Top 3 Reasons to LOVE Palo Santo (Holy Wood)

Have you checked out the February Promo? There’s a lot to love about each of these awesome freebies. And while you might already adore Lemongrass for its digestive support or swoon for PanAway’s head-soothing power, you might not be familiar with Palo Santo.

The Tree of Life team is already head-over-heels for this versatile oil, so today we share our top 3 ways to use Palo Santo.  

It’s time to get acquainted with Palo Santo … or Holy Wood … or the Frankincense of South America … or your new favorite uplifting aroma.

It’s time to get acquainted with Palo Santo … or Holy Wood … or the Frankincense of South America … or your new favorite uplifting aroma.

1. Meditation Muse

Palo Santo earns the nickname Holy Wood because its woodsy aroma is perfect for grounding during meditation. Try diffusing while practicing mindfulness or applying a few drops directly to the forehead. Much like Frankincense it should inspire spiritual connectedness.

2. Mmmmmmh … Calming

Whether you are cleansing the air of ‘Eau de trashcan’ or your mind from stress, diffusing Santa Palo helps create a calming environment for your mood and a refreshing aroma for your nose.

3. Massage Must-Have  

Treat tired muscles to a post-workout massage with Palo Santo. A 1:1 dilution with your favorite carrier oil applied directed to desired area should deliver the pampering you crave (and deserve!).

This oil takes a lot of work! It is only distilled from Palo Santo trees after they have been dead and lying on the ground for 5 (yes, really) years.

This oil takes a lot of work! It is only distilled from Palo Santo trees after they have been dead and lying on the ground for 5 (yes, really) years.

Must Have!

Don’t miss out! This month you can earn Palo Santo for free, plus other goodies through Young Living’s monthly promo. We suggest checking out the Essential Rewards program to get the best bang out of your buck (like earning more freebies and points toward your favorite oils).

ER-Normous News!

Happy Friday! After all the Fun February Freebies, we hope you can handle even more good news: Young Living has streamlined it's Essential Rewards enrollment for new members! New members can now customize their first ER order woo hoo! 

Need more details? Check out (and share!) our breakdown of this exciting announcement below. 

Awesome Update: New Members can order their Premium Starter Kit AND enroll in ER with a custom order. AND earn points toward that month's promo. AND save on shipping. Hello, streamlined process. 

Awesome Update: New Members can order their Premium Starter Kit AND enroll in ER with a custom order. AND earn points toward that month's promo. AND save on shipping. Hello, streamlined process. 

Join Now! 

Not a member? Find out how to join the Tree of Life Team today. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments or contact us

Young Living February Promo: Fun Freebies for Someone Special (You!)

While you're showering others with love this month, Young Living's thoughtful February promo focuses on Y-O-U. Discover a new signature scent (Lemongrass) or an invigorating midday pick-me-up (Eucalyptus Radiata) in this month's promo that's all about giving yourself some love. With favorites like PanAway and Palo Santo up for grabs (more on these versatile oils next week), what's not to love? 

Read on for all the goodies you can treat yo'self to this month with your qualifying order. 

Check out the Fun February Freebies. Treat yo'self! 

Check out the Fun February Freebies. Treat yo'self! 

300 PV (Retail Value: $187.59) 

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 

250 PV (Retail Value: $121.31)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 

190 PV (Retail Value: $55.92)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 

100 PV (Retail Value: $8.22)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 5-ml Lemongrass

Share the Love!

Excited about this promo? Shout it from the rooftops (or your favorite social media outlet:) with our super-convenient share button below. 

Switch & Ditch: Personal Care Edition

Did anyone already switch to all-natural cleaning products (like this one!) and ditch your chemical-heavy cleaning cohorts? Let us know! A clean sweep never felt or smelled so good.

This week, we are continuing our switch and ditch theme, but now: it’s getting personal. Personal care products, that is.

As far as personal wellness goals go, treating your skin to natural products should be right there on your resolution list along with healthy diet and exercise. And Young Living has plenty of all-natural, essential-oil infused goodies. Ready for some switch and ditch tips? We thought so.  

Switch & Ditch: Personal Care Edition

Make your 2017 resolution a reality with a few of our favorites like the ART skincare system, Young Living's super popular face cream, foaming face wash and toner. 

Make your 2017 resolution a reality with a few of our favorites like the ART skincare system, Young Living's super popular face cream, foaming face wash and toner. 

Oral Care

Let’s start with something you do everyday: brush your teeth. Time to ditch toothpaste with artificial sweeteners and toxic chemicals and switch to natural toothpaste that will freshen your breath and gently wash away staining.

The Thieves lines makes this easy. Try one of three Thieves lines toothpastes along with Thieves Dental Floss and Thieves Fresh Essence Mouthwash.

Hand Care

Make sure washing or cleaning your hands actually washes and cleanses without artificial fragrances or toxins.

I’m in love with the Thieves Foaming hand soap. It smells wonderful and is a great way to introduce guests to Thieves goodness. For on-the-go cleansing, Thieves Waterless Hand Cleanser is on my must-travel list.

Face Care

Whether you are focusing on cleansing, restoring, moisturizing or refining, Young Living has products and oils to try. Some of my favorite anti-aging oils include:

  • Rose - high-frequency oil great for moisturizing and refining skin
  • Patchouli - favorite oil for daily moisturizing
  • Lavender - skin MVP, a must for cleansing, moisturizing and refining
  • Frankincense - sacred oil that restores and moisturizes skin  
  • Myrrh - another must-have for moisturizing  

Start slow and experiment. We suggest adding a beauty oil to your order each month. Everyone is different, so everyone will have different favorites. Once you find your favorites, here are a few tips to get the most out of your beauty regime (and save some money).

Make a Homemade Cream

Make your own body and face cream and infuse with your favorite essential oils. That way you get a daily dose of oils, while stretching your supply.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shea butter
  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • ½ cup liquid oil (like almond, grapeseed, jojoba or avocado oil)
  • 5-10 drops of essential oils of choice

Directions:

  1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil on stovetop
  2. Let cool completely
  3. Add liquid oil and essential oils for choice
  4. Whip to decadent texture

Homemade Serums

Another way to stretch your beauty oils and save time in your routine: create your own serums. Add your favorite oils and apply after your cream morning and night. To make, you will need to gather a few supplies like 1-oz glass bottles, roller ball fitments and funnels.

Ingredients:

  • 1-oz. favorite carrier oil (again: think liquid food oils like almond, grapeseed or avocado)
  • 1-2 drops each of your favorite anti-aging oils

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a small, amber glass bottle. Yup, it’s that easy!

Hair Care

Tame your locks with natural care products. This one is especially important, considering when you rinse off shampoo it flows down the rest of your body. Young Living has some great daily shampoos (like yummy Lavender Mint) to nourish and cleanse hair.

You can also add oils to your hair care routine. When styling, I add a drop of Ylang Ylang to my hair for a gorgeous floral scent and curl-boosting moisture. Other great hair oils include:

  • Geranium - rehydrates hair, try adding to your conditioner
  • Lavender - nourishes and may thicken hair
  • Rosemary - allows nutrients to penetrate hair and scalp
  • Tea Tree - soothes your scalp

Body Care

Body Wash

Like hair care products, body wash is exposed to large parts of your body. Making your own body wash was never easier with Young Living’s bath and shower gel base. Just add 5-10 drops of your favorite oil. Any of our favorite hair and skin oils would work, or you can try an uplifting blend like Joy.

Deodorants

And finally, we’ll end with another daily personal care product: Deodorant. Young Living offers great aluminum-free options that smell great! (Like this one). You can also experiment using an oil as a deodorant. Purification is a great, cleansing and aromatically fresh option to try!

Switch, Ditch & Save

Ready to ditch commercially produced personal care products? Easy. Switch to buying your natural shampoo, hand soap and floss with Young Living’s autoship program, Essential Rewards. We love it because we get to buy the products we love while earning freebies and points toward even more products we love. We think you will, too!

Any questions? Ask away in the comments.

Peace & Calming Freebie Alert!

Beloved blog readers, listen up. If you are on the fence about starting your essential oil journey this year, here's a little extra incentive: order the Premium Starter Kit before January 31, 2017 and earn Peace & Calming for free. 

Haven't met this little bottle of wonderful? You need to. A Young Living favorite, Peace & Calming is great for diffusing before bed (especially if you have a restless kiddo or 2!). And, due to popularity, it's usually out of stock.

A $34.75 value for free with your purchase!

A $34.75 value for free with your purchase!

Members, you know what to do. Share and don't let friends and family miss this deal! 

Switch & Ditch in 2017: Clean House Edition

It’s resolution season, so we’ll take the last two weeks of January to give you tips on a couple of naturally awesome goals. Week 1 Objective: Clean House in your Cleaning Closet.

That’s right. Make 2017 the year you ditch chemical-laden, toxic cleaners and switch to the good stuff. By good stuff we mean cleaners that you don’t have to worry about coming in contact with you or your family’s skin or lungs. And bonus cleaners that do just as good a job (or better!) cleaning every surface of your house.

Read on for practical tips, quick fixes and tried-and-true recipes. Happy Switching and Ditching!

Ditch toxic cleaning products and switch to all-natural, essential oil-powered clean. 

Ditch toxic cleaning products and switch to all-natural, essential oil-powered clean. 

The All-Important All-Purpose Cleaner

Ditching your old cleaners has another bonus: you can replace all those bottles with just one. Yup. I bought a 14.4 oz. bottle of Thieves Household cleaner 3+ years ago and I am still using it one capful at a time.

I spray this versatile mix on kitchen and bathroom countertops, glass and mirrors. Basically everywhere.*

All-Purpose/Glass Cleaner Recipe

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 capful (approx. 1 tsp) Thieves Household Cleaner
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 3-5 drops your choice oil (I usually use Lemon, but Citrus Fresh or Tea Tree, would be other fresh ideas)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in your favorite glass spray bottle, spray, wipe away, SMILE.

*When in doubt, try the all-purpose cleaner in a conspicuous spot first. Especially on surfaces like granite or sandstone, where a higher dilution may be in order.     

Kitchen

Thieves Line Quick Fixes*: Thieves Dish Soap, Thieves Automatic Dishwasher Powder

*If you love Thieves Household cleaner, check out the whole line! We’ve included links to some of our favorite products by room to make things (you guessed it) EASY.

Recipe for Clean Tile Floors:

  • ⅛ Cup Thieves Dish Soap
  • ⅛ Cup White Vinegar
  • 1 Gallon Warm Water

Instructions:

Mix and Mop!

Trashcan Tip:

Keep your trash can fresher in two steps!

  1. Put 2-3 drops Citrus Fresh (or preferred Essential Oil, Purification would be a great choice) on a cotton ball.
  2. Place cotton ball in trash can before you insert liner.

Laundry

Thieves Line Quick Fixes: Thieves Laundry Soap

Laundry Soap Tip: Like the household cleaner, this soap is super concentrated. 32-oz. should give you at least 64 loads of clean clothes!

Dryer Sheet Replacement

You know you’re an adult when you get dryer balls for Christmas. But I did this year, and I embraced my adulthood by being totally excited. The wool dryer balls not only help laundry dry faster with less static and wrinkles, they also provide the perfect opportunity to ditch toxic dryer sheets in favor of therapeutic grade essential oils.

I have 4 balls and I add a couple drops of oil to each for a refreshing scent. My favorites are Lavender and Citrus Fresh. Others to try: Stress Away and Joy

Bathrooms

Thieves Line Quick Fixes: Thieves Wipes

Toilet Tips:

I’ve gotten natural toilet cleaning down to 4 steps:

  1. Spray toilet bowl with all-purpose Thieves cleaner (recipe above).
  2. Sprinkle bowl with about ¼ cup baking soda.
  3. Let mixture sit while you wipe down the rest of the toilet with a rag and all-purpose cleaner.
  4. Scrub bowl.

Tub Tips:

Most cleaning sessions, I simply wipe tubs and showers with my all-purpose cleaner, but if deeper cleaning is in order I have a couple of options:

  1. Sprinkle half a lemon with baking soda to tackle stubborn stains.
  2. Create a paste with 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner and 2-3 TB baking soda.
  3. For a refreshing clean, spray tub with vinegar. Adding a few drops of Lavender or Tea Tree oil will help amp up cleaning power and tune out the intense vinegar aroma.

Last Sweep: Miscellaneous Tips

Carpet

Ditch musty carpet smell with this carpet freshener recipe we shared in our Oil of the Week series:  

Recipe:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 5 drops of Thieves Essential Oil Blend

Instructions:

  1. Combine ingredients in shaker, mix well and let sit overnight.
  2. Sprinkle over carpets and vacuum.

General Stain Remover

Reach for Lemon for any weird, sticky, stubborn stains. It’s a natural at getting gunk out of your life.

Wood Cleaner

This recipe works wonders on wooden cabinets and furniture:

  • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
  • 1 cup Olive Oil
  • 2-3 Drops Lemon  

Making the Switch Made Easy

If you’re ready to make the switch, the Young Living Essential Rewards program makes it super easy (and affordable). You just:

  1. Ditch the toxic cleaners in your home.
  2. Ditch the toxic cleaners on your shopping list.
  3. Switch to Essential Rewards for all your natural cleaning needs.

Your grocery list will get shorter and your house will become naturally clean. Just add a cleaning product to your order each month to help you keep this 2017 resolution! You’ll even earn points toward free products while you’re at it.

Have a cleaning quandary? Ask us in the comments!

Hello, Helichrysum: Rejuvenating Essential Oil, You

Today, we spotlight Helichrysum. This rare flower is a vital ingredient in 16 Young Living products. Before we share a few quick tips and facts, here’s a spoiler of some amazing benefits: Dried Helichrysum flowers keep their fragrance, shape and color for years, earning the nickname Everlasting Flower.

If your curiosity is piqued, keep reading, because this month … drumroll … you can earn Helichrysum for free! (Find out how here!). Ok, time to introduce the wheres, whys and hows of Helichrysum. Hello, new friend.  

Fast Fact: Helichrysum has a high frequency making it perfect to diffuse for grounding during study or mediation.

Fast Fact: Helichrysum has a high frequency making it perfect to diffuse for grounding during study or mediation.

Where?

Young Living grows its Helichrysum in Croatia. This hearty plant prefers rocky soil to keep it warm day and night. Instead of harvesting the entire plant, Young Living takes just the top 10-12 inches. The stalk will grow back within a week!

Why?

As you can see, Helichrysum has wonderful rejuvenating and restorative properties. We love it for:

  • Improving appearance of tender skin
  • Supporting mood, even during conflict
  • Easing minor muscle tension or bone discomfort
  • Maintaining healthy circulation
  • Supporting the respiratory system
  • General cleansing properties  

How?  

1. Diffuse:

The uplifting aroma can help soothe moods and stimulate focus. You can diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times a day.  

2. Apply Topically

Try applying 2-4 drops to the feet or directly to area of choice. Dilution is not typically required.

Now What?

We hope you enjoyed getting to know a rare oil today. If you want more information, leave us a question in the comments. We’d also love to hear how you plan to use it first.

And again, find out how you can add its grounding, restorative properties to your oily tool kit for free this month.

Young Living January Promo: New Year, Fresh Favorites

There's something inspiring about a New Year, and we feel that this month's promo captures that feeling perfectly with 6 (yes, 6!) amazing oils: Citrus Fresh Vitality, Eucalyptus Globulus, Basil Vitality, Joy, Helichrysum and Peace and Calming. Each one can help you tackle a resolution with natural zest.

Want to drink more water? Add some Citrus Fresh Vitality for a tasty treat. Trying to work in more work outs? Motivate yourself with the promise of a Eucalyptus-infused massage. Moving up your bedtime? Introduce Peace & Calming into your nighttime routine. 

Ready to find out more? Read on for details. 

Happy New Year to you! Earn these 6 oils with your qualifying purchase. Bonus Resolution Tip: Try cooking more at home with Basil Vitality! 

Happy New Year to you! Earn these 6 oils with your qualifying purchase. 

Bonus Resolution Tip: Try cooking more at home with Basil Vitality! 

300 PV (Retail Value $255.25)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusives:

250 PV (Retail Value $97.69)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusives:

190 PV (Retail Value $42.76)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusives:

  100 PV (Retail Value $9.54)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive:

5-ml Citrus Fresh Vitality™

One More Resolution

Resolve to never miss free oils in 2017 with Young Living's awesome autoship program, Essential Rewards. Find out everything you need to know on our Essential Rewards 101 page. 

We Wish You a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

We wanted to take a moment to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Tree of Life Family to yours. To celebrate this special time, we've collected a few of our favorite festive diffuser recipes. It's just a small gift to let you know how much we appreciate you visiting the blog and joining the conversation.

MerryChristmas

 Enjoy the holiday! See you soon, we are looking forward to a wonderful 2017! 

Young Living Fall Favs: NingXia Red

As temperatures drop and winter officially approaches, it’s more important than ever to give our immune systems a little encouragement. To help you do just that, we’re talking about NingXia Red, a great way to support and maintain a healthy body. Mix this liquid supplement in your favorite hot tea, and it’s like giving your an immune system a nice, warm hug. If that’s not encouraging (and cozy!), we don’t know what is. Read on to find out what makes it so great and creative ways you can treat yourself to the antioxidant goodness, too.

Behind on our series? Check out the rest of our Young Living Fall Favs here: Christmas Spirit, Release, Inner Defense, and R.C., Raven and Breathe Again. Don’t be without them this winter!  

What Makes NingXia Red So Great?

NingXia Red earns a spot on our Fall Favs list by encouraging healthy bodies, even as temperatures drop. 

NingXia Red earns a spot on our Fall Favs list by encouraging healthy bodies, even as temperatures drop. 

The wolfberry (lycium barbarum) is a key ingredient to Young Living’s liquid supplement, NingXia Red. It is a macro nutrient rich fruit, maximizing the full potential of the most vital of antioxidant foods. Young Living chose to use the whole fruit for this purpose. Each bottle contains the pulp of the whole berry, not just the juice, so shake it up before you pour yourself some! The sediment in your beautiful bottle is so important.

Along with the wolfberry, NingXia Red contains blueberries, cherries, pomegranates, and aronia (choke berry), all high in antioxidant power, but, again, none can match that of the wolfberry. The wolfberry ranks highest on the ORAC scale at 1500 units per ounce. Don’t believe me? Go compare it to other whole foods.

Not only does the wolfberry make it great but so do the therapeutic grade essential oils that enhance the flavor and vitality of this supplement. NingXia Red contains Orange, Yuzu, Lemon, and Tangerine essential oil. These four oils provide each of their own unique properties, but all four are known for d-limonene, an amazing compound that supports many body systems from skin to digestion.

NingXia Red is packed full of antioxidants, immune stimulating polysaccharides, carotenoids, and has 15.6g of protein per 100g of fruit. This is just a snippet of the great properties of the NingXia wolfberry that make NingXia Red so amazing.

Great for the Whole Body!

NingXia Red aids in health functions of the whole body. It supports normal blood sugar, promotes regularity in digestion, supports circulation, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, aids in bone joint and ligament support, combats premature ageing, improves energy levels, supports vision, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, (whew!) … and so much more.

15 Ways to Drink Your NingXia Red

NingXia Red packets make it even easier to get your daily shot in. Pro-Tip: Bottles of NingXia Red may freeze during shipping in the winter, so packets are the way to go for the next few months. 

NingXia Red packets make it even easier to get your daily shot in. Pro-Tip: Bottles of NingXia Red may freeze during shipping in the winter, so packets are the way to go for the next few months. 

I drink NingXia Red every day. Sometimes I need a change from the same old way I drink my Red. There are many different recipes and creative little tricks to change up your NingXia routine. Let’s start with my new favorite. I just discovered it this week!

  • A shot of NingXia Red to my herbal tea in the morning, or at night. I have cut out coffee, which is a process, of course, but I look forward to my cup of NingXia tea in the morning now.
  • NingXia in seltzer water makes a great refreshing and revitalizing treat.
  • A frozen packet of NingXia Red to make a NingXia popsicle.
  • A shot of NingXia Red in your orange juice or other juice.
  • NingXia Red in your smoothie.
  • NingXia Red in your Balance Complete Shake.
  • NingXia Red blended with ice.
  • NingXia Red in your ice water. This is my standby. I like to add a different combination of essential oils every few days to change up the flavor.

Shoot it straight or dress it up with essential oils. Here are some tried and true recipes. Though, the combinations are limitless.

Atomic Fire Ball

  • 1oz NingXia Red
  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
  • 1 drop Ocotea

Mind Blaster

  • 1oz. NingXia Red
  • 1 drop Lime
  • 1 drop Peppermint
  • 1 drop Lemon
  • 1 drop Copaiba
  • 1 drop Cinnamon Bark

Hot Flash

  • 1 oz. NingXia Red
  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
  • 2 drops Peppermint

Dreamsicle

  • 1 oz. NingXia Red
  • 1 drop Orange
  • 1 drop Lime
  • 1 drop Tangerine
  • 1 drop Copaiba
  • 1 drop Grapefruit
  • 1 drop Lemon

Cimply Smooth

  • 1 oz. NingXia Red
  • 2 drops Tangerine
  • 2 drops Lime
  • 1 drop StressAway

Jump Start

  • 2 oz. NingXia Red
  • 3 drops Lime
  • 3 drops Orange
  • 2 drops Frankincense
  • 1 drop Black Pepper

Morning Glory

  • 2 oz. NingXia Red
  • 3 drops Citrus Fresh
  • 1 drop Black Pepper
  • 1 drop Bergamot

Note: Always drink 8-12 oz. of water with your NingXia Red to help your body absorb all of its nutrients.

Have you had your NingXia Red today? Share your favorite recipe in the comments!

Young Living Fall Favs: R.C., Raven & Breathe Again (What's the Difference?)

Sometimes this much-quoted Top Gun line comes to mind: “I feel the need, the need for SPEED!” Except, living in Houston, I find myself looking at my oil choices thinking, “I feel the need, the need to BREATHE!”

Fortunately, Young Living offers access to some really great oils to fill that need. While I sincerely appreciate the plants God created and YL’s ability to distill them into little bottles of oily awesomeness, TOO MANY CHOICES MAKE MY LITTLE BRAIN CONFUSED! Which one? How do I choose? What’s the difference?

Let’s focus on three of my favorite “breathing” oils! (See what I did there?!)

What’s the Difference? R.C., Raven & Breathe Again

R.C., Raven and Breathe Again all help support your respiratory system, but when should you use each? Good question! We're here with some helpful tips. 

R.C., Raven and Breathe Again all help support your respiratory system, but when should you use each? Good question! We're here with some helpful tips. 

First up: R.C.

R.C. is a blend of Eucalyptus (E. globulus), myrtle, pine, marjoram, eucalyptus radiata, eucalyptus citriodora, lavender, cypress, tsuga, and peppermint. What? Three different eucalyptus plants? Eucalyptus has great soothing properties, and RC delivers eucalyptus times 3! WOW! Add in myrtle, marjoram, peppermint and a few others, and you have powerful respiratory support.

I think everyone who breathes needs R.C., so let’s explore how to use it:

  • Massage on chest, back and/or feet
  • Use as compress on sinuses and nasal passages
  • Rub around ears, neck and throat
  • Use in diffuser
  • Add to steaming water; put towel over your head and inhale

At this point, I’ll make a confession. Having been through nursing school, I understand the intricacies of the respiratory system. Lean in now because I’m about to whisper … at night when the lights are out in the bedroom my diffuser runs with R.C. and lavender. Why, you ask? My husband had a really bad habit of making excessive noises while he slept! With R.C. in the diffuser, I have a MUCH more peaceful night’s rest! A little extra R.C. on his throat and chest and – what’s that? – sweet silence! Shhhhhh.

Next up: Raven, an excellent companion oil to R.C.

Raven is a blend of Ravensara, lemon, wintergreen, peppermint, and Eucalyptus radiata. Although it has fewer oils, it goes “beyond R.C.” for your respiratory system. Ravensara is a heavy hitter. As a cross between clove and nutmeg, it also supports the endocrine system. The added wintergreen contains 99% methyl salicylate, which gives it an extra punch. Another great benefit of Raven is skin support, but use caution and/or add V-6 oil (carrier oil) to avoid skin sensitivity. How would I use Raven?

  • Apply to lungs and throat
  • Put on pillow at night
  • Use in retention suppository with V-6 throughout the night to give lung support through the night
  • Use in diffuser
  • Add to steaming water; put towel over your head and inhale

Before I go further, it should be mentioned that alternating oils can be quite effective. R.C. and Raven can be exchanged and alternated effectively. For example, I might apply Raven on my feet and R.C. on my throat and chest, alternating morning and night.

Last up: Breathe Again Roll-On

If you like eucalyptus and you think R.C. is action packed, Breathe Again is your new best friend! This baby contains four (yep, count ‘em) FOUR single eucalyptus oils: eucalyptus staigeriana, eucalyptus globulus, laurel, rose hip, peppermint, eucalyptus radiata, copaiba, myrtle, manuka and eucalyptus blue.

Since it is a roll-on, it contains coconut oil as a carrier oil to help with the functionality of the roller filament. Typically, a one inch “roll” on the skin delivers about one drop of oil.  

Several of the single oils in this blend are noteworthy. Copaiba is extremely high in beta-caryophyllene. Manuka has a stabilizing and calming aroma. Eucalyptus blue’s invigorating scent offers a sense of peace and balance.

Even with the coconut oil added, be aware that this blend can cause skin sensitivity and is cautioned for use during pregnancy. How and/or when would I apply Breathe Again?

  • Across the bridge of my nose
  • On my sinus areas
  • Under the nose
  • Over the chest area

So, Which is Best?

You may still be wondering, ”Which one of the three is best?” Actually, it depends on your preference. In my family, one of my daughters prefers Raven and the other prefers R.C. I use both and carry Breathe Again in my purse.  

As I mentioned earlier, R.C. goes in my diffuser every night, but when I’m looking for serious respiratory support, I reach for Raven. If you want a particular result from an oil and aren’t getting the result you want, try switching oils. R.C., Raven and Breathe Again are only three of many YL oils you can choose. You might also consider adding Thieves and/or Frankincense to your respiratory support arsenal.  

If I had to make a comparison based on single oils in each blend, I would rate Raven as more powerful than R.C., and Breathe Again as a “convenience” oil due to the roller filament. I love the travel convenience of the roller aspect of Breathe Again, but when I am at home, I prefer inhaling oils from my hands, using them topically and in my diffuser. Try them all! Choose your favorite or alternate them! There is not a loser in the group!   

Join Our Team

Connect with us on FB on our Tree of Life page! You'll never miss a blog or update. Also, find me on FB and I’ll add you to my personal group, Oil Together Now and/or check out my website www.OilTogetherNow.net. If you have questions, you can drop me a note at OilTogethNow@gmail.com. I’d love to have you as part of my YL family where we live and learn with wellness, purpose and abundance!

Young Living December Promotion: Rewards to Celebrate!

We hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving! We're back this week to unveil some free holiday goodies. The December promotion includes yummy seasonal favorites like nutmeg, orange vitality and NingXia Nitro as well as a new blend, Excite. Excited? We are, too. We totally won't tell if you crack these gifts open before December 25. 

The Ho-Ho-Holiday Promotion

It's not hard to get in the spirit with rewards like these! 

It's not hard to get in the spirit with rewards like these! 

300 PV (Retail Value: $207.89)

  • 5-ml Excite: This promo-exclusive blend of Ocotea, Nutmeg, and more was created by D. Gary Young to encourage both energy for the holidays and inspiration for the new year. 
  • 15-ml Abundance™: In ancient cultures, Orange, Frankincense, Patchouli, and Ginger essential oils were used to bring an abundance of prosperity, joy and peace. 
  • NingXia Nitro®: NingXia Nitro is a Tree of Life holiday favorite. It supports alertness, as well as cognitive and physical fitness. Each box contains 14 20-ml tubes. 
  • 5-ml Orange Vitality™: Orange Vitality + Baked Goods. Enough said, right? 

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusives:

  • 5-ml Nutmeg: We love to diffuse this spice as we welcome guests. Try it with Orange for a zesty twist.  
  • 5-ml Tea Tree: Tea Tree is a must-have in your winter skin tool box. Its cleansing properties keep your skin smooth, no matter the weather.  

250 PV (Retail Value: $90.79)

  • NingXia Nitro, 14-count box 
  • 5-ml Orange Vitality 

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusives: 

  • 5-ml Nutmeg
  • 5-ml Tea Tree

190 PV (Retail Value: $39.80)

  • 5-ml Orange Vitality 

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusives: 

  • 5-ml Nutmeg
  • 5-ml Tea Tree 

100 PV (Retail Value: $14.80)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusives: 

  • 5-ml Tea Tree 

See you Soon!

Next week, we'll continue to share our Young Living seasonal favorites, stay tuned! As always, if you have any questions about our post our how to join our Young Living community, don't hesitate to leave a comment or get in touch

Young Living Fall Favs: Inner Defense

Give me a “D”!  Give me an “E”!  Give me an “F”!  Give me an “E”!  Give me an “N”!  Give me an “S”!  Give me an “E”!  

What does it spell?  “DEFENSE!”  

What does it spell?  “DEFENSE!”  

What does it spell?  “DEFENSE!”  

We’ve all heard that cheer at some point in our lives, and we most likely think of football. But how about thinking outside the box and applying the principles of good defense to health?

A Good Offense is a Good Defense

When life throws us curveballs, we reach for Inner Defense. 

When life throws us curveballs, we reach for Inner Defense. 

Everyone has also heard the saying that “A good offense is a good defense.”  Well, in the case of my family’s health, I have chosen to use Young Living essential oils and supplements for both the offense and defense this Fall (and year round).  

My Family’s Offensive Line

In football, you need a good offensive line to support the quarterback. To support our health, we take some things daily for support: Ningxia Red, Digest and Cleanse and Thieves. It’s just plain smart to be on the offensive to maintain your health!

My Family’s Defense

But, you also need a good defense for the best chance to win. For instance, we use Thieves Vitality to support a healthy immune system, which is our body’s defense.

Inner Defense

Well, as you can see, a good offense is a good defense. But, I want to take this to another level – a good Inner Defense.  So, time for another analogy:

For those of us who are Christians, a good foundation in the Bible and a close relationship with God is a good defense for a life not overcome by Satan. Choosing to go to church and keeping some close Christian friends is a good offense for supporting our walk with God. Choosing to not put unwholesome things into our mind and heart is a good spiritual Inner Defense.

Well, in health, we need a good Inner Defense as well. What we eat, if we exercise, and so on affects whether or not we have a good Inner Defense. (Sorry, but yes, you really do need to eat those carrots! Lol!)

When We Need Inner Defense

Sometimes, life throws us a few curveballs. Like not enough sleep because our kids have too much homework or because someone called right before you were going to bed and you talked for a couple hours! Or maybe the curveball is being surrounded by people at work who should have stayed home. Or maybe it’s that you have been overwhelmed for days, if not weeks or months, trying to figure out how to pay for your child’s braces you’re losing sleep, and in general, are not yourself under all the stress.  

Our Answer to Curveballs: Young Living Inner Defense

In cases like these, we need a strong Inner Defense to help maintain our health. Well, my family loves a Young Living product called Inner Defense. We love to use it to promote, maintain, and support our inner well-being, a healthy immune system (our defense).    

Young Living's Inner Defense liquid soft gels reinforce systemic defenses, promote healthy respiratory function, and are rich in immune-supporting ingredients. WooHoo! Who doesn’t need that? It has Thieves essential oil in it (which contains clove, lemon, eucalyptus radiata, rosemary, and cinnamon bark oils). We all know what a great oil Thieves is! Inner Defense also includes oregano, thyme, and lemongrass all amazing oils. It is such an awesome capsule; full of power for your immune system!

A Few Tips: When We Use Inner Defense

If my kids have been losing sleep for a few nights, guess what? They are going to take Inner Defense for a few days. My kids are runners. If they have a big race coming up and they seem to be getting run down (pardon the pun – I couldn’t resist!), I have them take Inner Defense for a few days prior to their race to help maintain their health. If my husband and I are surrounded at work by people who should have stayed home, we will take Inner Defense for a few days. Hmmmm, maybe since I’m up late typing this, I should go take an Inner Defense!

Our Fall Defensive Game Plan

Now, to return to my sports analogy, you need a strong defense to have a winning offense. To have a strong defense in sports, you practice daily! Likewise, we can take daily measures to support our health, such as drinking Ningxia Red daily, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, etc. But, you can also take an Inner Defense capsule daily instead of just when you feel like you might need to promote a better body defense. The instructions on the bottle even say to take 1 capsule daily in a.m. or take 1 capsule 3-5 times daily when stressed. That will surely help promote a strong Inner Defense!

So a good offense is a good defense is a good Inner Defense! So who’s with me? Give me a “D” … or better yet, make Inner Defense part of your healthy lifestyle!

Contact Beth, this week’s contributor, at oildroplets@gmail.com for any questions about your family’s Fall Defense plan.

 

 

Young Living Fall Favs: Release

Who isn’t stressed when it comes to the holidays? Planning that perfect gathering for your favorite and not-so-favorite relatives, especially that one who was weaned on wild ponderosa lemons as she grew up (or four ... if you were raised in an Italian family like I was).

What about holiday shopping? The crowds, the parking, the terrible traffic, the seemingly endless search for the perfect gift that sends you to Toys R Us for the 8th time; oh and don’t forget that white elephant and Mommy gift exchange that you signed up for.

How about cleaning because it is your year to host Thanksgiving? Or stringing lights when you live next to your communities’ reigning yard decorating champion? Nothing like the pressure to keep up with the Jones.

Then, add your corporate job stressors: deadlines, end of the year craziness, co-workers gone for a week or more and yet a client still wants or needs something that your co-worker is the subject matter expert in …

Whew.

How Do You Spell Release?

Release™ is a blend with a relaxing aroma that facilitates the ability to let go of anger and frustration. It also promotes and maintains harmony when diffused.

Release™ is a blend with a relaxing aroma that facilitates the ability to let go of anger and frustration. It also promotes and maintains harmony when diffused.

This year my family and I are incorporating a few extra essential oils to help us cope with this hectic and potentially stressful time of year. Cue the a little Frozen inspiration from Elsa ...

*singing* “Let it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore.”

If you are a mommy like me, you have learned to embrace that song and wear it like Queen Elsa cloak!

It’s time to “Let it Go” and release all of that stuff that can put a damper on your life, and I will tell you a secret *whispers* this oil is fantastic for the other 10 months of the year, too.*end whisper* *meaningful wink*

The Ingredients:

The oils that comprise this phenomenon in a bottle are:

Ylang ylang, Olive oil, Lavandin, Geranium, Royal Hawaiian™ sandalwood, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Spearmint, Lemon, Blue cypress, Davana, Kaffir lime, Ocotea, Jasmine, Matricaria, Blue tansy, and Rose

The Benefits:

Release™ is a blend with a relaxing aroma that facilitates the ability to let go of anger and frustration. It also promotes and maintains harmony when diffused.

Be sure to put plenty of your release oil in your diffuser for when your sour and sarcastic Auntie Agnes comes over to your house for the holidays. (And maybe place your diffuser right behind her on the buffet, it couldn’t hurt right? I’m just saying!)

Helpful Hints: How do I use it?

Where can you put it? I always tell people in my classes there is no wrong way to use an oil, only a better application.

  • Apply a few drops (2-4) to the wrists, edge of ears, neck and feet. I enjoy wearing it as a perfume too.
  • Add several drops (6-8) to ¼ cup of bath salts (I prefer Himalayan pink sea salt) then add to your bath water.
  • Apply to your vitaflex points.
  • Inhale from the bottle, or your hands.
  • Diffuse.

The Release Effect

Now that you have inhaled in all of the good and exhaled the negative out of your body you may wonder what are the side effects from using this oil? Release oil has a calming effect and when you are calm and in balance it will seem that those normal stressors no longer affect you like they once did.

So, bring on the holidays and bring on that sweet ole bitty Agnes because you have your secret weapon. Whatever is holding you back, or stressing you out, just grab your bottle of Release™ essential oil and “Let it Go...”!

Want to learn more? Contact Sunday Taylor at sundaytayloroil@gmail.com or message us and we'll get you connected right away! 

Young Living 2016 Christmas Catalog: Season for Sharing

We will return to our regularly scheduled Fall Favs series next week, but we just couldn’t help sharing a bit about the Young Living Christmas catalog today. Why? Well, we happen to have two great reasons:

  1. We’re excited. There are some great kits, oils and products to give (and receive) from this year’s catalog.

  2. If we wait any longer to share, you may not get your chance to shop!

Pro Tip: Holiday exclusives go fast!

So without further ado, we broke down the catalog by some major (fun) themes. Shop right from our post, or browse through the online version here. Either way, a warm beverage*,  festive tree scent and some jolly tunes may be in order.  

*speaking of warm beverages, get cozy with this Thermos + Peppermint set

Young Living 2016 Holiday Catalog: Season for Sharing

Sharing

The Holiday Season is all about sharing: laughs, moments, food. And, of course, if you’ve fallen in love with Essential Oils, your Young Living favorites. We love how Young Living makes sharing must-have oils easy with kits like these, complete with helpful booklets. Perfect for the oily beginner in your life!  

Eating & Drinking

Vitality oils make spicing up seasonal favorites easier than ever before, and Young Living released 15 new dietary blends just in time for your Holiday feasts. The Ningxia Red holiday set, a must for keeping those wellness goals this time of year, includes 5 greeting cards and a $5 donation to the D. Gary Young, Young Living Foundation!

Pampering

The New ART Care System is designed to cleanse, tone and moisturize your face naturally. Order before December 31 to bring that spa-life to your home with a Young Living spa headband. And, it’s ok to pamper the men in your life too with Shutran Aftershave Lotion and Shutran Bar Soap. The woodsy scent meets a plant-based formula for a good-for-you clean.  

Stocking Stuffing

Skip candy in favor of Wolfberry Crisp Bars this year in their stocking for healthy snacking at it’s finest. And the 2016 Lipbalm set of 4 (including Holiday-Exclusive Vanillamint) is a little treat that always brings (and protects) big smiles.  

Nurturing

We love these two sets for the kids and grandkids in your life. Give the gift of natural cleansing and wellness support with Kidscents.

Maintaining  

The holidays are much more enjoyable if you and your family are staying well and fit. Check out these sets for a little proactive (and priceless) peace of mind. 

Stay Tuned

We’ll be back next week to reveal another Young Living product we can’t live without this time of year. See you soon!

 

Young Living November Promotion: Bountiful Reasons to be Thankful

We are in the middle of a Fall Favorites series. Last week, we covered Christmas Spirit and this week we're excited to share ... (drumroll) ... that you can earn this diffuser-friendly oil for free with your qualifying November order!

And, of course, that's not all. Other seasonal (and year-round) favorites are available: Sacred Frankincense, Myrrh, Frankincense, 20 Essential Rewards Points and Peppermint Vitality. This promo is a wonderful way to prep for the coming Holiday season and New Year! 

Lots of reasons to be thankful for a wonderful November promo: 5-ml Sacred Frankincense, 5-ml Myrrh, 15-ml Frankincense, and 5-ml Christmas Spirit™; Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 20 Essential Rewards points and Peppermint Vitality to be ex…

Lots of reasons to be thankful for a wonderful November promo: 5-ml Sacred Frankincense, 5-ml Myrrh, 15-ml Frankincense, and 5-ml Christmas Spirit™; Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 20 Essential Rewards points and Peppermint Vitality to be exact. 

300 PV (Retail Value: $233.16)

Bonus Essential Rewards Exclusive

  • 20 Essential Rewards points
  • Peppermint Vitality™ 

250 PV (Retail Value: $143.36)

  • 15-ml Frankincense
  • 5-ml Christmas Spirit

Bonus Essential Rewards Exclusive

  • 20 Essential Rewards points 
  • Peppermint Vitality™ 

190 PV (Retail Value: $46.65)

  • 5-ml Christmas Spirit

Bonus Essential Rewards Exclusive

  • 20 Essential Rewards points 
  • Peppermint Vitality™ 


NEW 100 PV (Retail Value: $13.16)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: Peppermint Vitality

Don't Miss Out!

I bet you noticed the phrase "Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive" quite a few times in this post. Don't miss out on the new reward tier or other exclusive offers. Learn more about Young Living's Essential Rewards autoship program. And as always, if you have questions, ask! We are ready to help! 

Young Living Fall Favs: Christmas Spirit

I wish that someone at Young Living would have called me to say, 'Hey we made this new blend with Orange, Cinnamon Bark, and Spruce, what would you like to call it?' Honestly, I wouldn't have called it Christmas Spirit. I think a lot of people only use this oil during the holidays which is an incredible waste. I diffuse this beauty all year long

Diffuse this blend of Orange, Cinnamon Bark and Spruce around the holidays ... and all year long! 

Diffuse this blend of Orange, Cinnamon Bark and Spruce around the holidays ... and all year long! 

Let's Break it Down: The Recipe for Christmas Spirit

Orange

This oil is supportive for a wide range of systems, from emotional support to digestive. Plus, did you know that orange oil helps with oily skin?* And many people use this oil in their toothpaste to naturally whiten teeth. It may be supportive for your cardiac system as well. Case closed: Orange is an incredible oil.

*Safety Spotlight: Citrus oils are photo-sensitive and can cause a burn if exposed to the sun. Apply it at night or keep your skin out of direct sunlight.

Cinnamon Bark

When you add Cinnamon Bark to the mix, it gets kinda' "Ker-plow" for it's health powers. Let's just say it kills things, things you want dead, you get my drift?

This is one of my favorite oils for cold feet. What, you say, cold feet?... Yes! Unless you have been hanging out in the local stream, cold feet is usually a sign you need circulation support, and Cinnamon can work on that for you. It is also a great immune stimulant and works as a general purifier.

And um, can't really write about these two oils without saying, YUM-MY, so then there is that. 

Spruce

Ok, Spruce is powerful oil for emotional and respiratory support that has a really nice woodsy aroma. It is grounding and helps bring balance. Perhaps that is why this oil is in so many of our favorite blends.

Seriously, do you know how many blends contain Spruce? If you go to Young Living's site and put Spruce in the product search bar, you can get a list of all the blends that contain Spruce. Take note of how many are for grounding and emotional support! Perhaps this is why they tag this oil during the cold winter months and during the stressful holidays because of the type of support it offers.

A Gift for Any Season

So when you combine these three beneficial oils into one bottle, you get a little piece of Heaven that, now that you know, can become a year round favorite! Young Living Christmas Spirit is totally welcome well before Thanksgiving. 

It's Fall Y'all: New Series Kickoff!

We rounded out our series on each oil in the Premium Starter kit last week. If you missed it (or ever want to review), we collected all the posts on a brand new page. Check it out. You’re welcome.

Today, we’re giving you a sneak-peek to our new series: Fall Favorites.

FallYallSeries

It’s hard to pick our favorite thing about fall: Cooler weather. Beautiful leaves. Better coffee treats. The Holidays. But there are a few things about Fall that don’t make the “few of our favorite things” category. The kind of things that make immune support and mood boosting more important than ever.

That’s why we’ll spend the rest of the year sharing our favorite oils and Young Living products to help you take on everything Fall, from colder weather to hosting Thanksgiving dinner. 

We’ve got posts planned on oils, blends and supplements we’ve never covered before on the blog like Christmas Spirit, up next week. Other planned topics include Inner Defense, Eucalyptus, Raven, Breathe Again, RC and Ningxia.

What are your #YLFallFavs? Here are a few of ours! Inner Defense, Eucalyptus, Raven, Breathe Again, RC & Ningxia.

What are your #YLFallFavs? Here are a few of ours! Inner Defense, Eucalyptus, Raven, Breathe Again, RC & Ningxia.

It's Fall Y'all! Be excited and stay tuned!

Beyond the Oils: Premium Starter Kit Goodies

All good things come to an end. But sometimes, even better things come in their place.  

We’ve finished our Premium Starter Kit-themed Oil of the Week series. And now, we’d like to introduce you to a brand new page that gives you easy access to each of those posts – and some bonus tips – in one place. It’s your new go-to, on-the-go PSK reference. Bookmark it, share it, study it. It’s for you, enjoy!

We've talked about the oils, but what else comes in your kit? Find out about the samples, tools and other goodies included in the Premium Starter Kit. 

We've talked about the oils, but what else comes in your kit? Find out about the samples, tools and other goodies included in the Premium Starter Kit. 

While the oils are the spotlight of the kit, this week we’ll cover what else you can look forward to in your PSK: more ways oil, share, learn and dig deeper into what Young Living has to offer.   

Ways to Oil

During the series, we made a lot of suggestions for your Essential Oil routine: Applying oils to your feet, directly to stressed muscles, under your tongue and more. The PSK includes two ways to help you use the oils in your day-to-day routine. A rollerball helps you apply an oil just where you need it. And of course, a diffuser is a great way to aromatically enjoy the oils. So for starters, the PSK includes: 

  • AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
  • Diffuser

Ways to Share

If you want to share an oil with friends or family, you’ll find two easy ways to do just that. You can hand them a sample packet or give them a sample oil bottle with a few drops of your favorite oil. Cards with key information will help remind your friend how to use the oil. Start sharing with these easy PSK tools: 

  • 10 Sample Packets
  • 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
  • 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles

Way to Dig Deeper

Young Living has a lot to offer beyond the kit. Get a small taste of one of their most popular products with two 2-oz. shots of NingXia Red. Formulated with antioxidants and infused with essential oils, this supplement helps support overall wellness.

Ways to Learn More

You’ll find a pouch full of information about your oils, Young Living, and launching your own Essential Oil business in your kit’s front flap. This is a great place to keep any notes you took at an Essential Oils 101 class. Take a peek in your kit to find: 

  • Product Guide and Product Price List
  • Essential Oil Magazine
  • Essential Edge
  • Member Resources

Ways to Get in Touch

Have questions about the kit? Or something you want to learn more about? Let us know! We read all comments and emails. So get in touch!

Young Living October Promotion: Fall in Love with More Rewards

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald was onto something. Fall is refreshing from the vibrant foliage to the very air we breath. Take that fresh fall spirit inside your home with woodsy and grounding Palo Santo, spicy Clove and soothing Lavender. Qualify for these fall favorites plus household mainstays including Thieves Fruit & Veggie spray, New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls and Thieves Household cleaner with your October order. 

Cozy up to great fall savings with your October purchase. 

Cozy up to great fall savings with your October purchase. 

New 100PV Reward Tier(!)

As our enticing title promised, there are even more rewards this month. Young Living added a new reward tier at 100PV. This month, you'll earn 5ml Lavender Vitality with your qualifying order, a $15.46 value. 

300 PV: $147.39

250 PV: $81.25

190 PV: $70.39

Fall Favorite?

Do you have a favorite fall oil? Let us know in the comments! And as always, if you have questions about essential rewards or anything essential oils, contact us today.