Did you know that diffusing is one of the easiest health habits you can start?? Immune, sleep, respiratory, emotional support along with cleaning the air in your home…not to mention the incredible smell combinations you can create!!
There are three major ways to use essential oils - topically (on your skin), ingesting, or aromatically (diffusing, or inhaling right from the bottle.) Diffusing is super effective for emotions, mental or respiratory support, rest and relaxation.
All you need to start diffusing essential oils is a diffuser, a little bit of water, and some Young Living essential oils!
Each diffuser will have a fill line on the inside, so just add water to the fill line, add your oils of choice, replace the lid and turn on the diffuser. Instant transformation! You can place a diffuser virtually anywhere - your home, office, even your car!
Feeling a little stressed with early morning traffic? Try Peppermint +Stress Away in an usb diffuser (https://amzn.to/3wo3Bxo) that sits right in your vehicle cup holder.
Need some help calming your thoughts at bedtime? Lavender, Cedarwood & Vetiver are your friends. (Put your diffuser right by your bed!).
Feeling a little stuffy? Diffuse Raven, Lemon and Frankincense (get extra oomph for diffusing while you shower - oils + steam!).
Want a festive atmosphere without the toxins in wall plugs and candles? Fire up that diffuser with a seasonal scent! Cinnamon bark, Clove and Orange are great in the fall/winter, and we love Lavender, Lemon and Lime in the spring/summer!
Quick tip! If you don't have a diffuser or have access to a wall plug/USB outlet, grab a tissue or some cotton balls and drop a few drops of oil onto them. Place them in an air vent or under a seat in a vehicle or anywhere you can to create a passive diffuser!
Are you wondering how breathing in some Lavender can change your mood??
Breathing the oils sends messages to your brain through your cranial nerves. The olfactory (sense of smell) cranial nerve ends in the brain right next to the organs of the limbic system - the system that controls mood, emotions and memory. So inhaling oils triggers that area of your brain, helping you rest, reset, and recharge. And diffusing is a great way to get the benefit of these oils for more than one individual! Play with combinations to find the ones you love and that are the most beneficial to you!
DIFFUSING FAQS
How long can I diffuse at a time?
I could have diffusers going in our home pretty much 24/7. In our large, open areas I don't keep track of how long I diffuse. At bedtime I use the intermittent setting on the diffusers so they run all night long! If you are diffusing in a room where doors are closed (ie kids bedrooms), simply add less oils and use the intermittent setting. Don't overthink it!
How many drops do I use?
That will depend on your diffuser! Larger ones that cover more area will require more drops. Here are the current diffusers available from Young Living:
Duet diffuser uses no water, simply add the oil bottles of choice!
Aria diffuser: 15-25 drops essential oil, covers about 430 sq. feet
Desert Mist diffuser: 8-12 drops essential oil, covers about 320 sq. feet
DewDrop and Rainstone diffusers: 5–8 drops of essential oil, covers approximately 320 sq. ft.
Sprout the Puppy diffuser: 8-20 drops essential oil
Find info on each of the Young Living diffusers RIGHT HERE
Do I need to clean my diffuser?
It is recommended that you clean your diffuser for best results.
For the Aria, simply wipe it down after every use with a clean, dry cloth + wash the glass bowl either by hand or in the dishwasher as needed.
For other diffusers, it is recommended that you clean the ultrasonic plate and lid after each use.
If oil begins to build up on the ultrasonic plate, gently wipe it off using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and if oil begins to build up on the lid, gently wipe it off using mild soap and water only.
DIFFUSER SETTINGS
Did you know you can turn the lights on and off and change the colors on the diffusers? Or that the kids' diffusers can also double as a sound machine? Depending on the diffuser simply press the button on the left to cycle through the light options.
Most diffusers also have 1-2 intermittent modes, which can be changed by pressing the button on the right to cycle through the options! This is one of our favorite ways to have oils diffusing while we sleep.
Check out the manual that comes with your diffuser or the product link above for specific info on each one!
What's your favorite diffuser blend??
From sniffles and sneezes and stuffiness, respiratory needs are a big one for most people, and we all need some help in this area from time to time. Whether it's seasonal air quality issues, blooming flowers or more acute needs, we have everything you need to know about respiratory support right here!
These oils and products are mainstays when it comes to all things respiratory. Grab a few and build your own support cabinet! For the oils, you can diffuse them alone or in any combination (see below for blend ideas!), make them into a roller, or even use them as dietary supplements as desired.
Thieves Chest Rub
This plant-based favorite is a much better option than conventional chest rubs. CLICK HERE to read an interesting article on your childhood chest rub... Thieves chest rub soothes sniffles, coughs, and congestion for your whole family and the super easy to use bottle doesn't even require you to get your hands messy!
R.C.
R.C. stands for "respiratory congestion." This blend contains: Spruce, Cyprus, and three types of Eucalyptus oils (E. globulus, E. radiata, and E. citriodora). This oil opens up your chest and is wonderful to diffuse with lemon to work up anything that is building up in the body.
Raven
A blend of ravintsara (camphor), Lemon, Wintergreen, Peppermint and Eucalyptus Radiata that is an incredible chest rub by itself. Raven contains the active ingredient found in OTC chest rubs, but it is in pure essential oil form, so you don't have to worry about petroleum or other toxins!
SniffleEase
This gentle, soothing blend of Eucalyptus, Palo Santo, R.C. is prediluted and perfect for little ones age two and older. Don’t think this is only for the kiddos!! Some of my favorites are in the KidScents line. Don’t miss out on them!
Another great option for littles and not-so-littles is Peace & Calming. Soothing, peaceful and helps break up that chest congestion.
Breathe Again
This blend contains four different types of eucalyptus which are known for their ability to help relax airways and support the respiratory system. There is even an easy peasy pre-diluted roll on for more on the go convenience!
Lemon
Lemon is a wonderful natural mucolytic, making it a great choice for respiratory support! Cleansing and purifying, it also supports your immune system, so you get added benefits when using it for respiratory needs.
To make these into rollers, triple the recipe (or more, up to 60 drops) for a 10mL roller bottle, add carrier and voila! Roll onto the wrists, neck, chest, back or where desired.
* After School: 4 drops each Thieves, R.C., Lemon
* Happy Noses: 4 drops each Lemon, Purification, Lavender
* Breathe Easy: 5 drops Raven, 4 drops Lavender, 3 drops Dorado Azul
* Sniffle Ease: 4 drops Raven or R.C., 3 drops Frankincense, 3 drops Idaho Blue Spruce, 2 drops Lemon
* Immune Boost: 4 drops Oregano, 3 drops each Lemon, Frankincense, 2 drops Lavender
If now is the time for you to consider your Young Living journey, simply CLICK HEREto create your own free account. Then you are free to explore and learn at your own pace. Be sure to use the code SHAREYL for 10% off your first time order of 50pv or more!
How crazy is it that we are actually in December...the last few days of 2023???
Not sure what it looks like outside your window right now, but we have several inches of that white fluffy stuff on the ground and more is falling...definitely sets the stage for the magic winter brings.
Now, let's switch things up a bit. Instead of offering the usual information on this month's free gifts with purchase, I want to empower you with some self-help tools. Below, you'll find links each oil that you can get for free when you shop from your own online store. Whether you're stocking up on essentials or finding the perfect gifts for family and friends, these freebies will be an incredible bonus. Simply click on the oil name to learn more.
These links come from Life Steps, my favorite app packed with valuable education, resources, and fun DIY ideas. Take a moment to explore and discover the countless benefits it has to offer.
Wishing you a wonderful week filled with joy, warmth, and the enchantment of winter.
Ready for some new favorite oil combos and uses!?
Anthropologie Inspired Blends: Diffuse it, Roll it, Spray it!!
These are some of our favorite diffuser blends for the fall season, but they make great rollers and sprays as well! The recipes below are for a standard diffuser and can be adapted easily!
These are some of our favorite diffuser blends for the fall season, but they make great rollers and sprays as well! The recipes below are for a standard diffuser and can be adapted easily!
- To make a diffuser bomb, multiply the quantity of each oil by 10-20 and place in a dropper bottle with a pretty label. (You can also reuse old YL bottles and add a bamboo dropper top.)
- To make a 10mL roller, have the total number of drops around 30-50 and fill with carrier of choice.
- To make a 2oz spray, multiply the drops by 3-5, add a splash of witch haze and top with water in a glass spray bottle and add a label.
MULLED WINE
- 2 drops Clove
- 3 drops Orange
- 3 drops Cinnamon Bark
- 2 drops Nutmeg
PUMPKIN CLOVE
- 3 drops Stress Away
- 3 drops Clove
- 2 drops Nutmeg
- 2 drops Vanilla
- 3 drops Cinnamon Bark
FALLING LEAVES
- 1 drop Vetiver
- 3 drops Sage
- 3 drops Nutmeg
- 4 drops Idaho Balsam Fir (or other tree oil)
SUGAR COOKIES
- 4 drops Vanilla
- 4 drops Cinnamon Bark
- 2 drops Lemon
- 1 drop Nutmeg
Chai Spice Wool Dryer Balls
Make your laundry smell like fall with these scented dryer balls! Place 3 drops of each oil onto each wool dryer ball and let sit for a few hours before use (recommended to make sure no oil spots transfer to your laundry). Or simply drop one of each oil onto a ball and use immediately.
Make your laundry smell like fall with these scented dryer balls! Place 3 drops of each oil onto each wool dryer ball and let sit for a few hours before use (recommended to make sure no oil spots transfer to your laundry). Or simply drop one of each oil onto a ball and use immediately.
- Organic wool dryer balls
- 3 drops each per ball: Cardamom, Cinnamon Bark, Nutmeg, Vanilla
- Fall Spice Thieves Cleaner, 3 Ways!
Use as you would your regular diluted Thieves cleaner to Thieves all the things and enjoy a bit of Autumn at the same time!!Pumpkin Spice Thieves Cleaner- 16oz glass spray bottle
- 1-2 capfuls Thieves Household Cleaner
- 10 drops each Orange, Cinnamon Bark essential oils
- 5 drops each Ginger, Clove, Nutmeg essential oils
- Fill with distilled water
- Falling Leaves Thieves Cleaner
- 16oz glass spray bottle
- 1-2 capfuls Thieves Household Cleaner
- 10 drops each Tangerine, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Bergamot essential oils
- 5 drops Patchouli essential oil
- Fill with distilled water
- Caramel Apple Thieves Cleaner
- 16oz glass spray bottle
- 1-2 capfuls Thieves Household Cleaner
- 10 drops each Bergamot, Cinnamon Bark, Stress Away essential oils
- 5 drops each Nutmeg, Tangerine essential oils
- Fill with distilled water
- Vanilla Spice Room Spray
To a 4 oz glass spray bottle add:- 10 drops Vanilla
- 10 drops Orange
- 8 drops Cinnamon
- 5 drops Clove
- 3 drops Cardamom
- Distilled water
Shake well and mist throughout your home!
- DIY Autumn Foaming Hand Soaps
Custom hand soap scents for each season are a fun way to cozy up your home, make great host gifts and are simple to make!- Foaming hand soap bottle or recycle a YL one!
- 2 Tbsp Liquid Castile Soap
- 20 drops essential oils*
- 1 tsp Vitamin E oil
- Add essential oils, Vitamin E oil and Castile Soap to the bottle, then top with water leaving 1" at the top
- A few favorite scent options:
- Chai Spice: 6 drops Cardamom + 4 drops Cinnamon Bark + 4 drops Clove + 4 drops Ginger + 2 Vanilla
- Orchard Stroll: 6 drops Bergamot + 4 drops Tangerine + 4 drops Cedarwood + 4 Rosemary + 2 drops Lemon
- Autumn Leaves: 5 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce + 5 drops Vetiver + 4 drops Tangerine + 4 drops Cinnamon Bark + 2 drops Vanilla
Here's to a magical fall, my friend.
STAYING FOCUSED...
Whether you're helping your little ones with homework, helping older kids stay focused in class, or needing some help yourself, these are some of our favorite oils for staying focused and alert!
- Vetiver
- Cedarwood
- Brain Power
- KidScent GeneYus
- Inspiration
- Envision
Why these? A study on essential oils and focus by Dr. Terry Friedmann found a 32% improvement in mental focus in children inhaling Vetiver, with similar results in the group inhaling Cedarwood Cedarwood.
They realized that this is because of a specific constituent (a component of the oils). Vetiver and Cedarwood are extremely high in sesquiterpenes - molecules that deliver oxygen molecules to cells, just like hemoglobin does to the blood! More oxygen to the brain = better focus. These oils also help our brain waves calm from an overactive state to a focused one.
- Cedarwood 98% sesquiterpenes
- Vetiver 97% sesquiterpenes
- Spikenard 93% sesquiterpenes
- Sandalwood 90% sesquiterpenes
- CLEANING...AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL...
Thieves Household Cleaner is our absolute favorite for green, plant-based cleaning. You know we use this in our homes, but did you know that a lot of teachers will use it in their classrooms as well?! So many people have gifted it along with a glass spray bottle to their kids' teachers to use daily in their classrooms. Spice it up with one of these recipes!
A good night of sleep always makes you feel amazing, but did you know that sleep has even more effects than just having energy? It is a huge part of Your ability to focus, your immune system, and your ability to retain information! Sleep is crucial...Great oil choices are Peace & Calming, Cedarwood, Valor, Lavender, SleepyIze, Seedlings Calm, Tranquil. Immupro or Sleep Essence are my go to supplements. Have you tried Unwind or KidScents MightyPro? More and more research shows that a healthy gut is crucial for all things...including sleep!
Spray this onto sheets, blankets, pjs and stuffed animals before bed.
- Glass spray bottle
- 30 drops Peace & Calming
- 15 drops Lavender
- Splash of witch hazel
- Water
AFTER SCHOOL OR WEEKEND FUN!!
Pumpkin Pie Play Dough Fun for the kids with the option of being free of harmful dyes and ingredients and leaves the house and hands smelling AMAZING plus it has immune boosting properties! Super easy to make together, then let them play the crisp, fall day away!!
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup Kidscents Lotion
- 4 drops Cardamom
- 2 drops Orange
- 1 drop Cinnamon bark
- 1 drop Clove
- Mix all the ingredients together and let their imaginations run wild!
DIY Clay Leaf Tray This DIY tray is a fun craft for the little ones to make and gift! Before the clay hardens, you can drop essential oils onto it. Choose stronger scents like Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Thieves or Peppermint to ensure more scent.
- Air dry clay
- Craft paper
- Rolling pin
- Craft paint (we like the metallic colors!)
- Paint brushes
- Modge Podge gloss or other sealer
- Various leaves from your yard
First, explore around your yard and gather your leaves! Cut out a piece of air dry clay, then roll it out about 1/2 inch thick, making sure your leaf will fit fully onto the clay. Then, press your leaf (vein side down) onto the clay. Make sure all parts of the leaf press in so that you get all the pretty nuances of the leaf!
Remove the leaf from the clay, and cut around the outline with a knife (have adults do this part), then remove the excess air dry clay from around your imprint. Go around the perimeter of the leaf and gently press the sides up and in to create a small edge If adding oils, do so now.
Allow the clay to air dry and harden. We set ours on a baking rack so that both sides were exposed to air. After 24 hours they had hardened and were ready to paint!
Paint! Once the paint is dry, cover with a coat of Modge Podge gloss, then let that dry for 24 hours. After the coating is dry, have your children sign the back and write the year.
I'd love to see pics of your playdough fun and leaf creations! Post them in Intentional Wellness on Facebook!
