What to Buy

Upon entering the realm of Essential Oils (EOs), I was little prepared for the drama that apparently rivals my high school youth group during prom season.

Now, I have minimal experience and no financial incentive whatsoever to say the following.

Before I really was paying attention to the type of EO, I bought some from a local store here. They were essential oils, but it was only recently that I started to look into the use of EO internally that I realized those oils were not for internal use. I still use them in various other things like cleaning supplies, household things.

That realization led me to look at the options for EOs that are safe for internal use. I looked at several of the major brands out there that the blogs I mentioned yesterday highlight. Due to cost I ended up focusing on Spark Naturals. To begin with I ordered their Essential Kit with Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, and Melaleuca.  I also added a 5ml of Eucalyptus in as that is an ingredient in many of the headache and cold options out there. Due to a special Spark Naturals had, I received an extra 5ml bottle of Lemon.  In addition I signed up for the oil of the month special. It struck me as a good deal and a great way to build a collection of oils. The first one I received was Lavender.

The great thing with Spark Naturals is they do have frequent specials where you get an extra bottle of something or they give some of those bloggers I mentioned yesterday a code to share for a 10% discount.  If I hear of those, I'll pass them along.

Getting Started with EOs

First, EOs means essential oils. When I decided to pursue this, that confused me for a minute as some blogs assume you know that already. What started this whole idea was the problem I have of rebound type headaches. Since I was 12, so for 20 years now, I have experienced migraines. When a migraine breaks through the preventative medications, I end up taking prescriptions to break the migraine and often end up with residual or aura headaches for several days. Taking too much over the counter medication to combat the regular headaches can perpetuate the headaches due to the idea of rebound headaches from too much medication. Thanks to another youth minister at a service trip last summer, she introduced me to peppermint oil as a way to deal with a headache that would not go away. I was skeptical, but it worked. It only took me the better part of a year to pursue this more fully.

Second, I know it can be confusing as there are many things labeled essential oils or aromatherapy and such.

Third, who are good resources?

The answer to the third point will help with the second. I have found the following blogs to be incredibly helpful as I decided to start on the EO journey.

One Good Thing By Jillee

Camp Wander

Actively Participate in Your Own Life

Domestic DIY

Frugally Sustainable

More will show up as we go along.

Also, as I do not have time (or the memory) to check all these sites and the others I follow for their daily updates, I use NetNewsWire as a RSS reader which helps me with all the many blogs and news sources I follow. It is a great tool.

Some Guidance

From what I've seen on the internet, of course they are the topics I've searched for so my sample is skewed, there are many who are interested in the same things I've become focused on:

• Living more naturally and more healthy 
• Essential oils

Thus I think I have found my focus. Yes, I can guarantee there will be days where I ramble, however, I believe I will be focusing on natural home products, use of essential oil, and living more healthy in general. 

So what can you expect:

• More recipes & recipe reviews
• Ways to live more naturally at home with DIY options being particularly highlighted
• Use of essential oils from a beginner - seriously, just made my first blend last night
• What I have learned that may be helpful to others on the journey to be more healthy

I do want to clarify that while I hope to continue my weight-loss journey, that is not what this blog is about. My mother had a heart attack when she was in her early 40s and I do not want to repeat that. I also have seen what cancer and choices like smoking and poor nutrition choices have on people. My hope is to develop the healthy habits, with the occasional slice of chocolate cake, now, so that I can live a long life doing all the insane things I enjoy - traveling, spoiling children, picking on my "little" brother, etc.

Let the games begin. Again.