Carpet Cleaning with On Guard

A safer way to clean.

Carpets can get full of dirt and germs very quickly, but it's not any better to "clean" them with chemical cleaners. They might make your carpet look nice, but then you walk across and put children on top of those chemicals you just dumped there. I recently tried cleaning my carpets with doTERRA's On Guard laundry detergent and it worked great! It also feels wonderful knowing that it killed any bacteria that may have been growing in my carpet because let's face it, there are some nasty things down in there.

Here's the process:
1. First vacuum your carpet to clean up any debris.

2. Then pre-treat stains. There are several ways to do this naturally with baking soda and or vinegar. My favorite method is to first cover the stain with baking soda, then spray equal parts water and vinegar mixture onto the baking soda until bubbly. (You can add lemon oil for tougher stains.) Wait a few minutes and then either wipe up and vacuum or scrub for tougher stains followed by wiping up and vacuuming.

3. Clean your carpets. We have a smaller carpet cleaner and I use no more than 2 tablespoons of On Guard laundry detergent in place of cleaner. Make sure to fill your water first, then add the detergent and tip back and forth to distribute in water. You may find that you need to use even less detergent for your cleaner, they're all different so just see what works for you.

The result is a beautifully clean, soft carpet free of unwanted harmful chemicals and it smells great too!

I've also heard from a few people that they use the On Guard cleaner concentrate for carpet cleaning. I will try this the next time I clean the carpets and leave an update.

Happy Cleaning!
L-

All Natural Laundry

We are already surrounded by harmful chemicals everywhere we go, so why not try and minimize that exposure in our homes? Laundry is a big culprit. We think of our detergent as a cleaning agent, which it is, but after taking out the dirt it leaves behind chemicals that we then put against our skin. Then there's dryer sheets. Most people use these out of habit, it's what everyone does, right? It's so easy to not stop and think about what they are made out of. Sure, they may remove static and make your clothes smell "good" but they are full of dangerous substances. You might as well dump a bunch of chemicals in a tub and bathe in it. This is why a lot of people have allergy problems with these synthetic soaps. My whole family does and we were always very careful with picking out detergent, and of course it becomes very expensive.

So how do we remove these harmful chemicals we use everyday, aren't natural products expensive? Actually not at all and it's very easy. I switched my laundry from "all free and clear" and snuggle dryer sheets to this:

doTERRA's On Guard Laundry Detergent and Hypoallergenic Wool Dryer Balls

The On Guard laundry detergent is awesome! It's all natural with no toxins, dyes or perfumes. The On Guard oil blend in this detergent kills germs and bacteria and even lifts out stains! It leaves a pleasant aroma of cinnamon and orange behind, and it only takes a small amount to get the job done. The bottle is indeed small, but it lasts for 64 loads of laundry in HE washers or 32 for conventional loads. Leaving it no more expensive than the chemically filled detergents we buy at the store.

Of course there are alternatives. I personally don't like to make my own laundry detergent as I already make many other cleaning products in my home, but it is a simple process. Here are some recipes online: Homemade Laundry Detergent

The wool dryer balls are important because they help take out static, tumble clothes for more efficient drying and you can even add an oil to them to scent your laundry just like dryer sheets do. I bought a brand called Woolzies, they're hypoallergenic, all natural fused balls. They're wonderful! After drying I take them out, add one drop of orange oil to each ball and throw them back in on air fluff so the high heat doesn't rid the oils of their potency. The laundry comes out smelling AMAZING! I use orange because it's in the detergent and I won't have conflicting smells, but you can use Lavender, Purify, Lemon or any other scent that you like!
At first glance you might think these balls are kind of expensive, (I know I did) but they're really not. They last for at least 1000 loads. Everyone has different amounts of laundry so you'll have to do the math for your home, but we do about 5-6 loads a week so they should last between 3 and 4 years, that's great! Way cheaper than buying the chemically loaded dryer sheets.

You can also make your own dryer balls. Using roving wool yarn, wind into a ball. Click here for ball winding instructions. Place ball in the end of panty hose and tie a not above to keep it from moving around. Wash on the hottest cycle on your washer, then dry on high heat. This should help fuse the wool together so it doesn't unravel in the dryer. Remove from hose and voila! I haven't done this myself, but I will give it a go and post a follow up later.
 

Candida Cleanse

Common Candida/Yeast Symptoms

Candida causes chronic inflammation as well as many other symptoms.

Just to name a few:
Brain fog, headaches, migraines, anxiety, irritability, depression and anxiety.
Thrush, acne, skin infections, rahes, eczema, psoriasis and nail fungus.
Constipation, gas, bloating, weight gain and swollen joints.

-Many times internal problems such as candida can cause psoriasis or eczema on the skin. Doing the candida cleanse will help you rid of the external problems.

 

Diet Change

Make a lifestyle change to form new healthy habits for long term results.
-Use Life Long Vitality Pack-helps reduce inflammation in the body and provides you with all the essential oils and nutrients you need.
-Drink plenty of water everyday with lemon essential oil to flush toxins.
-Remove from your diet: soda, sugars, complex carbs and alcohol.

 

Cleanse
doTERRA sells all of the products needed for the cleanse. I wouldn't recommend using other brands.

Before the Cleanse: Start with Zendocrine Complex to prepare your body for the cleanse. This blend supports the cleansing organs and detoxifying process. For Extra support you can use the Zendocrine Oil Blend with the Complex. Use 5 drops in the evening in a gel cap or with water. This step is optional but highly recommended to help your body respond well through the cleansing process

Everyday During and After Cleanse: Use 1-2 drops of Lemon or Slim and Sassy blend in your water throughout the day. If you don’t want these oils in your water you can take them in a gel capsule instead.

Days 1-10: Use GX Assist as directed on bottle and Lemon in water.

Days 11-15: Use PB Assist as directed on bottle, Melaleuca 3 times a day topically over lower abdomen and Lemon in water.

Days 16-30: Continue using Melaleuca topically and Lemon or Slim and Sassy in water everyday.

Repeat cycle 2 more times if needed. Continue using either Lemon or Slim and Sassy as well as healthier eating habits to help prevent another build up.
 

GX Assist provides the body with powerful essential oils and caprylic acid to cleanse the digestive system.

PB Assist Is a probiotic formula that delivers 5 million CFU’s of active probiotic and soluble pre-biotic cultures in a double layer vegie cap (to protect from your stomach acid) to your intestinal tract to promote healthy digestion.

If upset stomach occurs use DigestZen blend to calm and settle.

If you have a bad reaction stop the cleanse. Use Zendocrine before trying again.

Topical Salve for Psoriasis

To be used with the cleanse and after as needed.

Mix together:

1 tsp. coconut oil (solid)

10 drops Lavender-for itching and burning

5 drops Helichrysum-for healing

5 drops Melaleuca- for bacteria

5 drops Geranium-for dryness and inflammation

All-Purpose Cleaners

Lemon essential oil is great for the kitchen. It's antibacterial, anti-viral properties make it great for disinfecting surfaces, especially ones that food come into contact with. I've always hated counter cleaners, your food touches them a lot of the time and then you're eating the chemicals you "cleaned" with. That's absurdly disgusting and unhealthy. So how do you clean with it? It's really simple!

-Aroma Tools sells glass spray bottles. You can only use glass with lemon because it will pull the toxins out of plastic and then you're cleaning with those toxins and that's not any better.

*Add a little less water and some vinegar and use as window cleaner!

How to make It
Fill an 8 oz. glass spray bottle with cold water and add about 30 drops of Lemon oil. Sometimes I enjoy 20 drops Lemon and 10 drops Wild Orange. It smells amazing and fresh and it will help lighten your mood as well.

How to Use It
Shake before each use to help distribute the oil molecules into the water, spray, wipe and let air dry.
The essential oils will kill your germs and bacteria and leave a delicious smell behind. Chemical free!
*Add a little less water and some vinegar and use as window cleaner!


If you want to kill bacteria and other nasty things off everyday surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards etc. Use the same method as above but use On Guard essential oil instead. This wonderful blend kills off everything! Yes, I do mean everything, they're even testing it for it's use in killing the MRSA virus and is known for fending off the influenza virus as well!

-You're probably wondering why I don't just clean everything with this, well here's why. Although this oil is very safe to use, for adults to ingest and extremely affective when it comes to keeping your family healthy, it's not always safe for small children and pregnant women to ingest. Since food that you eat ends up touching your cleaning surfaces at some point, I prefer to play it safe with my toddler and just use what I know is safe to be inside of her body.

-There is also an On Guard foaming hand wash, cough drops, capsules, beadlets, concentrated cleaner and laundry detergent. *Don't use dryer sheets with the detergent. Make a dryer ball if you really want something.

Safe Bathroom Cleaner

I love this recipe! Who wants to use a cleaner that's full of harmful chemicals? No thank you!
This recipe mostly comes from doTERRA's Essential Uses book, but I changed the amounts of a few ingredients. It makes a nice paste you can scrub with and store to use as needed. One batch fits nicely into a large mason jar. I keep mine right in the shower.

Ingredients
1 1/2-2 c. baking soda
1/2c. liquid castile soap-unscented
2 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. Vinegar
20-25 drops Purify Essential Oil

Method
1. Start with 1 1/2 c. baking soda in a large bowl.
2. Gently Stir together liquid castile soap, water, vinegar and EO in glass measuring cup.
3. Whisk while pouring wet ingredients into baking soda until combined. If you want yours thicker and more paste like (it's easer to scrub with) add more baking soda. I usually end up using about 2 cups total in the end.
4. Pour into large mason jar with lid.
L-

Chap Stick

Who doesn't love chap stick, especially during the dry winter? This recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a smooth but set chap stick. I don't remember where I found this one, so I apologize for not handing out the recognition.

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. Beeswax
2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (solid)
2 Tbsp. Shea Butter
Essential Oil: 12-15 drops Peppermint, 6 Peppermint and 15 Lavender, 30 Wild Orange or 10-12 Peppermint and 20-25 Wild Orange (my favorite)
-You will also need 12 lip balm containers(the twist up ones or as many little hand containers it takes) and a glass dropper or syringe. I've gotten creative and found the dollar store sells syringes so you can throw them away when you're finished or a turkey baster works too, just a little bit more messy.

Method
1. Melt down all ingredients except for essential oils in glass measuring cup in a pot with about 2 inches boiling water.
2. When fully melted, turn burner down to 1 or 2 just to keep the ingredients warm.
3.  Add desire essential oils and stir. (I've found stirring with a wooden skewer is easy as you can throw it away when you're finished.)
4. Use dropper or syringe to pour mixture into tubes or containers.
5. Let cool completely, cap and label.

Enjoy!
L-

 

Sleeping Tip for Babies

Is your little one not sleeping well all of a sudden? Lavender is a fantastic tool to get babies to feel calm and relaxed. All you do is put one drop on the front of their pajamas where they can smell it.
-If it's too strong you can dilute it, and definitely dilute it if you put it on their skin.

This of course will only help if they are supposed to be sleeping. You obviously cannot make a child sleep and especially not when they're wide awake. But this works great for those times when they just need that extra gentle little nudge or if they become overtired.

Hope this helps!
L-

Bath Bombs

Nice and Easy to make with very few ingredients. Bath bombs are a nice delivery method for your essential oils into your bath water.

Ingredients
1 c. Citric Acid
2 c. Baking Soda
Witch Hazel in a spray bottle
Essential Oils: 40 drops Lavender-less for Serenity, 50 drops citrus bliss, or any oil you choose. Be very careful as some are not fun to bathe in. (Peppermint would take very few drops and is best combined with something milder like wild orange.)
-You will need the round bottom part of a plastic Easter egg or another mold of your choice.

Method
1. Whisk citric acid and baking soda together in a large bowl.
2. Use your hands (rubbing together) to get as many clumps as possible out of the mixture.
3. Spray witch hazel one spray at a time and whisk until mixture starts to resemble snow. You can tell if it's ready by squeezing it in your palm. If it holds the mold of your hand it's ready to be molded, if not keep adding witch hazel. In dryer areas it take more sprays.
4.  Press firmly into mold (I pack it and twist it on the counter top with pressure.) and pop out by gently squeezing the sides of the egg.
5.  Let dry on wax paper or foil for at least 4 hours.
6. Wrap individually in cling wrap or store in a glass jar. (If they aren't set enough they will melt together in the jar, so let them dry out.)

You can make a whole ball by overstuffing two round bottoms of eggs and twisting them firmly together.
L-

Simple Cuticle Cream

Really all cuticles need is a little hydration, and coconut oil is one of the best things for dry skin. This simple recipe is a breeze to whip up and have handy at any time. Remember to store in glass containers only if you use citrus oils. Tiny baby food jars work well, or you can use a different oil and get small plastic containers at almost any store.

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (solid)
12-15 drops Lemon or Lavender essential oil (Or any oil you like.)

Method
Put coconut oil in small bowl and whip in your essential oil with a fork, just until smooth, and store. It will be a little runny at first but will set more into it's original form over time.

This also works great on other dry spots like elbows and heels!
L-

Diaper Cream

I threw together a couple different recipes I found until I got one that comes out at the perfect creamy consistency wanted with a diaper cream and it stays that way. If you use all natural ingredients, the diaper cream will stay good for a year to the date of your ingredients.

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (solid)
2 Tbsp. Shea Butter
2 Tbsp. Cocoa Butter (chopped)
1 Tbsp. Beeswax
Essential Oils: 12 drops Lavender and 8 drops Melaleuca-Wild Orange can be optionally added to enhance scent.

Method
1. Heat all ingredients except for essential oils in double boiler until melted. (I like to use a glass measuring cup in a sauce pan with about 2 inches of water.)
2. Pour into bowl and let cool completely.
3. Mix in essential oils.
4. Whip on high with mixer until solid (less runny) and smooth.
5. Put in glass jar with lid and let set (3-4 hours) before using. (I like to re-use baby food jars.)

This is one of my favorites! It can also double as a lotion for anyone in the family.
L-

Whipped Body Butter

Whipped Body Butter
This recipe is from doTERRA's Essential Uses book, however I've modified a few things to make sure it will work for everyone. So as long as you follow the instructions it should turn out fluffy and smelling great.

Ingredients
1/2 c. Shea Butter
1/2 c. Cocoa Butter
1/2 c. Coconut Oil (in it's solid form)
1/2 c. Fractionated Coconut Oil (this is the liquid form)
15-20 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
15-20 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil

A few things about the ingredients; some of these items such as coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil can be found at a health food store. Shea and cocoa butter is harder to find and I've found that it's much cheaper to order online. The cocoa butter I used is affordable, smells wonderful and is completely organic, click here for the link. For essential oils, use whatever you'd like. Keep safety of the oils in mind when letting children or pregnant women use the body butter. (Orange and grapefruit are perfect to help swollen feet and ankles!) If using a hot oil, such as peppermint or cinnamon, use a very little amount. Remember 1 drop of peppermint essential oil can make 28 cups of tea!

Method

• Measure all butters and oils in glass jar or measuring cup. (Do not add essential oils yet)
• Fill saucepan with about two inches of water and bring to boil.
• Place glass jar in boiling water and melt all ingredients.
• Stir occasionally, this could take about 15 minutes.
• Once all ingredients are melted, remove glass jar and set on potholder to the side for 10 minutes.
• Add desired essential oils and stir.
• Pour ingredients into a safe bowl that you want to whip it in and place in fridge until completely cool. *This may take a long time, but make sure it is in a complete solid state again before moving on to the next step or it will not whip up.
• When mixture is solid and cool whip with a mixer until lotion becomes fluffy and lighter in color.
• Store in a glass jar with lid and keep in a cool place. If ingredients start to melt refrigerate longer, and if it falls flat just whip it back up again.

Enjoy!
L-