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Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Lettuce Wraps Recipe (Paleo | Whole30)

One of my favorite meals ever has been pork carnitas. If they are on the menu, I’m ordering them. But I never really tried to make them myself. But recently in a Facebook group for Instant Pot users, someone mentioned making pork carnitas. It was the first time I thought about it being possible that I could make them myself.

Since I’m trying to stick mostly to a Paleo or Whole30 diet, I decided to try them in lettuce wraps instead of the traditional corn tortillas. I was surprised to discover I like them even better in the lettuce wraps! If you love pork carnitas like I do, give these a try. I think you’ll love them, too!

These delicious pork carnitas in lettuce wraps will hit the spot for your Paleo or Whole30 diet! #paleodiet #paleo #whole30diet #whole30 #recipes #porkcarnitas

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas  Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb pork shoulder
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, plus oranges quartered
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1-2 T jalapeños (optional)
  • cilantro and salsa to garnish

These delicious pork carnitas in lettuce wraps will hit the spot for your Paleo or Whole30 diet! #paleodiet #paleo #whole30diet #whole30 #recipes #porkcarnitasInstructions

  1. Cut pork in 2″ cubes and season with salt, cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
  2. Turn Instant Pot to “sauté “. Once hot add oil, juice of 1 lime, and meat. Cook for 5-8 min, browning on both sides.
  3. Add remaining lime and orange juice, quartered oranges, chicken stock, garlic, onion, parsley, and (optional) jalapeño  to meat.
  4. Lock lid, close pressure valve, press “manual” setting, and cook for 30 minutes.
  5. Allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release remaining.
  6. Remove pork from pot and place on cutting board.
  7. Shred pork with a fork
  8. Serve inside romaine lettuce leaves, topped with cilantro and salsa. Mango salsa (chopped mango, chopped red onion, lime juice, salt and pepper) is my favorite, but any salsa will do.

These delicious pork carnitas in lettuce wraps will hit the spot for your Paleo or Whole30 diet! #paleodiet #paleo #whole30diet #whole30 #recipes #porkcarnitas

 

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Lettuce Wraps Recipe (Paleo | Whole30)
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Mexican Whole30 Paleo
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 3-4 lb pork shoulder
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice, plus oranges quartered
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1-2 T jalapeños (optional)
  • cilantro and salsa to garnish
Instructions
  1. Cut pork in 1" cubes and season with salt, cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
  2. Turn Instant Pot to "sauté ". Once hot add oil, juice of 1 lime, and meat. Cook for 5-8 min, browning on both sides.
  3. Add remaining lime and orange juice, quartered oranges, chicken stock, garlic, onion, parsley, and (optional) jalapeño to meat.
  4. Lock lid, close pressure valve, press "manual" setting, and cook for 30 minutes.
  5. Allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release remaining.
  6. Remove pork from pot and place on cutting board.
  7. Shred pork with a fork
  8. Serve inside romaine lettuce leaves, topped with cilantro and salsa. Mango salsa (chopped mango, chopped red onion, lime juice, salt and pepper) is my favorite, but any salsa will do.

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Essential Oils for Women (with 4 blend recipes)

The amazing thing about aromatherapy is that a single essential oil can be used for many different ailments. One oil can aid with respiratory illness, skin care, and mood, for example. This makes essential oils ideal for the unique physical and emotional challenges that come with being a woman. Essential oils for women is a fun topic for discussion simply because we have unique wellness needs that come along with female hormones and functions.

Essential Oils for Women

Let’s explore the four oils – Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, and Rose – that are most frequently used for feminine issues. Each oil is linked to my favorite essential oils seller – Rocky Mountain Oils — should you need to purchase it. If you have a favorite seller already, certainly purchase from them.

The amazing thing about aromatherapy is that a single essential oil can be used for many different ailments. This makes essential oils ideal for the unique physical and emotional challenges that come with being a woman. Let’s explore the four oils that are most frequently used for feminine issues. #essentialoils #aromatheraphy #oilsforwomen #essentialoilsforwomen

Clary Sage

Clary Sage – with its herbaceous, earthy and floral aroma – is a superstar where women’s health is concerned. It can be used across the female lifespan for menstruation, childbirth and menopause. During menstruation, it can help relieve pain and spasms in the uterus. It also can promote menstruation when needed. Additionally, it is frequently used for respiratory, digestive and emotional issues, as well as an aphrodisiac.

Emotional Uses: antidepressant, euphoric, stress

Physical Uses: antispasmodic, deodorant, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, tonic and uterine; balances uterine and female issues, and as an agent to clean greasy hair; asthmatic spasms

Blends Well With: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile Roman, Chamomile German, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Orange, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang

Cautions: non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing; avoid during pregnancy

Geranium  

Geranium essential oil is definitely an acquired smell. Either you love it or hate it. Interestingly enough, it is frequently used in perfumery and other fragranced items like soaps, lotions and creams. Its antispasmodic properties made it a popular treatment historically for diarrhea and dysentery. It is one of the best oils for detoxification as it acts as a diuretic and can aid in cleansing the lymphatic system. Due to its ability to balance the hormones, this oil is ideal for premenstrual symptoms and menopause.

Physical Uses: astringent, diuretic, antiseptic, tonic, antibiotic, antispasmodic and as an anti- infectious agent; women’s health issues, acne, cellulite, dull skin, calms nervous system, stimulates adrenal glands

Emotional Uses: uplifting, all-over balancing effect, depression, stress

Blends Well With: Basil, Bergamot, Citronella, Clary Sage, Fennel, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Neroli and Nutmeg

Cautions: non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing; can cause sensitivity in some people; avoid during pregnancy

Jasmine

Jasmine is often thought of as a romance oil thanks to its proven use as an aphrodisiac. It has an intoxicating, warm, rich and floral fragrance. Historically, jasmine has been used for religious ceremonies and personal adornment. In addition to its powerful use as an antidepressant, jasmine is one of the best oils for labor, delivery and postpartum recovery.

Emotional Uses: anxiety, insomnia, stress, healing from sexual trauma

Physical Uses: aphrodisiac, women’s health, tonic to the reproductive system, dry skin, anti-inflammatory, emollient

Blends Well With: generally works with all oils, rounds out scents and tends to work well with other aphrodisiac oils especially Sandalwood and Ylang-ylang

Cautions: non-irritating, moderate skin sensitization when used topically

Rose

Behold the magnificence that is Rose oil. With more than 300 chemical compounds, it is one of the most complex oils that exists. In fact, not all of rose’s chemical makeup is known making its full therapeutic benefit a bit of a mystery. However, it does have a long list of known properties including: anti-anxiety, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, laxative, sedative and tonic. Rose is a multifaceted female oil. It is ideal for functional infertility, regulating menstruation and relieving cramps and excessive bleeding.

Physical Uses: menopause, mature skin, wrinkles

Emotional Uses: depression, self-love, love

Blends Well With: Angelica Root, Bergamot, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Clove Bud, Clary Sage, Geranium, Frankincense, Melissa, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and Ylang-ylang.

Cautions: non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing

These four oils are generally considered to be THE best oils for feminine issues. There are, however, several other oils that are great for the concerns that come along with womanhood.

Other Oils to Try: Yarrow, Fennel, Lavender, Hyssop

Essential Oil Recipes for Women

Here are a few recipes specifically formulated for women. From PMS to labor,  hormone balancing to the relief of emotional stress, these lovely blends can increase your overall wellness or help get you through the hours or days of difficulty that sometimes comes with being a girl.

PMS/Cramp Relief Lotion

  • 6 drops Fennel
  • 4 drops Clary Sage
  • 14 drops Lavender
  • 1 ounce of unscented lotion

Mix oils with unscented lotion and apply a thin layer to abdomen as needed to relieve menstrual cramps or symptoms of PMS

 

Labor Pain Relief Oil

  • 4 drops Jasmine
  • 12 drops Myrrh
  • 4 drops Vetiver
  • 30 drops Lavender
  • 2 ounces of Jojoba Oil

Mix oils with jojoba oil and apply a thin layer to the area where labor is most intense, as needed. Make sure to wash off thoroughly before handling the baby after delivery.

 

Hormonal Balancing Diffuser Blend

  • 10 drops Geranium
  • 12 drops Yarrow
  • 10 drops Clary Sage
  • 30 drops Bergamot

Create a master blend by adding oils to a 5ml glass bottle. To use:

  1. Add 6-8 drops to your diffuser and diffuse for  15-30 minutes at a time several times a day.
  2. Add 18 drops to a one-ounce bottle of Jojoba oil or unscented lotion and apply a dime-sized amount to skin daily. Bergamot is a phototoxic oil, so it is best to use on skin not exposed to the sun (such as the abdomen).

 

Emotional Well-Being Inhaler

Mix oils in a small bowl and submerge inhaler wick in mixture. Assemble inhaler placing wick inside inhaler. To use, breathe in deeply for 5 minutes at a time each hour or as needed.

There will be THREE winners in this Mother's Day giveaway - each winner getting to choose a gift card to the place of their choice. #mothersday #moms #giveaway

Mother’s Day Giveaway

Mother’s Day is one day out of the year that is for making moms feel extra special and extra appreciated.  That’s why I’ve gotten together with a great group of bloggers to bring you a giveaway that we are hoping will bless you and show you just how much we appreciate you, our mom readers.
There will be THREE winners in this Mother’s Day giveaway – each winner getting to choose a gift card to the place of their choice.  The choices are –

  • Etsy
  • Stitch Fix
  • Hobby Lobby
  • Zulily
  • Starbucks

The grand prize winner will receive a gift card for $300 and two runner-up winners will receive a $100 gift card.

To enter for your chance to win, simply use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.  Now I know that is quite a few entries for you, but each of these bloggers generously chipped in their own money to bring you this giveaway, so I hope you will take the time to do all of the entries.  And hey, the more entries you do, the better your odds are at winning!

Giveaway ends May 10th at 11:59pm EDT.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim prize.  By entering this giveaway you will be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers. Please be sure to read the Terms & Conditions upon entering the giveaway.

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How to Build a Natural First Aid Kit

Welcome back, friends. You’ve made it week 8 of A Mom’s Guide to Getting Started with Essential Oils. If you have not read the first 7 installments in the series, you’ll want to click over to read Where to Begin with Essential Oils, How to Safely Use Essential Oils, Inhaling Essential oils, How to Choose an Aromatherapy Diffuser., and How to Use Essential Oils Topically before continuing on. The other articles in the series include tips and recipes for using essential oils in your DIY Natural Household Cleaners and DIY Health and Beauty Recipes.

Hopefully, you are beginning to feel more comfortable with the idea of using essential oils in your everyday life for cleaning, hair and skin care, and your family’s general health and wellness. Today I want to share about using essential oils for healing minor cuts, scrapes, bites, stings, burns and in other situations where you might need a little first aid.

Since the most popular members of your family for which you typically use first aid kits are your children, let’s talk for just a moment about using essential oils with kids.

If you are considering using essential oils with your kids you may be wondering: is it safe? Many parents who have discovered the awesomeness of essential oils want to use them with their entire family, but they worry that it might not be safe for their children. They’re all natural, right? So, is it okay to use with your kids? The short answer is yes and no. Many essential oils are safe to use with children if they are used in the correct way. #essentialoils #aromatherapy

Are Essential Oils Safe for Children?

If you are considering using essential oils with your kids you may be wondering: is it safe? Many parents who have discovered the awesomeness of essential oils want to use them with their entire family, but they worry that it might not be safe for their children. They’re all natural, right? So, is it okay to use with your kids? The short answer is yes and no. Many essential oils are safe to use with children if they are used in the correct way.

Essential oils have steadily grown in popularity over the last decade due to their ability to heal or reduce the symptoms associated with many types of medical conditions. While it’s not a new concept at all (it’s been around for centuries), it IS becoming more mainstream in our current population. Because there are different ways to use essential oils, this gives you options when using them with your children.

When using essential oils with children, you can choose the method based on the type of oil, the age of your child, the purpose of using it, and the potential sensitivity of the child. If it’s diluted in a bath, massage oil, lotion, or other product, or diffused into the air, it won’t typically be too strong for your child. This means you’re going to want some awesome kids’ essential oils recipes to help you do it right. You should never use oil on a child in its pure form, which means you must learn how to mix and dilute oils to create the right blend and strength.

While the majority of essential oils are safe for children (especially those over the age of 6), there are a few that should be used with extreme caution, or not all, before the age of 13 or so. Click here for a comprehensive list of essential oils and at what age they are considered safe to use with children.

Always do your own due diligence and learn all you can about a particular oil before using it with your children. Keep in mind that kids have immune systems that are still developing, and the oils may affect them differently than they do an adult. It’s always a good idea to introduce slowly and build up from there.

With few exceptions, you can replace nearly every product in your first aid kit with a healthier natural first aid kit using natural ingredients. From antibacterial ointments to steroid creams, insect repellents, and sunburn sprays, this article will help you treat all of your minor first aid needs with safer (and sometimes even more effective) products using essential oils. #essentialoils #aromatherapy #EOrecipes #firstaidkit #naturalfirst aid

How to Build a Natural First Aid Kit

With few exceptions, you can replace nearly every product in your first aid kit with a healthier natural first aid kit using natural ingredients. From antibacterial ointments to steroid creams, insect repellents, and sunburn sprays, this article will help you treat all of your minor first aid needs with safer (and sometimes even more effective) products using essential oils.

The most recommended essential oils for first aid include:

Lavender is your essential oil first aid kit must-have. It can be used to disinfect wounds and burns, promote healing, and reduce scarring. Lavender is commonly used to help with inflammation from bug bites, bee stings, and sunburns, and is known for its antihistamine properties.

Helichrysum Italicum another first aid essential oil must-have. It is commonly used as a painkiller due to its analgesic properties and is particularly helpful for helping to heal heal bruises, sprains, and swelling from minor injuries.

Peppermint can aid in healthy digestion, soothes nausea, and helps with muscle aches and pains, headaches, and fever.

Tea Tree oil has been used throughout history because of its amazing antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. Tea Tree oil helps disinfect skin irritations and supports a healthy immune system.

Clove oil is commonly used for dental issues due to its analgesic properties.

Frankincense is a great oil to use in blends because it can help enhance the properties of other essential oils. It is also commonly used for skin issues and is a wonderful anti-inflammatory oil.

Citronella is a well-known insecticide and insect repellent, but it can also be used as an analgesic, disinfectant, and astringent.

Other commonly used essential oils for first aid use include lemon, lemongrass, oregano, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, myrrh, and chamomile (not all of these are safe for young children)

Here are a few recipes to have on hand for your first aid needs:

DIY Healing Salve

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 oz beeswax
15 drops Tea Tree
15 drops Lavender

Melt the beeswax in a glass jar placed in a pan of hot water. Add the olive oil and coconut oil and stir to combine. Let the mixture cool down a bit before adding the essential oils (don’t wait too long or it will harden and become difficult to stir). Pour into two 4 oz glass jars. This salve can be used for many purposes, including insect stings or bites, cuts and scrapes, itchy or chapped skin, minor burns, and sunburns.

Sunburn Spray

1/2 cup witch hazel
1/3 cup pure aloe vera gel (I use one that is 99% pure and has a natural preservative)
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops frankincense essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
8 oz spray bottle

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Apply generously to sunburned skin as often as desired. Avoid spraying around the eyes, as it will sting.

Bumps and Bruises Remedy

2 oz jojoba oil
8 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops helichrysum Italicum essential oil

To promote the healing of bumps and bruises, apply to affected area 1-2 times per day. Store in a squeeze “lotion” bottle for easy application.

Poison Ivy Relief

2 T distilled water
2 T natural apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops tea tree essential oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil

Stir ingredients together until the salt dissolves. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture onto the affected area as needed. Stir well before each use. Store in the refrigerator.

Toothache Relief

Mix one drop of clove essential oil with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Saturate a cotton ball with the mixture and place the cotton ball beside the aching tooth. Leave for as long as possible (but not overnight).

A few more first aid recipes can be found on my homeschool blog for: kid safe insect repellent, homemade vapor rub, and homemade hand sanitizer.

In case you’ve missed it, my Essential Oils Starter Kit contains a page with the recipes in this article, along with printable recipes cards for recording other recipes you want to try (or create) and essential oil worksheets for you to record your observations about the oils you are experimenting with. If you have not yet downloaded your free copy, you can enter your email below to receive it.

 

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We'll send you this awesome set of helpful printables and simple recipes, plus keep you up to date on all that's happening at Wellness Becomes Her.

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Action Step

Begin creating your essential oils first aid kit with the most versatile recipe I shared today – the DIY Healing Salve.

Next Up: 25 More Simple Uses for Your Essential Oils

Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes. Do not ingest unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep essential oils away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier oil).

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Plant Therapy is offering my wonderful readers a chance to win their KidSafe Starter Set. This set, valued at $89.95 contains 6 10-ml bottles of KidSafe Essential Oils Synergies and the Aromafuse Diffuser (my personal favorite diffuser ever). #essentialoils #aromatherapy #plantytherapy #giveawayKidSafe Essential Oils Giveaway + Free Recipes Printable

Our friends at Plant Therapy have created a gorgeous FREE printable filled with KidSafe recipes for your first aid kit and other needs. KidSafe Essential Oil Recipes includes recipes that will work well for your natural first aid kit, such as a Better Than Kisses Ouch Spray, Shield Me Outdoor Wipes, Skin Soother Salve, and Sore No More Body Butter, along with other KidSafe recipes for sleep, tension relief, shoe/foot odor, calming/focus, hair gel, and anti-bacterial soap jellies. These recipes use essential oils and blends that are safe for kids over the age of 2-years-old.

Our friends at Plant Therapy have created a gorgeous FREE printable filled with KidSafe recipes for your first aid kit and other needs. KidSafe Essential Oil Recipes includes recipes that will work well for your natural first aid kit, such as a Better Than Kisses Ouch Spray, Shield Me Outdoor Wipes, Skin Soother Salve, and Sore No More Body Butter, along with other KidSafe recipes for sleep, tension relief, shoe/foot odor, calming/focus, hair gel, and anti-bacterial soap jellies. These recipes use essential oils and blends that are safe for kids over the age of 2-years-old. #essentialoils #aromatherapy

In addition to the free printable, Plant Therapy is offering my wonderful readers a chance to win their KidSafe Starter Set. This set, valued at $89.95 contains 6 10-ml bottles of KidSafe Essential Oils Synergies and the Aromafuse Diffuser (my personal favorite diffuser ever). Included in this set are the following blends:

A+ Attention

Calming The Child

Nighty Night

Sniffle Stopper

Germ Destroyer

Immune Boom

Don’t let the name KidSafe fool you. While these blends were formulated by world-renowned aromatherapy expert, Robert Tisserand, with kids in mind, using essential oils that are safe for kids, they are useful for the whole family! You’ll find some of your favorite essential oils in these blends. For example: lemon, copaiba, frankincense, lavender, chamomile, mandarin, cedarwood, clary sage, grapefruit, vetiver, and spruce are just a sampling of the essential oils found in these blends.

To enter, use the Rafflecopter below. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. age 18 and older only. Void where prohibited by law.

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DIY Health and Beauty Recipes

Welcome to week 7 of A Mom’s Guide to Getting Started with Essential Oils. So far in this series, we have covered Where to Begin with Essential Oils, How to Safely Use Essential Oils, Inhaling Essential oils, How to Choose an Aromatherapy Diffuser, How to Use Essential Oils Topically, and last week, we made some DIY Natural Household Cleaners.

This is one of my favorite parts of the course because the information here can be life-changing. When I first started using essential oils, primarily for joint pain, then to help with my son’s ADHD, I had no intention of becoming the “crazy essential oils lady.” But as I endeavored to improve my health from autoimmune disease, I discovered that there were so many poisons in my home likely contributing to the inflammation going on inside my body. That’s when I decided that I would attempt to replace most, if not all, of my cleaning solutions and cosmetics with more natural homemade products.

Last week, I shared some great cleaning tips I hope you are beginning to try. It’s pretty easy to give up most cleaning chemicals in favor of essential oil-based products. For some reason, it seems much harder to give up our favorite hair and skin care products, deodorant, and toothpaste.

DIY Health and Beauty Recipes

It is said that by the time most of us leave the house in the morning, we have used more than 200 chemicals on our bodies that are banned in most other countries. From soaps and shampoos to facial cleansers and moisturizers, make-up, body lotion, and perfumes, we are saturating our bodies with unhealthy chemicals that most of us cannot even pronounce. It takes a little effort to replace most of those beauty products with formulations of our own making, but I hope you will consider giving it a try.

It is said that by the time most of us leave the house in the morning, we have used more than 200 chemicals on our bodies that are banned in most other countries. A healthier option is to make your own DIY health and beauty recipes! #essentialoils #aromatherapy #DIY #healthandbeauty

I want to share with you the top essential oils for skin care because I think most of us want to do really well with caring for our skin as we age. Let’s begin with carrier oils because I personally don’t care for Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO) in my skin care products. I don’t believe using it will harm anything, I just believe there are other carrier oils that are more nurturing to the skin, so why not choose those instead?

Best Carrier Oils for Skin Care

Argan Oil – great for dry, aging, oily, normal, or acne-prone skin
Jojoba Oil – great for dry, aging, oily, normal, or acne-prone skin
Sweet Almond Oil – great for all skin types
Rosehip Seed Oil — great for oily, aging, and normal skin
Tamanu Oil – great for oily and acne-prone skin
Emu Oil — great for dry and aging skin
Neem Oil — great for oily and acne-prone skin

Top 10 Essential Oils for Skin and Hair Care

Frankincense – anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, natural toner, minimizes pores, protective, encourages new cell growth, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars, and soothes dry, chapped skin

Carrot Seed – rejuvenates and smooths skin, assists with cell regeneration, helps fade scars and improves tone of aging skin

Myrrh – great for aging skin, strong anti-inflammatory properties, improves skin tone, firmness, and elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Lavender – helps regenerate skin cells, reduces sun spots and scarring, great for all skins types

Tea Tree– antiseptic properties makes it perfect for treating skin conditions and minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Rose – anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, great for dry and aging skin and skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis

Peppermint– kills bacteria, making it helpful for treating acne, dermatitis and other skin conditions

Roman Chamomile – promotes smooth, healthy skin and relieves irritations due to anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

Lemongrass – antiseptic and astringent properties, perfect for getting even and glowing skin, sterilizes pores, natural toner, and strengthens skin tissues.

Rosemary – helps stimulate hair growth, prevents baldness, slows graying, and treats dandruff.

Below, you’ll find links to some of the DIY beauty products I make for my family, using essential oils.

Acne Treatment Serum
Coconut-Lime Salt Scrub
Herbal-Mint Shampoo
Herbal-Citrus Hair Conditioner
Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
Hand Lotion
Lavender-Mint Lip Balm
Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Citrus Shower Bombs

Plus 4 more new recipes:

Exfoliate your lips once or twice a week with this yummy honey lip scrub. You'll love the way it makes them feel! #aromatherapy #essentialoils #lipscrub #sugarscrubDIY Honey Lip Scrub

4 tsp brown sugar
3 tsp honey
3 tsp virgin coconut oil
2 drops Peppermint EO
2 drops Orange EO

Mix all ingredients until well combined. Store in airtight container. Once or twice a week, rub the scrub onto your lips. Let sit for 1 minute, and then wipe off with a damp washcloth. Apply lip balm after use.

 

Reduce stress in a warm bath with these relaxing bath salts made with essential oils. #aromatherapy #essentialoils #reducestress #bathsalts #relaxation

Relaxing Bath Salts

1 cup Epsom salts or Magnesium flakes
1 cup sea salt
½ cup baking soda
20 drops essential oils

Here are some suggestions for essential oils to use:
lavender + peppermint
lemon + rosemary
geranium + rose
frankincense + myrrh
lemongrass + red mandarin
chamomile + lavender

Combine salts and soda in a bowl. Stir in desired essential oils until well mixed. Store in an airtight glass jar, in cool, dark place. Use ¼ cup per bath.

Reduce the risk of breast cancer by making your own natural homemade deodorant with essential oils! #essentialoils #aromatherapy #naturalDIYNatural Homemade Deodorant

1/3 cup virgin coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
Essential oils — tea tree oil, lavender, grapefruit, rosemary, lemon, orange, patchouli (feel free to use just one or any combination you like)

Mix baking soda and arrowroot powder in a bowl. Add coconut oil. Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil (I use lavender, grapefruit, and rosemary). Stir together and spoon into a small glass jar to store.

To use, dip your fingers gently into the mixture and rub on your underarms. Wait two minutes before dressing to avoid getting on your clothes. Coconut oil will melt at temperature above 76* but you can still use it melted. If that bothers you, store it in the fridge during warm weather.

Bring that youthful look back to your face with this nourishing carrot seed make-up remover. #essentialoils #aromatherapy #DIYskincare

DIY Carrot Seed Make-up Remover

2 oz. jojoba oil
1/4 tsp vitamin E oil
3 drops carrot seed essential oil)

Mix and store in a dark amber glass dropper bottle. Apply 1/2-1 tsp to face and massage to remove make-up, including mascara. Gently wipe with a warm washcloth.

Be sure to compare the ingredients with the information I gave you earlier in the course for using essential oils safely if you will be diffusing around your children. You can make substitutions as needed. All essential oils are compatible, but you’ll want to find a blend that pleases your senses and works for its intended purpose.

For more tips and recipes be sure to enter your email below to download my Essential Oils Starter Kit!

 

GET INSTANT ACCESS

to Our Essential Oils Starter Pack!

We'll send you this awesome set of helpful printables and simple recipes, plus keep you up to date on all that's happening at Wellness Becomes Her.

Hidden Content

 

Action Step

Choose one or two of these recipes this week and begin transitioning from store-bought beauty products to healthier, homemade ones. Be careful . . . you may become the next “crazy essential oils lady!”

Up Next: Essential Oils First Aid Kit

Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes. Do not ingest unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep essential oils away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier oil).

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Gluten-free Recipes Paleo Recipes Recipes Vegan Recipe Whole30 Recipes

Coconut Almond Energy Balls (Paleo | Whole30 | Gluten-free)

No matter how disciplined you are with an eating plan, we all need a treat now and then. When you can have a treat that meets your need for a little something sweet while also feeding your body healthy protein and fat, well, there’s just nothing better than that. That’s exactly what these energy balls will do for you. Great to satisfy a sweet craving, for after a work-out, or just when you need an extra burst of energy, you’ll make these delicious energy balls over and over. And if you have kids, you may want to plan a hiding place for them now.

Paleo, Whole30, and Gluten-free Energy Balls -- Great to satisfy a sweet craving, for after a work-out, or just when you need an extra burst of energy, you'll make these delicious energy balls over and over. And if you have kids, you may want to plan a hiding place for them now. #energyballs #paleo #whole30 #glutenfree #recipes

Coconut Almond Energy Balls

Ingredients

  • 1 c almond butter
  • 1/2 c coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup crushed dehydrated strawberries
  • 1/2 cup dried dates
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 Tbsp shredded coconut
  • 3 Tbsp crushed slivered almonds

Paleo, Whole30, and Gluten-free Energy Balls -- Great to satisfy a sweet craving, for after a work-out, or just when you need an extra burst of energy, you'll make these delicious energy balls over and over. And if you have kids, you may want to plan a hiding place for them now. #energyballs #paleo #whole30 #glutenfree #recipes

Instructions

  1. Blend dates and water in a food processor or Vitamix until pureed.
  2. Add almond butter, coconut flour, dehydrated strawberries, and date puree to mixing bowl. Mix until an even consistency.
  3. Form about a dozen balls and place in freezer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  5. Place a pan with shredded coconut and slivered almonds in the oven for 2-2 1/2 minutes until toasted.
  6. Remove energy balls from freezer and roll in the toasted mixture.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. May also store in an airtight container in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Paleo, Whole30, and Gluten-free Energy Balls -- Great to satisfy a sweet craving, for after a work-out, or just when you need an extra burst of energy, you'll make these delicious energy balls over and over. And if you have kids, you may want to plan a hiding place for them now. #energyballs #paleo #whole30 #glutenfree #recipes

 

Coconut Almond Energy Balls
 
Save Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Snack
Cuisine: Paleo Whole30 Gluten-free
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1 c almond butter
  • ½ c coconut flour
  • ¼ cup crushed dehydrated strawberries
  • ½ cup dried dates
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 Tbsp shredded coconut
  • 3 Tbsp crushed slivered almonds
Instructions
  1. Blend dates and water in a food processor or Vitamix until pureed.
  2. Add almond butter, coconut flour, dehydrated strawberries, and date puree to mixing bowl. Mix until an even consistency.
  3. Form about a dozen balls and place in freezer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  5. Place a pan with shredded coconut and slivered almonds in the oven for 2-2 1/2 minutes until toasted.
  6. Remove energy balls from freezer and roll in the toasted mixture.
  7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. May also store in an airtight container in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Essential Oils Essential Oils DIY Essential Oils Recipes Wellness

DIY Natural Household Cleaners

We’ve made it to week 6 of A Mom’s Guide to Getting Started with Essential Oils. So far in this series, we have covered Where to Begin with Essential Oils, How to Safely Use Essential Oils, Inhaling Essential oils, How to Choose an Aromatherapy Diffuser., and How to Use Essential Oils Topically. I think you’re ready to really dig in and begin using essential oils in your everyday life.

One of the easiest ways to get started with essential oils is to begin using them for household purposes and cleaning. You can make your own or add oils to your existing natural cleaners. It’s not difficult to do, and you’ll be pleased with the results!

One of the easiest ways to get started with essential oils is to begin using them for DIY household cleaners. You can make your own or add oils to your existing natural cleaners. It's not difficult to do, and you'll be pleased with the results! #essentialoils #naturalcleaners #DIY #aromatherapy

DIY Natural Household Cleaners

Here are 10 ways you can use essential oils for housekeeping. You’ll be well on your way to a clean, pleasantly scented, and less toxic home! You can also download all the recipes for these ideas by entering your email at the bottom of this post. They are a part of my Essential Oils Starter Kit.

1) Carpet Freshener: Essential oils mixed with baking soda, sprinkled on the floor and vacuumed.

2) Dryer Sheets: (For scenting, not softening or preventing static) Add drops of essential oils to plain scraps of fabric and include in your dryer load.

3) General Disinfecting Cleaner: Vinegar and water with antibacterial essential oils.

4) Heavy Duty Cleaner: Water and Castile soap with essential oils.

5) General Floor Cleaner: Vinegar, Castile soap, and citrus essential oils.

6) “Soft Scrub” Cleaner: Baking soda, Castile soap, and essential oils.

7) Hand Sanitizer: Water, aloe vera juice, and essential oils.

8) Laundry Soap: Baking soda, salt, Castile soap, and essential oils.

9) Shower Spray: Water, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils.

10) Hand/Dish Soap: Water, Castile soap, and essential oils.

Download the cleaning recipes to go with the uses listed above by entering your email below!

 

GET INSTANT ACCESS

to Our Essential Oils Starter Pack!

We'll send you this awesome set of helpful printables and simple recipes, plus keep you up to date on all that's happening at Wellness Becomes Her.

Hidden Content

 

Action Step

Try out one new recipe for cleaning in your home! Experiment with different scents and combinations to find what you like best.

Up Next: Using Essential Oils for Your Beauty Needs

10% off Cleaning Kit from Rocky Mountain OilsPrecautions

Never use essential oils undiluted or in the eyes or mucous membranes. Do not ingest essential oils unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep essential oils away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier oil).

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Gluten-free Recipes Recipes WW Freestyle Recipes

Weight Watchers Freestyle Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa Recipe (gluten-free)

Okay y’all — how about a slightly spicy Mexican recipe for your Instant Pot that is not only gluten-free but also fits well on the Weight Watchers Freestyle plan? Are you one of the millions who has caught the quinoa bug? Then I think you’re gonna enjoy this great substitute for the Mexican food you once loved but have been avoiding while trying to trim down.
 How about a slightly spicy Mexican recipe for your Instant Pot that is not only gluten-free but also fits well on the Weight Watchers Freestyle plan? Are you one of the millions who has caught the quinoa bug? Then I think you're gonna enjoy this great substitute for the Mexican food you once loved but have been avoiding while trying to trim down.  #instantpot #instantpotrecipes #instapot #mexicanfood #mexicanrecipes #quinoa #quinoarecipes

Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless and diced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (try this homemade recipe)
  • 2 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
  • 1/2 of red, green and yellow pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded Colby/Jack shredded cheese
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 plum tomatoes, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • 1/3 C chopped fresh cilantro, chopped

How about a slightly spicy Mexican recipe for your Instant Pot that is not only gluten-free but also fits well on the Weight Watchers Freestyle plan? Are you one of the millions who has caught the quinoa bug? Then I think you're gonna enjoy this great substitute for the Mexican food you once loved but have been avoiding while trying to trim down.  #instantpot #instantpotrecipes #instapot #mexicanfood #mexicanrecipes #quinoa #quinoarecipes

Directions

  1. Heat Instant Pot using the saute setting
  2. Add olive oil, onion, bell peppers, and chicken breasts to the Instant Pot and cook until lightly browned, stirring often.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic, chicken broth, tomato sauce, quinoa, and salt.
  4. Set the instant pot to manual cook on high for 12 minutes.
  6. When complete, press cancel and do a quick release of the steam.
  7. Divide into 6 individual bowls.
  8. Serve topped with the avocado, Jalapenos, plum tomatoes, a sprinkle of cheese, and cilantro.
Serves 6
Weight Watchers Freestyle Smartpoints: 5 per serving
How about a slightly spicy Mexican recipe for your Instant Pot that is not only gluten-free but also fits well on the Weight Watchers Freestyle plan? Are you one of the millions who has caught the quinoa bug? Then I think you're gonna enjoy this great substitute for the Mexican food you once loved but have been avoiding while trying to trim down.  #instantpot #instantpotrecipes #instapot #mexicanfood #mexicanrecipes #quinoa #quinoarecipes

 

Weight Watchers Freestyle Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa Recipe
 
Save Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Weight Watchers Freestyle Points = 5 per serving
Author:
Recipe type: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless and diced)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (try this homemade recipe)
  • 2 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1½ cups dry quinoa
  • ½ of red, green and yellow pepper, finely diced
  • ½ cup shredded Colby/Jack shredded cheese
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 plum tomatoes, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • ⅓ C chopped fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
  1. Heat Instant Pot using the saute setting
  2. Add olive oil, onion, bell peppers, and chicken breasts to the Instant Pot and cook until lightly browned, stirring often.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic, chicken broth, tomato sauce, quinoa, and salt.
  4. Set the instant pot to manual cook on high for 12 minutes.
  5. When complete, press cancel and do a quick release of the steam.
  6. Divide into 6 individual bowls.
  7. Serve topped with the avocado, Jalapenos, plum tomatoes, a sprinkle of cheese, and cilantro.

Essential Oils Wellness

How to Use Essential Oils Topically

Welcome back. This is week 5 of A Mom’s Guide to Getting Started with Essential Oils. So far in this series, we have covered Where to Begin with Essential Oils, How to Safely Use Essential Oils, Inhaling Essential oils., and How to Choose an Aromatherapy Diffuser.

Next to diffusing them, applying essential oils topically is the most common way of using them. This week, we’ll tackle the safe and effective use of using essential oils on the skin.

Wondering how to use essential oils? Next to diffusing them, applying essential oils topically is the most common way of using them. In this article, we'll tackle the safe and effective use of using essential oils on the skin. #essentialoils #aromatherapy

Topical Use of Essential Oils

I mentioned a few articles back the importance of properly diluting essential oils for reasons of safety.

Preventing topical irritation, sensitivity, photosensitivity, and sensitization are important reasons you will want to dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil. However, in addition to the safety reasons are the financial ones. You have probably figured out that essential oils are not cheap, and since diluting oils does not decrease the powerful effectiveness, it makes sense to dilute them in order to be safe AND save money.

What is a carrier oil?

A carrier oil is simply an oil that is used as a base to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. Probably the most common carrier oil used is Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO). FCO is different from the unrefined (extra virgin) coconut oil you may be familiar with in the baking aisle at your grocery store. FCO is refined to remove impurities and extend shelf life. It will not become solid at room temperature the way unrefined coconut oil does. FCO mixes well with essential oils, absorbs quickly, does not clog pores, and does not stain your clothing.

You can use most any liquid oil as a carrier oil for your essential oils though — jojoba, grapeseed, sweet almond, avocado, and olive are common choices and most of these have healing properties of their own that FCO does not.

Roller Bottles

When it comes to topical use of essential oils, roller bottles are your best friend. I have them in my essential oils storage case, easily accessible in my kitchen cabinets, in my purse, on my bedside table, in the bathroom, in my first aid kit, in my refrigerator . . . I think you get the picture . . .  I have them pretty much everywhere. Many of them travel with me everywhere I go.

Once you have some blends that you love and are using frequently, making roller bottles with those blends makes using essential oils very convenient and portable.

The best roller bottles are the dark glass bottles that better protect the essential oils from light so that they remain effective longer, with steel rollers.

Plant Therapy Spring Blends Set -- limited time offer #essentialoils #aromatherapy #planttherapy

Using Your Roller Bottles

To get started, you’ll need some roller bottles, fractionated coconut oil (FCO), and your essential oils. It’s also nice to get some stickers for labeling your bottles — those round garage sale stickers from the dollar store work just fine. I usually cover them with tape so that the ink doesn’t smear.

For each roller bottle, you’ll add essential oils first, blending according to your expected use, and then the rest will be filled with FCO or another carrier oil. A common formula that works in most situations is a 3% dilution which is equal to 6 drops total of essential oils in a 10cc roller bottle.

To apply, you simply take the cap off and roll the oil wherever most appropriate. It makes for a quick application without fumbling with the carrier and essential oils bottles every time you need them, and as I’ve already mentioned,  is very portable.

10 Simple Roller Bottle Recipes  

As with diffuser recipes, it’s best to start out with a pre-made blend or a simple combination of two to four single oils you enjoy for your roller bottles. My Essential Oils Starter Kit contains 10 simple roller bottle recipes to get you going! If you have not yet downloaded your free copy of the kit, you can do so by entering your email below.  You will soon start to get the hang of what you most enjoy and what works well together and can begin creating your own blends for your roller bottles!

 

GET INSTANT ACCESS

to Our Essential Oils Starter Pack!

We'll send you this awesome set of helpful printables and simple recipes, plus keep you up to date on all that's happening at Wellness Becomes Her.

Hidden Content

 

Action Step

Choose three roller bottle recipes you think will be helpful for you and give them a try! Let me know what you think!

Up Next: DIY Natural Household Cleaners  

Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted or in the eyes or mucous membranes. Do not ingest essential oils unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep essential oils away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier oil).

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Essential Oils Recipes

30 Days of Gluten-free Instant Pot Recipes (free printable and clickable meal plan)

When I was first starting out trying to get to a place of eating a mostly Paleo or Whole30 diet, I was overwhelmed with all that I needed to eliminate from my diet — gluten, dairy, sugar, beans . . . it felt like everything I enjoyed eating was off the table (no pun intended). What helped me, in the beginning, was to eliminate just one thing – gluten. Once I mastered eating gluten-free, I was able to master the rest. It just gave me confidence, I suppose.

If you are in the same situation — a bit overwhelmed with removing so much from your diet at once — perhaps eliminating or at least reducing from your diet first will help you, too. To help you on your way, I’ve compiled a list of a month’s worth of dinner recipes that are gluten-free. The calendar says April since this is when I’m publishing the meal plan, but you can use this any time of course. Not only do you receive links to 30 recipes, but you can also download a free meal plan with clickable links!

Click here to download your Gluten-free Meal Plan with clickable links to 30 days of recipes!

Get a jump on your healthier diet with 30 days of gluten-free Instant Pot recipes! Includes a free printable and clickable meal plan. #mealplan #mealplanning #instantpot #instapot #instantpotrecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes

Printable Gluten-free Meal Plan

Pressure Cooker Ham

Instant Pot Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions

Whole 30 Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

Instant Pot Gluten-free Chicken Corn Chowder

Salsa Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice

Lemon Saffron Shrimp

Easy Five Ingredient Instant Pot Italian Beef

Pressure Cooker Tomato & Chick Pea Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Marsala

Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Pot Roast

Instant Pot Fried Rice

Stuffed Peppers

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Red Pepper Tomato Soup

Instant Pot Sweet Potato with Whole30 Toppings

Instant Pot No-Noodle Lasagna

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Spanish Rice

Pork Carnitas

Gluten Free Pasta Fagioli Soup

Cubed Steak with Mushrooms & Onions

Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

Pressure Cooker Moo Goo Gai Pan

Spicy Sausage and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken & Rice

Click here to download your Gluten-free Meal Plan with clickable links to 30 days of recipes!

Essential Oils Wellness

How to Choose an Aromatherapy Diffuser

You’ve made it to week 4 of A Mom’s Guide to Getting Started with Essential Oils.  In the past three weeks, we discussed Where to Begin with Essential Oils, How to Safely Use Essential Oils, and methods of Inhaling Essential oils. This week we’re taking the information about inhaling essential oils a step further and discussing how to choose a diffuser.

One of the more common ways essential oils are used therapeutically is by diffusion. This method is also considered the safest way to use essential oils. You will likely want to purchase a diffuser in the near future, so let's take a moment to discuss what exactly a diffuser is and how to choose an aromatherapy diffuser. #aromatherapy #essentialoils #diffuser #aromatherapydiffuser

How to Choose an Aromatherapy Diffuser

One of the more common ways essential oils are used therapeutically is by diffusion. This method is also considered the safest way to use essential oils. You will likely want to purchase a diffuser in the near future, so let’s take a moment to discuss what exactly a diffuser is and how to choose an aromatherapy diffuser.

What is a diffuser?

Basically, a diffuser is a machine that disperses (diffuses) essential oils into the air so that you can more readily inhale them as you go about your day. The oil floats up into the air and the particles are inhaled into your lungs where they are absorbed into your blood stream. The microscopic particles then interact with your bodily systems according to their therapeutic properties.

There are different kinds of diffusers available: Evaporative, Heat, Nebulizing, and Ultrasonic.

Evaporative Diffusers

Evaporative diffusers are the most basic of diffusers. In one type, drops of essential oils are placed on a filter or pad and a fan blows air through them. The air blowing through the pad causes the oils to quickly evaporate, and the air with the evaporated oil is blown into the room. In the other type, the oils evaporate naturally, without the help of a fan.

While this method of diffusion works well at getting the scent of the oil into the room, it is not terribly therapeutic. Anytime an essential oil evaporates, some of the lighter, more volatile components tend to evaporate faster than the heavier, less volatile components. So, instead of getting the whole oil all at once, you are getting a higher percentage of the lighter components at the beginning of the process and a higher percentage of the heavier components towards the end of the process.

While this may diminish the therapeutic properties that the whole oil had possessed, evaporative diffusion is still a good and relatively quiet means of getting the aroma of the essential oil throughout the room.

Plant Therapy Spring Blends Set -- limited time offer #essentialoils #aromatherapy #planttherapy

Heat Diffusers

Like evaporative diffusers, heat diffusers also cause the essential oils to evaporate quicker than normal but use heat instead of blowing air to accomplish diffusion. A “plug-in” diffuser is an example of this type, as is a “tea light” diffuser. Plug-in type diffusers are commonly used to diffuse in cars.

While some heat diffusers use high levels of heat to produce stronger smells, the best heat diffusers will only use very low levels of heat that produce more subtle aromas. This difference is important because high levels of heat can actually alter the chemical constituents of the oils, rendering them ineffective.

Although heat diffusers do share the same drawback of any diffuser that relies on evaporation—the potential of fractionating the oil into its components instead of putting the whole oil into the air––heat diffusers are a very economical and quiet method of diffusing essential oils.

Nebulizing Diffusers

Nebulizing diffusers are very powerful and effective diffusers for essential oils. They don’t require water, instead using an atomizer to distribute essential oil particles directly into the air. With these diffusers, the oil bottle usually connects directly to the unit. Nebulizing diffusers quickly distribute a lot of oil into the air in just a few minutes, but should only be used for short periods of time and intermittently or you might end up with much more oil in the air than is needed or even safe.

This is the type of diffuser you might consider using during times when your household is sick and in need of a quick dispersing of essential oils to treat your symptoms (for example, when everyone has coughs and congestion) because it will disperse the greatest concentration of essential oils the most quickly. The nebulizing diffuser I have and love using is the Opulence Nebulizing Diffuser from Organic Aromas. We have been using this diffuser since January when we all had the flu, and now into allergy season. It’s also become my favorite for when I know a migraine is coming on as well. This beautiful ceramic and glass diffuser adds beauty to my room decor and has an intermittent setting so that I am assured of safe diffusing.

Ultrasonic or Humidifying Diffusers
An ultrasonic diffuser is similar to a nebulizing one in that it distributes essential oils particles into the air, but it uses water and the fast vibration of an ultrasonic plate to break the essential oils into tiny particles, dispersing them in a fine mist. The tiny particles are then easily absorbed by the lungs for greater therapeutic effect.

This is the type of diffuser I use most on a daily basis. I keep one in the bathroom, kitchen, and in my son’s room. It is quiet, cost-effective, and the intermittent settings mean I can set it up and forget about it, while it works its magic. My favorite diffuser of this type is the AromaFuse carried by Plant Therapy.

Once you’ve chosen a diffuser, you can start using it right away with the 10 simple diffuser blends found in your Essential Oils Starter Kit. You’ll find help with sleep, allergies, focus, relaxing, and more here. If you have not yet downloaded your Starter Kit, you can do so by entering your email below.

 

GET INSTANT ACCESS

to Our Essential Oils Starter Pack!

We'll send you this awesome set of helpful printables and simple recipes, plus keep you up to date on all that's happening at Wellness Becomes Her.

Hidden Content

 

Be sure to compare the ingredients with the information I gave you earlier in the course for using essential oils safely if you will be diffusing around your children. You can make substitutions as needed. All essential oils are compatible, but you’ll want to find a blend that pleases your senses and works for its intended purpose.

Next Up: Using Essential Oils Topically

Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes. Do not ingest unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep essential oils away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier oil).

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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