Cod Liver Oil Yuck!

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Cod liver oil story

I have told this story several times to my children. When I was a child my mom would make homemade hot oatmeal cereal for breakfast. Then just before we would leave for school we would get a tablespoon of cod liver oil, because it is high in vitamin D. About an hour later I would be burping up this Oatmeal-cod liver oil flavor.

One morning I just couldn’t take it anymore just thinking about cod liver oil made me sick. I went into the bathroom and lost my breakfast after taking that disgusting stuff. From that day on, I never had to get a morning dose of cod liver. To this day I have a hard time eating hot oatmeal cereal for breakfast. At the time it was a terrible experience now I just laugh.

Growing up on a small farm I was raised on fresh, homemade, things for most of our meals. If we didn’t like what was made from any of our meals, we were told to go pick something out in the garden to eat.

Surprisingly enough there was usually something fresh in the garden nine months out of the year, from the carrots and potatoes to all kinds of fruit. I have always been taught that fresh uncooked fruits and vegetables are the most healthy. I love this advice. Remember whole grains not white flour. I Love making things homemade, or as we called it making things from scratch.

Fennel-Did You Know?

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Fennel.png
Did you know fennel essential oil is the oil of responsibility? Fennel supports the person who has a lack of self esteem. This person may feel overwhelmed with life and all the things they are accountable for, having little to zero desire to improve their situation. Fennel is especially important by supporting people to listen and reconnect to the natural messages of the body, where there has been a loss of connection due to emotional eating, severe dieting and even drug abuse.

Fennel can grow up to six feet in height and has delicate, feathery leaves. Most fennel originated in India, Egypt and China. It also dates back to Pliny the Roman author of Naturalis Historie written between 23-79 AD. He used fennel for 22 different ailments. Roman warriors were said to have consumed Fennel to make them strong and ready for battle.

We know King Edward I of England consumed large amounts of fennel because his account book listed a purchase of 8½ pounds. This seed was a one month supply. In the 1300s fennel was used as a condiment and an appetite suppressant. During medieval times, people thought evil spirits could freely move around as the sun moved south. It was thought when fennel was hung over doorways you were protected from the spirits. Fennel seeds inserted into keyholes were thought to protect homes from ghosts especially in the summer.

Fennel is best known for its distinct licorice aroma and taste, yet its ability to ease digestive troubles, and monthly menstrual cycles are equally noteworthy. Fennel can be added to tea to calm the digestive system, as well as the mind and emotions. Fennel can be very soothing when applied to the abdomen during monthly menstrual cycles, and those same properties can lessen the discomfort associated with minor skin irritations. Fennel is also known to support a healthy lymphatic system.

Eucalyptus-Did You Know?

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Eucalyptus Did you know Eucalyptus is the oil of wellness? Eucalyptus oil supports the person who is constantly facing illness. They may get well for a brief time and season, only to return to a common cold, congestion, or sinus issues. Eucalyptus addresses a deep emotional or spiritual issue for the need to be sick. Eucalyptus encourages everyone to take full ownership of their own health.

All Eucalyptus oils are not the same. Each species produces an oil of different chemical composition and the constituents of one oil may be completely different from an oil from another species. However, eucalyptus oil from the same species is generally remarkably constant in its constituents and chemical composition. Although Eucalyptus must have been seen by the very early European explorers and collectors, no botanical collections of them are known to have been made until 1770 when Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander arrived at Botany Bay with James Cook.

Medicinal Eucalyptus oil produced from E. polybractea is used for the relief of cold and influenza symptoms. It is a remarkable natural product having antiseptic properties and the power to clear the nasal passages and bronchial tubes making it easier to breathe. It is common to vaporize it in saunas. It is an excellent rub for muscular aches and pains, and it has been widely used for many years by athletes to help keep muscles trim and flexible

The main chemical components of Eucalyptus radiata are eucalyptol and alpha terpineol, making it an ideal oil to promote clear breathing and respiratory function. Eucalyptus has purifying properties that can be beneficial for the skin and for cleansing surfaces and the air. Studies have shown that Eucalyptus is effective in helping lessen tension and supports a healthy response to oxidative stress. Eucalyptus can be found in mouth rinses to freshen breath and promote oral health.

The Mower Mishap

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The Mower MishapThis last fall I was busy cleaning up my yard that has eight large trees on the west side of my house. It can get overwhelming raking up the leaves when the trees start dropping their leaves. The neighbors are not thrilled when all the leaves blow into their yards so cleaning up the leaves is a must. I have discovered mowing up the leaves is easier then raking them up. The leaves also make a great mulch for my garden.

While I was starting up the mower I cut my finger where the skin meets the base of your finger nail. It was just a little cut nothing to big. I proceeded to mow up the leaves, when I went to empty the mower bag I noticed my finger was still bleeding. I wiped off the blood then continued to mow up the rest of the leaves. When I finished I looked down at my hand. You would have thought I just finished a scene from a horror movie. This small wound was still bleeding.

After I put the mower away I decided to clean up. I was amazed at the fact this little cut on my finger was doing a lot of bleeding, this is when I thought this is ridiculous. I decided to put Helichrysum essential oil on my wound. Helichrysum has been studied for its ability to speed up the healing process with open wounds. I was blown away! As soon as I put this essential oil on my wound it wasn’t 15 seconds later the bleeding stopped.

Since my experience with my wounded finger, I have used helichrysum on several sores including a wound on my cheek that just kept oozing pus not quite healing up. This wound is on it way to a quick recovery. I am grateful for these experiences with essential oils. The more I use them the more I am convinced they are an effective alternative in many situations. Essential oils have become my first line of defense more times then not.

Top 15 Essential Oils Studied For Anti-Depressant Properties

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Antidepressant Properties
The term antidepressant refers to an agent that helps alleviate depression, bringing a person back to a more positive place in their life with increased happiness.

Basil Essential Oil
Basil is cooling to the skin, and can be used to soothe minor irritations. When diffused, Basil helps promote clear breathing, and healthy respiratory function while sharpening focus, and lessening stress.
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Cassia Essential Oil

When diluted, Cassia can help soothe sore, achy joints. Cassia can be used in cooking either as a replacement for Cinnamon in pies and breads, or by itself in many different entrees and desserts.
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Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon is strong, so be sure to dilute it (3 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of cinnamon), but you can cook, bake, or even make candy with it too.
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Clary Sage Essential Oil

The main chemical component of Clary Sage is linalyl acetate, part of the esters group, making it one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils.
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Coriander Essential Oil

Coriander has a high linalool content, giving it strengthening and toning properties that benefit the skin, emotions, and body.
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Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense promotes a healthy inflammatory response and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally. When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense induces feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.
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Geranium Essential Oil

This oil has been used to promote clear skin and healthy hair, making it ideal for skin and hair care products. It also helps calm nerves and lessen stress.
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Lavender Essential Oil

Inhaling Lavender promotes relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, making it an ideal oil to diffuse at bedtime and when stress levels are high.
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Lemongrass Essential Oil
This oil supports healthy digestion, and soothes aching muscles. Lemongrass purifies and tones skin, and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems.
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Melissa (Lemon Balm) Essential Oil
Melissa is also great for your skin or over the reflex areas for the area of concern. You can also add a drop to your tea.
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Orange Essential Oil

Orange can be taken daily to cleanse the body or used on surfaces as a natural cleaner. Diffusing Wild Orange will energize and uplift the mind and body while purifying the air.
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Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli is regularly used in the perfume industry as well as in scented products. The fragrance of Patchouli provides a grounding, balancing effect on emotions.
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Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Ancient Romans used the oil for mental clarity and courage during war. While the most common use of chamomile is in teas, Roman Chamomile can also be found in face creams, drinks, hair dyes, shampoos, and perfumes.
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Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood has a sweet, woody aroma that can enhance mood and is frequently used in meditation for its grounding effects.
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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang is used to lessen tension and stress and to promote a positive outlook. Ylang Ylang is frequently used in luxurious hair and skin products for its scent and nourishing and protective properties.
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Top 15 Essential Oils Studied For Anti-Bacterial Properties

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Studied for Antibacterial Properties
The term antibacterial refers to anything that kills bacteria or limits its ability to grow or reproduce.

Basil Essential Oil
Basil is cooling to the skin, and can be used to soothe minor irritations. When diffused, Basil helps promote clear breathing, and healthy respiratory function while sharpening focus, and lessening stress.
Learn More

Cassia Essential Oil
When diluted, Cassia can help soothe sore, achy joints. Cassia can be used in cooking either as a replacement for Cinnamon in pies and breads, or by itself in many different entrees and desserts.
Learn More

Cedarwood Essential Oils
Cedarwood will help maintain healthy breathing and respiratory function and, when applied topically, Cedarwood promotes clear, healthy skin. This oil is also used in massage therapy to relax the mind and body.
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Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon is strong, so be sure to dilute it (3 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of cinnamon), but you can cook, bake, or even make candy with it too.
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Clove Essential Oil
Clove has been used for years in dental preparations,candy, and gum for its flavor and ability to promote oral health, yet it provides a myriad of health benefits.
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Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress assists with clear breathing, and promotes healthy respiratory function. It also soothes tight muscles and supports localized blood flow. This oil is helpful for oily skin conditions.
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Geranium Essential Oil

This oil has been used to promote clear skin and healthy hair, making it ideal for skin and hair care products. It also helps calm nerves and lessen stress.
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Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum is great for regenerative effects, can be used without dilution for most people. No first aide kit should be without this oil.
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Lemongrass Essential Oil
This oil supports healthy digestion, and soothes aching muscles. Lemongrass purifies and tones skin, and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems.
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Lime Essential Oil
Lime oil can usually be used without diluting, depending on skin sensitivity, and can be taken internally, but like all citrus oils, it can cause sensitivity to the sun with topical use up to 12 hours prior, so using it before bed is a great option.
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Melaleuca Essential Oil
Melaleuca is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify. Taken internally, Melaleuca enhances immunity when seasonal threats are high.
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Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano is one of the most potent essential oils. It must be diluted (3 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of Oregano essential oil when used topically). Apply to reflex points. It can be used as a flavoring in cooking.
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Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is very pleasing to the taste buds (you can add the oil to tea or water), but is powerfully soothing to the digestive system. You can usually apply it without diluting, inhale for nausea, or take internally as suggested.
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Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary supports healthy digestion and helps soothe sore muscles and joints. This oil also helps reduce nervous tension and fatigue.
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Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme makes a great defense against many concerns, although it should always be diluted (4 drops carrier oil to 1 drop thyme). You can also cook with it. This oil has cleansing and purifying effects for the skin.
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