Re-launch of The Truth About Cancer Documentary

This is probably the most important documentary you will ever watch. It could save your life. Click on this link to watch the trailer and sign up to watch the documentary for FREE starting April 12th.

Also, take this quiz to receive a free ebook about how to prevent cancer.

Essential Oils and Digestion

Our digestive system is a long pathway in our bodies that is responsible for breaking down and processing food, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste. Over our lifetime, our digestive system will break down more than 25 tons of food! System organs include our mouth, spleen, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, and colon. For more about each organ’s responsibilities, read Dr. Axe’s article about How Your Digestive System Works.

We commonly believe this is our digestive system’s only job, process food, but it is also our first line of defense again infection and works closely with our immune system. Think about this, through the food we eat and liquid we drink the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is exposed to pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In concert with our immune system, our GI tract works tirelessly to break down those pathogens at various stages of digestion. Without this process, our GI tract is the perfect warm, moist, dark location for colonization. With this relentless barrage of food, chemicals, and pathogens, our GI tract never gets a break. The lining of our digestive system must always protect itself while also discriminating particles that are permitted through to the blood stream.

Digestive problems are becoming more prevalent within the United States population. In 2010, it was estimated that 60-70 million people were affected by digestive diseases and there were 245, 921 deaths (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). The total cost of these digestive problems, which includes both direct and indirect costs, was $141 billion in 2004. The most common GI problems include gas, bloating, excessive diarrhea, constipation, and inability to absorb nutrients. There is also overwhelming medical evidence that there is a link between our digestive system and emotional health, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The most astounding part about all this is that these problems are preventable!

It all starts with nutrition. This cannot be stressed enough. I think that there is a lot of misinterpretation of information by consumers. Many of us think we are eating healthy because we are eating low fat, or low carb diets or eating “clean”. These are all buzz words that do not really mean a whole lot if you do not truly understand what you are putting into your body. It is important to eat organic, nutrient dense foods. Lot of vegetables of course, free range chicken, grass feed beef, fermented foods, and absolutely no processed sugar or conventional meat and dairy products. That may sound like a lot, but I promise that it is easier than you think. It is important to also know what triggers an adverse response from the gut; Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) kill gut bacteria because they are loaded with chemicals; antibiotics kill EVERYTHING in the gut; gluten, processed sugar (feed yeast in intestines) and conventional dairy can all wreak havoc. Check out this video from Buzzfeed that will totally turn you off to conventional meats and dairy. 

You also should consume pre and probiotics because we absolutely need good strains of bacteria in our guts for immune support. We should also use essential oils that support digestive organ health and remove harmful bacteria. Lastly, exercise has a huge influence on your digestive health. As mentioned before, stress and emotional problems can affect our bowls in horrible ways. Physical activity and stress management techniques are imperative for keeping the digestive system working at optimal levels.

Just remember this, your immune system starts in your gut! Support the gut and everything else will fall into place!

Disease/Disorders Associated with Gut Health

(Read Dr. Axe’s article about gut and autoimmune disease: link below)

Depression/Anxiety

ADHD

Acne

Eczema

Psoriasis

Hashimoto’s

Hypothyroidism

Grave’s Disease

Irritable Bowl Syndrome

Chron’s

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fibroidmyalia

Single Oils

Stomach: black pepper, fennel, ginger, wild orange

Stomach /intestinal lining: grapefruit, peppermint

Intestines: cardamom, ginger, marjoram, peppermint

Liver: cilantro, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary

Gallbladder: geranium, grapefruit

Pancreas: dill, fennel, geranium, ginger, thyme

Buy essential oils from me here

Blends

DigestZen (Digestive) Blend: supports digestion and elimination

Slim & Sassy (Metabolic) Blend: supports stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, fat digestion, and satiation

AromaTouch (Massage) Blend: supports peristalsis and bowel tone

Zendocrine (Detoxification) Blend: supports gallbladder, liver, and pancreas

Buy essential oils from me here

Supplements

PB Assist+ (Defensive Probiotic): You need a supplement with at least 50 billion IU

DigestZen (Digestive) Blend Softgels

TerraZyme (Food Enzymes)

GX Assist (GI Cleansing) Softgels

L-gutamine: crucial amino acid for gut health

Gingseng

Buy supplements from me here

Foods That Nourish and Heal Gut

Bone Broth

Coconut Oil

Sauerkraut and fermented veggies

Goat's milk kefir

Blueberries

Squash

Essential Oil Usage Tips

Internal: Place 1 - 5 drops in water and drink, take in capsule, or place drops under tongue.

Topical: Apply essential oils to abdomen and/or bottoms on feet.

Remedy Recipes

IBS Relief*:

4 drops Frankincense

2 drops Peppermint

2 drop Fennel

2 drops Ginger

Combine oils in capsule and take three times a day with meals.

Constipation Remedy*:

7 drops Wild Orange

5 drops Coriander

4 drops Lemon

4 drop DigestZen

2 drop Ginger

Combine in 2 oz. spray bottle; fill about 1/2 full of carrier oil. Spray on belly and rub in clockwise motion for three to five minutes.

Digest-Ease*:

Combine 1 drop each of -DigestZen, Zendocrine, and Oregano in a capsule. Consume to ease digestive discomfort, stomach pain and bloating.

Navel Drop:

Add 1 drop of essential oil (choose one to meet specific digestive needs) into belly bottom for relief.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

References

Axe, J. (n.d.) How Your Digestive System Works. Retrieved from http://draxe.com/how-your-digestive-system-works/

Axe. J. (n.d.). 4 Steps To Heal Leaky Gut And Autoimmune Disease. Retrieved from http://draxe.com/4-steps-to-heal-leaky-gut-and-autoimmune-disease/

Center for Disease Control. (2011). National hospital ambulatory medical care survey: 2011 outpatient department summary tables. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/ahcd/nhamcs_outpatient/2011_opd_web_tables.pdf

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestives and Kidney Diseases. (2014). Health statistics: Digestive disease statistics for the United States. Retrieved from http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/Pages/digestive-diseases-statistics-for-the-united-states.aspx

Total Wellness Publishing. (2015). The Essential Life: A Simple Guide to Living The Wellness Lifestyle (2nd. ed.). Pleasant Grove, UT: Total Wellness Publishing

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

"Back to Basics" - Top Ten doTERRA Oil Blends - Elevation

Today is day 17 of my "Back to Basics" series and the fourth and final post on doTERRA's mood oils.



Elevation (Joyful) Blend

Ever have a "blah" day? Who doesn't?! Elevation, also known as the Joyful blend, can take your mood from blah and to vibrant in no time! This blend contains Lavandin, Lavender, Hawaiian Sandlewood, Tangerine, Melissa, Ylang Ylang, Elemi, Osmanthis, and Lemon Myrtle. It has a floral, sweet, and citrus aroma that is uniquely blended to elevate you mood, increase vitality, and provide an energizing fragrance.

The most common way that I use this oil is in a diffuser. It completely changes the ambiance of the room and truly uplifts our moods. Mornings are hectic around here and not everyone wakes up in the best of moods, but when I diffuse this in the kitchen or living room first thing in the morning we can create a positive environment and lessen the feelings of stress. I also carry a roller bottle that contains the blend and fractionated coconut oil so that I can manipulate my mood throughout the day as needed. I will apply it to my temples, wrists, and/or over my heart to elevate my mood. This is my favorite destressing oil blend!

This blend can be used aromatically and topically, but NEVER internally. It can also be applied beat, but may need to be diluted for individuals with sensitive skin. This blend contains oils that are sensitive to UV rays. See disclaimer below.

Links:
doTERRA Product Page: Elevation
doTERRA Blog Article: Make Over Your Mood with doTERRA Essential Oils
Buy Elevation here

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.

"Back to Basics" - Top Ten doTERRA Oil Blends - Serenity

Today is day 15 of my "Back to Basics" series and the second post highlighting doTERRA's mood oils.

Serenity (Calming) Blend

We live in a GO, GO, GO kind of world and even when we have a few minutes to relax and unwind it seems impossible to really relax. Serenity is a blend that contains many different oils that all promote relaxation and peace. These oils include lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, hawaiian sandlewood, and vanilla. Together they work to create a calming fragrance, promote relaxation and restful sleep, and less tension. Again, to learn about how to make over your mood with essential oils, read the article posted below.

I use this oil every night in my diffuser (along with Breathe). The aromatic properties help me to relax and de-stress before drifting off to sleep. Lavender is the most abundant oil in this blend and therefore also helps to relieve anxious feelings, which makes it a great blend to use before bed. I also apply it to the bottoms of my feet to help promote sleep. Lastly, it is great to add to a warm bath (recipe for serenity bath salts below).

This blend can be use aromatically and topically, but NEVER internally.

Links:

doTERRA Product Page: Serenity

doTERRA Blog: Soak Your Stress Away With Serenity Moisturizing Bath Salt
doTERRA Blog: Make Over Your Mood With Essential Oils
Buy Serenity here

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. 

"Back to Basics" - Top Ten doTERRA Oil Blends - Balance

This is day 14 of my "Back to Basics" series. The next four posts will highlight doTERRA's mood oils. 

Balance (Grounding) Blend

With advancements in technology, especially personal electronic devices, we are inundated with information and have created a new phenomenon called "The Fear of Missing Out". I think this has contributed to the increasing number of cases of anxiety and depression. A team from the America Journal for Public Health also recently published a study that found that the number of Americans taking anxiety medication tripled over the last 17 years and the number of overdoses has quadrupled (see article link below). It doesn't have to be that way.

Enters Balance, also known as the Grounding Blend. This blend contains spruce, ho wood, frankincense, blue tansy, and blue chamomile. The aroma of this blend promotes tranquility and relaxation and it is one of doTERRA's FOUR mood oils. Be sure to read doTERRA's article about how to manage your mood with essential oils.

Spruce: Grounding
Ho Wood: Ease Tension and Anxious Feelings
Blue Chamomile: Soothing and Relaxing
Blue Tansy (Moroccan Chamomile): Soothing and Relaxing
Frankincense: Balances Emotions

My favorite way to oil this oil is in a diffuser, but you can use it topically as well. Apply it to the bottoms of your feet in the morning to promote calmness throughout the day or apply it to your wrists when you feel anxious. I also have a "to-go" roller bottle of Balance and fractionated coconut oil that I apply to my wrists and neck when I feel anxious. 

This blend can be used aromatically and topically, but NEVER internally.

Links:

doTERRA Product Page: Balance

doTERRA Blog Article: Make Over Your Mood with doTERRA Essential Oils

Buy Balance and Fractionated Coconut Oil here

NBC News Article on anxiety study: Anxiety Drug Overdoses Have Quadrupled Over Last Two Decades, Study Shows

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. 

"Back to Basics" - Top Ten Single Oils - Vetiver

This is day 8 of my "Back to Basics" series.



Vetiver

Vetiver is extracted from the root of Vetiveria zizanioides (a tall perennial grass) through the hydro diffusion extraction method. This grass is indigenous to Southeast Asia, but thrives in hot, humid environments. doTERRA sources their plants from the tropical climate of Haiti. The main chemical components of vetiver oil are Carvone, Isovalencenol, and Khusimol, which gives this oil a woodsy and smoky aroma. Like most woodsy oils, vetiver provides a calming and grounding effect on emotions.

Vetiver is commonly used as a massage oil or in a bath to calm emotions and in perfumes. My favorite way to use vetiver is in combination with lavender in my diffuser at night to reduce stress and anxiety and calm my emotions.

Vetiveria zizanioides root

Links:
doTERRA Product Page: Vetiver
Buy vetiver here

Research:

Filippi, J. J., Belhassen, E., Baldovini, N., Brevard, H., & Meierhenrich, U. J. (2013). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vetiver essential oils by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and comprehensive two-dimensional has chromatography/mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography A, 1288, 127 - 148. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2013.03.002

Mallavarapu, G. R., Syamasundar, K. V., Ramesh, S., Rajeswara Rao, B. R. (2012). Constituents of South Indian vetiver oils. Natural Product Communications, 7(2), 223 - 225. Retrieved from http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/22474964

La, R. K., Gupta, P., Sarkar, S., Singh, S. (2013). Genetic variability and character associations in vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash). Industrial Crops and Products, 49, 273 - 277. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.05.005

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Linalool and beta pinene help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression

You may be able to see the trend over the last week. I am shining a light on mental health issues because so many people suffer in silence and without support. Understand, there is no simple answer when it comes to how to treat of these conditions. Successful treatment for me requires a combination of techniques. I take medication, like millions of other Americans, but I also schedule in exercise every day and incorporate oils in my daily routine.

My favorite oil combination is lavender and wild orange. The effectiveness of these oils come from two chemical compounds, Linalool (found in Lavender and Clary Sage) and beta-pinene (found in citrus oils like Orange, Lemon, and Lime as well as White Fir). Both compounds are monoterepenes, which have antidepressant properties and can cross the blood-barrier. Linalool and beta-pinene works through the monoaminergic system to secrete the neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) that increase the feelings happiness and reduces anxiety.

Essential oils have made my anxiety more manageable, but only if I use them in combination with eating right, exercising, and getting enough rest. Everything has to work in sync. If I slack in any category, I find my anxiety increasing and day-to-day stressors are difficult to manage.

Just know that if you suffer from anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer every day. The hardest thing to do is ask for help, but you have to take control of your well being, for yourself and your family.

Links:
Buy Essential Oils

References:

doTERRAScience. (2015, October 15). Reduce sad feelings with Linalool and beta-pinene. Retrieve from http://www.doterrascienceblog.com/reduce-sad-feelings-with-linalool-and-beta-pinene/

Guzman-Gutiérrez, S. L., Bonilla-Jamie, H., Gomez-Cantina, R., & Reyes-Chilpa, R. (2015). Linalool and beta-pinene exert their antidepressant-like activity through the monoaminergic pathway. Life Sciences, 128, 24 - 29. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2015.02.021