This post is contributed by Kai Tan – Founder of One Drop.
I recently had a hair-falling episode. Not sure if it was food, stress or health. But not a like-able experience at all…cleaning bathroom floor of fraying strands and hair brush of broken bits of the crowning glory.
I decided I would test out the Rosemary and Sulfurzyme. I would drip 2-3 drops of rosemary on my scalp after shower and massage the oil in with my fingers. Then brush my hair through to help stimulate the essential oil absorption into the scalp. I took 2 capsules of Sulfurzyme , 3 times a day (1 hour before or after food). The result was pretty neat! Just about 1 week into this regimen, it was pretty evident that my hair condition was improving.
Inspired, I decided to put together a really handy HAIR Emergencies Essential Oils Remedy List here:
Falling Hair/ Stimulating Hair Growth:
- Regime of Rosemary (2-3 drops topically onto scalp) and Sulfurzyme (2 caps, 3 times a day) as shared above
- Add 25 drops ( 1/4 teaspoons) of Clary sage essential oil to 4 oz of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil to create a hair oil that can you will use for regular, stimulating scalp massages.
Greying Hair:
- Take 60z of Ningxia Red and 2-3 Capsules of Sulfurzyme everyday.
Dandruff Invasion:
- In a small 4 oz. spray bottle filled with distilled water, add 8 drops Lavender. Spritz onto scalp before bedtime and brush/comb in.
- Dilute a drop of Tea Tree Oil (Young Living labels its Tea Tree oil by its Botanical name – Melaleuca Alternifolia) with v6 or almond oil. Massage into scalp. Tea Tree Oil not only help control dandruff but also manages bacteria and fungus, which could contribute to flaky, itchy scalp skin.
Lustre-Lacking Hair:
- 1/2 cup or organic sunflower oil
5 drops of rosemary essential oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix all ingredients well. Warm slightly and apply the mixture to damp hair. Wrap hair in plastic wrap and apply a hot towel for 20 minutes before shampoo.
Oily Hair:
- Clary sage is an essential oil commonly used to treat oily hair. Clary sage can be massaged directly on the scalp and into the hair. As an added bonus, it also promotes a sense of calm and well-being and may help you sleep if you use it close to bedtime. Clary sage promote estrogen balance and prevents thickening in the membrane tissue around the hair follicle that results in hair loss. Warning: Avoid using Clary Sage if you are pregnant.
- People with oily hair can make a hair oil with 15 drops of tea tree and 7 drops each of orange and blue cypress essential oils in 4 ounces of jojoba oil. Shampoo hair with an astringent shampoo and towel dry. Apply about 2 tablespoons of the hair oil evenly throughout the hair. Wrap in a clean, dry towel and leave in hair for 20 minutes or overnight. In the morning, shampoo and condition only the ends of your hair—not the scalp.
Dry Hair:
- Consider Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia) or Rose for dry or damaged hair as these essential oils won’t dry the hair out further. In a dark-colored glass container, combine about 3 to 4 oz. of a carrier oil, such as jojoba and add several drops of each. Use by applying sparingly to clean, dry hair that has not been coated with styling products. Comb through the hair evenly.
But remember! It is always important to also make sure you are also using natural and gentle Hair Shampoos and Conditioners. Chemicals found in commercial hair cleansing products strip the hair of its natural nutrients and strength. Nutritional supplement is also another key factor to consider to maintain healthy lustrous hair. Sulfurzyme®* would always be a key nutritional supplement I would recommend for almost any hair issue.
May all your hair issues be gone!
This post is contributed by Kai Tan – Founder of One Drop.
Black Spruce (Botanica name : Picea mariana) is one of the important ingredients used to create one of Young Living’s most beloved and sought after blend – Valor.
While it is largely found in North America and widespread across Canada; finding a reliable unadulterated source is not as easy. It was one of the significant reasons Young Living went completely out-of-stock of Valor for a prolonged period.
You might ask – wouldn’t it have been easier to use just ANY supply of black spruce, stay on top of stock availability of one of the most popular blends and keep customers happy? I guess, that will never be the case for a company that has and will unwaveringly stand for the best quality. No compromises are permitted. Not even to keep the best selling oil in stock. Amazing, isn’t it?
And so, what did Young Living do to resolve a supply issue that the industry failed to provide an answer for? In July 2014, Young Living purchased a beautiful parcel of land in British Columbia, Canada for black spruce production! Not only did the property contain enough Black Spruce to supply our huge demand for this oil, but Young Living also started to build an essential oil distillery on site to distill Black spruce and Ledum. I remember being specifically told by Mary Young during November 2014, that Gary had worked so hard on the farm that he got out of the machinery at 10pm, slipped and broke his shinbones. And he still REFUSED to stop working. This spirit to fight for the best, to be a vessel to make available a most precious oil for the people – is a rare honor and integrity that is hugely missed in this world.
What is so precious about the Black Spruce, you asked?
This oil is distilled from the needles of the tree, which provide respiration for the whole tree. It is no wonder Black Spruce essential oil allows us to breath well and open up the nasal passage. The Lakota Americans have used Black Spruce traditionally for skin and muscles, in addition to using them for their purifying and cleansing properties. Black Spruce also invigorates and stimulates the entire body, which supports circulation. Used historically in hot spring baths, saunas, and massage; Black Spruce supports the absolute well being of the respiratory system and immune system.
Where the trees are found in Canada, they are bathed in the energy of the aurora borealis – which is believed by many cultures to contain spiritual renewal and clarity. Black Spruce essential oil is thus well reputed to support the release of emotional and spiritual blockages. Like most woody oils, Black Spruce is grounding and stimulating at the same time. While it has a calming effect on a nervous, hyperactive individual, it can also conversely energize someone who is feeling lethargic and melancholic. As you use this oil, expect feelings of peace, balance, and a sense of being comfortable in one’s own skin.
Our black spruce is labeled as the Northern Lights Black Spruce. Go ahead and discover a magnificent physical and emotional wellness today with this pride we now have through Young Living.
This post is contributed by One Drop Founder – Kai Tan.
Yup.
You heard right. Your commercial laundry detergent, hand wash, household cleaners ARE affecting your health.
Just really quietly. Stealthily. And that is what is disturbing.
Have you last studied the ingredient list on the packaging? Have you wondered what the long complex compound names really are? Or entertain the thoughts if the Zesty Lemon or Natural Cherry Blossom “scents” are really from those nature sources?
After all, when you do smell a freshly picked real flower or the real zest from the lemon peel, the fragrance did not punch you fiercely in the face (like that from the cleaners) and leave a heavy cloud moulding over your brain. So what did they put in there really?
One of my favourite information site is http://www.EWG.org.
I’ll leave you to venture through this amazing site and learn more about who they are and what they do. But here are just some of the information that you and I can pull off from this site to begin to empower ourselves as users to understand what marketers of commercial brands may not reveal to us. You may want to click on the image below to enlarge it and surprise yourself with just some of the results collated from studying cleaning agents under the brands of TIDE, DYNAMO, PALMOLIVE, AJAX, CLOROX, LYSOL (these are the ones shown here).
Skin is our largest organ—adults carry some 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and 22 square feet (2 square meters) of it. (source: national geographic.com). The dermis layer which is hidden under your top layer of epidermis – contains nerve endings, blood vessels, oil glands, and sweat glands. Your skin is one of the means by which your body is constantly helping you to detox and rid materials inadequate for your body, OUT of the body (through the sweat glands).
Yet at the same time, while our skin is also known to protect ; it also is NOT impenetrable . “Your skin is enough of a barrier to keep fluids within your body,” writes Samuel Epstein, MD, and author of Toxic Beauty (BenBella Books, 2009), “but it also readily absorbs many things with which it comes in contact.” Did you realise that clothes washed with chemical-laden laundry detergents often still carry traces of the chemicals on your clothes. So as you wear them, inevitably an opportunity is created for a contact point for the infiltration through the skin.
And beyond the fact that skin can absorb chemicals, is the danger what these chemicals can pose within the body. Many experts agree that absorption through the skin is more dangerous than through the mouth. Substances absorbed into the digestive system go through the kidneys and the liver where enzymes break them down and often detoxify them. Substances absorbed through the skin do not enter into such process. And these chemicals have direct access to the nerves and blood systems.
That was pretty depressing.
Given the toxic-crazy world we live in, it possibly is true that we may never be without exposure. The next best thing we can do is to actively make informed choices around what we decide to use at home that will directly impact ourselves and our loved ones (and we are talking about children, elders and fur-kids!)
Many would already be familiar with the Thieves Essential oil – a blend of Clove, Lemon , Cinnamon, Eucalyptus radiata and Rosemary. The legend was that a group of 15-century thieves were robbing the dead or the sick during a European deadly plague outbreak. When they were caught, they offered to exchange their secret recipe, which had allowed them to commit the robberies without catching the disease, in exchange for leniency. The secret recipe included these very same spice and herbs.
Studies conducted at the Weber State University (Ogden, UT) during 1997 demonstrated the killing power of these amazing oils against airborne micro-organism. The Thieves blend has established its credibility for being highly anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-infectious and antiseptic. And because of these natural properties, Thieves blend was used to formulate a line of safe, green home-use /cleansing products ranging from toothpaste, mouthwash to all-purpose household cleaner.
I’ve cleaned EVERYTHING in my home with the Household cleaner – wash the floor, wash the laundry, wash the dishes, clean out stubborn oven stains etc etc.
Common ratios to use:
- All-purpose cleaner in spray bottle: 1 capful in empty bottle
- Light degreasing: 1 capful to 3 cups (720ml )
- Medium Degreasing: 1 capful to 2 cups water (480ml)
- Heavy degreasing: 1 capful to 1 cup water (240ml)
- Window, glass, floor cleaning: 1 capful to 2-3 litre water
(add half-cup of white vinegar may enhance the cleansing)
You will have to get over the less than luscious foaming cleaning scene, the cleaning power is brilliant and I personally choose safety and peace of mind over squeakiness! Try it.
ANCIENT WISDOM
Wellness with the 12 Scriptural Oils
This post is contributed by One Drop founder – Kai Tan
It is absolutely common to read hundreds of uses for just ONE essential oil. Have you ever raised your eyebrows and wondered suspiciously if someone was trying to “over-sell” the abilities of this liquid with some smell?
City dwellers like myself – raised with plasters, paracetamol and green cough syrups were pretty much educated in the way of A-Pill-for-A-Problem. Until we realized this. The problem keeps coming back. And it seems to be getting fiercer each time. Then a new pill jazzes into the pharmacies – claiming to be tougher, more intense but we don’t fully know what the side effects are. This crazy little cycle then keeps repeating itself.
And then we finally look outside of this unending maze of entrapment and are greeted by a very simple solution: God’s Love.
This Love manifests in the molecules of the very essences of plants He created. The efficacy of His medicine never gets outdated. It has a living wisdom that knows how to eradicate the invading viruses or dis-ease without hurting us or promoting a mutilation in the “enemy”. And the healing is always complete for mind, body and soul. I don’t think we will ever have the Science to match this. And I will be grateful that we don’t try. Ancient wisdom rocks for reasons.🙂
I’ll like to use the next 3 posts to delight in that very wisdom of the 12 Oils from the Ancient Scripture. These are the ones that were faithfully recorded in the bible; that were used as medicine, precious gifts, proclamation of love, anointing oils for prayers and blessings. Thousands of years later, these oils are absolutely still relevant and and have countless of uses to heal physically, emotionally and mentally.
ALOES (Sandalwood)
Historical Uses:
Sandalwood essential oil has been used in India for thousands of years as an enhancement to meditation and prayer. It quiets the mental chatter that can distract us in meditation. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicine for skin revitalization.
Healing Properties:
- Support immune system
- Sandalwood has 90% sesquiterpines.
Uses:
- Inhale for relaxation and enhances deep sleep
- Add 1-2 drops in ART moisturizing cream or V6 for deeper skin support
- Rub 1-2 drops into dry hair to restore moisture
- Fill a large bowl with steaming water and add a drop of Sandalwood to it. Cover your head with a towel and simply breathe. This can be helpful for respiratory and skin support
CASSIA
Historical Uses:Cassia was a key ingredient in Mose’s Holy Anointing Oil. It is also mentioned in one of the oldest known medical records, Ebers Papyrus (dating from 16th century B.C) and ancient Egyptian list of 877 prescriptions and recipes.
Healing Properties:
- Supports immune system
- Supports digestive system
Uses:
- Inhaling Cassia may help curb your sugar cravings
- Apply on stomach or bottoms of feet (dilute with V6 at least 1:4) to help support digestive system
CEDARWOOD
Historical Uses:
Throughout antiquity, Cedarwood has been used in medicines. The Egyptians used it for embalming the dead. It is used as both traditional medicine and incense in Tibet.
Healing Properties:
- Cedarwood contains 98% sesquiterpenes
- Supports lymphatic system
- Respiratory system support
Uses:
- Apply 1-2 drops of Cedarwood into palm. Dab onto temples, forehead, back of neck, bottom of nose or rims of ears to help facilitate deep sleep.
- Terry Friedmann, MD found in clinical tests that this essential oil was able to help calm and relax children.
- Place Cedarwood on your thumb and press to the roof of your mouth to release blocks to learning!
- Apply on chest to help to support respiratory system
- Supports hair growth
- Use once a week as a luscious hair treatment:
- 1/2 cup of Veg Oil (V6, Olive or Jojoba)
- 5 drops of Cedarwood
- 5 drops of Sandalwood
- 5 drops of Spikenard
- 5 drops of Myrrh
CYPRESS
Historical Uses:
The oil of cypress originated from a tree so durable that the doors of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome are made from it and show no signs of decay even after 1,200 years.
Healing Properties:
- May improves circulation
- Supports cardio system
Uses:
- Inhale or diffuse to ease the feeling of loss and create a sense of security and grounding
- Apply the oil in the inner arms or thighs (away from the wounded area) may help stop bleeding
- To support cardio system, apply Cypress on the spot 1 inch below ring finger where the nerve ending points of the heart is located
- Use it alone or in the following recipes:
- Morning blend – Dilute blend 60:40 with V6
- 10 drops tangerine
- 10 drops cypress
- Evening blend – Dilute blend 60:40 with V6
- 8 drops Geranium
- 5 drops Cypress
- 5 drops Helicrysum or Grapefruit
- Morning blend – Dilute blend 60:40 with V6
Go to part 2 of this series : Ancient Wisdom – Wellness with Essential Oils (Part 2)
Kai is the founder of OneDrop. She and her team supports oil users via https://www.facebook.com/groups/sgonedrop/. If you like Kai’s articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils, please feel free to get in touch with Kai here or sign up directly here.
ANCIENT WISDOM
Wellness with the 12 Scriptural Oils
This post is contributed by One Drop founder – Kai Tan
(continues from Part 1)
FRANKINCENSE
Historical Uses:Frankincense is considered the “holy anointing oil” in the Middle East and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. It is well known during the times of Christ for its anointing and healing powers and was one of the gifts given to Christ at His birth. “Used to treat every conceivable ill known to man”, Frankincense was valued more than Gold in the ancient times.
Healing Properties:
- Useful for visualizing, improving one’s spiritual connection, and centering, it has comforting properties that help with focusing the mind and overcoming stress and despair.
- Frankincense is considered a holy anointing oil in the Middle East, where it has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. More recently, it has been used in European and American hospitals and is the subject of substantial research.
- Frankincense is also a valuable ingredient in skin care products for aging and dry skin. The ancient Egyptians used it in rejuvenation face masks.
Uses:
- Frankincense is high in sesquiterpenes
- Supports sore joint
- Supports hormonal system
- Inhale or diffuse
GALBANUM
Historical Uses:The benefits of Galbanum essential oil were documented in Egyptian times and Ancient Rome. They used it as a natural muscle relaxant; as a cough remedy, and to help with tooth abscess pain relief.
Healing Properties:
- Supports the immune system
- Supports digestive system
- Supports respiratory, circulatory, and other body systems.
- It is a spiritual oil that has been used for mediation and to increase awareness.
- Also supportive of skin.
Uses:
- When combined with Frankincense or Sandalwood, the oil frequency rises dramatically
- Galbanum is a very important scent for managing stress.
- For urinary system support, rub a couple of drops of Galbanum essential oil over lower back.
- Rub at the base of feet and spine to support circulation system.
HYSSOP
Historical Uses:
Hyssopus Officinalis grows mainly in the Mediterranean region and was known as Holy or Sacred herb in ancient times. Hyssop, due to its disinfectant and anti microbial properties, found its place even in the Old Testament as a purifier.
Healing Properties:
- Hyssop oil contains 20-40% monoterpenes and almost 50% ketones. Ketones are known to be calming emotionally.
Uses:
- Add 1-2 drops to V6 or vegetable oil to rub on chest to support respiratory system.
- For hormonal support, use 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on lower abdomen and lower back area. Can also use 8-10 drops in bath water.
- To help relieve anxiety, and for meditation, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser.
MYRRH
Historical Uses:
The resin of Myrrh was used in incenses and perfumes in ancient Egypt while the oil obtained from it was used for healing wounds in ancient Greece.The Arabian people used Myrrh for many skin conditions, such as chapped skin and wrinkles.
Myrrh was listed in Hildegard’s Medicine, a compilation of early German medicines by highly-regarded Benedictine herbalist Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179).
Healing Properties:
- Powerful immune support.
Uses:
- Supports healthy skin. The Arabian people believed it helped wrinkled, chapped, and cracked skin. Today, myrrh is widely used in oral hygiene products.
- Contains a high content of sesquiterpenes
- Used in the Scar-Be-Gone Blend to help remove scars that have been around for a long time. This blend must be mixed in sequence provided and in the precise quantities:
- 10 drops helichrysum
- 6 drops lavender
- 8 drops lemongrass
- 4 drops patchouli
- 5 drops myrrh
- 1 ounce V-6 Massage oil or virgin coconut oil
- Roll the blending bottle between your palms after adding each oil. Apply the blend topically at least 3-4 times a day.
- Face Blend for aging skin: Combine the following
- 10 drops oil of Myrrh
- 10 drops Roman Chamomile
- 5 drops Rosewood
- 5 drops Lavender
- 2 tablespoons Grape seed oil.
- Before using, wash your skin thoroughly, then massage in a portion of the formula. Apply daily. (to be continued in next post)Go to Part 3: Ancient Wisdom – Wellness with Scriptural Oils (Part 3)
Kai is the founder of OneDrop. She and her team supports oil users via https://www.facebook.com/groups/sgonedrop/. If you like Kai’s articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils, please feel free to get in touch with Kai here or sign up directly here.
