Protect Your Skin In Hostile Environments

I don’t know about you, but this time of year makes my skin so dry. I am sure this is especially true for those of you who live in colder climates where you find yourselves indoors for most of the day, and covered in many layers of clothes. Add to that the effects of artificial heat sources, and your skin is about as supple as your typical dried-out alligator basking in the Florida sun.

In addition to being rough and cracked, dried out skin is more prone to injury. For instance, paper cuts are much more common in the winter when dry skin is more sensitive to tears. Injuries aren’t the only concern with dry skin.  Without moisture, skin often appears pale, giving you a sallow and exhausted look. So on top of feeling rough, your skin is looking rough, too.

So, what can you do? If you really want to know how to combat this, I suggest you try some of doTERRA’s Citrus Bliss Lotion.

Infusing  doTERRA’s Citrus Bliss Essential Oil Blend with a powerful and highly-absorbent lotion provides you with a delightfully aromatic experience as it softens and hydrates your skin.

Don’t believe me? Check this out: Studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C and its role in collagen synthesis make vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health.  It is believed that dietary and topical sources of vitamin C have beneficial effects on skin cells. Some studies have even shown that vitamin C may help prevent pre-maturing aging and may help repair sun-damaged skin.

DoTERRA’s Citrus Bliss Essential Oil Blend combines the powerful essences of Wild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, Tangerine, and Clementine with a hint of Vanilla Absolute.  Almost all of these components have very high concentrations of vitamin C. On top of that, everyone knows how uplifting citrusy scents are. We have all experienced the aroma of a recently-peeled orange, lemon,  or grapefruit. It is invigorating to the spirit. Using Citrus Bliss lotion allows you to experience the emotional and physical benefits of this vitamin-C-rich combination.

So, why not try doTERRA’s Citrus Bliss Lotion this winter as a means to improve the feel and appearance of your skin and possibly reverse the damaging effects of the sun. In addition to that, the energizing smell is sure to provide a lift to your mood on days when it appears the weather is trying to do nothing more than bring it down. 

A Beadlet a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

How do you put a price on good health?

The truth is you can’t. And with OnGuard’s Protective Blend Beadlets, you don’t have to.

One reason for this is because doTERRA offers this easy to carry travel pack for only $20. And given the container holds 125 of these beadlets, that is a price of $.16 a serving. Taken just a couple times a day, you can protect your health for less than the price of a large gumball.

On Guard Beadlets

A second reason you don’t have to worry about the price of protecting your health with this doTERRA product is because this month, the OnGuard Beadlets are the February essential oil raffle item.

So, what can you use these for? There are lots of situations when you will be glad to have these Beadlets on your person. Here are just a few:

·         Taking to the air for some winter-getaway-travel? Arrive at your destination free of any cold and flu symptoms that may be floating around the re-circulating air in the plane’s cabin.

·         Do you carpool or take public transportation to work. Take a Beadlet before you leave and after you arrive to alleviate any concerns about the health and hygiene habits of the people around you.

·         Got an annoying co-worker who hacks all over your work space? No worries. You can protect yourself from their illnesses by taking an OnGuard Beadlet every morning and evening.

·         Are you a parent with too many responsibilities to be sick? Maybe you are a healthcare worker or a teacher who comes into contact with a lot of different (and often ill) individuals each day. Taking an OnGuard Beadlet twice a day gives your immune system an extra shot of protection to keep you going when those around you are not.

·         Do you want to just have constant good health? Do you not want to have to worry about introducing nasty little germs into your system? If that is the case, OnGuard Beadlets are a must for you.

For more information about OnGuard Beadlets, or to sign up for my FREE newsletter that provides information on essential oils, go to: http://www.joanscannell.com/essential_oils.html

To directly purchase OnGuard Beadlets, click here: http://www.mydoterra.com/joanscannell/

Avoid the 'Hack-Attack' with Breathe

This is the time of year when everyone around you seems to be getting sick. Maybe you noticed it at the holiday gatherings or perhaps in your work place. Regardless of where it happens, it is a struggle to avoid finding yourself in the middle of ‘Germ Central.’

And, if you are anything like me, you are probably super-sensitive to the ‘hackers’ of the world. You know who they are. They are the ones who sneeze in your general proximity and barely cover their mouths. They may grab a tissue and walk over to speak with you while they blow their nose. While I am sure these actions are an innocent faux pas, it is still annoying and … let’s be honest, disgusting.

Rather than panic or get angry, there are many things one can do about this. One powerful step you can take is to use doTERRA’s On Guard protective essential oil blend regularly to keep your immunity strong. Using this blend twice a day is essential for illness prevention.

However, I understand that sometimes, people forget or they just decide to ‘tempt fate,’ and risk illness. If you choose to do this, it is likely you will contract some sort of respiratory infection. In the event this happens, fear not. You do have a back-up plan available.

At this point, your best move is to use Breathe, doTERRA’s respiratory blend.

Enhanced with the powerful respiratory benefits of Cardamom, Breathe is a remarkable blend of essential oils that combine to help you breathe easier. Breathe supports healthy respiratory function when seasonal threats are high and can be used safely by all members of the family to soothe airways and promote clear breathing.

This proprietary blend consists of Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara, and Cardamom essential oils, all known for their positive effects on the respiratory system. Breathe can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote sleep.

For best effectiveness, Breathe can be used in the following ways:

Diffuse, inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest or feet when seasonal and environmental threats are high.

It can be used when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal changes.

It can be diffused in room to promote clear breathing and at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep.

I can assist the snorer in your family - just rub Breathe on his or her chest before bed for a better night’s rest.

Keep Your Guard up When it Comes to Your Health

Do I have a surprise for you!!!

Maybe it is the holiday season, and I am feeling generous. Or, maybe it is the fact that I know the holiday season brings gatherings and close contact, which – in turn – can lead to colds and illness that intensify the hang-over effect we feel in January during the aftermath of our December fun.

Whatever the reason, my surprise is designed to minimize your chances of contracting some of those nasty bacterial and viral infections that are floating around this month during personal and corporate gatherings.

Use dōTERRA®'s On Guard to stay healthy this season

So what is it? The surprise if the fact that I have selected On Guard – dōTERRA®'s most potent protective oil blend – to be our raffled oil for December.  On Guard is dōTERRA®'s unique, proprietary blend formulated to support healthy immune function.  In simple terms, it is designed to keep you healthy – and boy does it ever!

The blend starts with wild orange essential oil and combines it with clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary to offer a fragrant, natural and effective alternative to synthetic options for immune support.

On Guard has a unique aroma. You might even say it smells a bit like Christmas. It can also be diffused into the air as a fine mist. This allows a natural cleansing of the environment, as well as the air we breathe.  

On Guard can be mixed with water and sprayed on counter tops as a non-toxic way to cleanse surfaces. Overall, On Guard is superb for eliminating and controlling pathogens due to the potency of the oils within the blend.

When used twice a day topically, On Guard is a highly effective means of natural protection from colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses.  The blend can be rubbed on the bottom of your feet, on your wrists, your temples or at the back of your neck. Basically, any place is okay, but these spots are the ones most recommended.

Still not sure? Listen to this: Even my reluctant family members have started using On Guard to protect themselves from illness.  I’ll often get, “Hey, where is that stuff – you know, that oil stuff – everyone is sick at school, and I don’t want to catch anything.”

After rebutting my offers in the past, those ‘Doubting Thomas’s’ learned the hard way, and are now on board.  I know you will be, too, as soon as you try it!

Even if you are not the germ-a-phobe-type, I can guarantee that you will love, love, LOVE this mixture. It is probably my favorite blend, and one of my top choices for all of dōTERRA’s products.

On Guard not only provides support to your body, it has a calming aroma that brings peace to your mind and a sense of comfort to your home.

Trust me when I say once you start experiencing the benefits of On Guard, you WILL wonder how you ever managed without it.

Don’t want to wait to see if you win? You can purchase the oil now, simply go to:  www.mydoterra.com/joanscannell/

What Do You Know About Oregano?

Oregano is a popular spice around the world. When you mention the word oregano even the most inexperienced cooks know what it tastes like and for what it can be used. That’s because oregano is what we call a “staple” in life.

I have to admit, I am not much of a cook. I have a few main dishes that consist primarily of chicken and seafood. I have been known to cook an acceptable Thanksgiving meal or two as well. These aren’t necessarily the best meals you will ever eat, but they certainly won’t be the worst either. J The reason for this is because I don’t follow set recipes. I am a cook-as-I-go kinda girl. I throw on a bit of this, a bunch of that and then stick it in the oven and hope for the best.

Invariably, one of my common “secret” ingredients with all these dishes is oregano – yes, even on the Thanksgiving bird!

Oregano has been around for as long as you can search history. It has been used for culinary purposes, medicinal reasons, and was believed to hold magical properties. In ancient Greece and China oregano was a used as a poison antidote. Other medical uses included skin irritations infections, fainting and convulsions. Oregano had other uses as well. According to Greek lore also oregano was created by goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of happiness. For this reason, the Greek believed using oregano in marriage ceremony would provide joy and usage of oregano in funerals would convey peace to the dead. (Maybe that is why it ends up in my cooking? Lol)

The English also used Oregano to encourage good luck and good health.

While modern day uses of Oregano focus primarily on cooking, there are still many health benefits to adding Oregano and DoTerra Oregano essential oil to your daily routine. Extra through steam dilation of the most potent and therapeutic plant sources, DoTerra Oregano essential oil provides a bevy of health benefits.

Antibacterial – Oregano is by far one of the most potent anti-bacterial agents found in nature. Used topically, the oil works well to cleanse open and closed skin surfaces. Diffused in the air, Oregano is an effective immune booster. The vapors are absorbed into your blood stream through your lungs and the oil assists your system in fighting infections throughout your body.

Expectorant – Oregano works as a natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory. When rubbed on the chest in a carrier oil or diffused in the air, Oregano assists in breaking up chest congestion due to colds and flu symptoms.

Anti-parasitic – When ingested in water or with food, Oregano essential oil can assist with the removal of intestinal parasites. When rubbed topically on the skin and in the hair, Oregano keeps away external parasites such as fleas, mosquitoes and lice. (Note – pregnant or nursing women should NEVER ingest Oregano essential oil. Anyone who suspects they have a severe medical condition such as parasites should consult their doctor as well.)

Antioxidant – Oregano essential oil helps cleanse cells of free radicals and slow the aging process  through-out your body.

In General  - Oregano essential oil has been shown to alleviate certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and athletes foot. It has also been known to treat and ease symptoms of food poisoning.

Things to keep in mind/legal ease –  Oregano essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil as high concentrations can cause skin irritations. Pregnant women should never use Oregano essential because in high concentrations it is suspected to have the ability to stimulate and regulate hormones – doing so could have potentially harmful effects. .Some people who have similar allergies (such as lavender or basil) may also find they are allergic to Oregano. Overall, while Oregano is safe for the vast majority of people, it is best to speak with your doctor before adding Oregano essential oil to your diet – just to be on the safe side

Life is Sweeter with Cinnamon

Cinnamon. 

It is one of my very favorite spices. I love it in pies, cider, on toast in the morning, or warm buttered carrots with an evening meal.

I know when I think about fall, my olfactory senses are drawn to the calming aroma of cinnamon that seems to permeate the air. We have a huge craft fair in a neighboring town every September. People stand in long lines for the chance to buy a dozen of the best cider donuts you could ever hope to taste. 

The tantalizing scent of cinnamon wafting around the grounds makes the long line tolerable. It seems to calm the masses which may have waited patiently for their reward after what seems like quite a lengthy time.

Yes, cinnamon is a very popular spice.

However, few people realize that cinnamon is also a very powerful essential oil that provides people with a great deal of health benefits.

When diffused in the air, cinnamon essential oil can encourage self-acceptance and self-esteem. It is also a natural aphrodisiac and boosts sexual confidence. Cinnamon is said to possess emotional healing qualities that allow an individual to release pain from severe disappointments and trauma. In addition, Cinnamon also helps create a feeling of safety and security. It has a natural soothing effect on people who are feeling jealous, insecure, obsessive or controlling. The spicy, warm scent can help support both healthy relationships and health boundaries.

Here are some other common uses for Cinnamon Essential Oil:

Airborne and bacterial infections: Diffuse this oil during cold and flu season, or add to a cotton ball and stick in your car's vent while you drive. At home diffuse cinnamon in the air or use it topically to prevent or assist in the treatment of infections.

Breathing: For respiratory issues, diffuse Cinnamon in the air. You can also dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it to the chest and neck.

Cooking: Cinnamon oil is can be used in cooking. Start off with only a small amount – just a single drop – because it is quite potent and you don’t want to “over-season” you food. Once you are comfortable with the potency, you can alter the amount you add.

Immune System Booster: Diffuse throughout cold and flu season, within your workplace or add to the bath or steam tent when you feel ill.

Special note – Never apply cinnamon directly to the skin unless it has been diluted with a carrier oil. Doing so may cause individuals with sensitive skin to experience irritation. In addition, none of these health benefits have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Cinnamon oil should not be used in place of sound personal judgment or medical treatment when needed. 

September - The Second Happiest Time of Year.... Or Not?

So many parents look forward to the return of the school year.  I often think of the commercial where the parents are happily sailing through the back-to-school aisles on the edge of a cart singing to the Christmas tune, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

In contrast, the children are trudging behind them with hanging heads sad to see the ho-hum, peaceful days of summer quickly drift away.

A field of Lavender

I don’t know about you, but I am with the kids on this one. To me, summer is a time of relaxation and peace. It has a do-what-you-want and move-at-your-own-pace mentality to it.

Conversely, the start of the school year has that go-go-go feel to it. The best analogy I can use is that of a river. Summer is like the slow-moving languid wide parts of this body of water. It is peaceful, calm and restorative to the spirit.

The start of the school year is similar to the narrows of the river rapids. It’s when the speed of the water picks up its pace and appears to take on a life all its own. If you have ever bee rafting or canoeing through rapids you know you really have no control over where that boat goes. You are at the mercy of the current. Where it goes, you go to – for better or worse.

That is how I feel at the beginning of a new school year. It’s a time where peace and tranquility meet absolute pandemonium.

In order to navigate this hectic time, I turn to one of my very favorite essential oils – lavender.

Lavender is an oil that has been used for many reasons because of cleaning and healthful properties.  It is one of the most popular and used of the essential oils. Lavender is steam distilled from the flowering tops of plants. DōTerra Lavender is steam distilled from the flowering tops of plants from France (fine high altitude) and Bulgaria (super high altitude).  These are joined together in equal ratios.

Because of this special blending, Lavender is a powerful elixir for the mind, body and soul. Some of its most common uses include: 

Sleep support – Putting lavender drops on their pillows works like magic. It will help ease your mind, calm you down, and assist with a restful .

Burn and wound aid - Because of the gentle properties of Lavender it can be applied topically on even some of the most sensitive of skin.  Topical application to burns, minor cuts, and bruises almost always produces successful results.   

Stress relief - By using a diffuser this same soothing aroma can help with stress or other mental strain with adults and children.  

Skin repair - When you’ve slightly overdone it in the sun, a little lavender oil is helpful in preventing peeling skin. It aids in your skin’s healing without scarring as well.

Laundry cleaning - Energize your linens with lovely smelling lavender.  It leaves no oil marks and leaves things invigoratingly fresh

Lavender is most commonly used topically, added to bath water or diffused in the air. However you choose to use lavender, be assured it will assist you as you make the transition between the calm of summer and the energetic pace of the fall.