend. I sprayed all my plants. I'll check back from time to time to make sure it's doing its job.  And hopefully, within a few weeks, there will be enough basil for pesto. :)

Do you have any gardening tips for someone with a not-so-green thumb?  I'd love to hear them!

20 Health Benefits of Essential Oils

Here's a challenge for you:  Go to your medicine cabinet and pull out the first medication you see.  Read the ingredients, and then read the side effects.  Hm.  Maybe they don't seem so bad.  Or maybe something surprised you.  But what if, instead of a list of warnings, you saw this?

1. Positively affects the psyche
   
2. Supports immune function
   
3. Supplies potent antimicrobials
   
4. Provides natural pain relief
   
5. Reduces inflammation
   
6. Eases stress and anxiety
   
7. Decreases insomnia
   
8. Rejuvenates skin
   
9. Protects against colds and influenza
   
10. Soothes digestive disorders
    
11. Improves the circulatory system
    
12. Promotes optimal endocrine function
    
13. Supports the urinary system
    
14. Soothes burns, sunburns, minor cuts, and scrapes
    
15. Supports muscles and bones
    
16. Provides oral and dental care
    
17. Nourishes and strengthens hair
    
18. Improves mental clarity
    
19. Protects against cancer
    
20. Provides safe and natural alternatives to household cleaners
    

Which would you choose?  That's why I always choose essential oils as my first line of defense for my and my family's health care.

doTerra Medicine Cabinet Makeover

Essential Oils 101

As essential oils gain in popularity, I get a lot of questions from people just starting out.  What do you need to know about essential oils?

Essential Oils are the aromatic liquid extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other parts of a plant. They are highly concentrated and are 50 to 70 times more powerful than herbs.

Essential Oils possess complex constituents that are highly beneficial to wellness.

Essential Oils kill viruses and bacteria. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses because they cannot penetrate the cell membrane. Due to their size and make-up, essential oil molecules can penetrate cells to kill bacteria and viruses.

Essential Oils are science-based. There are many clinical studies that show the efficacy of essential oils. Many synthetically produced pharmaceutical products are inspired by essential oils.

Essential Oils are a natural way to take care of our health. They have similar properties to synthetic drugs with no side effects.

Essential Oils can be used aromatically, topically, or internally*. Aromatically, they can affect mood, cleanse the air, and open airways. Topically, they give immediate comfort and immune support. They work quickly, as they pass into the blood stream within 30 seconds. They have both systemic and localized results. Internally*, they detoxify the body, improve the digestive system, and support internal organs.

Essential Oils are not all created equal. There is no governing body that determines what constitutes “100% pure.” Avoid those that say “not for internal use.” Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) oils have been rigorously, independently tested for purity and potency.

*Only use essential oils that have been laboratory-tested for purity and potency for internal use.  Refer to the label for instructions.