Joyfull Living

Magnesium is a nutrient we hear much about when learning about eating well and healthy living. It is an extremely important and valuable mineral worth looking into.  Dr. Axe shared.. "Magnesium — which comes from the obsolete root word magnes, which was used to mean magnet or magnetic power — may not be the most present mineral in our bodies in terms of its quantity, but it’s certainly one of the most crucial to overall health. It’s actually involved in over 300 biochemical functions in the body, such as regulating heartbeat rhythms and helping neurotransmitter functions..."  The body loses stores of magnesium every day from normal functions, such as muscle movement, heartbeat and hormone production. Although we only need small amounts of magnesium relative to other nutrients, we must regularly replenish our stores either from foods or magnesium supplements in order to prevent deficiency symptoms. Some of the benefits of magnesium include: Increased energy C...

When I was a child, my mother was able to stay at home during the day. I was able to be right beside her as she went about her household routines.  Weekly her housecleaning items came out for 'cleaning day'.  She loved to use the same items - for years(!) and the smells of some of these products to this day bring up memories of 'cleaning with mama'.  Pledge furniture polish, Joy dish soap, Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner and Windex for the glass.  Although I still love those products, I'm not a lifelong faithful user!  Variety is more my speed, new scents, improved versions, different brands and on occasion a do it yourself cleaning product are what keeps my home clean and happy. Here is a nice do it yourself glass cleaner where I can incorporate my love for essential oils! 2 cups water 2 tablespoon white vinegar 2 tablespoon rubbing alcohol 5 drops peppermint essential oil Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well. Spray ...

In case you haven't noticed, essential oils are everywhere!  Their uses are broad and are easily incorporated into daily life and home routines.  They can be used for aroma, purification of the air, comfort, healing and for food grade oils, cooking or flavoring.  Of course if you use them throughout the year, there will be oils that flow with the season.  Some are light, floral, fruity and warm.  This is the season we look for warmth and comfort.  The chilly days make us long for cozy homes, cozy food and the things to surround our homes with that feeling of warmth.  These days also bring along cold and flu season.  Especially when those invade our home, we seek out a healing warmth.   This time of year,  I tend to use oils that have a warming effect such as Clove, Cinnamon, Oregano, Peppermint and Eucalyptus. When applying these oils topically, it's very important to dilute these oils with a carrier oil like sweet Almond ...

One of the beautiful things about Essential Oils is that there are so many uses for them.  They can be used for aroma, comfort, healing and to help our beauty routine - naturally. For the hair, these oils provide beautiful benefits: I found  a chart using  essential oils and the benefits they have on your hair and scalp. Tea Tree Essential Oil – Soothes a dry and itchy scalp Lavender Essential Oil – Keeps hair shiny and growing. Lemon Essential Oil – To stop & prevent from dandruff Cedarwood Essential Oil – Encourages healthy hair growth Rosemary Essential Oil – For treating your dry and flaky scalps. Peppermint Essential Oil – Cleanses and keeps hair healthy. These can be mixed with your favorite shampoo, conditioner or hair product.

Few activities are as soothing and relaxing as taking a warm bath; soaking seems to ease not only sore muscles but emotional tension as well. A warm bath makes everything better.With winter right around the corner, colds may try to sneak in and wreck havoc in our homes and families.  Adding essential oils can truly turn the experience into a healing bath. Warmed by the bath water, the skin is more permeable to the oils, which can then enter the bloodstream in a faster manner, releasing their therapeutic effects. Here is a recipe for essential oil bath salts. 1 1/2 cups Epsom Salt 1/2 cup Coarse Salt 1/2 Baking Soda 15 - 20 drops Essential Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lavender green food coloring (if desired) Combine baking soda, salt/epsom salt and mix well until combined. Drop small amounts water into the mix and stir until you get the consistency of slightly wet sand. Mixture should hold together when squeezed without crumbling but should not appear wet a...

One of the exciting thing about using essential oils, is that there are so many ways to use them!  They can be used for aromatic uses, topical uses, relaxation, disinfecting, healing and comfort.  I am totally in love with them!   I recently found a recipe for frozen eucalyptus towels.  This one would have been a life saver through the summer, but it is one to keep for sure!   Eucalyptus oil can soothe, relax muscles and clear nasal passages. Headache and migraine pain may be triggered or exacerbated by stress, making relaxation an important part of headache treatment. Peppermint and lavender are also good essential oils for headaches.  First, start with some washcloths.  Next, put a couple cups of water in a container. Add about 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the water and stir. One at a time, submerge the towel in the water-oil mixture, and squeeze out the excess liquid. Fold in half then roll it up. Place on a cooki...

When the information about essential oils started coming out, my interest was perked due to the aromatherapy aspect.  I LOVE to surround myself with wonderful smells. From soaps, to detergent, to candles and air fresheners, I want everything to smell good!  I purchased my first kit mainly because it had a diffuser in it along with an assortment of oils.  Diffusing oils in my home gave it a fresh, clean scent and purified the air. As I read the information about the assorted oils, many of them could be used for healing.  As the oil journey deepened, I did more research and began using oils on scrapes, burns, sore throats, sinus infections and when our immune system needed a boost.  Essential oils, containing potent medicinal and cosmetic properties, are a versatile part of a natural medicine cabinet. They work to support the body’s own healing system, and when used correctly, may be able to take the place of conventional over-the-counter remedies. ...

Although I'm not a big fad follower, the topic of essential oils perked my interest strictly for the fragrance benefits. I love all thing scented...and highly scented!  Candles, melted wax, plug in wall scents are a staple in my home.  Laundry, soaps, lotions all are chosen based on scent.   After much research and ready to give essential oils a try, I chose a kit which included a diffuser.  Simply because this would enhance and spread the aroma of the oils.  But since that first kit, through exploring, essential oils do much more than make things smell good!  The improve moods, clean the air and have healing properties.   Since they are so much a part of my daily life, information about them is going on this blog!!  Here is a short introduction on essential oils and much more will be added on! How To Use Essential Oils. Aromatic If you are trying to improve a mood or calm emotions, aromatic use is your best option.  Whe...