Citrus Blend: Tips and Uses

Welcome the newest addition to our store… Citrus Blend. This essential oil blend is fragrant, cheerful and energizing.

Citrus Blend is an essential oil blend that combines these 7 fresh fragrances: Sweet Orange, Lemon, Tangerine, Bergamot, Mandarin, Clementine and is topped off with a hint of Vanilla. The harmonious mixture of these essential oils are known to lift the spirits and invigorate the senses.

Here are some ways you can use Citrus Blend in your home:

• Diffuse in your home to promote happiness an positivity.
• Add 10 drops to 8oz of water and spritz throughout your home to get rid of unwanted odors.
• Fill a pan with 1/2 cup water, 1/2 vinegar and 10 drops of Citrus Blend, then simmer on the stove to get rid of lingering cooking odors.
• Add a couple drops to your favorite unscented lotions, creams or carrier oils.
• Dab a few drops on your wrists for a naturally fragrant perfume.

 

INGREDIENTS: A proprietary blend of 100% pure, natural, undiluted and pesticide-free essential oils: Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis), Lemon (Citrus limonum), Tangerine (Citrus reticulata blanco var tangerina), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Clementine (Citrus clementina) & Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia).

Natural Cold & Flu Relief with Essential Oils

As a mom to four kids, I’ve tried my fair share of techniques to combat the cold & flu.  In our home, we practice good hygiene, eat well, take vitamins and use both over-the-counter and prescribed medicine, when needed.

Having a number of essential oils around the house, I thought I’d share some of the ways we use these oils to help prevent the cold & flu virus from spreading in our house, as well as some of the ways we help relieve the symptoms if it’s too late.

 

COLD & FLU PREVETION:

Immunity Boost Option A: Rub a couple of drop of Robbers’ Relief or Frankincense Oil directly on the soles of your feet to help protect you from the cold & flu virus.

Immunity Boost Option B: Diffuse 1-3 drops of Robbers’ Relief or Frankincense Oil. The Robbers’ Relief only needs to run for 15-20 minutes, during which time it will help to eliminate airborne bacteria. For the Frankincense Oil, it is especially good to diffuse this in the bedroom at night, to help boost your immune system.

Hand Sanitizer: Make your own hand sanitizer with aloe vera, filtered water, vitamin E oil and Robbers’ Relief.  You can find the recipe here.

 

COLD & FLU RELIEF:

Congestion: Massage 2-3 drops of Peppermint Oil (with a carrier oil) onto the chest. You can also place 1-3 drops into a humidifier to help clear sinus and lung congestion.

Fever: Massage 2-3 drops of Peppermint Oil with a carrier oil onto the neck and feet.

Sore Throat: Gargle 1-3 drops of Robbers’ Relief with water. Then dilute with a carrier oil and apply it to the outer neck.

*Some good carrier oils are: olive, coconut, fractionated coconut, jojoba, sweet almond & grapeseed oils. Most can be purchase in your local grocery store.

 

Homemade Holiday Scented Pine Cones with Robbers’ Relief Oil

Here is an easy project to do with the kids this Fall. Not only does it look great by the fireplace or as a centerpiece, but the therapeutic qualities of the Robbers’ Relief can also help boost the immune system during the cold and flu season.

Supplies:

• Pine cones (we found them at the park)
• Cinnamon sticks (purchased from the grocery store)
• Glitter Paint (I picked up four 2oz bottles from JoAnne – they were $2.99/each)
• Robbers’ Relief (we offer our Robbers’ Relief on Amazon & through butterflybeauyshop.com)

After the painted pine cones have dried, start pouring drops of the Robbers’ Relief on the pine cones and the cinnamon sticks. I used about 1/2 bottle for 40 pine cones and 10 cinnamon sticks but I suggest start small and keep adding drops until you are happy with the scent.

We placed out pine cones next to the fireplace by the front door. Each time the door opens a nice little breeze of Robbers’ Relief is spread around the entrance and family room.

 

Why Robbers’ Relief Oil?

Robbers’ Relief Essential Oil Blend is based off the tale from yore of French thieves who would cover themselves with cloves, rosemary and other aromatics for protection while robbing people during the plague. Being highly antiviral and antibacterial, it has many health-conscious uses.

Sore Throat: Gargle 1-3 drops with water. Then dilute with a carrier oil* and apply to the outer neck.

Cleaning: Add 5-10 drops to a spray bottle with water and use it to clean any surface in the house. Works great on children’s toys, counter tops, floors, pet cages and more.

Cold or Flu: Rub a couple drops directly on the soles of your feet to protect you from colds and flu. Use a carrier oil when applying on children, or if you have sensitive skin.

Dishwasher: Add a few drops with your detergent and run a normal cycle for cleaner dishes.

Diffuse: Add 1-3 drops to your diffuser and run for 15-20 minutes to eliminate airborne bacteria. Ideal to help boost the immune system.

Foot Fungus: Apply 1 drop directly to the infected area.

Hand Sanitizer: Mix 5 drops with 2 Tbsp aloe vera gel, 1 Tbsp filtered water and 1/8 tsp vitamin E oil. Store in a 2 oz. squeeze bottle and keep handy in your purse. (Checkout our hand sanitizer recipe here.)

*Some good carrier oils are: olive, coconut, fractionated coconut, jojoba & grapeseed oils.

Frankincense Lavender Body Cream Recipe

Frankincense & Lavender Body Cream

My mom asked me to make her a Frankincense & Lavender body cream.  She wanted something less “greasy” than the body butters, but more creamy than a lotion.  She also asked that it contain two specific essential oils: Frankincense & Lavender. So I put together this recipe, and was real happy with how it turned out.

Back story:  

The recipe is below, but here is a short back story (if you’re interested) about why she wanted this specific cream.

My mom has been applying Frankincense Essential Oil directly to her chest for about two months. Twice a day she generously applies the oil directly to her skin to help reduce wrinkles, age spots and sun spots. At the age of 58, with decades of sun-tanning under her belt, she was skeptical that the Frankincense Oil would do anything for her skin.

Well, two months down the road she’s amazed at the results. Not only has her skin firmed up, making the creases/wrinkles smooth out but the sun/age spots have reduced by a good 50%.  She’s so happy about the results that she says she can wear regular shirts now without being embarrassed. Personally, I’m more impressed with how her sun/age spots are fading away.

She figured that since the Frankincense Oil has been working magic on her skin, maybe a Frankincense cream would be even better.  That is how this recipe was born…

Ingredients: 

4 oz Shea Butter
1/3 cup Aloe Vera
1 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
3 capsules of vitamin E
40 drops of Frankincense Oil
20 drops of Lavender Oil

Directions:

1. Mash up the shea butter (needs to be at room temperature) and add in the aloe vera.
2. With an electric mixer, beat on medium for about 5 minutes.
3. Add in the Almond Oil, vitamin E and essential oils, then beat for about 5 more minutes.
   You want a fluffy, well-mixed cream so just keep mixing until all the ingredients look well blended.
4. Transfer to an air-tight container for storing.

 

Mash up the shea butter with a fork.

Add in the aloe vera.

Mix the shea butter & aloe vera.

Add in the Almond Oil and vitamin E.

Add in your Essential Oils.

Viola! You’re done. Now transfer to an air-tight container.

 

Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil Lotion Recipe

A couple of days ago I ran across a recipe for a homemade lotion made of aloe vera, coconut oil and the essential oil(s) of your choice. I decided to give it a try and it turned out great — plus it was very easy to make.

You only need 2 ingredients, plus the essential oil(s) of your choice.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
  (The recipe called for extra-virgin, however I didn’t have that on hand so I used what I had in the kitchen – organic but refined).
• 1/3 cup pure aloe vera gel
• 10-20 drops essential oil (depending on how strong you like it).
  I used 10 drops of Lavender and 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil.Check out our essential oils here.

Directions:

• Combine the coconut oil and aloe vera in a bowl and mix together. (No need to melt the coconut oil).
• Using an electric mixer, whip into a light, fluffy and airy consistency. During this step, you can add your essential oil(s). Mix for 5-10 minutes to get the desired consistency.
• Transfer the whipped mixture into a glass container and store at room temperature.

After sitting overnight, the lotion hardened a little (which is why it is good to put it into a jar, instead of a squeeze bottle).

I decided to make my lotion a “Summer Lotion” by adding lavender & peppermint essential oils. Lavender oil is great for sunburns and peppermint oil leaves a wonderful cool/tingly sensation on my skin. With the sun and heat, this seemed like a great summer lotion for my family but you could add your favorite essential oil.  Frankincense essential oil would also work wonderfully in this, as it is does wonders for your skin (wrinkles, age spots, etc.).

It was easy to make and took under 15 minutes.

Measured out my ingredients.

Stirred the aloe vera gel and coconut oil together.

Mixed everything together for about 7 minutes. I added in the essential oils during this process.

Voila! It’s done. Easily scoops out of the bowl, too.

5 Summer Skin Care Tips

We all love the summer. Longer days, great weather and the warm sun. Spending time with friends and family outdoors is one of the greatest things about the summer.

But too much time in the sun ends up damaging your skin: sunburns, sun spots and wrinkles are just some of the effects of too much sun.

Here are 5 essential oil skincare tips to keep handy this summer.

 

Immediate Sunburn Relief

TIP 1: Combine 1-3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil with each teaspoon of pure aloe vera gel and massage into the affected areas.

TIP 2: Add 2-4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil to a lukewarm bath to sooth the burn.

TIP 3: Blisters & Boils from too much time in the sun: Apply Lavender Essential oils with or without a carrier oil directly to the site.

Sun Spots & Wrinkles

We’re all guilty of having spent too much time in the sun in our younger days. Did you know you can do something about those sun spots and wrinkles, even if it is years later.

TIP 4: Dab a drop of Frankincense Essential Oil on those sun spots and fine lines to make them less noticeable. You can also add a drop of Frankincense to your daily moisturizer.

TIP 5: Make your own body butter with Frankincense Essential Oil and apply daily to your sun-damaged skin.

You’ll need just 3 ingredients: shea butter, a carrier oil (I use almond oil), Frankincense Essential Oil. I also add Peppermint Oil but that is optional. Check out the recipe here.

Frankincense & Peppermint Body Butter

 

Why Lavender Essential Oil for burns?

Did you know, the roots of current day aromatherapy are often traced to the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who plunged his hand into a bucket of lavender essential oil after accidentally burning himself? He was amazed at the rate of recovery and minimal scarring from the burn. Fascinated by his experience, he began to study the effects of essential oils on the body and used them in hospitals on soldiers during the First World War.

Lavender has been known to assist with inflammations of the skin, acne, eczema, wounds, burns, scars, sunburns, bug bites, itching, pain related to arthritis, sprains & strains. Lavender is also used to relieve headaches and stress, menstruation, loss of hair, nausea, as a disinfectant, stress reliever, antidepressant, insomnia and more. When in doubt, try lavender!

Lavender Essential Oil is steam distilled from lavender flowers.

Why Frankincense Essential Oil for skin care?

Frankincense Essential Oil is steam-distilled from the resin of the Indian Boswellia Serrata tree, also known as the Frankincense tree.

It has been used since the ancient past, with references of the treasured resin bestowed to Jesus by the three wise men. This essential oil is considered to be one of the most therapeutic oils, renowned for its ability to tighten the skin and help with cellular regeneration. It is also highly anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, making it a common ingredient in anti-aging skin care products and personal care formulations.

Frankincense Essential Oil is steam distilled from the resin of the Boswellia tree.

 

Peppermint Essential Oil Tips and Uses Card (printable)

Peppermint is one of my favorite scents. It smells so fresh and clean, while at the same time leaving me feeling rejuvenated and alert.

Prior to using essential oils, I would try to buy peppermint infused lotions, hair care products, lip balms, etc. I loved the minty smell and the way it would make me feel.  Sometimes the peppermint scent in these products would smell natural, other times it would smell awful and synthetic — so it was always hit or miss with them.

When I learned about essential oils, I was happy to find a true, natural peppermint smell; especially one that I could diffuse at home and add to my own lotions.

Though everyone is familiar with peppermint, the benefits and uses of Peppermint Essential Oil aren’t widely known.

Below is a Tips & Uses Card for Peppermint Essential Oil. We include it with all our orders but wanted to make it available to anyone and everyone.

Feel free to print it and share it.

Robbers’ Relief Essential Oil Tips & Uses Card (printable)

Our Robbers’ Relief is a combination of five pure essential oils: Clove, Cinnamon, Lemon, Rosemary & Eucalyptus.

This highly antiviral and antibacterial blend is based off the tale from yore of French thieves who would cover themselves with clove, rosemary and other aromatics for protection while robbing people during the plague.

Here is a printable version of our Tips & Uses Card for our Thieves Blend. It is included with all our orders, but we wanted to make it available to everyone.

Feel free to print it and share it.

Robbers’ Relief Hand Sanitizer Recipe

DIY Hand Sanitizer with Robbers’ Relief.

Here is a recipe for a DIY Hand Sanitizer. The ingredients are probably in your bathroom already, so it’s pretty easy to make.

Here is what you will need:
5 drops of Robbers’ Relief
2 Tbsps. aloe vera gel
1 Tbsp. filtered water
1/8 tsp. vitamin E Oil

Mix the ingredients together and store in a 2 oz. squeeze bottle.
(Note: I doubled the recipe as I had a 4 oz. squeeze bottle.)

When I originally started making this I used a tablespoon and teaspoon to measure out each of my ingredients. Then I found that I couldn’t get them into the bottle, so I attempted to use a funnel and made a huge mess (since my funnel wouldn’t fit into the bottle I had).

Therefore my suggestion to you is to keep it simple by eyeballing it. I found that:
– 2 Tbsps. of aloe vera gel was equivalent to 22 pumps.
– 1/8 tsp. of vitamin E Oil was equivalent to squeezing out 2 gel capsules of 400 mg vitamin E.

Pump 22 squirts of aloe vera gel to make 2 Tbsps.

2 capsules of vitamin E (squeezed out) is equivalent to 1/8 tsp.

Add in 5 drops of Robbers’ Relief.

Once you’ve got the ingredients in the bottle, shake it up and your done. You now have a handy hand sanitizer that you can keep in your purse or car, which smells really good.

“Thieves Blend” and “Five Thieves Blend” were previous names for our Robbers’ Relief oil.  “Thieves” is a registered trademark of Young Living Essential Oils, LC.

Frankincense Peppermint Body Butter Recipe

Frankincense Peppermint Body Butter Recipe

Looking for a creamy, long-lasting body butter that is good for your skin?
How about one that can help reduce the signs of aging: wrinkles and sun spots?

Last night I made a Frankincense Peppermint body butter. It was very easy to make as I only needed four ingredients, and in 10 minutes the body butter was made and ready for testing.

My 6 year old daughter was my guinea pig.  She has very dry hands and doesn’t like to use lotion since she sucks her thumb at night. She thinks lotion tastes bad (which it does), so her hands continue to get more and more dry.

Last night she agreed to try my new body butter. It was very creamy and felt good on her hands. It also passed her taste test (since it has no taste), and the smell test. Once we rubbed it in, she went to bed. This morning she came to find me to report back that her hands were soft and smooth! This might not sound like a big deal to those reading this, but for us it was a BIG deal.

Frankincense Peppermint Body Butter Recipe:

• 4 oz unrefined shea butter
• 2 oz carrier oil (I used Sweet Almond Oil but you could use extra virgin olive oil, if you’d like)
• 20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
• 15 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
• Electric Mixer
• Small air-tight container

Step 1: Make sure your shea butter is at room temperature. Place the shea butter in a bowl and mash with a fork (same way you mash potatoes).

Mash together the body butter & almond oil with a fork.

Step 2: Add in the carrier oil and mash some more.

Step 3: Mix on high for 5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add in the Frankincense & Peppermint Essential Oils

Step 4: Add in your essential oils and mix for1-2 minutes more.

Step 5: Transfer to an air-tight container (I used a Tupperware one I had on hand), and apply as need.

You can use your favorite essential oil(s).
I chose Frankincense as my main oil because it is excellent for your skin. However I’m not a fan of the smell, so I added in Peppermint.

You can purchase our Frankincense Essential Oil here and our Peppermint Essential Oil here.