Essential Oils EVERY mom needs

Many of you know that I started selling Young Living Oils recently. I can honestly say that I didn't do it for the money but just because I LOVE their oils. Being a family of 6, we tend to see our share of colds and viruses and to be honest with you, I am not a fan of antibiotics (for more than one reason). So we have had to treat these illnesses a bit different...with essential oils AND homeopathy (but that is for another post). We also use them in our laundry, household cleaners, bathes, on "boo boos", and for just about anything! The reason I am hooked on YL oils is because they are 1. organic, 2. therapeutic grade oils, 3. you can ingest them, and 4. they are the most deliciously smelling oils I have ever smelt!

Being new to the world of essential oils, I feel I am constantly looking up a new use for my oils. My friends have questioned what would be the best for their families. Some just know nothing about oils other than they smell good. That being said, I figured I would put together a few lists of oils that might interest y'all. For starters, I am going to focus on those oils every mom should have around. Just so you know...this is just my opinion!

The Mom Cabinet:

Lavender: You can use it for just about anything!

• Put it on cuts or scraped knees to alleviate pain.
• Helps those babies sleep better (and mama). Put a few drops in a spray bottle and spray on sheets.
  
• Feels great to massage into your neck after a loooonnnggg day/night
• Calms ear pain (don't put it in the ear). Rub behind the ear during ear infections.
• Put a few drops in the tub and relax.
• Put a few drops in your laundry detergent.
  

Peppermint: You always need to dilute this a carrier oil

• Holly headache! Rub some into your temples to help with headaches.
• Put a few drops in water for an afternoon pick me up.
• Place a few drops in the tub (with lavender) to help clear up a stuffy nose
• Have a sore throat or mussel ache. Rub some on the inflamed area to help with pain.
• Put a few drops in your humidifier at night to help with colds.
• Good for digestion!
  

Thieves: The everything oil

• You should totally read about thieves here. It is so interesting.
• Have a cold, virus, infection? Lather up your feet with thieves oil before bed. You will feel better in the morning.
• Clean just about anything with it. It has an antimicrobial component to it.
• Put some on your wrist and smell like Christmas :) The kids will come running.
• Ingest some to help build your immune system! Seriously!
  

Lemon: Think clean

• Put a few drops in water for an afternoon wake up call.
• Place some drops in your homemade cleaner for a fresh smell
• Use in recipes that call for lemon juice
• Although I haven't use it for this yet, it can be massaged into skin to improve circulation.

Eucalyptus: Vicks anyone?

• Arthritis, bronchitis, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis are a few of the things it helps with.
• If your kid has a cold (or you) put some in your humidifier.
  
• Rub some (diluted) on your chest before bed!
  

Dinner time!!

If you haven't seen a theme here yet, you haven't been reading for long. I like to save money. Seriously! I HATE spending money on useless things. Grocery's being one of them...and, as I have said before, I make a weekly menu followed by a grocery list. Just in case you were short on ideas for this week, here is what we will be eating at the Riedl household this week!

Monday~ Salsa Cube Steak, baked broccoli

Tuesday~Easy chicken stir fry with rice (I added chicken)

Wednesday~Chicken parm with salad

Thursday~Marinated baked pork chops with baked carrots and rice

Friday~Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice

Saturday~ Out

Sunday~ Steak fajitas with baked nachos


Lunch:
PB&J
turkey/cheese rolls
apples with peanut butter and veggies
egg salad
tuna fish
smoothies


Grocery list:
frozen strawberries
sauce
chicken
pork chops
cheese (2 packs)
spinach
apples (2 bags)
bananas
mayo
ketchup
milk
eggs
tortillas
carrots
frozen mixed veggies
oats
one kids snack item