Oil of the Week: Thieves

To share my love of Young Living Thieves, I always start with a quick history lesson:

Thieves is a powerful blend inspired by the legend of four 15th-century French thieves. These thieves/perfumers formulated a special aromatic combination of clove, rosemary, and other botanicals to rob those who had died from the Black Plague. They were caught red-handed, convicted of their crimes and sentenced to be burned at the stake. However, the judges were astonished that the robbers had not caught the Black Plague, and in exchange for a lighter sentence, the thieves revealed their secret … and were hanged instead. Ok, so it was a silver lining for the thieves, but their ingenuity led to one of Young Living’s most popular oils.

Thieves contains Clove (an immune stimulant), Lemon (to promote health), Cinnamon Bark (a powerful purifier), Eucalyptus Radiata (for respiratory support) and Rosemary (an antioxidant).

How to Use Thieves Every Day

#1 Apply to Your Feet

This is the easiest oil to use in the Premium Starter Kit. All you have to remember is to apply to the bottom of your feet every day. (Remember the tip from our recent Lavender post about applying essential oils to the bottom of the feet because the pores are the largest?)

And that’s it!

Thieves is great to support the immune system, so you never want to go a day without it. Of course there are many other ways to use Thieves, but this is the simplest way to get started using your essential oils every day.

When the air outside becomes crisp and the days start getting shorter, you know it’s time to stock up on Thieves. Trust me! You don't know how many calls I get each Winter from panicked moms who just used their last drop of Thieves. Lucky for them, I keep several extras around for just these types of emergencies. Don't run out of Thieves!

#2 Diffuse (Diffuse, Diffuse!)

I use this oil in my main room diffuser all day, every day. I love how it smells, but even better, I know that my family is protected from whatever icky's that they encounter during the day or bring home with them. I also travel with my diffuser, when I arrive at my hotel room, I start the diffuser with Thieves and leave for a few hours. When I return, my room smells great and I have security and peace of mind. I love to add Orange, Tangerine or Nutmeg in the diffuser with Thieves for a little variety.

More Ways to Use Thieves

Creative Carpet Freshener

Got musty smells? Use a sprinkle shaker, fill with 1 cup baking soda, add 5 drops of Thieves, combine well. Let mixture sit overnight, so the oil has a chance to absorb. Sprinkle over carpets and vacuum thoroughly.

On-the-Go “Everything” Spray  

Make your own Thieves Spray and use it everywhere. I put about 10-15 drops in a 4oz glass spray bottle. I spray it in a smelly car, in stinky shoes, on public toilet seats, on linens and pillows, on remote controls, in restaurants, on shopping carts, in laundry baskets or trash cans. One member even said they use it on money.

Love the Blend? Check Out the Thieves Line

Thieves is one of Young Living’s most popular products. If fact, Young Living has an entire line of Thieves Household Products and Personal Care Products. Everything from toothpaste to laundry soap. Be sure to check out all of the Thieves products so you can clean your home and have personal care products toxin free.

Thieves Vitality Tips

Thieves Vitality, same great essential oil blend, now bottled with a white label indicating that this oil can be used as a dietary supplement. I use this everyday to support healthy gums and teeth. I put one drop on my Thieves AromaBright Toothpaste. It makes my mouth feel so fresh, clean and healthy. I love the spicy flavor as well. It is also great as a mouthwash or to gargle to soothe mouth and throat.

Other uses for Thieves Vitality:

• Add a drop to your daily NingXia Red shot.
• Add 3-5 drops to a vegetable capsule with a fatty oil and swallow with water for overall wellness and immune support.
• Add a drop to a cup of warm water, herbal tea or other hot drinks for a spicy zing.

Have any Thieves questions? Ask away in the comments! We’d love to help!

Oil of the Week: DiGize

One of the greatest things about essential oils is that they know how to do their job even better than we know how to use them. The proper use of an oil could promote normal and healthy functions of that particular body system.

If you and your family happen to eat food, DiGize should be one of your go-to oils. It helps support digestive and gastrointestinal systems as well as intestinal function.

No More 20 Questions for “Funny Tummy”

For instance, your little one comes to you, “Mommy, my tummy feels funny.” In the past, I would run down the list of possible causes. What did he eat? Has he pooped today? Has he had enough water to drink? Is it his stomach, his bowels, or something else?

That was my first child.

Now I don’t have to spend my time worrying about cause and effect, I can skip right to solution! Go get your DiGize!

With my second, things are easier. Even though my 6-year-old can’t quite read the labels, he has his own special bottle with a rollerball that he can identify. When his tummy needs some TLC, I just point to our oils cache. He knows where to find his DiGize, and brings it to me. No twenty questions, no worry, just God’s incredible design working for my kiddo.

Most Valuable (and Versatile) Travel Companion

For me, the oil that I used the most while in a foreign country was probably DiGize. My gut was not prepared for the AMAZING food … and questionable food preparation. My digestive system suffered a little, but only a little.

If my tummy felt funny, the DiGize was ready for action. And, yes, I did smell like peppermint and fennel most of my trip.

On a plane, DiGize. On a boat, DiGize. On a narrow, winding, boulder-strewn mountain path in a vehicle that was really only meant for smooth pavement, DiGize. Gorging myself on the best fish I’ve ever tasted, DiGize. Drinking water that was very suspicious, DiGize. Overheated from the tropical environment, DiGize. And let’s not forget when Aunt Flo comes to visit a few days out of the month, you’ve got it, DiGize.

Let’s Talk Application

• Behind your ears is a great preemptive measure before riding in vehicles.
• Rub a drop or two in a clockwise motion topically over the abdomen.
• Use as a compress over the belly.
• Inhale a little.
• A drop or two of DiGize Vitality under your tongue after a heavy meal.
• And of course, the Vita Flex Points on the ankles and the bottoms of the feet.

Let’s Break It Down

Here are the therapeutic grade essential oils (and their special properties) that make this blend so special:

• Tarragon: promotes relaxation
• Ginger: warm and calming
• Peppermint: cooling and soothing
• Juniper: supports plumbing efficiency
• Fennel: supports overall digestive function
• Lemongrass: uplifting and lymphatic system support
• Anise: supports digestion
• Patchouli: calming and relaxing

AND to Sum It Up!

All of these oils work together for the greater good of the gut.  Whether you need things to slow down, speed up, deflate, chill, or just run smoothly, DiGize can be that oil to support your well-oiled machine.  

No 20 questions, just a drop or two. Questions? Leave them in the comments! 

2016 Young Living Convention Recap: New Products & Why You Should Never Miss It Again!

We can’t believe it. The Young Living 2016 Grand Convention is over already (sigh)...But our passion for the new products and exhilarating experience is just beginning. If you missed out, you’re in the right place. We’ll highlight all the new, must-try products and share a few real life convention experiences from the Tree of Life team. Our first (and best) convention tip? Don’t miss next year! 

New 2016 Young Living Products (& More!) 

1. Slique CitraSlim

Proof that good things often come in small packages, Slique CitraSlim soft capsules are formulated with Young Living essential oils to help support your weight management goals. 

Your new recipe for healthy weight management: Balanced Diet + Regular Exercise + Slique CitraSlim. This proprietary blend of Young Living Essential oils helps support fat burning, efficient metabolism and natural energy. The best part? Try it for 60 days and if you're not satisfied, you'll get a product credit of equal value! 

2. Slique Shake

Shake up your weight management menu with this delicious vegan meal replacement. Slique Shake contains no artificial anything or GMO ingredients. 

On-the-go goodness has never been easier or more delicious with Slique Shake. Just add water (or your favorite milk) and you've got an instant, protein-packed AND plant-based meal. Bottom's up! 

A word from our fearless leader: Jaynelle Leek-Binns

Convention is a place every oil lover should experience. The energy, excitement and experience is like no other! It is so refreshing to be around 20,000+ other people who have the same passion as you. You get to hug the necks of your second "family", hear Mary and Gary Young speak from the heart and bounce information and tips off each other all in one place. If someone wants to build a YL business or just increase your oily knowledge - this is a MUST attend event! I encourage everyone to give it a try, you won't regret it and I know you'll want to come back year after year!

3. AgilEase

Get moving with AgilEase. This Young Living supplement supports joint health. 

You can thank AgilEase for taking that last "But..." off your exercise excuse list. With key ingredients like Frankincense, this supplement will help you maintain an active lifestyle by supporting joint health and mobility. 

4. PowerGize

Designed with the male athlete in mind, PowerGize supports muscle building and the male reproductive system. 

Guys (and girls), hit the gym a little harder with PowerGize. Ingredients like Blue Spruce, Goldenrod, and Cassia essential oils help boost stamina and performance.

Convention Recap from our Diamond: Janie Leek

I loved the 2016 Young Living Grand Convention!! Each year they get better and better and this one was the best ever! I loved seeing so many friends I may never have known otherwise and it was wonderful to see so many of our YL team members! With over 22,000 in attendance it was definitely the largest convention in history! And I just received all of my new YL products today! Can hardly wait to try them!

5 & 6. Thieves Cough Drops & Cool Azul Cream

Young Living delivers OTC relief with 0 artificial ingredients. Cool Azul Cream tackles minor muscle aches, while Thieves Cough Drops soothe sore throats, coughs and irritated nasal passages. 

Young Living is taking a huge step forward in their goal to bring essential oils into every home with these OTC products.

Reach for Cool Azul Cream to relieve minor muscle and joint aches, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains without synthetic ingredients. This OTC formula alleviates pain with methyl salicylate found in Wintergreen and cools with Peppermint. 

Thieves cough drops support your immune system and address common cold symptoms with the power of Thieves Essential Oil blend. Fall sniffles, you've met your match. 

Tree of Life Member Cynthia Wilson Lengefeld Convention Takeaways 

YL Convention gives each person an opportunity to personally experience the integrity and heart of Gary Young, founder of YL. His passion and energy are contagious! Convention reminds me that I am part of a bigger mission and plan, and for me, that is highly encouraging. Friendships are deepened, strategies are discussed and ideas are formed. I always leave feeling refreshed, motivated and reminded that I, too, can achieve my goals and dreams!

7. Thieves Automatic Dishwasher Powder

Sparkling dishes are just 1 TB of Thieves Dishwasher Powder away! 

Finally! The. Wait. Is. Over. You can dump your chemical laden dishwasher soaps for the cleansing and cleaning power of Thieves.

8. Live Your Passion Essential Oil Blend  

Much like the convention experience, Live Your Passion blend is joyful and sweet. 

We love this new blend! Diffuse or apply topically to take advantage of these 9 great ingredients: Orange, Royal Hawaiian™ Sandalwood, Nutmeg, Lime, Idaho Blue Spruce, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, and Peppermint. 

Gary Young Insights from Joyce Ann Smith-Swanson:

I agree with Cynthia. The highlight of each convention I have been to since 2012 is hearing from our founder, D. Gary Young. His passion, knowledge and sincerity is always so rewarding to see. He never stops wanting to 'heal' the world! His philanthropy mission is unbeatable! I always learn so much when he shares with us...and I always want him to talk longer each time! He blesses me with vision of how to help everyone around him! I have never seen a more giving person with ALL his resources! SO proud to be a part of this company!

9. Dalmatia Oil Collection (Limited Time Offer!) 

This limited-time collection includes Dalmatia Bay Laurel, Dalmatia Sage, and Dalmatia Juniper.

This pleasing collection is distilled at at Young Living's Dalmatia Aromatic Farm near the Adriatic Sea in Split, Croatia. Here is a quick tip for each oil: 

• Bay Laurel - Add to shampoos, lotions, and skin creams to encourage healthy scalp and skin. 
• Sage - Apply topically with carrier oil as a night time skin toner.
• Juniper - Diffuse during meditation to invite a sense of clarity and enhance your spiritual efforts.

10. Select 30 Oil Collection 

15 Essential Oils + 15 Blends = Your perfect travel collection. 

Whether you want to replenish your favorite oils or discover new favorites, this collection is a perfect way to grow your collection. Bonus: includes oil labels and a sturdy, travel-ready case. 

Gloria Goolsbee on the YL Vision:

YL Convention is a wealth of information for anyone who attends, as well as an abundance of inspiration! No other gathering compares to the positive and uplifting speakers, especially from our founder D. Gary Young and our CEO Mary Young. And listening to Nikki Davis share about the Young Living Foundation always spurs on involvement into Young Living's vision!

 

11. Gary’s True Grit™ Einkorn Granola

Another delicious on-the-go snack! Packed with complex and simple carbs to keep you going all day (and no artificial sweeteners or preservatives to drag you down). 

Vegan. Vegetarian. Very yummy. Treat your family with a treat that you can feel good about! No overly processed ingredients here, just naturally sourced grains, nuts, berries, and seeds. 

12. Gary’s True Grit™ Einkorn Rotini

Einkorn pasta is easier to digest and just as delicious to eat. 

Known as one of the oldest varieties of wheat, einkorn’s natural genetic code and low gluten levels make it more compatible with the human body than modern, hybridized wheat. This makes einkorn grain easier to digest, so that nutrients are better absorbed. 

How the Convention Truly Motivates from Sunday Taylor:

YL is family. When you go to convention you get to meet and exchange ideas with amazing leaders in the organization. You will get to solidify your existing relationships within your upline. Words cannot describe the electricity in the air that you feel as you are all in a room learning from each other. It's a motivating factor to stretch and GROW YOUR PASSION for yourself, your business and your family. I am always humbled and grateful for the opportunities, experiences and knowledge that I gain at convention. I seem to come home to having a renewed fire burning in my soul.

13. Gary’s True Grit™ Wolfberry Crisp Bar

Chocolate-coated goodness? Pass the Gary’s True Grit™ Wolfberry Crisp Bars! 

Decadent chocolate meets satisfying nutrition in yet another grab-and-go snack from Young Living. These new Wolfberry Crisp Bars combine naturally sourced  quinoa, flax seeds, almonds, wolfberries, einkorn flour, and dark chocolate. Plus, it's a good source of protein with whey and pea protein crisp.

14. NingXia Zyng™

Quench your thirst for natural hydration with Ningxia Zyng. 

A refreshing update to Ningxia Zyng, this essential oil-infused drink has the same great taste, with a new label and price reduction!

Why the Convention is Magical According to Michelle McKool:

Being in a room with 20,000 people who love what you love, who yearn to be the best version of themselves, and who desire to surround themselves with other people who want the same, is...magical. The experience of learning, inspiration and encouragement is unique and beautiful. You don’t need to be a builder to benefit from convention, you just need to love Young Living Essential Oils and want a more abundant life.

15. Animal Scents® Dental Pet Chews

Your furry friends deserve oily goodness, too! 

These Animal Scents Dental Pet Chews support your dog's digestive and dental health. And just like Young Living's human snacks, these treats include only natural ingredients. 

16. The Essential Oil Bottle Organizer

Keep your oils organized and at-hand with this one-of-a-kind display system. 

We love this display system because you can customize it to your needs! Store 22 of your favorite oils in this convenient organizer. Try it in a drawer, cabinet or on display! 

Thoughts on Farm Day from Jeanene Shelton:

Farm day was absolutely euphoric. It was such an awesome experience to see just how much integrity is put into everything done with YL. It was awesome to meet new people that I've now created friendships with and helped me to ignite my passion with my team. I know that sounds weird for it being something from farm day but it was an amazing experience. I was honored to share that with our team.

16. Core Vitality Case

We award this one MVP for most versatile product! It's a pill organizer, Vitality™ essential oil holder, and accessory case all in one! 

The Core Vitality Case will help you organize your supplements and Vitality essential oils in style. It also makes creating your own dietary supplements a breeze with a pill stand. 

Let's Recap

Some of our Tree of Life leaders living life together at the convention!

The 2016 Young Living Grand Convention was the best and biggest yet. If you'd like to attend next year or try one of the new products let us know! We can help you get started. 

Ok, Poll Time: Which product are you going to try first? 

Essential Oils and Travel: Preparing Your Own Oily Travel Kit

Over the past several years our family has spent time on mission trips out of the country, primarily in Haiti and most recently Ecuador and Uganda. These trips require quite a bit of planning, and, most importantly, quite a bit of oily preparation! 

My older daughter in Ecuador. 

In May, my older daughter spent time in Ecuador while my younger daughter and husband spent time in Africa. On our trips to Haiti we traveled as a family, sharing oils while away. The May trips were different! Each person needed his/her own “oily travel kit.” Since I prepared three of these kits, I thought I would share what my oily travel kit includes.

Travel-Worn Bottles = Healthy Bodies 

Beware! These are pictures of actual oil bottles that have traveled out of the country several times. They are NOT pictures of pretty little oil bottles! As much as I LOVE getting pretty, new oil bottles in the mail, I have conceded that ugly oil bottles are a byproduct of healthy bodies.

Keep in mind that these are merely the basic oils our family needs on trips. We also take additional oils used for specific purposes that are part of our daily oily routine such as Progessence Plus Serum, Shutran, Clary Sage, Endoflex, Sacred Frankincense, and others.

Plane Travel & Essential Oils

Carrying On Essential Oils

Although most of our essential oils are in our checked luggage, we make sure we have a few oils with us on the plane. Who knows when the checked luggage will really arrive?!?

Airline travel with oils is relatively simple. Your airline-authorized quart-size liquids bag can accommodate MANY 5mL or 15mL bottles of essential oil. We have never had any airline representative question our inclusion of essential oil in our liquids bag. Our liquids bag always includes peppermint, Thieves, and lavender essential oils as well as a bottle of Thieves spray and a few Thieves lozenges. 

Top Three Essential Oils for Every Plane Ride

Carry On Essential Oils: Peppermint, Lavender & Thieves.

1. Peppermint

Inhaling peppermint instantly calms my stomach when air turbulence unexpectedly strikes. 

2. Lavender

Lavender can aid in relaxation for those 17-hour international flights! 

3. Thieves

Once we have boarded the plane, we immediately reach for Thieves for immune support. Since we travel with flip flops or Crocs for easy security checks, it is important to slather those feet with Thieves and put socks on for the plane ride. Thieves spray comes in handy to spray in our throat or on our hands for extra protection. 

My Essential Oil Travel Kit

My travel-worn oily travel kit. 

Oils in our checked luggage (aka our Oily Travel Kits) include:

• Valor
• DiGize
• R.C. or Raven
• PanAway
• Immupower
• Oregano
• Purification
• Frankincense
• v-6
• Extra Thieves, lavender, peppermint and lozenges.
• We always travel with NingXia Red packets and NingXia Nitro, too.

This might seem like a lot, but we want to be prepared for anything! I make sure we have empty capsules to make our own immune-supporting concoctions of oregano, Immupower and frankincense. We all have those days when we are not feeling our best. 

Top Travel Tips:

• R.C. stands for respiratory/congestion which keeps our respiratory systems in tip-top shape.
• DiGize works well for all things digestion related that can (does) occur when traveling out of the country.

We are THAT Family: Healthy, Happy Travelers

We rely heavily on our oils. So much so, that we are known on every trip as THAT family! Usually as the week begins, we quietly go about using Purification to help repel insects, Thieves for immune support, lavender to promote good sleep, daily NingXia packets and Nitro, peppermint for head discomfort, etc. 

My husband and daughter in Uganda. 

Usually by the end of each trip, almost everyone else has noticed that our family is energetic, rested, and well. Predictably, they begin asking questions. That’s all it takes for me to share oily goodness and share the oil love with the rest of the team members! I have team members from all over the United States whom I met on international trips. It is always a blessing to bless others.

In May, my older daughter was known as the “alchemist” on her trip to Ecuador as she shared oils with her team members, and my younger daughter left most of her oils in Africa to bless the mission families who serve in Uganda.  

Time to Start Your Journey!

I am all about education and all about oils, so post a comment or question, and I’ll be happy to help!  When you are ready to start your oily journey, you can join the Tree of Life team by joining me at Oil Together Now, here. I’d love to share oily goodness with you, too!

Oily Travelers, What’s in Your Kit? Share in the Comments!