COMBAT CELLULITE
This post is contributed by One Drop member –Angel Lim
This is my personal testimony of reducing cellulite that was obviously visible to anyone standing behind me at any angle to invisible to naked eye unless I pinch my thighs for you to witness.
It all began very accidentally when I started drinking a super food supplement drink in order to improve my eyesight. I took 180ml on a daily basis. Then I started adding some essential oils in because I read in Kaye’s post that it made it taste different and more “citrusy”. So I added a couple of drops of essential oils in.
I went to Canada for Winter Harvest and I didn’t fall ill which is odd considering I always fall sick when I go to a foreign land… I don’t think it’s the food or water… I suspect it’s the bacteria from the badly circulated air that I was breathing with hundreds of other passengers in a contained aircraft. And it is true as I found out that 20% of passengers usually fall ill after a flight if someone on board is having a cough or flu. So after 2 weeks of sheer bliss and happiness of winter harvest and spending time with wonderful Young Living members, I flew home to go back to reality. I miss the cold BUT I was also surprised with good news. I was told by my family that they can’t see my cellulite anymore and asked me what happened. Guess what? I had no clue.
So I started doing some investigation and this is what I found out:-
The superfood supplement drink, Ningxia Red contains all the berries and citrus fruits. (You can check out “What’s inside the Ningxia Red and How Does it Help” in our Live Alive book. You can purchase it here) All of which nourishes, supports and strengthens our body system. I have listed one of the main functions of each ingredient that helped in combating cellulite:-
- Aronia Juice – Aids digestion
- Wolfberry Puree – Improves digestive tract health
- Plum Juice – Anti-obesity
- Pomegranate Juice – Superfood for skin and hair
- Blueberry Juice – Protects cell DNA
- Sweet Cherry Juice – Anti-oxidant support
- Tangerine Oil – Supports secretion of toxin and unwanted substances, supports digestive system and metabolic function
- Yuzu Oil – Supports digestive system and activates cell and fat burning effect
- Orange Oil – Supports circulation, inhibit accumulation of toxins and restore correct information to DNA
- Lemon Oil – Supports microcirculation, maintains normal cellular regeneration, support digestive system
And when I nourish my body with the right nutrients, I realized I stop snacking and I stop craving for junk food.
The essential oils I used were Orange, Lemon and Grapefruit.
- Orange Oil – Supports circulation, inhibit accumulation of toxins and restore correct information to DNA
- Lemon Oil – Supports micro-circulation, maintains normal cellular regeneration, support digestive system
- Grapefruit – Stimulates an enzyme called lipase to help us dissolve fat. Yes, DISSOLVE FAT! And toxins that our bodies accumulated are stored away in fat cells so by dissolving the fats, we also remove the toxins from our body! And grapefruit also aids in thinning the lymph so that it will clear through the system better.
And don’t forget to drink plenty of water cos water assists the lymph system. You need water to push out all the garbage out of your body!
Of course, watching what you put into your body is important but that will make this post a tad too long!
Angel is a member of OneDrop. If you like Angel’s articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils, please feel free to get in touch with Angel or sign up directly here.
RESTFUL SLEEP FOR BABIES & MUMMIES
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Charlene Tan
As a first-time mum, sleep is a topic that has recently become especially close to my heart. The focus is for babies to sleep as much as possible so that mummies can rest well!
For reference, check out this baby, children and adult sleep chart:
| Years \ Per day | Total Sleep (hrs) | Night Time (hrs) | Naps (hrs) |
| Newborn ~ 4 months | 16 – 18 | 8 – 9 | 7 – 9 (3-5 naps) |
| 4 ~ 12 months | 12 – 16 | 9 – 10 | 4 – 5 (2-3 naps) |
| 1 ~ 2 years | 11 – 14 | 10 – 11 | 2 – 3 (1-2 naps) |
| 3 ~ 5 years | 10 – 13 | 10 – 11 | 0 – 1 |
| 6 ~ 12 years | 9 – 12 | 10 – 11 | 0 – 1 |
| Adults | 7 – 9 | 7 – 9 | 0 |
For newborns and babies, it is important to have them sleep as much as they can both in the day and at night. Many first-time parents are excited to introduce the world to the newborn and may over-engage the senses in the day. For some parents who would prefer the baby to sleep longer through the night may try to restrict naps in the day. These activities actually result in overtired babies and compromise on the quality of their sleep.
Both babies and adults thrive on having a routine and having a fixed sleep schedule allows you to have a well-deserved rest too. For me, this worked well for Baby Aven for 6 months! Having a schedule for him allowed me to find pockets of time to rest and sleep amidst the demands of being the primary caregiver.
At around 7 months however, Baby Aven decided that he was all grown up and naps are not for him. It was extremely difficult to get him to nap in the day. The maximum number of nap hours he would take in the day was 2 hours! The sudden change in his once predictable sleeping pattern threw me off guard. I was frustrated and upset with Baby Aven and would try ways and means to get him to stick to his old schedule. We can’t win a baby, can we? After one week with many failed attempts, it struck me – if he’s not following his schedule, then maybe the schedule needed to change to suit his new needs! After all, we are all unique individuals and will have different needs at different stages of growth.
Take time out to learn about your child’s needs and adapt your schedule accordingly. I focused on his total sleep hours instead of the number of naps in the day. So, I would have Baby Aven begin his sleep routine earlier at 5.30 – 6pm and if he wakes up earlier than 7am the next day, I would leave him in his cot and not engage him until his supposed wake time.
I’ve found the following routine and actions extremely useful in promoting a baby’s sleep:
1) Implement a fixed routine before bedtime
Performing the same set of actions daily from birth will help your baby recognise the cues for bedtime. Come up with your bedtime routine and do it every day. This is Aven’s bedtime routine for your reference:
- Wash his bum bum with Kidscents shower gel
- Sing a song and wipe him down with clean warm water
- Change into a new set of diaper
- Quick massage (see next point)
- Change into his long sleeves pyjamas
- Feed him his milk
- Pat to sleep
2) Gentle massage with Sensation Massage Oil
- Pump Sensation Massage Oil on hand and rub your palms together
- This action is to promote rest and bonding between mummy and baby. Therefore, technique is not important over here. Focus on your touch and build that connection with your child
3) Diffuse your child’s favourite essential oil
Some of my favourite oils for Baby Aven’s night time diffuser are:
Single Oils: Cedarwood, Idaho Balsam Fir, Northern Light Black Spruce, Pine, Cypress, Hinoki
Blends: Gentle Baby, Peace and Calming, Sacred Mountain, Stress Away
Blends: Gentle Baby, Peace and Calming, Sacred Mountain, Stress Away
You may notice that my choice of single oils consists of oils from big, tall trees. If you have ever been to the woods, you would have experienced a very special sense of serenity and calm. These oils from the big, tall trees help to promote a sense of security and stability. The blends, as evident in their names, promote the emotions that will support the baby in sleep and rest.
4) Sing or hum a lullaby
Honestly, the tune, pitch and lyrics do not matter to the baby. What your baby wants to hear is your voice, and to feel your calming presence. Apply some oils on your chest and neck, and allow yourself to unwind for the day too. Rockstarpapasan’s favourite tune is Edelweiss. Seems to work 90% of the time with Baby Aven.
These suggestions may help to promote rest for your baby and you too! Ultimately, you will want to pay attention to your baby’s growth and adapt your schedule accordingly. I pray that as mums, we get to rest as much as possible so that we may have the energy to give as much of ourselves to our families!
Charlene is a trained ontological coach who partners women in discovering and embracing their innate giftings and strengths. She has incorporated Young Living into her profession, and home. Today, she travels extensively to empower women in achieving balance and help other mothers embrace the Young Living lifestyle. Follow her adventures at www.mygiftroom.me or @minimomma on Instagram. If you like Charlene’s articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils, please feel free to get in touch with Charlene or sign up directly here.
THE ART OF SLEEP
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Ranna Seah.
Being someone who do not like to think too much, sleep has never been difficult for me. I use to be very proud of the fact that I can sleep anywhere, anytime and even under pressure from deadlines. However, all that changed after I became a mother.
I couldn’t sleep well for 4 whole years as I was waking up constantly in the middle of the night to make sure my baby is breathing. Yes, its crazy, I know. I could not help it. And it got worse whenever she falls sick. I could stay up the whole night just to check her temperature.
So I was miserable, tired, cranky, stressed and jittery for 4 whole years!!!
Some kind soul by the name of Joanne Ng then introduced me to Young Living Essential oils. I started to ingest Grapefruit Vitality in the hope of losing weight but to my utmost surprise…I started to sleep better! And for the first time after 4 years, I was able to sleep deeply. Wow…I was blown. My sleep got better and my energy came back. Even the sinseh I was seeing felt my pulse and remarked how much better I was than before.
I did a little research and it seems that grapefruit is an awesome lymphatic drainage support. The ingesting of Grapefruit supported my lymphatic system and set my immune system back to work and thus! I am able to sleep well again. Amazing isn’t it?
However, if you just want to know what oils to use for an awesome sleep,
here are my top 5 essential oils for supporting healthy sleep…
1. Lavender
The easiest and must-have oil in every household. Lavender is well-known for its relaxing and calming effects for literally everyone.
2. Frankincense
This is very important to me as it helped calm my daughter down from an over-stimulated evening and ensured her sleep quality…thus ensuring mine as well.
3. Cedarwood
I once diffused Lavender + Cedarwood and I had the best best sleep of my life as I find my mind relaxed enough to send me into sleep where I start to dream again.
4. Ylang ylang
Ylang ylang means “flower of flowers.” Historically, the ylang ylang flower has been used to cover the beds of newlywed couples on their wedding night. That’s because this powerful oil helps to balance male and female energies, supports focus and restores peace.
I couldn’t stand the smell then…but the message of self-love that Ylang Ylang carries, made me feel loved and thus ensure a great sleep.
5. Vetiver
Because vetiver essential oil is distilled from the roots of the plant, it has a very rich and earthy smell. It is psychologically grounding, calming and stabilizing. HOWEVER, it is so thick that most mommies almost fall asleep waiting for the one drop of oil to come out of the orfice…hahaha…
How to use essential oils for sleep support.
When using essential oils to help the whole family sleep through the night, there are two main methods I like to use:
Topical.
For my Heidi, I will just take 1-2 drops of essential oil, mix it with V6 and apply all over her back, giving her a good back massage.
For myself and my husband, I will take 1-3 drops of essential oil and apply to the back of my neck, chest and inside of my wrists. Allow a few minutes for the essential oils to absorb a bit. I will usually take any leftover oil, rub it between my hands, cup over my nose and inhale.
Aromatic.
Diffuse 8 drops of the selected essential oil with the dewdrop diffuser. My favourite to diffuse for a great sleep is Lavender (4 drops) + Cedarwood (4 drops).
If you like my articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils or have further clarifications, please drop me a message here or email me at fabulana@gmail.com. If you are ready to sign up as member to purchase, you can click here. I would love to support you in using the oils for yourself and your loved ones.
BLENDS TO MANAGE STRESS
This post is contributed by One Drop Business Manager – Kaye Ng.
Stress is often thrown about and used casually. But stress really affects our bodies in everyway – even physically.
Extracted from Mayo Clinic:
Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that nagging headache, your frequent insomnia or your decreased productivity at work. But stress may actually be the culprit. Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Its almost impossible not to be stressed, but there are tons of various ways to manage your stress levels and using the oils is one of the best ways to do so. The smells do not just calm you down, they also work in your body to lower cortisol levels.
Go ahead and try these roller bottle blends and roll it over your heart or even lower back.
Give the roller ball recipes an extra boost and get a good night’s rest or a relaxing atmosphere at home with some diffuser recipes as well.
If you are interested in trying out the Young Living oils, do drop me an email at kaye@onedrop.sg or sign up to buy the products here (only for YL oils).
BLENDS TO HELP SLEEP
This post is contributed by One Drop Business Manager – Kaye Ng.
Sleep is one of those funny things – some days you hate it. Esp when you are tired and have tons of work to do other days you just love to sleep and wish to sleep on and on and on.
Sleep is not JUST for rest, it is VITAL for you body. Your body heals and repairs itself when its resting. So it is important to sleep. Without sleep, you might find yourself tired, cranky and falling sick easily. In fact many people die from overworking their bodies and not getting enough rest. SLEEP IS IMPORTANT. YOU NEED IT.
However with the stressors in our daily life it is not always easy to fall asleep. The oils are great to help you sleep. Either to fall alseep, or to even sleep through the night. Here are some oils to create in a roller bottle to assist you in sleeping soundly. Apply to the bottom of your big toes, or/and your brain stem.
and to seal in the deal, its def gd to be breathing in some oils to feel relaxed and calm – I believe it also helps to keep you in nice deep relaxed sleep through the night.
I hope u find this useful! 🙂 Sleep tight people!
If you are interested in trying out the Young Living oils, do drop me an email at kaye@onedrop.sg or sign up to buy the products here (only for YL oils).
