Podcast 009: Essential Oils for Better Sleep

Sleep has been an issue for me for my entire life and I am always looking into what solutions can help me sleep deeper, longer, and stay asleep all through the night. In the podcast, I talk about several essential oils that help to support sleep and ways to use them. 

Oils for Better Sleep

Sleep Oils and Combinations

  • Serenity (topical and/or diffused)
  • Lavender (topical and/or diffused)
  • Serenity Blend (Doterra) and Balance Blend (Doterra) (diffuse or topical)
  • Lavender and Wild Orange combo (diffuse)
  • Lavender and Vetiver mixed with FCO (topical)
  • Vetiver
  • Roman Chamomile (topical and/or diffused)
  • Marjoram (diffused)
  • Vetiver
  • Cedarwood
  • Geranium
  • Breathe Blend (Doterra) (for congestion topical and/or diffused)

Need Oils? I’ve got you covered!

visit my oil website www.mydoterra.com/danamitchell 

Ways to apply oils for sleep

Recipe 1: Combine 5 drops geranium and 5 drops lavender with ¼ cup Therapeutic Bath Salts; dissolve in warm water bath.  

  • Dilute as recommended, and apply 1-2 drops essential oil to spine, bottoms of feet, or back of neck.
  • Diffuse into the air – drops according to your diffuser (typically 4-5 drops)
  • Add 1-2 drops to warm bathwater and bathe before sleeping.
  • Hand Inhale – apply 1-2 drops to hands then cup and inhale.
  • Massage – 5-10 drops to 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil and massage on back, arms, legs and feet. Can try to apply over heart.
  • Add 1-2 drops to your pillow before sleeping.
  • 2-5 drops to distilled water in a small glass spray bottle, and mist into air or on linens. 

How to use oils to fall asleep or stay asleep

  • Lavender (topical and/or diffused)
  • Serenity (topical and/or diffused)
  • Orange (topical and/or diffused)
  • Roman Chamomile (topical and/or diffused)

 Blend 1: Combine 6 drops Invigorating Blend (Citrus Bliss) with 6 drops lavender.  Apply to blend to big toes, bottoms of feet, 2 drops around navel, and 3 drops on back of neck.

 Blend 2: Combine 2 drops Roman chamomile, 6 drops geranium, 3 drops lemon, and 4 drops sandalwood.  Add 6 drops of this blend to your bath at bedtime, and combine 5 drops with 2 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil for massage after bath.

 

 The links above may include some affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, the vendor gives me a little thank you for referring you to their site.

Essential Oil Rollers and Room Sprays

Peaceful Sleep

20 drops each in a 10ml roller bottle and then top off with FCO:

  • Frankincense
  • Sandlewood
  • Balance
  • Lavender

Sleep Room Spray

  • 5 drops Lavender
  • 5 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil
  • 3 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (optional)
  • 4 ounces Distilled water

Mix ingredients in a small spray container. Use this to spray the air, bed, pillow, sheets, windows, favorite stuffed animals or favorite blankets.

 

Sleepy Time Roller

  • 3 drops clary sage
  • 2 drops vetiver
  • 2 drops lavender
  • 2 drops roman chamomile

Add to a 1/6 oz (5mL) roller bottle, top with fractionated coconut oil. Roll on feet before bed

 

Knocked Out

  • 15 drops Balance Blend (Doterra)
  • 15 drops Serenity Blend (Doterra)
  • 15 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 15 drops Vetiver
  • 15 drops Bergamot
  • 15 drops Roman chamomile
  • 3 drops patchouli

Apply to the bottoms of the feet or spine.

 

Stay Asleep

In a 10 ml roller bottle combine,

  • 30-40 drops vetiver
  • 30-40 drops Lavender
  • 10 drops Frankincense

Top off with fractionated coconut oil.  Apply to bottoms of feet at bedtime

The links above may include some affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, the vendor gives me a little thank you for referring you to their site.

Podcast 006 Peppermint Essential Oil

Today, we are talking about one an oil that I use everyday to boost my mood and settle my jittery stomach. Peppermint Essential Oil promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing, alleviates occasional stomach upset, and is frequently used in toothpaste and for benefits for oral health. 

Uses for Peppermint Oil

Home Use

Calm a the Tummy. Just one drop of peppermint oil rubbed on the stomach or taken internally can calm indigestion, an upset stomach or other internal digestive commotion. A must-have when traveling!

Restore Vitality in the Mouth. When your breath is sharp and your mouth feels furry, peppermint oil with water (and lemon oil) creates a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse that leaves a lasting crisp, clean feeling.

It’s About Air Flow. When sinuses seem to be clogged, and throats swollen and scratchy, diffuse peppermint oil (or apply topically on the chest) for almost immediate relief and revitalizing air flow. Peppermint acts as an expectorant and may provide relief for colds, cough, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis.

Cool the Joints. When the ravages of time wreak havoc on your joints, leaving that hot and achy feeling, peppermint oil mixed with lavender oil cools like an ice bath, but you to stay warm and dry.

Feel Full, Faster. It’s about feeling full, and not overeating. The aroma of peppermint oil has the ability to make you feel full, faster… especially if you breathe it in during a meal!

Cool Your Tootsies. If you’ve been on your feel all day or religiously wear hard soled shoes, just add peppermint oil to a cold water compress to cool your overworked, over heated tootsies.

Perk Up. The invigorating aroma of peppermint is a wonderful, non-stimulating way to perk up on long drives, in school, during late night homework or any other time you need to “burn the midnight oil.”

Energize Your Lather. Some shampoo and conditioner combos can make you want to go back to sleep. No energy. No pep. No fun. Not good. Add peppermint to your potions to stimulate the scalp, energize and wake up! The oil is an antiseptic in nature, and can also help remove dandruff and lice.

Seasonal Threats Beware. Peppermint oil has the ability to relax smooth muscles in the body — the same muscles that line our airways and become affected in allergy season. Peppermint oil (with lemon) should certainly be another arrow in your allergy treatment quiver!

Chase Away Tension Headaches. Got a mind numbing headache? A few drops of peppermint dabbed on your temples, neck and sinuses can quickly spring into action and chase that headache away!

Help Kids Get on the Ball. The next time Junior is a little unresponsive to all that is going on with school and homework, try spritzing a little peppermint on his shirt before study time, placing drop on the tongue or under the nose for improved concentration and alertness.

Seep, Soak & Revitalize. After a long day, apply peppermint, let it seep in and then soak in a warm bath or shower. The refreshing peppermint vapor will make you feel cool, relaxed and energized again. 47. Add a Refreshing Kick to Your Tea. Just one drop of peppermint oil can add life to any herbal tea (without having to add lots of sugar) while also aiding in normal digestion or to relieve heartburn.

A “Should I Work Out Today?” Antidote. You ask yourself this question. It’s OK. Using peppermint oil prior to exercise immediately awakens your senses and gets you in your right mind so you can crank.

A Snack Vendor’s Nightmare. When you get that mid-morning craving, diffuse peppermint oil to reign in the urge to snack on junk food, or anything else that might appear before you.

Cooking & Food

Add Zip to All Things Chocolate. Enhance your chocolate in a gazillion ways: gourmet hot chocolate, mint brownie frosting, peppermint bark, peppermint patties, peppermint brownies, peppermint chocolate Bundt cake, red velvet cupcakes with white chocolate peppermint cream cheese, yum!

Brisk, Delightful Confections. Peppermint chiffon cake, homemade candy canes, butter mints, peppermint ice cream, peppermint glaze over pastries and cookies, homemade peppermint patties.

Unforgettable Beverages. Peppermint water on ice, peppermint mocha, peppermint tea, peppermint hot chocolate, that’s right … it’s all delish.

Body & Mind

Wake Up Your Mind. Peppermint oil activates the limbic function in your brain.  The limbic function helps control things like emotions and long-term memory and is related to olfactory structures in your nose.

An Itch Fix. If you have the after effects of a sunburn where skin is a little warm and itchy, apply a drop of peppermint oil (mixed with lavender) to cool, soothe and stop itching.

Theme Park Relief. If you’ve got that “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I just went on a spinning ride” feeling, four or five drops of peppermint rubbed on the stomach can calm smooth stomach muscles and help dispel discomfort.

Travel to the Arctic, Without Traveling. When you add a few drops of peppermint to your ice water, it not only improves the taste, but also leaves you with a feeling of cool, refreshing arctic wind in your airways!

Burrow No More. If you find a tick has decided to make your skin its home, just give that tick a nice bath of peppermint oil with a cotton swab. The tick will stop burrowing, remove its head and then he’s yours.

Don’t Make It Easy on the Critters. Many household bugs do not like peppermint oil — ants, aphids, beetles, plant lice, mice and cockroaches try to steer clear of peppermint. Just add to water in a spray bottle and spray where you think pests grace you with their presence!

Clean Naturally. Peppermint oil is a wonderful natural cleaning agent because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Spray on countertops and bathroom surfaces, scrub, and enjoy cleaner clean.

Sleep like a Baby. If you find you are having a hard time sleeping, peppermint oil helps activate cold-sensitive receptors in the skin and mucosal tissues. When used this way, it may help with insomnia.

Quell Apathy. When you’re with someone who feels gloomy or like they “just don’t care”, ask them to try peppermint oil (aromatically, topically, or internally) to stimulate their mental sharpness and focus.

It’s About a State of Mind. Someone’s mental outlook can be a game changer. If they are shocked, stressed out or nervous, peppermint oil may help restore feelings of normalcy and balance.

Alleviate Internal Strife. When used topically or internally, peppermint is a favorite for fresh relief from cramping, indigestion to diarrhea. Skip the antacids and go with peppermint oil!

Leap from Lethargic. Feeling lethargic or in a brain fog? Peppermint has been known to improve blood circulation and awareness, leaving you with an energized, awake feeling.

Go Eight-Leg Free. When you diffuse peppermint into the room, you’ll notice fewer spiders. Why? They don’t like it.  It’s safe, contains no harsh chemicals or pesticides. It doesn’t kill the spiders, but forces them out.

Need Oils? I’ve got you covered!

visit my oil website www.mydoterra.com/danamitchell 

Recipes

 

Energize with Peppermint
Soda Kicker - add peppermint to your water
Afternoon Pick up
Triple Threat for seasonal issues - Peppermint

Seasonal Threat Trifecta Roller

In a glass roller bottle, add drops of oil and fill the remaining space with Fractionated Coconut oil (can be purchased through your wholesale doterra account).

For Adults:

  • 8 drops of Lavender
  • 8 drops of Lemon 
  • 8 drops of Peppermint
  • 8 drops of Melaleuca (optional)

For Children use 2-3 drops of each oil for a more diluted ratio.

NOTE: This blend contains one or more oils which are photosensitive which means it may make your skin more sensitive to the sun than usual for 12–24 hours. I roll this blend when the sun won’t shine on it – such as the feet where sock will be covering.

After Sun Spray

Ingredients: 

-16oz. glass spray bottle
-1 cup + 1 tablespoon organic Aloe Vera Juice
-1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (coconut that is liquid at room temperature) 
-1 teaspoon organic Vitamin E Oil drops
-10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
-10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
-5 drops Frankincense or Melaleuca essential oil

Instructions: 

Fill 16 oz spray bottle almost to the top with all ingredients. If using 100% Aloe Vera gel, use half water, half aloe. Shake well.
Apply frequently, up to every 15 minutes, when first burned.

 

? The links above may include some affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, the vendor gives me a little thank you for referring you to their site.

Diffusing Essential Oils

Diffusing essential oils is my favorite way to use them. This is like having a natural, healthy, aroma for your room without all of the nasty issues that go along with burning candles or using wall socket plug ins.  Diffusing essential oils allows you and your family to enjoy the aromatic therapeutic benefits of essential oils while also freshening the air.

Where to get a diffuser?   There are many awesome diffusers on the market.  Here’s a link of several available on Amazon. I’m an Amazon affiliate which means that if you decide to purchase a product after clicking on this link, they send me a little thank you check at no extra cost to you.

What type of diffuser to use? You want to use a cold vapor type of diffuser, because heating therapeutic essential oils can change their properties thus losing some of the benefits. The larger the water reservoir the longer the machine can diffuse. Many diffusers have timers, lights, or auto turn off when empty. There are so many styles to fit your room décor or purpose. My daughter uses one as a night light for her room.

How do you use a diffuser?  To use, simply add your essential oil drops (5-8 depending on the size of your diffuser), fill the reservoir with room temperature tap water, and then plug in and turn on. You are good to go. Easy!  Note: most diffusers have a max fill line. Make sure you don’t fill the water above that line. If you do, the diffuser vapor may not come out. That cold vapor is what brings you the wonderful aromatic and therapeutic benefits.

Below are a few of our Family Favorite blends to diffuse.

Spring Fever Essential Oil Diffuser Blend
Invigorate Essential Oil Diffuser Blend
Rest Essential Oil Diffuser Blend
Neutralize Essential Oil Diffuser Blend

If you’d like to find out how to purchase essential oils at a wholesale price, click here.

Go Away Bug Repellent – Essential Oil Spray

Essential Oil Spray Uses

 

  • Spray oil and water mixture in door and window entryways, garage and basement perimeter to deter bugs from crossing into the area. You can also use this same spray in your garden around planting areas to deter garden pests from attacking plants.
  • Peppermint Essential Oil is know to deter Ants, Aphids, Beetles, Caterpillars, Flies, Gnats, Mosquitoes, Head Lice, Plant Lice, Moths, Spiders.
  • Wild Orange Essential Oil is know to deter Chiggers, Cutworms, Flies, Gnats, Mosquitoes, Head Lice, Plant Lice, Moths, Roaches, Slugs, Snails, Spiders, Ticks, Weevils.

Supplies

 

 

To Order essential oil www.mydoterra.com/danamitchell

Instructions

 

  1. Gather your supplies and cover your work surface with an absorbent cloth. Some essential oils may dull the finish of your work surface if accidently absorbed.
  2. Select your glass or stainless steel bottle. This recipe calls for a 4 oz bottle, but you are welcome to use larger spray bottles. Just make sure to increase the amount of oil and water in the recipe. Note: Some essential oils will degrade plastic or foam, so we recommend glass or stainless steep when making sprays containing essential oils.
  3. Apply a label to your glass bottle identifying what’s inside or what the mixture is used for. We called our mixture Go Away Bug Spray. Visit my Amazon affiliate link to view label options. You will not incur any additional cost by using this link, this is simply Amazon’s way to thank me for suggesting some of their products to you.
  4. Add essential oil to your glass spray bottle by tilting the essential oil bottle on its side. Do not shake the oil from the bottle – you will add more drops that you intended.  Add a total of 10 drops of essential oil. We used 8 drops Peppermint Essential Oil and 2 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil.
  5. Add about 4 oz (1/2 cup) of water to your bottle.  We used tap water, because we intended to use the spray immediately. If you are making the spray to store for later, use distilled water.
  6. Secure the spray nozzle to the bottle and shake the liquid to mix.
  7. You are ready to spray your entry ways, windowsills, garage, basement, or garden beds.  Oil and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give it a shake as you spray.
Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Today’s Video Blog Episode highlights Peppermint Essential Oil benefits and uses.

 

The peppermint plant is actually a hybrid of watermint and spearmint and was first described by Carl Linneaus in 1753. Peppermint is frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral health, and also helps to alleviate stomach upset and promotes healthy respiratory function.

 

Allergy Bomb

Allergy Bomb – Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint

 

Quality does matter and a way to differentiate between brands is by a high menthol content of the peppermint essential oil.  The brand that I use in our home is known for their quality essential oils.  Peppermint continues to be one of the best-selling favorites among the line of essential oils. 

 

Watch the video below to learn why I use peppermint almost everyday.

Items mentioned in this episode:

 


100 Uses For Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint Essential OilUses for Peppermint Essential Oil

  • Calm that tummy.  Just one drop of peppermint oil rubbed on the stomach or taken internally can calm indigestion, an upset stomach or other internal digestive commotion.
  • Freshen that breath. When your breath is sharp and your mouth feels furry, peppermint oil with water (and lemon oil) creates a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse that leaves a lasting crisp, clean feeling.
  • Fight that cold naturally. When sinuses seem to be clogged, and throats swollen and scratchy, diffuse peppermint oil (or apply topically on the chest) for almost immediate relief and revitalizing air flow. Peppermint acts as an expectorant and may provide relief for colds, cough, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis.
  • Cool those muscles down. After a workout when you feel those hot and achy muscles yelling at you, peppermint oil mixed with lavender oil cools like an ice bath, but you to stay warm and dry.
  • Feel Full, Faster. It’s about feeling full, and not overeating. The aroma of peppermint oil has the ability to make you feel full, faster… especially if you breathe it in during a meal!
  • Long Day Pick Me Up. The invigorating aroma of peppermint is a non-stimulating way to perk up on long drives, in school, during late night homework or any other time you need to “burn the midnight oil.”
  • Want more ideas?  Click to download or print uses for Peppermint Essential Oil

 

 

Aromatherapy for work

Aromatherapy for work

If you tend to zone out or freeze when stressed, surround yourself with smells that boost your energy and inspire you.  Try my tips for incorporating aromatherapy for work.

Need aromatherapy for work?

 

I have always been influenced by my sense of smell.  Think about the smell of fresh baked cookies, an ocean breeze, or a spring rain. A scent can trigger a memory, feeling, or emotional response.

 

If you tend to become overly agitated under stress, feel an energy dip in the afternoon, or work in an old moldy office building, try incorporating aromatherapy into your work day.

 

  • Stress Relief: Diffuse scents that are comforting and calming like lavender, or invigorating like a blend of citrus essential oils.

 

  • Headaches: Apply one drop each peppermint, lavender, and frankincense to the back of your neck and temples.

 

  • Air cleaner: Keep those air pollutants away by diffusing Lemon, Peppermint, or protective blend at your desk.  Diffusers come in all sizes and price ranges. Listed below are the ones we currently use in our home. You can find diffusers online.

 

What are some of your stress busting recipes? Share below in the comments section.

 

 

 

Cold air diffusers:


You can diffuse essential oils into the air to purify the air and help to remove unwanted airborne pathogens. There are many different types of diffusers available on the market.  Make sure to use a low or no heat oil diffuser. The heat or candle type diffusers can break down the oil and reducing the therapeutic benefits.

 

Here are examples of diffusers we use in our home. Click the Amazon affiliate link below to purchase. I find I don’t use the timer (as shown with the Whisper) as much as I thought I would.  If you are trying a diffuser for the first time, you may try a less expensive option until you figure out the features you may want. 

 


Lemon's a great air cleaner

Click here to watch my video about the benefits of Lemon Essential Oil. 

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