What is Raindrop Technique?

Have you heard of Raindrop Technique?

I first learned about this amazing techique in 2004. I heard it was very special and I was curious. I searched for several months to find anyone who knew how to do it. I was a bit concerned and had a lot of questions, but decided to give it a try.

I scheduled the suggested three sessions spaced apart by two weeks between each session. After the first session, I felt the best I had felt in over 15 years, and each time I saw more improvement.

This led me seek out training in how to do the Raindrop Technique. I wanted to share this amazing new information with everyone, so I enrolled in an intensive training course. Since that time, I have shared Raindrop with many friends and family members.

What is the Raindrop Technique? Well in one short sentence, it is a method of applying Young Living Essential Oils to the feet and back in a specific sequence utilizing several techniques from Native cultures. The result is both relaxing and invigorating. It is very supportive to the muscles and joints as well as the immune system.

Application methods used during Raindrop Technique.

You can purchase the Raindrop Collection and easily learn how to do it yourself. Here is a link where you can purchase the Raindrop Collection. An instructional video is available at YoungLiving.com/Raindrop.

If you would like to learn more about Raindrop Technique, you can request my “Raindrop Newsletter” by sending me an email request through my Share Scents website. I love sharing something that has had such a positive impact in my life.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information, products and/or techniques mentioned is provided for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with the health professionals of your choice. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. The author assumes no responsibility to or liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of any information provided here.

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Cleaning with Thieves

Once upon a time, I used a lot of chemicals in my home and personal care products. One of my mainstays was bleach. Living in the country in a humid climate, we always had that musty odor you get in the basement and it would permeate our home. I also used bleach to brighten our clothes in the wash.

One day, I learned that bleach is very unhealthy for the lungs and for the thyroid. Oh my! A light bulb went on in my head! Two health challenges I was battling involved my lungs and my thyroid. So, I decided to do some more research.

Fortunately, I had a lot of friends who also were interested in natural and healthy lifestyle choices. They told me how to get in the habit of reading labels and about the Environmental Working Group website where you can look up ingredients. I was horrified at the amount of toxins I was allowing in our home and bodies.

I started to learn about bottle swapping. Gradually, when a toxic cleaning product I had been using would be empty, I would replace it with a “clean” product. Over time, I eliminated and replaced so many products that I ended up with more room in my cupboards. The reason was that I discovered a whole line of products made by Young Living Essential Oils. All the products are based on the Thieves blend, which is a whole different story. I have written several articles about Thieves, so you can search “Thieves” and read up a bit more as you have time. But let me get back to the story!

The first product I discovered to help my cleaning dilemma was Thieves Household Cleaner. Words can’t describe my delight at how well it worked and how inexpensive it was. Now, I use it for everything! Floors, dusting, counters, kitchen, bathroom, mirrors and windows, and even tough jobs like getting spots out of clothes, and cleaning the house siding, carpets, cars, and more. Check out this cost comparison to see how cheap it is to clean safely and effectively!

Over time, I discovered the Thieves Laundry Soap, Dish soap, Hand Soap, and many other products in the Thieves line. I get rather passionate about the difference the Thieves products have made in my life. My house smells amazing and my lungs and thyroid are so much happier now that I have eliminated so many toxic chemicals from our home!

If you want to learn more about these products, check out this link on my website.

Happy cleaning!

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information, products and/or techniques mentioned is provided for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with the health professionals of your choice. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. The author assumes no responsibility to or liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of any information provided here.

Young Living: So much more than essential oils

It seems like most people are drawn to Young Living Essential Oils company because of essential oils. They hear about essential oils, someone tells them about the number-one company, they might do some research and even buy some of those little bottles.

Then what? Maybe they fall in love or maybe the bottles get shoved in a closet or drawer and forgotten. I just spent the past several weeks writing about essential oils. Yes, they are amazing. Yes, they have done amazing things for me and a lot of my friends and family.

But did you know that Young Living has about 600 products, and the majority of those products are NOT essential oils? It’s true. Truth be known, it’s those “other” products that have changed my life for the good. This month let’s talk about some of those products.

Not long after I purchased my first bottles of essential oils, a new product was introduced. At that time it was called Berry Young Juice. Today it is called NingXia Red. I decided to give it a try. I loved the flavor and started to drink it daily for several months.

At the beginning, I thought I could feel a difference in my body. I just felt “better” – more energy. Then after a few months, I thought maybe it was all in my head so I stopped ordering it. Within a few days, I was dragging butt. I didn’t feel as good as I had been feeling. Needless to say, I started drinking it again and immediately could feel a positive shift in my body and energy.

A few years passed. I started to discover other products that Young Living sold. I compared some to similar products I had in my home, and the Young Living products just seemed to be better. I took some of the supplement bottles to show my doctor. He gave his nod of approval and reinforced my thoughts that these were good products. So slowly, as I ran out of various supplements, I would order my replacements from Young Living. I discovered they were much more potent and I could feel a significant difference. I later learned there was a lot of science and research behind these powerful Young Living supplements. They really did work better for me.

The big payoff was a couple of years ago when during a routine check-up my doctor commented that my immune system seemed very much stronger than it had been in the past. I was seeing him less often and that didn’t hurt my feelings a bit! I knew he was right.

I tell you this story to ask you to take a look around your home. Make a list of products you need to buy. Then check the Young Living website or catalog and you may be amazed at how many of the products  are ones that you could be buying from Young Living.

Now I can already hear you saying, “Oh, but they cost more. Why would I pay more?” Well, in reality, you are NOT paying more. What I discovered is that these products are so extremely concentrated, that they actually cost less.  For example, my hair conditioner bottle lasts 6 months! No joke! My laundry soap lasts 4 months. I can’t even remember the last time I purchased my all-purpose cleaner because I get it FREE. Doesn’t get any cheaper than that!

Today I told you about NingXia Red. It’s one of my non-negotiables. Over the next few weeks, I will tell you about a few of my other favorites. But in the meantime, why don’t you poke around my website and see what piques your interest. Then get ahold of me and find out whether I have used that product and what I can tell you about it. Did you know there are actually a few products I do not like? It’s true. And I will give you my honest opinion. Here’s the link to my website: http://www.ShareScents.com — check it out and then let’s talk.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information, products and/or techniques mentioned is provided for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with the health professionals of your choice. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. The author assumes no responsibility to or liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of any information provided here.

Supporting your body with essential oils

For the past several weeks we have talked about a few basic things everyone should know before using essential oils. Now, let’s briefly look at 10 essential oils that are in my personal self-care kit and how they can be building blocks to support every part of the human body.

Muscle and Bone Support

PanAway – One of my favorites after exercise when my muscles are sore, or if I get a boo-boo that hurts! It has a safety cap, so that reminds you to use caution with small children.

Copaiba – Supports overall wellness, before and after a workout especially on moving parts. It has a very light aroma, so is especially nice to use in a gym.

Digestive Support

Peppermint Vitality – A great addition to your water. But remember it is very potent, so just one drop in a gallon of pure water is sufficient. If you have a gurgling tummy, take a drink of your peppermint water and then tap your cheeks. It’s amazing how good you feel after doing that!

DiGize — Is very supportive to the intestinal system. Rubbing a drop between the thighs or on the abdomen provides comfort if you eat too much and feel a little upset.

Respiratory Support

Thieves Vitality – A great dietary supplement to support overall wellness, particularly during times of the year when we need to enhance our respiratory system.

RC – Makes a wonderful partner to Thieves to provide respiratory comfort. Diffuse it to provide a comforting atmosphere, or rub it on the feet or chest for direct absorption into the body. Asthmetics should use it on the feet and not on the chest.

Immune Support

Lemon Vitality – This simple and lovely oil has so many benefits and uses, but one that is often overlooked is how it supports a healthy immune system by helping improve pH balance in the body. It is a great addition to water.

Purification – Breathing clean air is so important when thinking of staying healthy. Diffusing this oil is literally a breath of fresh air! Not only are you helping clean the environment, but imagine how it is purifying the inside of your body as you absorb it’s wonderful benefits.

Skin and Emotional Support

Lavender – Known for its benefits to promote relaxation, it can be a great addition to a soothing bedtime bath. The additional benefit is how supportive it is to the skin. There are hundreds of ways to use Lavender. These are just two ideas.

Frankincense – The “king” of all oils. It is very widely used in many skin care products and seems to magically support the appearance of the skin. You can also diffuse or breathe it in to promote grounding and purpose when you want to connect with God.

You cannot put a price on your health or your happiness. So why not check out these amazing essential oils and get them at a huge discount? Learn more in my newsletter called Journey with Essential Oils. You can request our copy by emailing me at Joyce@ShareScents.com.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information, products and/or techniques mentioned is provided for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with the health professionals of your choice. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. The author assumes no responsibility to or liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of any information provided here.

Ways to use essential oils

When you think of essential oils does the term aromatherapy come to mind?

It is true that smelling essential oils is one of the more common ways people make use of them. In fact, in light of recent weather disasters in our country and around the world, I think aromatherapy is an excellent way to help with emotional trauma, and I wish more people would become aware of the benefits of aromatherapy.

Have you ever considered the power of our sense of smell? It is a unique sense, in that the molecules we smell through our nose travel directly into the emotional part of the brain called the Limbic area. From there chemical messages are sent out to the rest of the body, by-passing the areas of the brain where thoughts happen. So aromatherapy is one of the fastest ways to benefit the body.

Another way to use essential oils is topically. We often think about massage when talking about topical use. But I also have applied essential oils to an area of my body that is asking for some comfort. Many oils are soothing to the skin and even can be nourishing. Two that come to mind right are Lavender and Frankincense.

A lesser known way to use essential oils is by ingesting them. This is probably one of the more controversial methods of using oils. But let’s think logically for a moment. Do you eat lemons? Do you use spices in your food? Do you like peppermint flavored foods? So if you answered yes to any of these questions, then why would you object to using essential oils that come from those plants internally?

Here’s the thing that is imperative to remember for all these ways of using essential oils: They are VERY POTENT. Less is more. For example, did you know that one drop of pure peppermint essential oil is equal to 28 cups of peppermint tea? So if you want to add peppermint oil to your water to make a refreshing beverage, you might want to only dip a toothpick into your oil and then swirl it in your glass or stainless water bottle. Or perhaps add only one drop to a one-gallon glass pitcher.

In our last article, we mentioned that not all oils are created equal, so it is extremely important to read your bottle labels to be sure they are safe to use internally. Young Living has an entire line of oils called “Vitality Oils” that are labeled and safe for internal consumption. Have some fun exploring the many choices and if you want more information about ways to use oils in your cooking, please contact me at Joyce@ShareScents.com.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information, products and/or techniques mentioned is provided for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with the health professionals of your choice. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. The author assumes no responsibility to or liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of any information provided here.

Are Essential Oils safe?

Do you ever wonder if there is any reason to be cautious about using essential oils? After all, it seems like everyone is jumping on the band wagon but many really don’t know anything about them.

The first thing to understand is that all essential oils are not created equal. There are four grades of essential oils, but in the United States there is no regulation of them. So a company can produce a Grade D (the lowest type) and call it pure as long as it contains only 5% pure essential oil. They don’t have to even say what the other 95% is. Yikes! That really doesn’t set well with me.

The best essential oils are Grade A. These come from organically grown plants and distilled at low temperatures and pressure in clean quality-controlled facility. Grade A is the only true pure oil even though all sorts of claims can be made on labels, since there is no regulation of them.

Before you purchase, check to see if the company grows their own plants, owns their own fields and controls the entire process from Seed to Seal – from the farm to the sealed bottle. Pesticides, pollution, previously farmed land – all of it can affect the quality of an oil. Young Living’s oils are Grade A.

Why would you go the extra step of using an oil to get away from a chemical and then use an oil that is laden with chemicals? It makes no sense.

One of the things that stands out to me is Young Living’s Seed to Seal process. It’s a promise of integrity. Gary Young (founder of Young Living Essential Oils) has said that he never makes an oil for profit, he makes it for a purpose. Seed to Seal means each plant is hand-weeded; there are no pesticides used, no chemicals, and no weed killers. The plants are harvested at their peak and distilled. They’re then put through a vigorous testing process. Then they go from the warehouse directly to your home. Seed to Seal is not a slogan, it’s a promise. You can learn more by checking out the Young Living Story, and fall in love with the company as I have, at www.seedtoseal.com.

So once you know the quality of the oils you are using is good, another consideration is whether a particular oil is safe to use without dilution or if you need to dilute it with a carrier oil. That is, a fatty oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Using a carrier oil will slow down the absorption into your skin and is especially important with some oils that are what we call “hot” oils. Those would include ones like cinnamon, oregano, black pepper, etc. Dilution is also important with children.

Some oils, particularly citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be applied topically if you are going to be out in direct sunlight.

Some oils are safe to ingest but be sure to read the bottle to make sure it is safe to use internally.

All these considerations are part of some basic training I offer in an Essential Oils 101 class. I also have a newsletter devoted to the safe use of essential oils. If you have questions or want to learn more, please contact me at Joyce@ShareScents.com

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information, products and/or techniques mentioned is provided for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with the health professionals of your choice. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. The author assumes no responsibility to or liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of any information provided here.

Essential Oil Journey

Have you been dabbling in essential oils? Do you ever wonder what all the buzz is about? Which oils are best? What’s so special about these little bottles? Perhaps you found them at your health food store and gave them a try. They were nice, but you didn’t really see why people are so excited about them.

This month we will take a closer look at some basics about essential oils to help answer some of your questions and concerns. Before we do that, let me briefly share my story with you.

I was first introduced to a little bottle of essential oil called Valor back in 1999. It changed my life. I don’t know why or how or what it did for me, but I fell in love with that bottle.  When I used it before going to the chiropractor, I seemed to have a better treatment and the treatment seemed to “hold” better. I have no idea why. I just knew it helped! So I started looking at some other bottles. My wish list grew and so did my stash.

Now, being a bargain hunter, I did check out some other bottles I would find in stores. They never measured up to the ones I was getting from the company that I eventually grew to trust and love. I’ll talk about why that is another time. But today, let’s focus on what I like to call my “self-care” kit.

Yep, self-care. That ‘s what these oils do for me. They help me care for my body. Every part of my body. Safely. Easily. Enjoyably. And in ways I never imagined possible.

You see, I had studied herbs and natural health for many years before discovering essential oils. So when I started using oils, I discovered the knowledge I already had fit perfectly with essential oils.

I discovered the reason plants are so wonderful for our bodies is the secret tucked inside their cells. The essential oils. They are in the leaves, stems, bark, seeds, flowers, rinds, well most all parts of plants. And our bodies just seem to know what to do with them because they are natural when no chemicals are added to them.

There are different ways to get those oils out of the plants and into our bodies. But the most common way to extract the oils from the plants is through distillation. What separates out in that process is a very potent and volatile thing called essential oils. The essential oil is so concentrated and powerful, that in many cases, only one drop is needed to get the benefit that it may have taken substantially larger quantities of the living or dried plant to get.

They are so easy to use. You can just open the bottle and sniff! You can diffuse into the air. You can rub a drop on your skin, and in some cases, certain oils can even be used internally. We will talk more about that later too.

But for now, let’s start this journey together! Open that bottle. Take a sniff. But don’t put it right up by your nose. You might find it rather over-powering. Hold the bottle out at arm’s length. Slowly move the bottle toward you in a spiraling motion. It’s a fun experiment.  Notice if the scent changes. Notice what thoughts pop into your head. Notice how your body feels. Do you feel any different than you did before? Congratulations, you have just accidentally discovered some things about essential oils that you never knew before.  Your journey has started. Perhaps your life will change for the better, like mine did!

If you have questions please contact me at joyce@ShareScents.com.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information, products and/or techniques mentioned is provided for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with the health professionals of your choice. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. The author assumes no responsibility to or liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of any information provided here.