My Personal Shingles Story

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ShinglesSeveral years ago I started getting very painful burn like boils on the back of my neck and chest. It was a strange feeling starting deep in the tissues of my skin with itching. Then feeling like several dozen bees stinging me all at once the closer to the surface of my skin it appeared. Needless to say the sores were painful and very red.

I went to a doctor to see what was going on. He explained to me that I had shingles, a viral infection, caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. He also explained after a person has had chickenpox the virus lies dormant in the nervous system. Years later, that virus can be reactivated by disease, immune deficiency, or stress , and cause shingles.

I was given a prescription without the promise it would heal quickly. When you are told that it could still be several weeks before you are free from shingles, it is very disheartening.

Two years ago a friend told me he had shingles. I said come on over, and I will give you essential oils that will help ease the pain. John was reluctant, but came over anyway. I looked in my Modern Essentials book, and discovered that melaleuca, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, geranium, and bergamot have been studied to help with shingles. I put five drops of each oil in a roller bottle and then mixed them together with fractionated coconut oil. John rubbed the oil on his shingles from the roller bottle. Four days later John’s suffering with shingles was making a dramatic turn.

I never get tired of hearing stories of how essential oils may help ease the pain, and love seeing first hand the influence of essential oils.

Pray and Meditate

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Man on rock meditating

PRAY AND MEDITATE.
“Prayer is when you talk to God;
meditation is when you listen to God”
Diana Robinson

When I was a young boy my Dad would tuck us in bed. Then he would tell us stories of his childhood and his family. One of these stories that sticks out in my mind is a story that takes place in Southern Utah. When my Grandma Fish was a little girl she and her brother Owen would spend the summer in the mountains on their family farm raising a big garden.
One year it was extremely dry. Since their garden relied on mountain rain storms to fill the mountain creek, they were getting concerned. My Great Grandma Cottam was known for her great faith. One day she was talking to her neighbors about how wilted her garden was looking, and how dry the ground was. They responded with “please don’t pray for rain until we can harvest our wheat, because we know when you pray the rain will come and ruin our wheat.”
Later that night, Owen was talking to his mother. He asked the question, “Why can’t we pray for rain only on our crops and not the neighbors? That was a very good question. His mother liked the idea. She then said, “Owen, why don’t you pray for rain tonight with me?” They did.
All that night, it rained and it rained, enough that in the morning they noticed that the irrigation ditch had water in it. They were worried about their neighbors crops, so they walked over to the fence line on my Great Grandma’s side of the fence. It was very muddy. On their neighbors side of the fence it was totally dry.
I love to share stories of faith and how important the power of prayer is in our lives. Prayer is our way to talk to God. Intuition is God’s way of talking to us. How many of us pray but we don’t take time to listen for the answers to our prayers? Meditation is the language of our spirit. When we take time to listen, we will hear the voice of our spirit. Many times we don’t take time to listen because we are afraid of the truth. Quiet the mind, then listen to your heart.
As I am watching the March Madness college tournament, I am reminded of a technique on how to quiet your mind when meditating. Picture a 24 second shot clock. Clear your mind of every thought except this clock counting down to zero. If you think of anything else except this clock during the next 24 seconds, start over until you are not thinking of anything else. It is harder than you think to clear your mind of everything.
It is so easy for your mind to wander, thinking of that appointment or problems you are having in your family. Successful people learn how to meditate. I am cheering you all on. I know you can be your best you.

Essential Oils Studied for their Laxative Properties.

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Laxative Properties
Laxative

This means an agent that stimulates bowel excretion.

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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Bergamot Essential Oil
Italians have used Bergamot for years to reduce tension and stress and to soothe and rejuvenate skin. Bergamot is unique among citrus oils due to its ability to be both uplifting and calming, making it ideal to help with anxious and sad feelings.
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Black Pepper Essential Oil
Black Pepper is best know as a cooking spice however, Black Pepper also promotes healthy circulation both internally and externally, but should be used with caution when applied topically due to its strong warming sensation.
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Fennel Essential Oil
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.
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Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger can lessen motion sickness, soothe an upset stomach, and help digest food after a large meal. Ginger essential oil can also be applied topically or inhaled to help with digestion issues.
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Rose Essential Oil

Rose essential oil is known to promote smooth, beautiful skin.
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Spikenard Essential Oil
The health benefits of Spikenard essential oil can be attributed to its properties as a, deodorant, laxative, and sedative.
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Increase Spiritually

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Praying at sunsetAs long as I can remember I have prayed daily. I remember kneeling around our large, round dining table praying before dinner. I have always paid a tithing of 10% ever since I earned my first dime and went on a mission for my church. I have also volunteered for many years with the youth of my church. Most of all, I love the Savior Jesus Christ and try to follow his example.
Now that I have painted this picture of my religious background I am open to all truth. I believe we can learn from the religions of the world.
I remember my son Daniel had an assignment to write about three different religions for his Humanities class. I went with him to a Catholic mass, to the Hari Krishna Temple, and an LDS sacrament meeting. We spent an hour at each place. My son then wrote a paper about his experience. I encourage everyone to do this. If nothing else it will make you appreciate your religion more. Or you will ask yourself questions about what is missing in your life.
I encourage everyone to find the truth that makes you happy. We will never grow spiritually if we close our minds to truth. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
Many people are not ready to receive truth. We are all at different stages of learning. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
I remember when I was a missionary I would ask people if they were interested in hearing a message about Jesus Christ.
Many people would say, “I am sorry. I am not interested; I am Catholic, Baptist, or I am already Christian.” I don’t think we should ever apologize for believing what we believe, or belittling anyone for believing what they believe. We are all God’s children and should treat each other with kindness and love.
Humanity all started from one branch, so in reality we all come from the same tree. What I don’t understand is why would a tree cut off one of it’s own branches? We all come from the same source, so we are in reality brothers and sisters of humanity.

Spikenard-Did You Know?

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SpikenardDid you know Spikenard is the oil of gratitude? Spikenard encourages true appreciation for life. It addresses repeated patterns of ingratitude, where a person sees  themselves as a person whom criticism or abuse may be directed, or a victim of their life circumstances. It encourages individuals to let go and find appreciation for all of life’s experiences.

Spikenard is grown in Nepal, China, and India. For centuries the oil has been used as a perfume, as a medicine, and in religious ceremonies from Europe to India. In the bible It was offered on the specialized incense altar in the time when the Tabernacle was located in the First and Second Jerusalem Temples. Several references to Spikenard, were made in both the Old and the New Testament.

Spikenard was one of the early aromatics used by the Egyptians and is mentioned frequently throughout the bible. The powdered root of Spikenard is also mentioned in some Islamic traditions as the fruit which Adam ate in Paradise, which God had forbidden him to eat. It was traditionally used to anoint people of high honor due to its healing properties, and is considered to have spiritual applications for blessing and protection.

Spikenard has a long list of therapeutic uses in clinical aromatherapy and is considered non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing. It is also used to season foods in Medieval European cuisine.The health benefits of Spikenard Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as a deodorant, laxative, and a sedative in nature.

Essential Oils Studied For Anti-Inflammatory Properties

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Studied for Anti-Inflamatory
Anti-Inflammatory means an agent that alleviates inflammation.

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

Bergamot Essential Oil

Italians have used Bergamot for years to reduce tension and stress and to soothe and rejuvenate skin. Bergamot is unique among citrus oils due to its ability to be both uplifting and calming, making it ideal to help with anxious and sad feelings.

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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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Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil is best known for respiratory health and works great when massaged over the chest and throat. Can be applied without diluting.
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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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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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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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Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh is valued as an expectorant, which means it promotes the expulsion of mucus in cases of bronchitis and lung congestion. Myrrh is best for chronic conditions, because it contains tannins and resins, it has an astringent effect on tissues.
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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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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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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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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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Wintergreen Essential Oil

The main chemical component in Wintergreen, methyl salicylate, is used in topical joint creams to soothe sore muscles and joints; in fact, Wintergreen and Birch are the only plants in the world that contain methyl salicylate naturally.
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