Saturday, January 5, 2013

Nurse Kim - Essential Oils Part 2

Growing up, my Aunt would have her herbal remedies and little natural tips that would help in any time of need, whether it was a stomach ache, headache, sore muscles, cold, etc. It seemed interesting and a little funny but I used what she would give and it would always work. As I’ve grown up and had a munchkin of my own, I’ve realized how amazing all natural remedies really are.

It’s that first time that your little one gets sick and you can’t give them anything because they are young or as a breastfeeding/pregnant person that gets sick and you can’t take anything. Whew, that stresses me out. I think it’s also the fact that I know that I can’t take anything and then I worry too much that I can’t.

I’ve used essential oils before, when I had a sore throat or got a cold and would put oregano under my tongue or I’ve used lavender on skin rashes or to calm my little munchkin, or eucalyptus in a humidifier to help a little one with a cold. They work great and I love them. That has been the extent of my knowledge with these magic potions.

Lately though, I’ve really gotten into the fact that there are tons of oils that fix tons of ailments. I love it!

You can use them to cook, clean, sanitize, help your house smell good, and make you feel better. Uh, does it get any better?

My first moment of “ah ha” was when little Zac was sick for weeks and it wasn’t getting better. He had an eye infection, congestion, cough, all of the yucky stuff and after a day and a half of my magic potions, “Poof,” all better.

These oils that have been used for centuries by our ancestors have gotten lost in world of medicine. Not that going to the doctor is bad, it’s not.

The other oils that I’ve used were good but, since then, I have started using doTERRA. There oil is a different than most because it is certified pure and therapeutic grade. It is safe to ingest and put on your body. They also have blends, which is nice because you can buy less instead of more. You can use other brands and most health food stores carry oils.

Here are some uses for the oils that I can’t live without!

Lemon:
You can take Lemon and some baking soda and sprinkle on carpet. Leave for 30 minutes or so and then vacuum it up. Smells fantastic!

10-15 drops of lemon
1 cup water
1/8 cup vinegar

Add to a spray bottle, shake, and apply to windows and then wipe clean.

You can add a few drops to water for a refreshing drink that will help clean up the liver.

Lavender is used to relax and prepare for sleep. Calms Zac right down when he gets in crying fits. My bro used this on that rash that people get on the back of arms and he no longer has that rash. You can use this for any skin rashes or burns too.

On-Guard (Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Eucalyptus) helps with immune building and aid in fighting off harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses. This is one of my favorites!! I apply this to Zac’s feet and the rest of my family takes it under the tongue to help our bodies fight sickness during cold and flu season.

Deep Blue (Wintergreen, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Osmanthus) helps with any sore muscles or aches. It truly is miracle oil. They have a rub that combines this oil in lotion and it's like Icy Hot on steroids.

Breathe (Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara) is a respiratory blend and works so well in helping with congestion and to open sinuses. I love putting this on Zac’s little chest and it does wonders.

Melaleuca or tea tree oil (it's one in the same) is one that helps with infection or wounds. I gargled this after I had two cavities filled and my teeth hurt; the pain was gone in seconds. This also helps with sore throats along with On Guard. This can also be rubbed on eczema.

Digest-Zen (Ginger, Peppermint, Tarragon, Fennel, Caraway, Coriander, Anise). This is what I use for nasty stomachaches. Put a few drops on my tongue and it takes the stomachache away very quickly. My grandpa had pancreatitis and gallstones and thought he had just majorly bad stomachaches. He was using this oil and it would help for a little while and then it would hurt again, he would take more and it would help. Obviously, he should have gone to the doctor. He ended up needing his gallbladder removed but I couldn’t believe that this oil helped him at all.

Past-Tense is a headache blend. You just apply to your temples and/or forehead and your headache will be gone. Awesome!

Wild Orange is an oil that I wish I could attach to strings and have it always dangling under my nose. It makes me happy and smells so good. You can cook with it too!

Hopefully you have learned something new and find your own ways to use essential oils. If you do, I hope you’ll share!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Recipe - Best Grilled Cheese...Seriously!

The other day we were craving a grilled cheese sandwich and Mark decided to get crazy with it :).

Ok, it's not really that crazy or complex, but it tasted so freaking good! Maybe it just majorly hit the spot for us, but I swear it was the best sandwich. Tell me what you think...

Here goes:

2 pieces of bread (we used a multi-grain, but any is fantastic)
Cheddar Cheese from the block (I'm sure shredded would be just as good)
Honey
Butter

First, you are going to butter one side of each piece of bread, this will be the outside of your sandwich.

Then, you will butter one inside piece.

Next you will put some honey on the other, non buttered, inside piece.

Put your cheese in between the buttered side and the honey side and cook your sandwich like any other grilled cheese.

We did it in a non-sick pan on our stove. Cook until the cheese is melted.

I seriously have been asking Mark to make one of these for me every single day, and NO, I'm not pregnant :). Enjoy! Sorry that I don't have a pic to share. I ate them all too fast...