DIY Manuka Honey #Local Honey #Essential Oils!

While I love Manuka Honey, it's not always easy to find and it's definitely not inexpensive.

I've had a small inner battle going on the last few weeks, a nagging feeling about singing the praises of Manuka.  Only because I'd never want to discourage business with local bee keepers of whom I aspire to be one day!  So, I came up with a solution that I'm at peace with, see what you think!

Eden Valley Honey from Farson, Wyoming (my local) and pure essential oils come together for beautiful, medicinal, affordable honey!  Happy Beekeeper, happy me!  

happy!  happy!  happy!

I'm not in any way presuming that DIY Manuka is equally as beneficial as the real thing from New Zealand however, if organic, local honey and pure essential oils are the ingredients ~ it's gonna bee darn good for you too!  By adding essential oils we're only enhancing the properties of good organic honey with Melaleuca, Frankincense and Lavender.

Here's a link where you can learn more about the real thing (Manuka) so that you can make the best choice for YOU.

A Buyer's Guide to Manuka Honey

DIY Manuka Honey How to...

In a 4 oz. glass jar, add organic honey, stir in 1 drop Melaleuca, 2 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Lavender for the following properties:

Melaleuca:

anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic, anti-biotic, analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, expectorant, decongestant

Frankincense:

anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-depressant, anti-cancer

Lavender:

tissue restoration, anti-histamine, anti-coagulant, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory

Seal the lid tightly and store in your home apothecary.  For wound care, sore throats, facials, eczema, breakouts.  

Use in tea, topically or swallow a spoonful for sore throats, canker sores or cough.

Note: fill smaller containers for first aid kits, a jar for each bathroom in the house and your desk at work!

As you probably guessed, this isn't exactly a "tasty" honey by any means but added to warm water with lemon it makes a decent medicinal tea.  Swallowing a teaspoon is fairly painless and beneficial for a sore throat or canker sore.  And, because of the honey's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it's very nice as a skin treatment too!

Remember, buy local honey when possible!  It's a good cycle of health and economy for you and the community :)  

Beeeee Well!

Pssst!  Use this discount code for 10% off all Spark Naturals EOs and more:  campwander

An EO Life! Giveaway from Camp Wander!

Celebrating the EO Life!

Last week Camp Wander hit a milestone, lots of LIKES on Facebook ~ you people are amazing :)

In honor of your support and to spread the good word about Spark Naturals essential oils, CW is giving away the EO LIFE Kit to get you started on your own EO journey or, compliment what you have already begun!  This is a BIG one!!

Zaq Noor Diffuser!

{6} 5ml Metal Roller Bottles!

{4} Mini Spritzer Bottles!

Book:  Organic Body Care Recipes

Included EO Blends featuring Spark Natural EOs!

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Zen Grounding Blend

Jeddy's Blend

LLP Allergy Blend

{click here to learn more}

The Headache Buster Blend w/ BIRCH!

How to Enter:
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1.  Leave a comment about your own EO Life and how you live it or want to live it!

2.  Follow CW on Instagram and/or Twitter!  Tweet and/or Instagram a shout out about the Giveaway!  Search for: campwander

3.  SHARE the EO Life Giveaway Post from Camp Wander's Facebook Page!



For EXTRA Entries:
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A.  Mention the EO Life Giveaway on your blog!  Msg me on Camp Wander Facebook with the link, I'll be happy to share it!

B.  Add a Camp Wander Button to your blog!  (see sidebar for html code)

C.  Sign up for Spark Naturals Oil of the Month Club!  If you don't know about this yet, this is a fabulous way to add to your EO collection!  June's featured EO is a 15ml bottle of Geranium!  For only $15.99 a month, receive a full size bottle of EO {includes shipping!} Click on the link provided at the top of this page.

Forward your Oil of the Month receipt from your email to: 
rebecca@campwander.com for an extra entry :)

GOOD LUCK!

{ends Sunday @ midnite}

Psssst!  For a 10% discount on Spark Naturals EOs or accessories, use this code!  campwander

Rescue Remedies for Summer Dry Heels

Summer is time for bare feet and sandals! 

It happens every summer, all that sandal wearing takes it's toll on my heels.  By late June, after my feet have been free from wearing socks with shoes for about 6 weeks I might feel the first little fissure...you know that pain?  Ugh, it's irritating!  

Dry, cracked heels are not a pretty sight but, with a little effort our feet can be pretty enough to stick out the window too :)

The first step is to soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes in warm water, a big bowl will do. 

To your foot soak, add either 1 cup of epsom salt OR 4 tablespoons oatmeal OR even one cup of milk.  A few drops of essential oil like Lavender would be nice too.

After soaking your feet they should be soft and pliable, a good time to scrub your heels to remove as much dead skin as possible.  If your heels are severely cracked, they may have embedded dirt, this process will help remove that.  Gardeners, you know what I'm talking about here... 

I realize it's not wise to garden in flip flops, but hey...that's what pedicures are for!

After heels are nicely scrubbed and clean, pat them dry and with a heel buffer like this one in the photo, or Pedi-egg or even an emery board, go back and forth on dry areas to remove the dry, dead skin.  

Once completed, rinse your feet and pat dry.
  

Next step is important...if faithful...you'll be flip flop ready all summer long!

After your heels are soaked, scrubbed and rubbed you need to lock in all that moisture!  Several are options are readily available.

#1  The SIMPLEST!  Add a drop of Peppermint EO to each fissure, weird but it works if you're consistent.  Do this morning and night.  Or...

#2  Make up a blend of 10 drops each: Geranium, Peppermint and Melaleuca to 1/2 cup of organic coconut oil and 1/2 teaspoon of Olive or Almond Oil.  Whip them together and store in a small glass jar.  Apply 2x daily.


In addition to or instead of #1 and #2, try this...


All Purpose Healing Salve:  A CW favorite!
If you have the time make a batch of salve, please do.  This all purpose workhorse of a salve will save you so much time and money in the long run, it's uses are quite endless!  One of it's best uses is to lock in moisture ~ then put a sock on it!

I LOVE this idea! 

 

Lock in the moisture by wearing a custom cut pair of cotton socks to bed or just around the house.  If you take the time to moisturize your heels and cover them at night several times a week you'll be amazed at how soft your heels will stay all through the flip flop season.

Enjoy your day, pamper your feet & grab a bowl of ice cream while you're at it :)

Natural Antibiotic Remedies & Why They Work

“The ability of oils from various spices to kill infectious organisms has been recognized since antiquity. Natural oils may turn out to be valuable adjuvants or even replacements for many anti-germicidals under a variety of conditions.”  Harry G. Preuss, MD, MACN, CNS, professor of physiology and biophysics at Georgetown University.

You can find nature in one of its most powerful forms, the essence and life-force of plants found in what we commonly refer to as, essential oils.  Essential oils are derived from flowers, trees, grasses, leaves, roots and fruits.  Their powerful essence is indispensable to medicine.  Western medicine seeks to create chemical copies of essential oils because of their extremely effective and complex medical system.

Essential oils provide a system of medicine that not only is in total biochemical harmony with our bodies, but they're non-invasive too!  Their delivery system is so efficient that synthetic drugs look crude in comparison.  This is why:  Synthetic antibiotics can't penetrate the cell membrane to get at the virus but, PURE essential oils can!  

You don't have to take my word for it, read about the following studies and what the experts have to say:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100330210942.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/10/011011065609.htm

Given the science, why is it that Doctors readily write prescriptions for ineffective antibiotics that break down our immunity instead of fortifying it and, are inferior to what has been under our feet and noses for centuries...NATURE.  I could write a short novel on this subject however instead, I'll encourage you to do your own research and, ask questions!  Always ask questions when seeking medical help and keep asking until you're satisfied with the answer.  Amen.

Over the course of time as I've turned to a more holistic approach to health and wellness, I've tried to blend organic ingredients to create an even more powerful remedies.  The following is an example of two natural alternatives brought together...

"Knock Your Socks Off" Antibiotic Tea

Stir a heaping teaspoon of Manuka Honey and 2 drops of Shield or On Guard Protective blends in a cup of very warm water for a powerful dose of nature's antibiotics!  Perfect for a sore throat, cold and cough, congested chest and flu symptoms.  Drink as needed.

If you've never heard of Manuka Honey that hales from New Zealand, now is the time to Google it!  This particular honey is Live, Raw, Unpasteurized and Organic. 

Manuka Honey is produced by bees who forage on the Manuka Tree (Tea Tree). 

I tell you all this because it's time to turn back to the gifts of the earth.  Nature's medicine cabinet has answers that modern medicine just can't duplicate hard as they try!  Speaking of natural medicine cabinets and the inhabitants there of...

This is a great remedy to whip up when you have a nasty cold or flu bug trying to get hold.  Start this antibiotic protocol (that works!) just as you begin to feel symptoms...   

Natural Antibiotic Blend

...in a capsule

4 drops Oregano

4 drops Lemon

4 drops Shield Protective Blend

Take 3x daily, for 5 days. 

For the nastiest of stubborn bugs, rub extra Oregano diluted with a bit of carrier oil on bottoms of feet as needed!

I hope I've been able to pique your interest in considering a better way to wellness, thousands are discovering the old (essential oils) is new again and embarking on this new journey!  I'm dedicating my time and efforts to share what I know in order to bring all of this exciting information back into the mainstream of our crazy, busy lives!  

Be Well!

LLP Allergy Shots! The Mobile Solution

It's the EO Life!

...around here, they go where I go!

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This time of year we're ALL on the go!  Schools out, allergies are killing us and there's no time to slow down even for one minute.  Lots of you have asked me for an alternative to filling capsules, especially at work or traveling where it's not exactly convenient to stop and drip an LLP cap...

Take your L.L.P. with you!

This handy EO pack in an Altoid tin includes {15} refillable 1/4 dram bottles {HERE} to keep you in L.L.P. for 5 days.   Add 9 drops of Spark Naturals L.L.P. Blend to each bottle for a single serving.

Simply turn the bottles over after use, so you know how many you have left.

Lucky for us, a powerful selection of pure essential oils exist as part of nature's medicine cabinet and, one smart company {Spark} recognized the benefit of combining the EOs in one convenient blend!

Three essential oils combined create a natural antihistamine also known as the L.L.P Allergy Blend.  

The simple pure plant essence of Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint together have the ability to step in and cool down body inflammation resulting from the body's allergic response.

Learn more about the powerful combination of Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint {HERE}.

Here's another idea for an EO pack that's complimentary to the L.L.P. Bomb supply.  Just another idea how to keep your EOs nearby whether you're at home or not...be prepared for life's little "situations".

This is a favorite!! 

You can fit so much in this 3.5 x 5.5 container which you can find {HERE}.  Notice the clear lid?  Picture perfect to display your biz card should you want to!

2 ~ 1/3 oz roller bottles

{perfect for Jeddy's Blend or a Healing Stick}

1 ~ 1/6 oz roller bottles

{perfect for Zen, EO deodorant, Liquid Xanax}

5 ~ 1/4 dram bottles

{fill with your favs:  Lemon, Melaleuca, Frankincense etc.}

You can find the rollers and dram bottles {HERE}

Now get creative, and of course...share the love!  

P.S.  Fill an additional tin with 1/4 dram bottles.  Add a few drops of favorite essential oils and pass out a sample or two or five :))  Remember, what you give comes back to you ten fold!

Here's to A LOT less Tissues in Your Life :)

If you decide you'd like to try a natural alternative to allergy meds please enjoy a 10% discount on CW:  Use this code at checkout!  campwander

CW Anti-Aging Facial with Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil & Frankincense

I have a goal to be kinder to my skin because the cruel reality of aging skin dawns often here in Wyoming.  I love the wide open spaces here where the air is clean (scoured clean by wind) but oh is it dry!  Once again, EOs come to my rescue, with their restorative properties...along with another find so keep reading :)

My dry skin was begging for  something hydrating, deep penetrating and nourishing!  My daughter had raved about a DIY facial of honey and coconut oil...I took this idea a little further for my "mature" skin.  

Break out the big guns: Manuka honey, coconut oil and Frankincense!

If you haven't heard of Manuka honey from New Zealand, it's time you did!  Manuka is a "live" honey of medicinal quality.  It's sweet yes, but because it's produced by bees foraging on Tea Tree or Manuka bushes, it has a bit of a Melaleuca taste to it.  This honey has high anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it's used to heal severe burns or open wounds and, there's hundreds of clinical studies backing it's superior healing properties.  Here's an article written by the Medicine Hunter about Manuka honey.
  

Along with the anti-bacterial properties of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, you're looking at fantastic properties for those of you prone to breakouts!

For aging skin, Manuka honey penetrates deep, soothing and moisturizing while doing a fabulous job of cleansing at the same time.  You'll actually feel a small bit of a sting to this honey when it's on your skin...this is because it's "active".  You can find this brand of Manuka Honey in my Amazon Store!

I won't go into too much detail about our friend, the jar of Organic, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Coconut Oil...we're all pretty much convinced by now that coconut oil is extremely beneficial for our skin, brain and overall health.

Frankincense is an ancient "regenerative" essential oil.  

It's powerful anti-aging and anti-cancer properties (sesquiterpenes) make it the perfect addition to this super "regenerative" facial!  






Without further ado, here's the very simple recipe for brighter, healthier, clear skin!  Which by the way is wonderful for dry hands, and whole body moisturizing.  Simply increase amounts of ingredients.

For Facial Treatment
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1 teaspoon Manuka Honey
1 teaspoon Coconut Oil
2 drops Frankincense


Mix in the palm of your hand and spread an even layer on your freshly washed face.  Let the tasty blend (YUM) sit on your skin for 10 minutes and rinse.  No need to wash skin afterwards.
  

Enjoy!

Simple At Home Microdermabrasion Treatment

Brighten your complexion with an easy at home microdermabrasion treatment!

This is one of those simple recipes that you most likely already have the ingredients for in your pantry.  Isn't it the best when you see something you love on Pinterest or a blog and you realize you already have everything you need in the pantry?  This is one of those!

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Microdermabrasion is a treatment normally performed in a salon by a professional and literally means abrasion or polishing of the skin with tiny crystals.  

Treatments like this repeated over several weeks can help diminish fine lines and age spots, restoring a smooth and even texture to your skin.  Microdermabrasion is recommended for skin with hyper-pigmentation and environmental damage.  According to Stephanie Tourles, author of "Organic Body Care Recipes", a licensed esthetician; salons charge exorbitant prices for simple, inexpensive products that are much cheaper to recreate at home.  She states that if her "manual microdermabrasion" treatment is used on a weekly basis we can achieve great things with simple, pure ingredients...I'm in!

Recipe

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{2} tablespoons softened extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil

(in Stephanie's original "manual microdermabrasion" recipe she uses water, my version uses softened/melted coconut oil.

1 to 2 tablespoons baking soda

2 drops helichrysum
(however...lavender, geranium and frankincense are very beneficial as well.  Feel free to blend a combination of EOs too)

Dip the pads of your fingers into the blended slurry and lightly begin to massage the entire face, throat and decollete, using small, circular motions.  Don't use too much pressure, let the tiny baking soda granules do the exfoliation work for you. 

Why Helichrysum?
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Helichrysum is a very special essential oil and superior in the treatment of dry skin and uneven skin tone, especially sun spots and fine lines.  All kinds of dermatitis issues will benefit from Helichrysum because it's ability to reduce inflammation exceeds any essential oil.  It also reduces bleeding, bruising and can relieve pain from cluster headaches.   Helichrysum blends well with Clary Sage, Patchouli, Frankincense, Geranium and Ylang Ylang.

This treatment is recommended for all skin types except sunburned, windburned or irritated skin.  Follow with a good moisturizer.

  

FYI:  After I treat myself to an @home microdermabrasion I like to give my skin a spritz of the Rosacea Blend.  My skin is pretty sensitive, especially after an exfoliation treatment...a spritz of this helps calm my face.  When I'm all done, I moisturize!

Rescue Remedies for Home & Garden Pests!

It's summertime and we're out in droves knee deep in dirt, tangled in the hose, watching our gardens grow.  Happy homeowners and gardeners across the nation have bravely gone outside battling creeping, crawling, flying pests and despite all of that, life is still good in the garden...

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{for the most part!}

Garden pests can take the fun out our garden party faster than I can pop a warm garden tomato in my mouth.  Hopefully, we're gardening organically and using natural alternatives to keep bugs out of our vegetable patch.  I found a few good "rescue remedies" putting EOs to work that I can't wait to share with you!  

If you're lucky enough to have a potting shed, you're lucky enough!  And for heaven's sake, what a perfect place to keep some garden friendly EOs and a few "organic strategies" up your sleeve...



Let's start with flying pest control for the home or potting shed.  Flies and wasps are our nemesis over the summer ~ especially flies.  One of my favorite tricks is to diffuse peppermint in the house close to where ever people are coming and going.  Aromatherapy to the rescue!  Peppermint repels insects and makes your house smell really good :)

Should you be away from a power source or without a diffuser {gasp!}, here's a "finger licking good" natural alternative to sticky pest strips from One Good Thing by Jillee.  It's quite easy and looks much nicer than the tacky fluorescent, chemical laden store bought strips...

All you need is a paper grocery bag, water, sugar and honey or corn syrup and some twine for an impressive bug catching device.

  

This is a project your kids could help you with and have some fun in the process!

One more tip for home pest control!  If you've found a "nesting" area in your home where mice, ants or other bugs or rodents are find cozy, stash peppermint laden cotton balls in those areas and wave goodbye to the squatters, they won't want to be anywhere near those peppermint fresh cotton balls.  Peppermint EO is a homeowners BFF I'm tellin ya :)

NATURAL INSECT REPELLENTS FOR YOUR GARDEN

{from Valerie Worwood's book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy} 

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Essential oils in the garden are superior in more ways than one.  Taking a step back to their origins, EOs are plant essence, their compatibility with your flowers, herbs and vegetables is invaluable!  For instance...

Basil is a great companion plant for tomatoes in the garden.  Companion planting helps to strengthen and intensify flavor of crops or flowers...  

Did you know that with the pure plant essence of Basil (essential oil), you can accomplish the same companion planting benefits just by watering your tomato plants with a few drops of Basil in the watering can.  Cool huh?!

EO GARDEN TEA!

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A hose end sprayer is a brilliant way to quickly douse any problem areas with a garden rescue remedy.  They're inexpensive and perfect for fertilizing with manure tea too...but that's a different blog post {CLICK HERE}.

The basic formula for a garden tea looks like this:

Add 8 drops of essential oil to each hose end sprayer fill up.

Ants:  Peppermint

Cutworm:  Thyme

Fleas:  Lavender, Lemongrass

Mosquitos:  Lemongrass

Flies:  Peppermint or Lavender

Gnats:  Spearmint or Patchouli

Moths:  Spearmint, Lavender or Peppermint

Slugs:  Patchouli

Ticks:  Lemongrass, Thyme

White Fly:  Lavender

Aphids:  Patchouli

Caterpillars:  Spearmint, Peppermint

Flea Beetle:  Peppermint, Lemongrass, Spearmint or Lavender

Deer:  Lavender or Manure Tea

Garden On ~ Go Organic!