STUDY SUPPORT
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Ranna Seah.
It’s October and we are facing one of the biggest challenges ever…FINAL YEAR EXAM! It was exactly this experience which spurn this blog because we have some of the greatest tools on hand to support our kiddos through this. (I am not sure if I am in time for parents with kiddos going through the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) which is such a huge determining factor of the child’s future. But I hope you can still have some key take away from this sharing.)
Well…it is a universal fact that a lot of studying is done by the brain (with the help of the other senses like sight, smell and sound). The brain controls speech, movements, thoughts and regulates the function of many organs. So it is the brain we should target support at.
Before we start, let us learn a little bit of the chemistry of essential oils first so we know how they work. I’ve already made it as painless as possible already…but it is this 3 we must know about: Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes and Phenolics. (If the information is too much for you, you may just skip to the last part to see what oils to use and etc…)
Monoterpenes react readily to air and heat sources. Most of our citrus oils are high in monoterpene and have a quick reaction to air, are readily oxidized and thus does not last very long.
Oils high in monoterpenes supported breathing, are energizing and uplifting. They have a stimulating effect on your concentration. They promote clarity of thought and purposes.
Oils high in Monoterpenes:
- Citrus Oils
- Elemi
- Fennel
- Angelica
- Frankincense
- Cypress
- Black Pepper
- Black Spruce
- Juniper
- Myrtle
- Nutmeg
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Sesquiterpene molecules deliver oxygen molecules to cells and they are heavier than monoterpenes and they tend to appear only at the end towards the end of the distillation process. (This is also why it is important to buy oils from companies who really take the time to understand the plant and distill the materials enough to get all the goodness.)
Because essential oils high in sesquiterpenes are known to cross the blood brain barrier, they can stimulate brain activity in a non-toxic way, and one can hope and wait to see what possible benefits will appear. Particularly with sesquiterpenes molecules that are brain oxygenating.
Oils high in Sesquiterpenes:
- Black Pepper
- Cedarwood
- German Chamomile
- Clary Sage
- Copaiba
- Ginger
- Helichrysum
- Sandalwood
- Patchouli
- Myrrh
- Vetiver
- Frankincense
- Sacred Frankincense
- Eucalyptus Globulous
- Melissa
- Nutmeg
Phenolics clean receptor sites of cells. They typically have a high level of oxygenating molecules too. Phenols in oils carry many benefits but need to be applied with care and common sense as some of them can be very strong and can irritate the skin or create inflammation to sensitive tissues of the mouth or face. Oils containing Phenols have been used to support the nervous system and for lifting moods.
Oils high in Phenolics are:
- Wintergreen
- Anise
- Clove
- Basil
- Tarragon
- Fennel
- Oregano
- Thyme
Some recorded effects of aromas on the brain:
- The fragrances of diffused oils such as Lemon, have been reported to increase memory retention and recall.
- In a study conducted by Dr. Dember in the University of Cincinnati in 1994, shows that inhaling Peppermint increased mental accuracy by 28%.
- Pepper, Grapefruit and Fennel oils have been found to stimulate brain activity.
- In a study 2017 study involving 53 secondary school students aged 13-15 years old from Ukrainian metropolis, they found that the participants who inhaled rosemary essential oils has significantly increased short-term memory. Inhalation of rosemary also increased the memorization of numbers as well.
We have a whole list of oils you can consider to diffuse for the studying head, but the number one on my list for diffusing and thus oxygenating the brain is Cedarwood (at night) and Lemon (while revising). Oils such as Rosemary, Lavender, Thieves, Peppermint diffused can be really supportive too.
Besides diffusing, here’s how to get the oils on topically for the studying head:
Apply 2-3 drops on temples, forehead, mastoids (bone behind ears), and in brain stem (back of neck) as needed 3-6 times daily. Dilute 50:50 with V6 if necessary.
Oils to consider:
- Frankincense
- Brain Power
- Sandalwood
- Gathering
- Sacred Frankincense
Or you can even DIY your own Memory blend in a 5ml bottle:
- 2 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Geranium
- 3 drops Rosemary
- 3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
- 2 drops Tangerine
- 1 drop Spearmint
Top up with V6 and add on a roller!
Clinical studies on Ningxia Wolfberry have shown that it has an anti-senility effect and high oxidant foods such as spinach and blueberry dramatically improved learning and cognition. So, do make sure you load your kiddos with Ningxia Red, give them a pack to bring to school every day and serve them their greens to keep their brain weight healthy.
I wanna go into how processed food and white sugar can affect healthy brains but that will be another topic. 🙂
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.
3 DIY RECIPES FOR CHRISTMAS
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Kaye Ng.
There is so much DIY you can do with your essential oils. Best of all, it’s not just making them for fun, but when you make your own DIYs, you can ensure that you are not adding any toxic chemicals into your products! This ensures that they are safe for everyone around you and will not cause problems in your system.
Here are 3 easy DIYs you can do:
🎄Holiday Joy Perfume
- 20 drops Peppermint
- 20 drops Frankincense
- 30 drops Cedarwood
- 5-ounce glass spray bottle
Mix all the oils together. After, add 4 ounces of vodka. Mix it well. After that, place the bottle in a cool dark place for several days (or up to several weeks) to let the scent develop. This allows the alcohol scent to fade and the scent of the essential oils to develop and intensify.
🎄Festive Sugar Scrub
- 6 drops Peppermint
- 2 drops Orange
- 2 drops Pine
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Glass Jar
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and place into the jar. To use, scoop out a small amount and rub onto desired areas for exfoliating action.
🎄Minty Lip Balm
- 10 drops Peppermint
- 2 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- 2 teaspoons Beeswax Pellets
- 1/4 oz Glass Jars or Lip Gloss Containers
Melt beeswax and coconut oil together using a double broiler method: Place both ingredients into a glass Pyrex measuring cup and place the measuring cup into a pan with gently boiling water. Stir with a popsicle stick until melted. Once melted, remove from heat and mix in drops of essential oil. The mixture will harden very quickly so be fast and make sure you have everythig on hand. Pour evenly into as many lip balm containers as needed. You might need up to 5 containers. Once cooled completely, apply onto your lips.
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 kaye@onedrop.sg. 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.
3 BAKING RECIPES FOR CHRISTMAS
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Ranna Seah.
Hello! It’s that time of the year when we get busy with planning for activities for our kiddos who are off school or entertaining friends for small gatherings? I thought consolidating some of the tried and tested recipes for easy baking with our wonderful Vitality/Plus series oils.
Here’s 3 carefully selected recipes for baking with your oils:
1) Guilt-Free Peppermint Brownies
(Recipe tested by my daughter Heidi Lam and she adores this!!!)
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 15-ounce can low-sodium black beans
- 1/3 Cup Coconut oil
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 Teaspoon salt
- 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 3 Eggs
- 2 drops Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Rinse and drain black beans.
- Melt coconut oil on stove until clear.
- Blend all ingredients except eggs in food processer until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, lightly whisk eggs until well beaten.
- Fold into chocolate mixture.
- Pour mixture into a greased 8×8 pan and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Let cool 15 minutes then cut.
- Let cool another 15 minutes and serve.
2) Lemon Crinkle Cookies
(recipe tried and tested by Wendy Lauw )
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 10 Tablespoon Softened Butter
- 1 Cup + 2 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Large Egg Yolk
- 1 Large Egg at Room Temperature
- 8 to 12 drops of Lemon Vitality Essential Oil
- 2 Tablespoon Milk
- 1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C or 350F and line your trays with parchment paper.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1 ½ inch balls, roll in powdered sugar and place on tray.
- Note to keep the cookies 2 inches apart. Bake 10-11 minutes and remove before the edges get brown. Cool 5 mins before moving to baker rack to cool.
3) Orange Infused Choc Chip Cookies
(Recipe tried and tested by Kaye Ng in another blog entry)
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Cup Lightly Packed Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Granulated White Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter Softened at Room Temperature
- 1 Large Egg at Room Temperature
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Chunks
- 4 Drops of Young Living Orange Vitality Essential Oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C or 350F and line your trays with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the softened butter and the two sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the egg and stir well until it is incorporated and there are no longer dark streaks from the egg yolk.
4. Add in the vanilla extract, salt and baking soda and stir until well mixed.
5. Stir in the flour and the chocolate chips until just combined. Stop when there are no more lumps of flour.
6. Drop in the orange vitality essential oil and stir until combined.
7. Drop by tablespoonfuls on the baking tray, leaving about 2.5 inches allowance for expansion during baking.
8. Bake for about 9-11 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
9. Cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
And if your guests fancy something hot…why not make them a cup of Lavender Hot Chocolate?
4) Lavender Hot Chocolate Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups unsweetened almond, dairy, or other milk of your choice
- 8 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons honey, or more to taste
- 4 Drops of Young Living Lavender Vitality Essential Oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat 4 cups of milk in a saucepan on medium-high heat.
- Add 8 tablespoons unsweetened raw cocoa, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 4 teaspoons honey; whisk until smooth.
- When warm, remove from heat and stir in 4 drops Lavender Vitality essential oil.
- Serve and enjoy!
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.
2 DIY RECIPES FOR LOVE
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Ranna Seah.
1) ELEGANT ROSE SUGAR SCRUB
The rose took on this meaning because of its affiliation with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In Greek mythology, it is said that rose bushes grew from the ground through Aphrodite’s tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis. The Romans, who turned Aphrodite into their goddess Venus, kept the rose as her symbol of love and beauty. So when Valentine’s Day became the mainstream holiday we know today, the rose was an obvious choice for the most fitting gift.
WHAT DOES A SUGAR SCRUB DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
The main purpose of a sugar scrub is to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, revealing new skin. Homemade body scrub allows you to control what you put in your recipes and what you put on your body and it worked just as, if not even better than OTC sugar scrub, leaving your skin cleansed, exfoliated and moisturised. And it is very easy to make!
TYPES OF SUGAR TO USE FOR SUGAR BODY SCRUBS
There are three main types of sugar you can choose from when making homemade sugar scrubs. The following information are just for your knowledge. For this recipe, we will go with pure cane sugar as it looked better with rose petals.
- Brown sugar is the least abrasive making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin, and a good choice when making a face scrub. Since it is the gentlest, it can be used up to 4 times a week.
- Pure cane sugar (unrefined white) is good for all skin types and contains some essential nutrients to feed the skin. Can be used 2 – 3 times per week.
- Turbinado sugar (raw) is naturally the coarsest due to its large granules and makes for a great body scrub. It is the least processed of the three and holds the most essential minerals. Body scrubs made with raw sugar can be used up to 2 times a week.
MATERIALS:
- 1 cup pure cane sugar
- 1/2 cup dried or fresh rose petals
- 3 tbs of V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex
- 6-8 drops of Rose Essential Oil
- Optional: 1 tsp of Vanilla Essence or 10 drops of Vanilla Essential Oils
INSTRUCTIONS
- To make the sugar scrub, start with 1 cup of dried rose petals.
- Pulse the petals in a food processor until they become teeny tiny flakes.
- Combine the crushed petals with the sugar, V-6 and essential oils
- This easy sugar scrub recipe can be made with fresh or dried rose petals. Simply add the sugar and rose petals to a food processor and blend until both ingredients are combined. Pink rose petals create a soft pink hue. Optionally, add a little pink mica* for a stronger pink colour.
- If you want to switch it up, add 1 tsp vanilla extract or 20 drops vanilla oleoresin to make vanilla rose sugar scrub.
- Mix well and then spoon into a storage container. This recipe makes about 16-18 ounces of sugar scrub, so it fits nicely into a pint sized mason jar. Just add a cute fabric jar topper and a ribbon, and it would make a wonderful gift idea!
Pink Mica* is natural shimmer pigment derived from the mineral Muscovite Mica, coated with iron oxide, cosmetic-grade fineness (particle size 10-60 microns).Because it is naturally produced it is a particularly well-loved ingredient among organic and natural beauty brands, and is safe to use on almost all skin types with little to no side effects.
CREDIT: Original Recipes and steps credit to www.happinessishomemade.net
2) Romantic Chocolate Body Butter
Chocolate is considered aphrodisiac food since the time of Aztecs. Chocolate is said to contain substance that inflames desire and make the beloved one more open to romance. In olden days, this resulted in the tradition in European royalty to give their lovers chocolates mixed with amber to stimulate their love.
WHAT IS A BODY BUTTER?
A body butter is normally a type of oil-based cream that doesn’t incorporate any water like a lotion. Body butters usually comprised of a mixture of oils and butters that are often whipped together to give them a lighter texture.
Because they are denser than lotions, they are also more occlusive, meaning that they can create a barrier that helps keep moisture from leaving your skin. That also makes them last longer on your skin than a lotion.
And because they lack water, they also normally have a longer shelf life.
MATERIALS:
- 140 g shea butter
- 60 g coconut oil
- 2-3 tsp cocoa powder
- 5 g vitamin E
- 10 drops of Ylang Ylang
- 10 drops of Geranium
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Weigh out the shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler or double boiler insert. The easiest way to do it is to add each to the recipient and then tare the scale between each ingredient to get the scale back to zero.
- Heat the double boiler until the butter have melted.
- Add in the cocoa powder, and mix together thoroughly until it is well incorporated into your mixture. Pour the mixture into a stainless steel bowl that will fit into your freezer.
- Place the mixture into the freezer or into an ice bath to cool the mixture as quickly as possible. This will help prevent a grainy texture in the final product.
- After a few minutes have passed, remove the mixture from the freezer and use a spatula to wipe the solidified butters off the sides of the pan. Beat everything together.
- If the mixture is relatively cool, you can now add your heat sensitive ingredients: the vitamin E and the essential oils. Whip them together with the rest of the ingredients, and place the mixture back in the freezer again for a few more minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the freezer again and, once again, use a spatula to remove the solidified butter from the sides of the bowl. Use the beater to whip everything together.
- Continue the cycle of freezing and whipping until the mixture has solidified enough to keep its shape.
- You can now spoon or pipe your mixture into their final storage containers. I like using glass jars with metal lids for body butters.
CREDIT: Original Recipes and steps credit to thethingswellmake.com
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.
INTERMITTENT FASTING
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Marina Heng.
My health & wellness journey consist of regular exercise (jog, run or brisk walk), TCM herbs & treatments to balance the Qi (flow of energy), deep tissue massage and a balance diet.
Ranna has asked me to share my “Intermittent Fasting (IF)” experience after we bump into each other at Young Living Experience Centre in Singapore the other day. She wanted to know secrets to keeping my shape and it was Intermittent Fasting. I am no expert and I did a lot of research before I started my journey. So here’s sharing some IF information with you.
1. What is Intermittent Fasting (IF)?
Weight loss without dieting or following a strict exercise routine. Results in weeks, not months!! Intermittent fasting works by prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat.
Weight loss without dieting or following a strict exercise routine. Results in weeks, not months!! Intermittent fasting works by prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat.
2. How to do Intermittent Fasting?
Here’s how it works : Between specified times of the day you don’t eat anything, you fast.
16:8 intermittent fasting is a form of time-restricted fasting. It involves consuming foods during an 8-hour window and avoiding food, or fasting, for the remaining 16 hours each day. For example, from 8pm until noon the next day you establish a fasting window. Outside of this window, you can eat what you want – within reason.
Here’s how it works : Between specified times of the day you don’t eat anything, you fast.
16:8 intermittent fasting is a form of time-restricted fasting. It involves consuming foods during an 8-hour window and avoiding food, or fasting, for the remaining 16 hours each day. For example, from 8pm until noon the next day you establish a fasting window. Outside of this window, you can eat what you want – within reason.
Important to note: It can take two to four weeks before the body becomes accustomed to intermittent fasting. You might feel hungry or cranky while you’re getting used to the new routine.
Advantages : IF conditions your body to accept and thrive on fewer calories. You will be less hungry and food cravings become rare. Why is that? Your body stops using the glucose from your food, it will switch to burning your glucose that has been stored in your body. You will feel fitter and more energized.
3. Young Living Products that can support your Fasting Window:
- Vitality Drops – add to your drinking water to freshen the taste during your fast.
- Grapefruit Essential Oil – the scent of Grapefruit can help carve appetite.
- Ning Xia Red – to nourish your body when you break your fast.
- Nitro – to provide the energy if you feel sluggish after the fast
During the times when you’re not eating, water and zero-calorie beverages such as black coffee and tea are permitted. Be mindful and take pleasure in eating good, nutritious food – pick complex, unrefined carbohydrates such as whole grains, leafy greens, healthy fats and lean protein in your meals.
Always check with your doctor before starting on your Intermittent fasting. Longer periods without food, such as 24, 36, 48 and 72-hour fasting periods, are not necessarily better for you and may be dangerous. Going too long without eating might actually encourage your body to start storing more fat in response to starvation. 😱
4. Result of being on the fast
After a week of fasting, I experienced: more energy, less brain fog, flatter tummy, lose a few kilos, bowels are looser, light and floats due to choice of consuming unprocessed clean food.
I am also very cautious of my diet. My meals usually comprise of pan fried or steamed fish, roasted or steamed chicken, pan fried beef steak, with lots of coloured vegetables and fruits (berries, kiwi, avocado, pineapple). I also make sure I do exercise at least 2 times per week – jogging or brisk walking.
5. Other known benefits of Intermittent Fasting:
Some intermittent fasting benefits research has recorded the following benefits:
• Thinking and memory.
Studies discovered that intermittent fasting boosts working memory in animals and verbal memory in adult humans.
• Thinking and memory.
Studies discovered that intermittent fasting boosts working memory in animals and verbal memory in adult humans.
• Heart health.
Intermittent fasting improved blood pressure and resting heart rates as well as other heart-related measurements.
Intermittent fasting improved blood pressure and resting heart rates as well as other heart-related measurements.
• Physical performance.
Young men who fasted for 16 hours showed fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. Mice who were fed on alternate days showed better endurance in running.
Young men who fasted for 16 hours showed fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. Mice who were fed on alternate days showed better endurance in running.
• Diabetes and obesity.
In animal studies, intermittent fasting prevented obesity. And in six brief studies, obese adult humans lost weight through intermittent fasting.
In animal studies, intermittent fasting prevented obesity. And in six brief studies, obese adult humans lost weight through intermittent fasting.
• Tissue health.
In animals, intermittent fasting reduced tissue damage in surgery and improved results.
Before you try intermittent fasting (or any diet), you should check in with your doctor first.
In animals, intermittent fasting reduced tissue damage in surgery and improved results.
Before you try intermittent fasting (or any diet), you should check in with your doctor first.
The following group should steer clear of trying intermittent fasting:
• Children and teens under age 18.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• People with diabetes or blood sugar problems.
• Those with a history of eating disorders.
• Children and teens under age 18.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• People with diabetes or blood sugar problems.
• Those with a history of eating disorders.
People not in these categories who can do intermittent fasting safely can continue the regimen indefinitely – “It can be a lifestyle change and one with benefits.”
Keep in mind that intermittent fasting may have different effects on different people. Talk to your doctor if you start experiencing unusual anxiety, headaches, nausea or other symptoms after you start intermittent fasting.
*Credits: – Fastic App and Hopkins Medicine.org
If you like Marina’s article and would like to purchase the Young Living oils or have further clarifications, please drop her a message here or email her at hengmarina@gmail.com. If you are ready to sign up as member to purchase, you can click here. Marina is also available on Facebook and Instagram. She would love to support you in using the oils for yourself and your loved ones.