essential oil bug spray

i don't know about you guys, but the bugs this time of year sure can be frustrating!

not only are they plain ole annoying, but they can carry an assortment of awful diseases.

the kiddos and i have been arming ourselves with our doTERRA TerraShield essential oil bug spray, and i wanted to share it with you guys.

i actually really like the smell, and because we add the oil to our fractionated coconut oil, it not only absorbs quickly into your skin, but doesn't feel gross at all (like some of the synthetic bug sprays do).

i encourage you to try it out!

you can go here for more information about doTERRA

or here to start shopping!

xo.

sun burn spray using essential oils

just in case it wasn't obvious by the mass amounts of recent beach pics, we went to florida this past week and spent a good amount of that time soaking up some good 'ole vitamin D.

even though we were pretty proactive on protecting our skin from sun damage, we came back from the beach one afternoon with a few nice sunburns. ricky, my sister and her husband all had it pretty bad...to the point that they were slightly miserable that evening.

we quickly looked up a good combination of doTERRA oils for sunburn and whipped up a spray.

it totally WORKED! i don't know why i am surprised time after time that the oils work for all kinds of different health concerns, but i am...always pleasantly surprised. 

Essential Oil Sunburn Spray:

*treat the sunburn in two stages with two different sprays.

add 20 drops of Lavender (to soothe and heal) and 20 drops of peppermint (to aid in cooling) to a 2 ounce glass spray bottle filled with fractionated coconut oil.

shake well and apply as soon as possible to the effected area.

reapply every 2 hours for the first 4-6 times.

then...add 20 drops of Lavender and 20 drops of Frankincense to 1 ounce of fractionated coconut oil.

apply 2-4 times daily.

*if there is any blistering, add 20 drops of Melaleuca to prevent any infection to the open sores.

Sun Protection Spray:

if you are interested in replacing your sunscreen with something a little more natural, this is a great spray to try.

add 60 drops of Helichrysum and 60 drops of Lavender to a 2 ounce spray bottle filled with fractionated coconut oil. 

apply and use in place of sunscreen.

* some prefer to replace the Lavender with Sandalwood. 

now go out and enjoy some good sunshine all the while protecting your gorgeous skin!!

if you are interested in purchasing doTERRA essential oils, you can go to mydoterra.com/katiepoe.

and if you are interested in becoming a consultant, you can email me at thelaneabove{at}gmail{dot}com.

essential oils and pregnancy.

i have had this post floating around in my head for a while now, especially since i am over that half way mark of my pregnancy and not only using various oils for different reasons, but starting to prepare physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually for the labor/delivery process.

there is truly so much information out there about essential oils and specifically essential oils during pregnancy. so, i have chosen to highlight only a few of the common issues and some of the suggested oils. as a general consensus, oils are considered safe for pregnancy when they are in their purest form and have not been adulterated with other ingredients, when they are a true therapeutic grade oil, when they are diluted and applied externally, and when they are used in moderation. my midwives actually gave me an entire handout on essential oils that they provide for pregnant mamas. they definitely encourage their use, with respect and moderation of course.

that being said, some single oils to avoid during pregnancy are: Basil, birch, calamus, cassia, cinnamon bark, hyssop, Idaho tansy, laurel, lavandin, mountain savory, mugwort, rosemary, thyme, sage, tarragon, wintergreen. oils to use cautiously during pregnancy: Angelica, cedarwood, chamomile (German/blue), cistus, citronella, clary sage, clove bud, cumin (black), cypress, davana, fennel, laurel, marjoram, mountain savory, myrrh, nutmeg, oregano, peppermint, rose, spearmint, vetiver, yarrow.

when using essential oils pregnant, it is recommended to dilute each oil...a good rule of thumb is 1-2 drops of essential oils with a 1/2-1tsp of a carrier oil. common carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil (my favorite), olive oil, avocado oil, or almond oils. 

energy: Citris Bliss is a very invigorating and energizing blend. it can be applied topically or added to bath water and can also assist with postpartum depression. Another recommendation is to add 2 drops of Roman Chamomile, 2 drops of Geranium and 2 drops of Lavender to 2 tsp of a carrier oil and massage into the skin.

morning sickness: Ginger and Peppermint are both great for morning sickness. Dilute and apply 1-3 drops to on ears, down jaw bone and on reflex points on the feet. Diffuse the oils as well. Digestzen is another common oil for morning sickness, as well heart burn, food poisoning, the flu, and to add in after birth constipation. Simply dilute and massage into skin. Diffusing Peppermint or Grapefruit when you wake up in the morning may help to reduce overall nausea.

anxiety/tension: some recommendations are Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Melissa, and Myrrh. Diffuse or dilute and rub on back of neck, temples, chest, shoulders, back or reflex points on the feet. Balance is a blend that can aid in relieving nervousness and assist in emotional release. (and can even be diluted and massaged along a newborn's spine and bottoms of feet to aid in the release of the trauma of birth!) Serenity also helps with anxiety and promoting restful sleep, diffused or diluted and applied topically.

water retention and swelling: Lemon diluted and applied topically can be used for swelling...it is known as "liquid sunshine!" you can also dilute Lemon, Geranium, Ginger and Lavender and add to a roller bottle and roll on ankles and feet, especially at the end of the day. when massaging into the feet, massage in a upward movement towards the heart.  

low back pain/pressure and leg pain: Deep Blue and Aroma Touch can be used for massage. for sciatica, you can apply 1-3 drops diluted to the area in pain. Geranium is another recommended oil. 

labor (during): Clary Sage (along with Fennel) can be applied around ankles or on abdomen. you only want to use Clary Sage after 39 weeks! 

labor (after): Lavender or Geranium can be diluted and applied to the bottoms of feet, ankles and abdomen.

hemorrhaging: apply 1-3 drops of Helichrysum to the lower back to help prevent hemorrhaging. in addition, Helichrysum can help prepare nipples for nursing, reduce discomforts of abdominal stretching, and to regenerate skin and avoid scarring/stretch marks. 

delivery: Lavender or Clary Sage can be diluted and massaged onto hips, bottom of feet or abdomen. 

self-love: Elevation is a joyful blend that can be diffused into the air, applied topically or added to bath water. it is a wonderful oil to aid in postpartum depression as well. 

if i were to pick a few of my personal favorite oils to use during this pregnancy, they would be: 
Lavender to help with restful sleep, to promote healthy circulation, and to promote an overall calmness so that my body is a peaceful home for my girl. 
Frankincense is one of my favorite oils and while i use it for a wide variety of things, i know it will be especially useful to aid in the healing of inflammation after birth and for my baby specifically as she makes the transition to earth. 
Deep Blue for sore muscles...i'm sure i will also use it to aid with back labor as well as to soothe after-birth pains. 

**the information shared is purely from personal experience and research, and is not meant to be used to diagnose, treat, prescribe any disease, illness or injury. seek professional medical attention for disease, illness or injury.

**references and additional resources can be found here, here and here. 

Frankincense Essential Oil, "liquid gold"

frankincense is by far one of my favorite oils and is known as "liquid gold."

it is said, "when in doubt, use frankincense!"

this oil has found its way into my heart primarily because of how much of an impact it has made with Kale's asthma. I layer it on top of doTERRA'S Breathe blend and Eucalyptus...

...not only is Frankincense great in and of itself for chronic inflammation and the promotion of deep breathing and lung expansion, but when layered on top of other oils, it can increase the properties and potency of those other oils.

a brief history: "Frankincense has been a part of religious ceremony and used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.  One of the oldest medical documents known to man dating back to 1500 BC recorded the use of Frankincense oil by physicians and priests alike for the treatment of disease and illness. In the Holy Bible the reference to Frankincense brought by the three wise men to the baby Jesus attests to the value placed on this oil.  It was of great value then and even now, the difficulty in sourcing makes it one of the more expensive essential oils.  Gum resin from trees in Oman, India, Somalia and Yemen and other areas of North Africa yeild much of the worlds Frankincense. DōTerra Frankincense comes from the country of Oman, the family is Burseraceae, and the oil is steam distilled from the resin tears extracted from the tree."

some of the specific properties of Frankincense: 

Analgesic

Antidepressant

Antifungal

Anti

-inflammatory

Antiseptic

Astringent

Cellular 

protection

Diuretic

Expectorant

Sedative

wellness uses:

Calm and Stress Relief

Cold and Flu Season

Emergency Salve

Immune Strengthener

Skin Care

common health concerns that frankincense addresses:

Asthma
Brochitis
Cuts and Wounds
Dermatitis
Indigestion
Neurological Disorders
Scarring
Skin Disorders
Sore Throat
Stomach Ache
Tumor reduction

if you are at all interested in essential oils, this is a great one to start using on a regular basis!

i am currently using it for my sweet madden, who split his chin open a few days ago...not only is it great for cuts and wounds, but i am hoping to minimize the lovely scar that will more than likely be left behind.

...although my husband assures me that madden will be more than proud of the scar just as it is. :)

i am more than happy to answer any and all questions about frankincense and essential oils in general.

you can refer here for more information about ordering doTERRA essential oils!

much love friends!

on guard, an essential oil blend.

it has been a while since i have done a post on essential oils so i thought i would do one on an oil blend that has been getting a lot of love around here lately!

doTERRA's On Guard, (similar to an oil known by some distributors as "thieves" oil),

is a highly protective blend, with one of it's primary purposes being to boost immune system support!

it is a blend of the following oils:

cinnamon

clove bud

eucalyptus

rosemary

wild orange

i am currently using this oil daily on the feet of my little guys to help boost their immune system during a time of year when sickness seems to be around every corner.

seriously, if i were to recommend one oil you do not want to be without at this time of year, 

this would be it!

instead of reinvent the wheel, i thought i would share an amazing list that R. James came 

up with over here. 

here are 52 of the top uses for On Guard antimicrobial

 blend of essential oils!

and i guarantee you I have already done about 20 of these!!

1. Mix with a tblsp of water, gargle for 1 minute then swallow at the on-set of a sore throat.

2. Put 5 drops Oregano and 5 drops on guard in a 00 capsule and take 3 times daily at the on set of cold or flu symptoms.

3. Put on the soles children's feet at night during cold & flu season to 

support immune system.

4. Put several drops on a bowl of hot – hot water and Breathe in the vapors as it begins to volatilize when you have lung congestion.

5. Put 50 drops in a spray bottle with 30 oz of distilled water. Shake often and use to sanitize kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

6. Add to your dishwasher for micro clean dishes.

7. Add to your laundry cycle for micro clean clothes.

8. Add to your mop water for cleaner floors.

9. Apply to bee and insect stings to neutralize the toxin and relieve the pain.

10. Gargle and brush daily for healthy teeth and gum's and to prevent and treat gum disease.

11. Apply to gum's and teeth, or swish with 5 drops of on guard & 1tbsp of water for pain relief from toothaches and after dental work.

12. Diffuse in homes or business to kill air borne pathogens, inhibit mold and build immune systems.

13. Put a few drops on air filters when changing them to kill pathogens in the duct work.

14. Add to Emergen-C or Orange juice to help congestion and fight flu and cold.

15. Put a drop in your mouth and push or squeeze it around to relive smoking urges. (enhance with an extra drop or two of Clove.)

16. For warts, apply topically, rotating between Oregano & Frankincense.

17. Apply a drop on a pets sore or wound to enhance healing.

18. Have the diffuser going in your home when the kids come home to ward off germs.

19. Make an anti-biotic blend using On Guard (12 drops) Oregano (6 drops) Frankincense (2 drops) in a 00 gel cap.

20. Add 15 drops to every cup of corn starch, mix and sprinkle on carpet. Rake, leave for 1 hour then Vacuum for micro clean carpet.

21. Mix a 2-3 drops of on guard and 2 drops of Lemon EO with honey or agave in a teaspoon for a cold or cough relief medicine for kids.

22. Gargle with 1 tbps of water and 1 drop each of Lemon and on guard hourly for laryngitis.

23. Put several drops on the HVAC vents of a hotel room or office to kill airborne pathogens and germs.

24. Mix with baking soda to clean bathtubs.

25. Apply neat to the toes and nails to combat fungus.

26. Combine 2 tbps of water with 5 drops of on guard in a small glass and store your toothbrush overnight to sanitize.

27. Use a 50/50 mix of on guard and purified water and spray onto oven interior. Leave for 15 minutes, then wipe away greasy spots.

28. Apply to hands to remove stubborn, sticky substances like tree sap.

29. Add to the water in your vacuum cleaner/steamer to disinfect the carpet.

30. Put a few drops in your vacuum bag to kill pathogens.

31. Put 15 drops in a 6oz spray bottle, shake and spray rooms, desks, or bed sheets to protect against pathogens.

32. Clean the upholstery and dashboard of your car.

33. Gargle with on guard and 1 tbsp of water prior speaking engagements or singing performances.

34. Rub on stains as a pre-wash stain remover.

35. Add 3 drops to your tooth brush and brush every day for a healthy mouth and to prevent cavities, gum disease.

36. Apply to teeth that have been damaged or broken to help them heal.

Make an On Guard^® spray with 15 drops for every 6 oz of water, use the spray for:

37. Wipe doorknobs and other things touched by the public.

38. Wipe dirty piano keys to clean and disinfect.

39. Use to clean childrens hands when traveling.

40. Use on the steering wheel and gearshift of your vehicle.

41. Use on public telephones to remove germs.

42. Use on public computer keyboards and mice.

43. Use as an underarm deodorant.

44. Spray on hands before and after shaking hands with a lot of people.

45. Spray in public restrooms on airplanes to reduce airborne bacteria.

46. Carry for protection in countries with cholera, malaria or dysentery.

47. Use as an air freshener for cooking odors or other unwanted smells.

48. Take to the gym and spray all the equipment you use.

49. Take to the supermarket and use to disinfect shopping cart handles.

50. Use in the classroom for desks, tables and other items handled by children.

51. Spray in your mouth and throat at first onset of cold or bronchitis.

52. Spray on shower stalls and bathroom walls to disinfect and remove mold.

if you are at all interested in ordering a bottle, head on over here.

or if you would like information on becoming a wholesale member to receive a 25% discount on all purchases, go here.

and of course, feel free to email me at thelaneabove@gmail.com with ANY questions!!!

much love friends!

xoxo.

five favorites: fall/pumpkin edition!

 i would probably say i am a summer girl through and through.

everything about it suits me.

however, each time fall rolls around and graces me with her presence, i fall more and more in love.

thought i would share five of my favorites for fall!!

enjoy!

one

pumpkin, chocolate chip bread

i started making this every fall a few years ago and it is now my go-to, staple pumpkin bread recipe!

ingredients

3 Cups Sugar

1 (15 ounce) Can Pumpkin Puree

1 Cup Vegetable Oil

2/3 Cup Water

4 Eggs

3 1/2 Cups Flour

1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon

1 Tbsp Ground Nutmeg

2 Tsp Baking Soda

1 1/2 Tsp Salt

1 Cup Chocolate Chips

directions

preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

grease your pans

i can usually get two large bread pans and 6 muffins out of this recipe!

combine the first five ingredients.

beat until smooth.

blend in the remaining ingredients.

fold in your chocolate chips.

pour the batter into your bread pans.

bake for one hour or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

(mine never takes a full hour)

unfortunately this recipe is not vegan (although i have made it using an egg substitute before) and uses tons of sugar.

i would love to hear if any of you have found a good vegan pumpkin recipe that you love!!

two

fall simmering spices!

i have been making my own version of this for a few years now, 

but never thought of it as a gift idea until finding this on pinterest.

they used all the same ingredients that i use, but layered them all in a mason jar to give as gifts.

ingredients

dried orange slices

ginger root chunks

whole cloves

whole allspice

cinnamon sticks

you simply add all the ingredients to a pot, cover with water and let simmer on your stove.

your whole house will smell divine!

three

pumpkin oatmeal

we make oatmeal around here at least several mornings a week.

it is a favorite for all of us.

i simply follow our normal recipe and add in the pumpkin and a few spices.

ingredients

1 cup oatmeal

3/4 cup of almond milk, or more if needed

dash of salt

1/2 cup of pumpkin puree

1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves)

1 tsp cinnamon

feel free to add whatever else you enjoy in your oatmeal.

we usually serve it with a bit of brown sugar and/or raisins!

four

fall bucket list!

i found this list on pinterest as well and loved it!!

you can go here to download one of your own!

she recommends printing it off, putting it behind glass in a frame and then using a dry erase marker to check the boxes as you go.

so fun!

five

pumpkin cookies!

these are not only delicious, but a great way to get some essential oils in everyone who eats them. ;)

this is a recipe shared in my doTERRA LIVING magazine!

ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup non hydrogenated vegetable shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

3 drops doTERRA cinnamon essential oil (supports a healthy immune system)

2 drops doTERRA ginger essential oil (relieves occasional upset stomach)

1 drop doTERRA clove bud essential oil (protects from environmental threats)

1 1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup oat flour (you can make your own by tossing oats in a food processor or blender)

2 tbsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

directions

reduce the pumpkin by heating it in a saucepan for 30-45 minutes. set aside to cool.

cream together shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.

mis in pumpkin, vanilla and doTERRA oils.

mis remaining dry ingredients.

preheat oven to 350 and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper

roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls on sheets.

bake 10-12 minutes.

fall, i am a huge fan of you!!!!!!

linking up with hallie.

five favorites: health edition, part 2!

so i figured i would continue my five favorites: health edition this week with part 2!

you can go here to see part 1!

i have a very hard time with commitment, but this just might become a weekly thing.

;)

let's jump right in, shall we?!

one

image via: the plant based dietician

i could talk for hours and days and months about our slow, but steady shift towards eating a primarily whole foods, plant based diet.

today, i thought i would share the food guide pyramid that we follow and let that speak for itself!

along with that, i wanted to share some of our favorite documentaries regarding the topic, all of which can be viewed for free on Netflix:

- Forks over Knives 

- Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

- Vegucated

- Hungry for Change

- Food Matters

two

 image by donovan govan

i have a serious love affair with garlic!

not only do i cook with it A LOT, but two of my top favorite ways to use it are to soothe ear aches, 

and to fight colds.

for earaches, 

i simply dice 1 clove of garlic.

warm the garlic and 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat.

steep together until cooled and then strain the infused oil through a strainer.

tilt the ear canal and apply a couple of drops into the inflamed ear.

allow one minute for the oil to penetrate the ear canal.

(little side note: for ear aches/infections, i also apply the essential oils, Basil or Melaleuca on the outer ear, NOT in the ear...we have yet to use an antibiotic for ear infections!

this is a good video by Dr. Hill from doTERRA about ear infections.)

for colds, 

i warm 3 tbsp of unrefined coconut oil and 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil on the stove.

remove from the heat and add 1 tbsp of chopped/crushed garlic.

pour the mixture into a food processor and blend slowly.

strain the mixture and pour into a glass jar.

seal and store in the refrigerator.

the mixture will keep for 2-3 weeks.

i apply the mixture to the boys' feet and cover with socks.

three

i have recently purged my kitchen of toxic cookware, and the first to go was anything aluminum/my non-stick pans.

my favorites to now use are anything glass, ceramic cookware that is PFOA and PTFE free, and stoneware.

four

you can go here to download a free printable!

while i would love to eat all organic everything, that isn't always realistic with our budget.

i do however, follow the "dirty dozen/clean fifteen" rule published 

by the Environmental Working Group. 

five

homemade laundry detergent!

i started making my own laundry detergent several years ago when i discovered what i had originally been using was one of the many culprits, contributing to some skin issues with my boys.

i have tried both a liquid and powder detergent and have been happiest with the dry, powder version.

ingredients

Arm & Hammer washing soda

Borax

1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap (or scent free Castile soap)

doTERRA Lavender or Purify (Wild Orange is another favorite!)

instructions

grate the bar of soap with a cheese grater. 

measure out 1 cup each of the Washing Soda and Borax.

add approximately 20 drops of your doTERRA oil of choice.

mix thoroughly.

not only is this much easier on the skin, but it is a fraction of the cost of store-bought detergent!!

which is a win-win for this mama!

linking up with the moxie wife and lauren!

five favorites: health edition!

so i have been on this quest for a few years now.

a quest to lead a more holistic and natural life...

one step at a time.

when i first embarked on this journey, i had a list that was far too long and overwhelming, of every little thing that i wanted to change.

i wanted to change big things, like what we ate and how we treated ailments...

and small things, like our deodorant, toothpaste, cleaning supplies and grocery store bags.

my list seemed to grow by the day.

the more i learned about our bodies, our environment, raising babies, and living truly clean lives,

the more i was eager to dive in and transform the way we lived.

i am most definitely a dreamer. a visionary. a big picture person.

so while i knew where i wanted us to be,

i got completely overwhelmed by my "big picture change" and often found myself discouraged.

for every one thing i changed,

i seemed to find five others to add to my list.

and this is where my perspective shift came in...

i was doing the best that i could, with what i was learning, in each moment.

i quickly realized that i would need to pick a few things at a time, work to fit them into our daily lives and then go from there.

once those few changes were made and had become an ingrained part of our every day life, 

i would then pick a few more to embrace.

this drastically cut down on how overwhelmed that I felt and gave me such a sense of joy and peace and empowerment when those few new things became permanent.

i have decided to share some of the health changes we have made as a family.

there may be posts where i share several.

and there may be some where i share only one.

it helps me to put things down to celebrate where i have come from and where i am going.

today i have decided to share five of my favorite holistic health changes.

they are little ones.

simple.

easy to tackle.

first.

did you know that lime can be used as a natural deodorant?

all you have to do is slice a lime and apply it to the underarm. you can reuse this slice for up to 1 week, just keep it clearly labeled and in your fridge!

i stopped using your regular, store bought deodorant when i started breastfeeding my babies! 

here is another slightly more involved homemade deodorant that works great:

1/4 cup of arrowroot

1/4 cup baking soda

5 tbsp coconut oil

20-30 drops of melaleuca (tea tree oil) and lavender (or as much as you like!)

store in the refrigerator.

second.

raw. apple. cider. vinegar.

amazing!

i started using apple cider vinegar when i learned it can help with allergies/eczema, as well as detoxing.

and then i discovered the many other uses and fell instantly in love.

you can go here and here for some good lists of uses!

third.

natural, homemade household cleaners.

getting rid of all chemical cleaners in our home became a must when our oldest began to struggle with respiratory issues.

i quickly threw everything out and started using a few simple ingredients:

vinegar, baking soda/borax, lemon, and essential oils.

this is my favorite all purpose cleaning spray:

(if you use essential oils, you want to use a glass spray bottle)

1/2 cup white vinegar

1 3/4 cup water

1 tsp borax

30 drops of your choice essential oil

(my favorites to use are lavender, lemon and on guard)

fourth.

lemon water!

i started drinking lemon water daily a while ago and will probably never stop!

lemon is a natural energizer, boosts your immune system, flushes out unwanted materials,

decreases wrinkles and blemishes, cures throat infections, reduces fever, is a blood purifier 

and so much more!

i sometimes add straight lemon, but lately i have been using a few drops of my 

doTERRA lemon essential oil instead.

fifth.

sun rays!

i know that sounds cheesy, but getting us out in the sun several times throughout our days is one of the best things we can do!

i love to be outdoors, so this isn't necessarily something we changed since we were already doing it consistently, but we definitely increased it.

basking in the sun, allowing our bodies to soak up the vitamin D, and enjoying nature is one of the best things we can do for our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health!

thanks for letting me share!!!!!!!

xoxo.

linking up with hallie at moxie wife.