I'm very passionate yet still learning about essential oils. To further my knowledge about each one, I like to get one to two new oils per month. That way I can take time to research each one to find out the best uses for it and it isn't so overwhelming. This month I chose to focus on grapefruit and tangerine. I purchase all my oils exclusively from Young Living because of their commitment to quality.  I have compiled the research I found into a list that can be used as a helpful reference. I hope you find it useful!

GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL: 
-supports healthy skin
-cleansing
-disinfects surfaces
-reduces depression
-stimulates immune system
-curbs sugar cravings
-helps with weight loss
-reduces stress
-protects DNA
-fights throat/respiratory infections
-natural remedy for arthritis
-boosts metabolism
-natural antibacterial
-fights food-born illnesses
-fights mold growth
-candida killer, fights UTI's
-can treat lung/nasal infections when inhaled
-lowers inflammation
-increases blood flow
-fights headaches, pms cramps, bloating, fatigue, and muscle pain
-acne fighter
-protects skin agains pollution, uv damage, cellulite
-heals wounds, cuts, bites
-prevents skin infections
-energy booster

Fun Ways to Use Grapefruit Essential Oil:
*add to lotions, body creams, and scrubs
*apply with coconut oil on cellulite (rub into skin for a few minutes)
*mix with patchouli and massage on chest and wrists to combat food cravings
*rub on wrists, neck, back or chest with coconut oil to relieve stress
*diffuse with lemon, tangerine or orange and feel refreshed and energized or to *sharpen focus while studying
*combine 2-3 drops with coconut oil and rub on abdomen to help with pms related *cramps or as a digestive booster
*add 1-2 drops into water or white wine
*apply to insect bites or minor irritations
*apply to fatigued muscles/joints, or to bruises
*use in dressings, desserts, & marinades

Diffuser Recipes

Energizing Blend: 2 drops grapefruit, 2 drops tangerine, 2 drops lemon
Spring Clean Blend: 1 drop geranium, 2 drops lemon, 2 drops grapefruit
Rise & Shine Morning Blend: 2 drops peppermint, 3 drops grapefruit, 2 drops lemon

Other oils to consider combining with: basil, orange, bergamot, eucalyptus, frankincense, tea tree, ylang yang, rosemary

*Stay out of direct sunlight after using any citrus essential oils.

TANGERINE ESSENTIAL OIL:

​​-antiseptic
-sedative (inflammation, anxiety, stress, allergies, depression)
-helps stomach, soothes inflammation
-stimulates cell generation
-helps maintain oil, moisture balance
-treats diarrhea, gas, rashes, dry cracked skin, hair problems, dandruff
-supports healthy immune system

Fun Ways to use Tangerine Essential Oil:
*add 2-3 drops in cookies or cake recipes
*add 1-2 drops in water, smoothies, teas, lemonade
*add 1-2 drops in palm of hand and inhale or diffuse to boost energy and mood or in times of grief or stress

Diffuser Recipes:

Energy Booster: 3-4 drops tangerine, 2 drops spearmint, 2 drops lemongrass
Mood Lifting: 2 drops tangerine, 2 drops ylang ylang, 2 drops bergamot

Other oils to consider combining with: cinnamon, clary sage, clove, frankincense, lavender, & nutmeg.

* I am not a doctor. Always read instructions on each oil bottle and follow recommendations. Always keep oils away from eyes and understand that therapeutic grade essential oils can be dangerous and harmful if not used properly. 

Like most normal people, I have a budget to stick to. Essential oils can add up quick, especially when you are buying the best quality. These six oils from Young Living are the ones I keep stocked in my cupboard at all times. They serve multiple purposes ranging from natural medicine treatments, beauty care, aromatherapy, and household products. I have listed a few ways that I use them in our home. Hope you find this helpful!

1). Lavender
One of the most powerful and versatile oils, the uses for this plant are almost endless!

*Add 8-12 drops to water and spray under beds and in closets for a fresh, pleasing aroma.
*Apply 2-4 drops to skin to moisturize and enhance skin radiance.
*Diffuse at night for a calming aroma during sleep.
*Put on mosquito or other bug bites to help decrease itching, soothe, and disinfect skin.
*Combine 2 -4 drops with coconut oil and smooth onto skin after waxing to help soothe and calm.
*Combine 2-4 drops with coconut oil to soothe sunburns or rashes.
*Combine with peppermint and lemon and diffuse overnight for allergy relief.
*Add 2-4 drops onto small rag or cotton balls and put in car vent to use as air freshener.
*Add to face and body lotion to heal, improve, and purify skin.


2). Peppermint
The fresh, energizing aroma of peppermint essential oil helps maintain feelings of vigor and vitality. Great for flavoring drinks, it also has properties that have been known to support healthy digestion.

*Add 1 drop peppermint essential oil to a glass of water and incorporate it into your daily diet.
*Add 1-2 drops in a capsule after mealtime to help support normal digestion or to help calm upset stomach.
*Combine 1-2 drops with coconut oil and rub on belly to soothe upset stomach.
*Add 1 drop to herbal tea to enhance flavor and aid healthy digestion.
*Combine with lavender oil & a few drops dish soap into spray bottle to keep pesky bugs off plants and flowers.
*Rub with coconut oil onto temples and behind ears to help alleviate headaches, migraines, and/or neck tension.
*Inhale or diffuse in the morning to help wake up and feel energized.

3). Lemon
With a strong, purifying, citrus scent that is revitalizing and uplifting, lemon can be used to enhance the flavor of foods & water, and may be beneficial for skin.

*Use 1–2 drops to remove gum, oil, grease spots, glue or adhesive, and crayon from most surfaces.
*Combine 2–3 drops with water in a spray bottle to help cleanse and sanitize surfaces.
*Place a drop on oily skin or blemishes to help balance oil glands and minimize oil production.
*Add to water or a smoothie for a refreshing pick-me-up.
*Diffuse to help replenish your mind, body, and spirit.
*Place a few drops on a cotton ball and put in the refrigerator or trash can to help eliminate odors.

4).Thieves
Thieves essential oil blend was inspired by the legend of four 15th-century thieves in France who formulated an aromatic blend composed of cloves, rosemary, and other botanicals to use while robbing the dead and dying. Taken internally, it can support a healthy immune system.

*Dilute 1 drop of Thieves in 4 drops carrier oil and add to capsule, taking daily for extra immune support, or when you feel a cold coming on.
*Diffuse to rid the air of germs.
*Make hand sanitizer with Thieves blend and vodka. Spray in public places such as on toilet seats, shopping carts, as well as hands to kill germs.
*Gargle with water to help with sore throat or cold.
*Add to hand soap, dish soap, and laundry detergent.

5). Oregano
A powerful antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal, oregano essential oil helps in illness recovery, oral and skin health, & culinary uses.

*Dilute 1 drop oregano oil with 4 drops carrier oil when fighting illness
*Dilute and use topically for ringworm, athletes foot, or other fungal infection.
*Dilute and take in a capsule to treat candida, yeast infections, and UTI's.
*Use 1-2 drops in sauces to enhance flavor.


6). Purification
This blend is made up of six different essential oils for the ultimate weapon against odors!

*Add 1-2 drops to laundry to refresh.
*Apply 1 drop directly on pimples & blemishes and watch them disappear!
*Diffuse to rid home of odors.
*Add 1-2 drops to small rag or cotton balls and put in car vent as air freshener.
*Add 1-2 drops into running shoes, soccer, football, or baseball cleats with baking soda and let sit overnight. Vacuum out next day to fresh smelling shoes!


Different Combinations: 
*Diffuse lavender, lemon, & peppermint to combat allergies.
*Diffuse purification and lavender to remove odors from the home.
*Combine purification and lavender and make a simple sugar scrub for bikini line after waxing to help prevent ingrown hairs.
*Combine lavender, purification, & lemon with witch hazel and ACV to make a DIY facial toner.




For more tips on how to use different oils, check out this fun list:

101 Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

*I am not a doctor and do not in any way, shape, or form, claim to be one. Essential oils can be very dangerous so use at your own risk and follow all instructions on each bottle. Always keep oils away from eyes.

I have been lucky enough not to struggle with seasonal allergies. My husband however, has not. Every spring and summer his allergies flare up to the point where he is always miserable and has trouble breathing. He often wakes up in the morning with severe congestion and sometimes a bloody nose due to inflammation and irritation. We have tried several different remedies, some natural and some not, to find the perfect concoction to help give him relief. The following recipe using essential oils has by far worked the best, and is all natural! We have even tested it out. The nights I do not diffuse this blend, he wakes up stuffy and congested. The nights I do diffuse, he wakes up with clear sinuses the next day. Pretty cool stuff! Here's what I use:

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil

​Diffuse overnight and wake up refreshed!



​*Not all oils are not created equal. I exclusively use Young Living essential oils because of their commitment to quality. 

Here are a few resources you might enjoy if you want to learn more about essential oils and how to diffuse them!
www.youngliving.com/blog/the-science-and-art-of-diffusing-essential-oils/
http://www.younglivingworld.com/MainFrame.asp?BodyFrame=resources/basictechs_main.asp