23 Uses for the Super Hero Blend!

The Super Hero Blend!

I know enough to know...I don't want to be without the super powers of Shield Protective Blend!  There are so many ways that I've come to rely on this blend, I made a list! 

Let me count the ways...

1.   First and foremost, the Cold & Flu Bomb, may it live on forever! Add 3 drops each of Shield, Melaleuca and Oregano to a size 00 gel capsule.  Take one capsule 3x daily when you feel cold or flu coming on!  If your symptoms are acute, every 3 hours.  Just do it, be consistent and The Bomb will rock your world.  

2.   Mix 2 drops with a shot glass of water, gargle and swallow to tackle a sore throat.

3.  For kids!  Fill a roller bottle with 2 parts Shield and 1 part fractionated coconut oil. Use this convenient application method to roll the the super hero blend on the bottom of their little feet each morning during cold and flu season.

Be sure it gets massaged in well!

4.   Add a few drops to your dishwasher to sanitize the load {dish scrubs and sponges too}.

5.  Add 30 drops to a 1 ounce spray bottle filled with Witch Hazel, shake and spray to clean and sanitize hands, grocery carts, airplane seats or any public seating.

6.  Apply to bee stings or insect bites to neutralize toxin and relieve the pain.

7.  Diffuse Shield at home, the office or even the classroom to kill airborne pathogens, improve immunity...even inhibit mold.

Brilliant to keep virus from spreading through the whole family!

Bonus:  Smells like Christmas!

8.  Put a few drops on replacement air filters when changing out the old ones...kill pathogens in the duct work!

9.  Oil pull with 2 drops Shield and 2 drops Melaleuca to pull infection from diseased gums or an abscessed tooth.  Learn more {HERE}.

10.  Add 1 drop Shield and 1 drop Lemon to a teaspoon of honey for cold or cough relief medicine for children.

11.  Add a few drops to the laundry wash cycle for sanitized clothing.

12.  Add 15 drops to a cup of cornstarch, mix and sprinkle on carpet.  Rake carpet, leave on for an hour and vacuum for sanitized carpet!  

Pssst! Great for Day Care facilities!

13.  Add a few drops of Shield to mop water for cleaner floors.

14.  Apply "neat" (undiluted) to toenails to fight fungus.

15.  Add 3 drops to a shot glass of water and store toothbrush overnite for a bacteria free toothbrush.

16.  Apply to hands to dissolve sticky stuff like tree sap.

17.  Sprinkle a few drops between the sheets during a hotel stay to protect against pathogens.

18.  Put a few drops in your vacuum canister or bag to kill pathogens.

19.  Add a few drops of Shield to floor steamer.

20.  Spray in public restrooms to reduce bacteria.

21.  Pack a spray bottle of Shield and Witch Hazel to the gym or studio to spritz equipment and yoga mats before and after use!

22.  Use a drop of Shield for a toothache, it has Clove to dull the pain and other antibacterial properties! 

23.  Teachers, use this super hero blend in your classroom to disinfect desks, tables and all things handled by children.  Diffuse to boost the groups healthy immunity.

There's a Super Hero in Every Bottle!


As always, enjoy 10% off every Spark Naturals order.  
coupon code:  campwander

Detox Scrub, Soften & Soak!

Yet Another Smack Forehead Moment!

Like most of you, I had the magical ingredients needed to scrub, soften, soak and detox at my fingertips but never thought to put them together until yesterday.  It's true!  You can accomplish all of the above with a cup of this and a cup of that...

I first saw the idea on a blog post by Coconut Mama and then, from my own sister, Jillee of One Good Thing by Jillee.  The very first thing I did this morning (even before coffee) was pull out the coconut oil and epsom salts...

Ok, girls...with all due respect, epsom salts are pretty rough, even mixed with coconut oil!  I started by exfoliating my hands, they're horrid. Just a bit too abrasive for me, even my tough Wyoming hands cringed a little.  

Not one to take things at face value, I knew there had to be a work around...

I noticed my Vitamix blender, hmmm.  In went a cup of epsom salt.  Too powerful!  I had epsom salt powder in 2 seconds.  I pulled out the standard kitchen blender.  Success!  

Perfect sized granules in about 20 seconds.

Alright, now we're on to something!  So excited was I, my coffee sat burning in the coffee maker.

Do you realize how many benefits humble Epsom Salts have for us?  Soaking in warm water with 2 cups of epsom salts added, you can boost your magnesium intake (of which most of us are deficient).  Magnesium helps the body rid itself of toxins, aids in muscle control, helpful for Fibromyalgia and joint pain.  Do you know why?  

The body absorbs the salt while soaking, the "salt" then interferes with receptors in the brain that registers pain. The next time your body aches due to physical activity, ailments or flu...take a nice long detoxing soak in epsom salts.

Here we go!  A match is about to be made in heaven....  

Blend 2 cups of epsom salts to your desired consistency.

{blend the epsom salts dry}

Measure out 1 cup of epsom salts, add to small mixing bowl.  

{Save the second cup for the next batch!}

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Add 1 cup of organic coconut oil to the epsom salts.

Whip the two ingredients together until blended with a hand mixer or whisk.

I like to keep my Detox Scrub in a plastic Ball Jam Jar - you can find them at any market.

Alrighty, pay attention to a new routine, if you do...your Softening Scrub will blend nicely with your Detox Soak making this an all in one Scrub, Soften and Soak magnesium medley!

Grab a full size bath towel and place it on the floor of your bathroom.  Lock the door and get naked! Next, start the bath water, you'll want it on the very warm side.  

Stand on the towel, pull your hair back and apply the Detox Scrub liberally.  

Exfoliating before getting wet is more effective and the excess scrub falls onto the towel and not onto the tub or shower floor.

Exfoliate from neck to ankles, feel your skin brightening and softening.  As you do so, your skin will absorb ketones from the coconut oil, and open your pores to better absorb the magnesium from the epsom salt on your body and, in the bath.

{Please leave your feet oil free to prevent slipping}

By now, the bath should be filled...it's time to add 2 cups of Epsom Salts for your 20 minute Detox Soak.  Step into the bath carefully, everything but your feet will be slippery.  If you want to add some EOs, now's the time!  

This morning, I added 4 drops of Frankincense - this is a perfect time for your body to accept EOs, choose what you're in need of. Achey muscles?  Birch, or Relief Headache Blend.  Anxiety and Stress? Add Zen, or Liquid Xanax {2 drops Zen, 2 drops Bliss}, or Jeddy's Blend.  After your bath, be sure to wipe out the excess oil - your bathtub will be slippery.  

You catch my drift ~ scrub, soften and soak your way to better health!

As always, enjoy a 10% discount on every Spark Naturals order.  

coupon code: campwander

The Art of Oil Pulling: Heal, Detox, Whiten Teeth!

It certainly sounded awful!

I read about oil pulling shortly after I started using PURE essential oils.  I never gave it much thought, it certainly sounded awful and I respectfully declined without any further thought until recently when I came across a discussion in a forum on the subject.

In summary...

Oil Pulling is a safe, simple and gentle way to bring health to your mouth, ridding it of toxins and bacteria that turn into gingivitis and eventually full blown gum disease.  There are many who claim that it can cure and prevent disease, even extending life!

Oil pulling is gaining popularity because people are having positive results with it.  The basics of oil pulling involve swishing around 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, olive oil or any other quality oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes then spitting it out, you never want to swallow it!  It's a simple therapy and completely harmless...no ingesting of medication , just a thorough cleaning of mouth by oil.

Oil Pulling was practiced in Ayurvedic medicine evolved in India and is thought to be the oldest healthcare system on earth. Modern science is suggesting that advanced gum disease can be linked to diabetes, cardiovascular problems and pre-term births. There are studies underway exploring the connection between good oral health and overall health.  Much of the bacteria we come in contact with enters through our mouth.  Oil pulling removes toxins, bacteria and microorganisms that can cause disease and health issues.  From what I understand microorganisms in the mouth are single cell with an outside layer of fatty membrane.  When you swish oil in your mouth the fatty membrane is attracted to the oil therefore, toxins and bacteria hiding in gums and tissue are sucked out during the 20 minute oil pull.  This is why you never want to swallow the end result...please spit it out in the trash!  




One of the most common testimonials is whiter teeth!  I'm putting this claim to the test because I don't want to pay $400 to have the dentist bleach mine.  Crossing fingers!




Others claim benefits such as these:  reduced joint pain, opening of congested sinuses, skin disorders like eczema disappear, healing of chronic inflammation, heart disease (science ties poor oral health to heart disease and diabetes) and of course, gum disease and strengthening of loose teeth!

How do you oil pull?

It's suggested that an oil pull be done first thing in the morning before you eat breakfast.  This might pose a problem for me because coffee gets me outta bed, unlike oil pulling.  But, I'll work on that :)

All you need is a high quality vegetable based oil.  I experimented with two different coconut oils: my choice and favorite oil is Tropical Traditions Gold Label CO...that I use in EVERYTHING, including All Purpose Healing Salve.

Some sage EO users have a suggested recipe that calls for 2 drops of Oregano and 2 drops of Clove along with 1 T of Coconut Oil.  I happen to prefer 2 drops each of Shield Protective Blend and Melaleuca instead.  Two drops in two tablespoons of coconut oil makes for a smooth and slightly spicy oil pull, it's nice, it's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and slows gum recession, awesome...just awesome!

Okay, let's get down to the nitty gritty...here's some ideas for specific oils to use when dealing with specific ailments.


Recommended EO based on issues:
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1.  Shield:  General immune system, mouth and gum health, teeth problems, halitosis, cold, flue, sore throat, virus.

2.  Oregano:  Flu, cold, virus, sore throat, swollen glands, cold sores, herpes, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antibiotic, anti-viral.

3.  Clove:  Mouth and gum, analgesic, anti-biotic, antiseptic.

4.  Frankincense:  Analgesic, cold and flu, mouth surgery, mouth trauma, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory.

5.  Geranium:  mouth and gum, throat, laryngitis, analgesic, antiseptic.

6.  Grapefruit: Cleansing, detoxifying, anti-septic, antibacterial.

7.  Lemon:  Cleansing, detoxifying, cold, sore throat, anti-septic.

8.  Lemongrass:  Herpes, halitosis.

9.  Melaleuca:  Cold, flu, immune system, braces irritation, gum and mouth sores, congestion, herpes, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic.

10.  Myrrh:  Mouth, teeth and gums, cold and flu, tonsillitis, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic.


Directions
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Take the oils into the mouth but don't swallow it.  Move the oils slowly in the mouth.  Sip, suck and pull through the teeth and under the tongue for 20 minutes.  Some people need to work up to this, I did it from the get go...just stay busy!  You want to thoroughly mix the oils with your saliva.  Swishing activates the enzymes and the enzymes draw toxins out of the blood.  As the process continues, the oil gets thinner and white.  When you're all done, spit the oil out into the garbage...do not swallow as it's full of toxins now.  Brush teeth with toothpaste.

During the oil pull the metabolism intensifies...which leads to improved health.  Very common to see loose teeth fit tighter, sores healed and a visible whitening of teeth!



I'm sold on oil pulling!  It's easy, it's economical and you don't have to say anything 20 minutes!  My mouth felt cleaner and my teeth felt like I had just come from the dentist!  

I encourage you to do your own due diligence on oil pulling, it's a fascinating study in alternative health care.  Interesting to note too, with {pure} plant essence available through Spark Naturals, this age old practice of oil pulling is seeing a resurgence in popularity. 

As always, enjoy 10% off every Spark Naturals order!

Coupon code:  campwander

Top Ten Uses for RELIEF Headache Blend

Not Your Average Headache Blend!

Big news, Spark Naturals just released a stellar headache and pain reliever blend called RELIEF {w/ Birch}, formerly known as the Headache Buster Blend.  It's an amazing option for headache pain but its uses are go even further ~ localized pain from fibromyalgia, bone spurs, carpal tunnel, arthritis, sciatica even quite possibly hair growth!

To give you a little history, the blend was created by my sister Dori for her husband who was injured in a work accident.  You can read more about their story {HERE}.

When my brother in law was injured, his doctor put him on heavy duty pain meds to ease the gnarly pain from pinched nerves in his neck and back. We knew that PURE Birch would help ease his pain but we only had a 5ml bottle of Birch between all of the EO users in our family.  It wasn't enough but it was something.  A big "thank you" to Spark Naturals for bringing a good PURE Birch essential oil into lives that need it!

TOP TEN Uses for Relief Headache Blend

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1.  Carpal Tunnel:  Excellent for localized pain.  Anti-inflammatory.  Apply topically to painful areas as needed.  Add Helichrysum for additional support to nerves and for pain.

2.  Fibromyalgia:  Relief Blend contains Birch and Frankincense, both have anti-inflammatory properties.  Especially helpful for joint pain.  Apply topically as needed.

I LOVE the headache blend! I woke up with a really nasty headache the other day and applied this. Within 2-3 minutes, the headache was eased dramatically and within 10 minutes, gone! It did come back about an hour later, but like you said, a second application and POOF! Headache was no more! My son is also loving using the EOs and this one is VERY popular in my house. 

3.  Bone Spurs and Pain:  Use the Relief Blend to break down bone spurs/calcification and help with the discomfort.  Apply consistently 2x daily, add more carrier oil to the blend if needed. Results can take 2 weeks to 3 months.

4.  Sinus Headache/Migraine:  Sinus headaches and migraines are stubborn!  I've heard great reports from friends that this blend works for them.  Apply the Relief Blend to areas of pressure as needed and feel the relief!

5.  Sciatica:  Inflammation compounds the pressure on the nerve and back muscles try to compensate resulting in muscle spasms. Apply Relief Blend topically as needed.  Layering with Frankincense can help to drive the blend in deeper followed with a warm compress.

"Headache blend = MIRACLE!!!
Had a nasty headache all day. Took Excedrin, tried Lavender and Peppermint. Nothing worked. Today was awful! I was getting sick to my stomach from all the Excedrin then I noticed the bottle of the Headache Buster on my desk you left and tried it. I'm at Walmart now no headache. Amazing Thank you!!"

6.  Arthritis or Rheumatism:  Because PURE Birch in the blend has methyl salicylate, a natural cortisone and anti-inflammatory, the Relief Blend is especially helpful for pain relief.  Apply topically as needed.

7.  Menstrual Cramps and Endometriosis Pain:  Apply Relief blend topically to lower abdomen and the lower back if needed followed by a warm compress.

8.  Knee Pain:  Knee pain is a common malady for many of us.  A brilliant protocol is Lemongrass massaged in first, layered with the Relief Blend!  This is my own testimonial ~ it works for my achey knee just swimmingly.

9.  Plantar Fasciitis Pain:  Oh baby!  Roll Relief Blend on the painful area of your affected foot with a roller bottle and massage in.  This is a protocol I've used time and again, it's been the summer of plantar fasciitis for me ugh! 

10.  In Grown Toenail Pain:  Relief Blend is really helpful here. Not only does it cut the pain but the anti-inflammatory properties of Birch and Frankincense help with the inflammation.  Apply topically as needed.

"Hands down best remedy for headaches. I got up at 2am to make this for an all day headache....in less than 10 minutes it was gone..it took longer to make the blend than it did for it to work!"


Cautions:
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Wintergreen and Birch should not be used if you are allergic to aspirin.  People with epilepsy should avoid Birch Essential Oil because of a high concentration of methyl salicylate. This oil should also be avoided by during pregnancy. Test a small sample on your skin before using this oil topically.


FYI!
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Today is the last day to get in on the FREE Roller Bottle offer with every bottle of Relief Headache Blend!  Bottle will be added to your order automatically TODAY ONLY.

    As always, enjoy a 10% discount on your Spark Naturals order. 

Coupon code:  campwander

All in One Coconut Oil Skin Polish & Cleanser

Next to Spark Naturals PURE essential oils, I can't think of much else that's more versatile or good for you than coconut oil!  Just when I think I've used it in every possible way known to man I find another use for it. 

You, and your skin will L O V E this new skin polish!

All in one Coconut Oil Skin Polish is made with much the same organic ingredients as this Whipped Coconut Cleanser but, with the addition of cornmeal, for both a gentle cleanser AND a skin polish in one special product!
  

What makes the skin polish even more beneficial is the addition of EOs pertaining to your skin's needs!

~ Coconut Oil Skin Polish Recipe ~

2 cups organic coconut oil
1/2 cup sweet almond or avocado oil
1 cup cornmeal

Soften coconut oil, whip in the almond or avocado oil, blend in cornmeal.

Warmed in oven to soften coconut oil.

Cornmeal and oils blended together with hand mixer.

Blemishes be Gone Blend

(per 4 oz jar)

15 drops Lavender 

5 drops Melaleuca 

Coconut oil is F A B U L O U S for problem skin because of it's anti~bacterial and anti~microbial properties!  Melaleuca for a deeper clean and Lavender to calm and soothe skin.

Hydrating and Healing Blend
(per 4 oz jar)

15 drops Lavender

5 drops Geranium

For my aging skin, I add anti~aging EOs:  8 drops Frankincense, 5 drops Helichrysum, 2 drops Myrrh and 2 drops Geranium per 4 oz jar.  I recommend using the All in One Polish and Cleanser twice a week, see what works best for you :)


HOW TO...

Add the oils of your choice to the jars BEFORE you add the warmed oils.  Once filled, take a small whisk or a tiny spoon and very gently stir the EOs to blend ALL of the oils.  Let sit for an hour until cool and put the lids on snuggly!

Recipe fills (five) 4 oz jam jars.  Talk about a great gift!

Enjoy!


Please enjoy 10% off all Spark Naturals orders!  Coupon code:  campwander

Whipped Coconut Oil Cleanser with EOs

~ Grace For Your Face ~

If you didn't get the memo, coconut oil is no longer the bad guy.  It's been cleared of all wrong doing and deemed healthy by the scientific community.  As many of us already know, there are SO many ways to use it, eat it...and even blog about it :)

One of my absolute favorite uses of coconut oil is for my face. Every night, I wash my face with organic extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil + a few other goodies that we'll get to shortly!

Google {Oil Cleanse} and you will see that it's not a new idea. Although it's not the norm, I prefer organic coconut oil because of it's antimicrobial and anti-toxin properties. Virgin coconut oil does not clog your pores!  If you have toxins below the surface, coconut oil will purge them in a matter of a few days to a few weeks. 

If you're prone to break outs, coconut oil is great.  It will open up the pores and release built up toxins that have accumulated from various skin products, dirt, trapped oil etc. There is a possibility that during the detox period you could suffer a breakout resulting from the toxins being pushed up to the surface but it will subside once the pores are cleansed.  Believe it or not, this protocol is excellent for the acne prone.

It was my sister, who introduced me to this new method last year when she blogged about Oil Cleansing.  

Since then, I've had time to tweak the ingredients a bit...including the main one, coconut oil.  I appreciate our.  In short, oil pulls/cleanses oil from pores. Who knew??

Simple Basic Recipe

*1  1/2  Cups Organic Coconut Oil

1  Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

On a warm day, I let the coconut oil soften in the sun for a few minutes so I can get a smooth consistency when mixing in the olive oil and EOs.  It's not entirely necessary, but if I have the time, I take this extra step.

A Few Handy Tips 

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To get the smooth consistency, I use a hand mixer.  The cleanser will harden slightly after it completely cools down if the temp in your home is under 76 degrees.  A plastic canning jar is my container of choice, it's air tight and non-breakable.
 

Remember, a little goes a long way, so a single batch will last quite a long time.

To enhance the coconut oil cleanser I like to add EOs for my dry skin:

Lavender, Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Frankincense.  3 drops of each for a single batch.  

Part of the beauty of this recipe is the ability to customize it with essential oils that are suitable for your skin type!


  

When washing your face with oil, it's important to use a washcloth and hot water, as hot as you can handle it.  Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of cleanser evenly over your face.  Take a hot wash cloth and hold it against your face, moving it, pressing it...steaming your face.  Rinse the wash cloth and repeat two more times.  This will ensure your pores will open up and let the coconut and accompanying oils get to the toxins.

If you're just getting started with essential oils, start simple with Lavender only.  If you're prone to breakouts, add some Melaleuca along with the Lavender!  Consider yourself a modern apothecary, creating beautiful products for your skin from pure ingredients! 

Don't be afraid to experiment...make it your own!