Tag Archives: Calming

Arborvitae-Did You Know?

Cut Arborvitae

Did you know the Arborvitae has been referred to as the tree of life? A native North American western red cedar tree, can reach 180 to 200 feet in height in some areas of the Northwest but is more often seen at 50 to70 feet in height with a spread of 15 to 25 feet in width. Forming an upright pyramidal silhouette with strongly horizontal branches, Giant-Cedar is an evergreen with fragrant, dark green, delicate needles. This very rare Western Red Cedar will put on 3 to 5 feet of growth per year.

The arborvitae has been used by ancient civilizations to enhance their potential for spiritual communication during rituals and other ceremonies. Modern technology however has revealed that giant Arborvitae essential oil contains high levels of unique compounds called tropolones. Tropolones are an unusual seven membered carbon ring structure not found in significant concentrations in other essential oils. It is these tropolones that yield the unique therapeutic qualities of this oil.

When selecting a source of Arborvitae essential oil, one must be sure to choose a source whose oil does not contain thujone, a neurotoxic compound. Besides source geography, it is also essential to consider the plant part from which this oil is distilled: only essential oil from the wood of Arborvitae has been found to be free from thujone. When sampled and tested for thujone, essential oil from the wood of Arborvitae grown in the Pacific Northwest was found to have no thujone, indicating that oil from this region is safe for human use.

Arborvitae has been used for coughs, fevers and intestinal parasites. It also has antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Arborvitae is calming, and has been used as an insect repellent. This oil may also help with skin nourishing and sunscreen. It has a strong effect on the subconscious and unconscious mind.

Lavender Is Essential

Lavender

What is there not to like about lavender essential oil? I will say this about most essential oils, lavender is one of my favorites. I remember breathing in the aroma of lavender for the first time with almost reverence. Experiencing this oil by touch and smell made the experience more memorable. This is one of those experiences when you remember what you were doing at that moment in time.

Even though I was not happy initially about sitting through an essential oil class, this was a breakthrough moment. After smelling the pure scent of lavender, I felt for the first time deep down, that dōTERRA essential oils are remarkable and lavender was an oil I could get excited about, and share it with others.

When we got our Family Physician’s kit, I was excited to try the oils to see how effective they were in our everyday life. After a month of using the oils we received, I knew these small 5 ml bottles wouldn’t last long. Looking back I wish we would have bought the home Essential kit, a kit with three times the amount of oil for only $100 dollars more.

What I observed over the next few months was a total transformation in how I looked at everyday living and watching my family change their lifestyle. When my kids were looking in the Modern Essentials book to find out what oil worked best for headaches, or see what would help an injured knee, I knew we were on to something.

One of the first things I remember trying with lavender essential oil was putting it on my daughter’s hand after she got burned by a hot pan. I knew Stephanie’s burned hand was in pain because she was using ice to numb her senses. I told Stephanie we should try lavender, and she agreed. We went on with our nights activities. About an hour later I asked how is the burn on your hand doing? She couldn’t remember were the burn was.

Another thing I remember seeing was a baby tired and fussy and looking totally miserable. The mom was asked if she would let us put lavender essential oil on her babies back to calm him down. She agreed, and within 30 seconds the sad little boy was transformed into a calm and relaxed one.

Every Spring I look forward to the warm weather. However I am not excited about my allergies brought on by all the pollen in the air. I like having lavender near by. I will rub it under what an amazing experience. I also like TriEase a seasonal blend gelcap, used for season discomfort that has lavender in it.

When I discover things that are amazing I refuse to keep quiet. This is why I have a passion for essential oils They are a blessing in my life, and I love to share them with others.