This does not have to mean joining a gym and losing some weight (although those are great goals).  New Year’s resolutions are about making change, and change can be extremely difficult for many people.

Tips For Making Change Stick:

• Define your goal clearly. Set a realistic goal and time line to complete it. If you shoot for the stars at the start, you risk giving up early.
• Spend time contemplating why you have chosen this goal.  If it’s too hard and not really that important to you, odds are you’ll give up.
• Figure out how to be accountable. Enlist a friend or family member to keep you honest as you take the steps towards your goal.
• Reward yourself along your journey. Remember that change is hard and every step towards your goal is a victory worth celebrating.

Young Living products to keep you grounded, motivated, and on-track:

Ningxia Red

Ningxia Red is a unique blend of superfoods that provide an unrivaled antioxidant source. Ningxia Red contains wolfberries as well as several other known antioxidant superfoods combined with carefully selected essential oils to add flavor and energy to this special drink. Wolfberries have an ORAC score (developed by Tuft University researchers to determine a food’s ability to absorb oxygen radicals) that far surpasses other known antioxidant foods such as pomegranates and blueberries. Start each day with a 1 ounce shot of this antioxidant powerhouse. Regardless of your plans for the day, you will be starting out with a natural source of energy and nutrition on your side. 

Lemon Essential Oil

1-2 drops of lemon essential oil in your water each day will detoxify your body naturally. The natural citrus taste may also help you to switch out some less healthy drinks and increase your water intake on a daily basis. Citrus scents such as lemon have been shown to boost your mood and uplift your spirit.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is a powerful essential oil to have on hand. It can be used to help with upset stomach and indigestion as well as relieve headaches. Peppermint has an energizing aroma and can increase energy and exercise performance.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary has stimulatory effects on the brain and autonomic nervous system.  Studies on schoolchildren have proven rosemary essential oil’s ability to improve cognitive and memory function.  Use rosemary essential oil to keep you focused and mentally sharp.

Young Living has all of these therapeutic grade oils and much more! If you would like to learn more about these items, or how other Young living products can benefit you, give me a shout! I would love to help you learn more!

Ready to get started on your oil journey? Click Here to get started!

Already a member? Are you interested in learning how a Young Living business can bless your life as it has mine? I would love to share my Young Living story with you! Reach out today!

The post Natural Products for a New Year! appeared first on The Happy Pharmacist.

How To Use Frankincense Essential Oil

• Diffuse Frankincense during times of relaxation and meditation to help you feel grounded and closer to your spirituality.
• Add Frankincense to your moisturizer and see an overall improvement in skin tone and texture.
• Add Frankincense to Epsom salts and soak in a warm relaxing bath.

DIY uses for Frankincense

“Glow” face serum

Add to an amber, glass roller bottle:

• 10 drops Frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops Lavender Essential oil
• 10 Drops Copaiba essential oil
• Fill up the remainder of the bottle with jojoba oil
• Apply nightly for smooth, even, glowing skin

Bath Salts

Add:

5 drops Frankincense to 1 cup Epsom Salts.

Dissolve in a warm bath to melt the stress and tension away.

Massage Oil

Add to ¼ cup jojoba oil:

Frankincense essential oil is part of the Young Living Premium Starter Kit.  If you would like to hear more about becoming a member, or how Frankincense and the other amazing essential oils found in the kit can benefit you, give me a shout! I would love to help you learn more! Ready to become a member? Click here to get signed up today!

Already a member? Are you interested in learning how a Young Living business can bless your life as it has mine? I would love to share my Young Living story with you! Reach out today!

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Basically, I have put together a mini kit that includes the purchase of a Basic Starter kit ($35) plus a few additional products to round out your toolkit for staying well and healthy this winter season. The purchase of the basic starter kit gives you access to wholesale/member pricing plus access to my educational community to keep you learning about wellness and healthy living. The Basic starter kit contains:

• 5ml Stress Away
• Aromaglide Roller Fitment
• Thieves Hand Sanitizer (1 oz. sample)
• Thieves mints
• 2 Ningxia Red 2-oz samples
• Essential Oils at a glance
• Discover you Young Living Lifestyle booklet

My Mini Winter Wellness Kit also includes these additional items custom picked for their amazing immune boosting properties!

• Inner Defense
• Super C Chewable tabs
• Thieves Roll-on
• Thieves Hand Sanitizer (3 pack)

So….to order, simply click here, select a Basic Starter Kit ($35), continue enrollment and click “add more products”. Customize your order by adding: Inner Defense, Super C chew tabs, Thieves Roll-on, and Thieves Hand Sanitizer (3 pack).

This exclusive Mini Winter Wellness Kit was put together specifically with your winter wellness needs in mind! For only $139 + shipping you will be well on your way to a happy and healthy holiday and winter season! Plus, you will enjoy all the Young Living products at wholesale pricing and become a member of my educational community!

Have questions about this exclusive kit? Give me a shout! I love talking about health and wellness and I feel privileged to share my knowledge with you all.

The post Mini Winter Wellness Kit appeared first on The Happy Pharmacist.

Deodorants are substances that mask, decrease or eliminate odors – usually associated with body odor.  Deodorants come as ready-made products (usually stick or spray) and are typically marketed as natural and safe.  They do not prevent sweating, instead they simply mask or change the odor associated with sweating.

Antiperspirants actually prevent sweating.  They contain aluminum which is the active ingredient used to block sweat.  The aluminum  absorbs into the skin and when sweating begins to occur, the pH of your skin rises which causes the aluminum salts to precipitate out and they then literally plug up your pores so the sweat cannot come through. 

Are Antiperspirants Bad For You?

There is scientific debate about the safety of applying a metal to your skin on pretty much a daily basis.  Aluminum has been linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease following routine “occupational” exposure to aluminum.  Also, people with chronic kidney disease are not able to eliminate aluminum effectively so the metal will accumulate in the body.  These patients have suffered from an illness known as “dialysis encephalopathy” or “dialysis dementia”.  The illness was called this because the products used in dialysis used to contain high levels of aluminum.  Thankfully, science has found a better solution and dialysis patients do not receive aluminum containing products any longer.

Knowing all of this information, I think that it is pretty clear that it is at least a likelihood that applying aluminum on a daily basis could cause negative health consequences.

But I Think I Smell Bad, so I Really Need Antiperspirant!

Eating a clean, healthy diet will change the smell of your sweat.  My brother-in-law had a brief but intense fling with garlic.  I’m talking cooking with it constantly and taking garlic pills. I think he may have been eating it raw as well. Well, believe me, he smelled like a head of garlic from 15 feet away.  Sweat is just one way that our body rids itself of toxins.  Much of science will argue that sweat is 99% water and that removing toxins from the body is only accomplished via the kidneys and liver. Well, I’m a pharmacist so I’ve spent some time with science and I still know that my brother-in-law smelled like a garlic farm when he was over-consuming garlic, so clearly there was more than water in his sweat.

The reality is that sweat is coming from inside your body to the outside of your body and it will therefore represent how you treat the inside of your body.  If you drink excessive alcohol, and smoke and eat garbage food, your sweat will not be pleasant.  If you eat a clean diet and exercise and stay hydrated, you may not smell like a daisy but your sweat will be more mild. As they say, what goes in must come out.

Using natural deodorant products will eliminate the exposure to aluminum and taking care of your body will decrease the odor associated with your sweat.  There are also other natural deodorizer solutions that you can use to naturally and safely decrease body odor. Certain essential oils can work to assist in reducing body odor.

Coriander essential oil works as a natural deodorizer when used either topically or internally.  When ingested it can reduce bad breath and the odor associated with sweat.

Tea Tree essential oil has significant antibacterial properties. When applied topically it can reduce bacteria on the skin that react with sweat causing an unpleasant smell.

Lemon works to lower the pH of the skin making it less habitable for bacteria that can cause sweat to smell bad.  Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on your armpit area.  Doing this before bed is a bit more user friendly and leaves you smelling fresh when you awake in the morning.

There are many other natural ways to reduce body odor. If you are not much of a DIYer and prefer to just find a safe natural deodorant product that you can use without all the fuss, I absolutely love Young Living’s natural deodorants.  They are loaded with essential oils that are strategically chosen for their abilities to help reduce body odor and formulated with healthy skin ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E.

If you have any questions about this article or Young Living’s products, contact me. I would love to talk to you!

The post Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants appeared first on The Happy Pharmacist.

If you are trying to live a life as toxin free as possible, than it can be a little scary to think about slathering yourself and the kids with products containing DEET and other chemicals.  But, that doesn’t mean the bugs are any less annoying. 

So thankfully, it is super easy to whip up a DIY essential oil bug repellent spray!  Many essential oils have been and are currently being studied to determine their effectiveness at repelling bugs and so far, the results are great.  The recipe I am providing is by no means the only option and the concentrations and ingredients can be tweaked depending on your personal preference.

Ingredients for DIY Bug Repellent

• 2 ounce (60ml) glass spray bottle

• 15ml (1 Tablespoon) witch hazel or rubbing alcohol (you can also use vodka)

• 30 drops citronella essential oil

• 20 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 20 drops peppermint essential oil

• 10 drops rosemary essential oil

• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

• Water or vinegar to fill bottle

Instructions for DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray

• Add the essential oils and vodka or rubbing alcohol to the glass spray bottle and shake well to combine.

• Add witch hazel (or rubbing alcohol or vodka) and shake again.

• Fill the bottle with water or vinegar and shake to combine.

The ingredients will separate over time so remember to shake the bottle before each use.

This recipe can also be added to glass roller ball container and used as a roll-on bug repellent.  These are small and easy to keep in a purse or pocket for use on the go.

Bug Repellent Bracelet

The essential oils used for making the bug repellant bracelet are the same as above. 

You simply mix the essential oils with 1 cup of witch hazel (or rubbing alcohol or vodka) in a spray bottle and shake to combine.

Simply spray your bracelet thoroughly with the bug repellant and allow it to dry.

As for the bracelet, you can use any absorbent bracelet you may have on hand such as a lava or leather diffuser bracelet.  If you are crafty, you can make a paracord or other woven type bracelet.  Use your imagination because there really is no limit to what you can use.

All of these natural DIY bug repellents will last up to 2 hours so they will need to be reapplied as necessary.  They don’t last as long as those DEET containing products but they also are toxin free and I think so worth the slight hassle of having to reapply.

The Happy Pharmacist is your resource for essential oil and wellness education and tips. Check it out at thehappypharmacist.com

Ready to start your essential oils journey to a toxin free and healthy life today? Click here to get started!

The post DIY Essential Oil Bug Repellent Spray and Bracelet appeared first on The Happy Pharmacist.

Let’s start with what essential oils actually are.  They are basically the essential part of a plant.  Plants, trees, flowers etc. have chemical structures and biological properties that function to keep them alive just like humans.  Many of these plants contain chemical properties that have been shown to have medicinal qualities.  These properties can be carefully extracted from the plant material though steam distillation, cold pressing, or resin tapping. The result is a highly concentrated oil that is the purest form of that plants essence.  This oil can then be used in the appropriate manner based on the chemical and medicinal properties of that plant.  Essential oils can be diffused into the air, applied topically or sometimes ingested.  These oils ultimately are the concentrated life essence of each specific plant or plant material. 

It is important to note that essential oils are very popular and that can put their integrity in danger. Because essential oils are so powerful, it is extremely important to choose products that come with the highest level of purity to ensure your safety when using them. Diluted or contaminated oil products may not only not work appropriately but they may also cause harm. Cheaper is not necessarily better with essential oils. You need to choose a company that cares about and works diligently to ensure the quality of their essential oil products.

Why do we need essential oils in our lives when modern medicine is doing a great job?  First, it is noteworthy to mention that there would be no modern medicine if not for the exploration of the powerful medicinal properties of plants.  Humans have used plants and plant materials throughout history to treat ailments and maladies.  Many current traditional medicines are the result of studies on a plants ability to heal.  Current pharmaceuticals are synthetic products that are many times the result of studies on plant properties.  In fact, research continues to date all over the world in rainforests and beyond to find new chemical properties to treat and cure disease.

Secondly, I wonder if modern medicine is doing everything that it claims.  We still have many incurable diseases and our population continues to struggle with chronic illness that costs dollars, happiness, and lives.  Essential oils are an adjunct to our modern medicine.  They offer another option or an additional option when deciding how to treat your health.  They can enhance a treatment or replace a failed treatment plan.  Most importantly to me, essential oils offer my family and me a sense of control and empowerment concerning our health.  I am a pharmacist of 20+ years so pharmaceuticals are no stranger to me.  I am grateful for the work that they do to save and improve lives.  I am also extremely grateful for essential oils and the impact they have had on my family’s health and me. 

The post What Are Essential Oils? appeared first on The Happy Pharmacist.

Young Living has created a special blend of high quality essential oils called Shutran, which work to promote individual empowerment and confidence when applied topically or diffused.  Young Living has further created a line of men’s products utilizing this unique essential oil blend.  It is a lucky man that can use the Shutran line of products.  They will give him confidence while leaving his skin nourished, his hair full, and his facial hair soft and shiny.  In addition to all of these benefits, the products are toxin free and physically enriching while providing an enticing, masculine aroma.

The line of Young Living’s Shutran products are all powered with the Shutran essential oil blend. 

The Shutran blend ingredients are as follows:

Picea pungens† (Idaho Blue spruce) branch/leaf/wood oil – This oil has a high percentage of alpha-pinene and limonene. The alpha-pinene has been used to enhance spiritual connection and awareness. Limonene is found in many citrus fruits and in addition to its fresh, clean scent it is also a natural immune booster, antioxidant and may help to reduce anxiety.

Ocotea quixos† (Ocotea) leaf oil – This is perhaps a lesser known essential oil but that should not ne the case.  Ocotea essential oil has a whole host of health benefits. It is wonderful for the skin to help with conditions such as psoriasis and acne.  When massaged with a carrier oil on the scalp, it promotes hair follicle health to give full, healthy hair.  Ocotea oil may also help with anxiety, stress, and depression.

Cananga odorata† (Ylang ylang) Flower oil – Pronounced EE-lang EE-lang, Ylang Ylang has grown in popularity recently.  This is no surprise as its benefits are many.  It is great on the skin to help with seborrheic eczema and to reduce the appearance of blemishes.  It has a lovely floral scent making it work great as a perfume for women and as a middle note in men’s cologne.  It might be most recognized for its aphrodisiac qualities.  It can help with a decreased libido and frigidity which can occur due to increased workload, stress, and depression.

Chamaecyparis obtusa† (Hinoki) oil – This oil comes from the Hinoki tree, which is a type of cypress, found only in Japan.  It is considered a sacred tree and its oil is used extensively throughout Japan in shrines and temples.  It has a pine-like scent with hints of lemon citrus.  It can reduce stress and reduce tension while also working to improve respiratory issues such as congestion and asthma.

Coriandrum sativum† (Coriander) seed oil – Most people are familiar with coriander seeds as a spice for cooking.  The essential oil is derived from the seeds and it is power packed with health benefits.  The oil has a sweet, warm, spicy scent, which is partially why it works so great as a natural deodorant both internally and externally.  It also boosts libido and helps with weight loss though lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fats.

Artemisia pallens† (Davana) Flower oil – Davana essential oil has a sweet, fruity, herbaceous scent that can transform when applied topically as it combines with the individual’s unique chemistry.  It has been medicinal benefits.  It can work as an antiviral to help speed healing from common colds and the flu.  It is a natural relaxant working both on the mind and the body to improve anxiety and remedy cramps.  It also has been shown useful as an emmenagogue helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce cramping and discomfort associated with menstration.

Lavandula angustifolia† (Lavender) oil – Truly a “jack of all trades”, lavender oil whole body benefits.  It makes the skin soft, smooth, and supple when applied topically.  It is also well known for its ability to promote relaxation and quality sleep.  The smell is widely known for its slightly sweet calming aroma which is associated with it calming effects.  Lavender essential oil is also a great wound healer and does a wonderful job treating and healing minor burns.

Cedrus atlantica† (Cedarwood) bark oil – This essential oil has a subtle woodsy scent which blends nicely with many other scents.  It has been shown to stimulate hair follicles promoting healthy hair growth.  It is also well known as a sleep aid helping to encourage a full night of quality sleep.  Cedarwood essential oil can also aid in reducing congestion and improving breathing when diffused.

Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil – Lemon essential oil is easily recognized for its bright, invigorating scent.  It is able to boost the mood and increase concentration.  It works great as a cleaner to remove grease and polish wood.  It also can refresh the skin and hair.  Lemon essential oil is also a natural bug repellant.

Picea mariana† (Northern Lights Black spruce) leaf oil – This essential oil has a fresh, piney scent similar to a fresh cut Christmas tree.  As such, this oil is very grounding to the mind and spirit. It helps to regain mental and spiritual focus.  It also works to improve breathing and respiration.

All of these essential oils are a part of every single item in the Shutran line of products.  They all boast the seed to seal quality that Young Living is known for.  This means the oils have been painstakingly tested and retested for the utmost purity so you will be able to experience the truest essence of each of these amazing oils every single time.

Shutran Beard Oil

Shutran 3-in-1 Wash

Shutran Aftershave Lotion

Shutran Bar Soap

Shutran Shave Cream

Shutran Essential Oil

The post Shutran Essential Oil Products – Treat The Men In Your Life! appeared first on The Happy Pharmacist.

Lemongrass essential oil has a special place in my heart.  I have suffered with belly pain for what seems like forever.  The past few years have become almost unbearable.  I would have abdominal pain and bloating after eating almost anything.  I was miserable!

 I began to do extensive research to try to figure out what was going on.  My symptoms were pretty clearly pointing to a condition called SIBO.  After years of heartburn, which required chronic use of prescription medicine, my small intestines were all a mess.  This condition is becoming more recognized and there are antibiotics being used chronically to treat it.  I dreaded the idea of treating a condition that was caused by chronic medication use by taking different chronic medications.  

I began using 1 drop of lemongrass essential oil in water every day.  I really stumbled upon this idea while helping my son plan for a high school biology project.  I came to learn about the antibiotic properties of lemongrass and decided it was worth a shot.

I am so elated that I did!  After about 1 week, I was noticing less and less belly pain and bloating.  3 weeks in and I would call myself healed.  I have since cut back to 1 drop of lemongrass essential oil in water every other day.  I feel like a normal person and it’s fantastic!

What is Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Lemongrass is a grass that grows happily in warm and humid areas.  It has a fresh citrus, lemon-like aroma and flavor which works well in cooking and as a fragrance.  Lemongrass is used widely in Asian cuisine and its dried leaves make a light citrusy tea.

Lemongrass has been used as a medicinal herb in its native Southeast Asia and India for a very long time.  Its uses range from reducing fever to lowering blood pressure.  Studies are being done with today’s scientific standards in place to determine how lemongrass can be used to develop new medicines.

What are the Many Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Reducing Pain:  Lemongrass essential oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic.  The means lemongrass can be used to treat headaches, tired feet, menstrual cramps, joint pain from arthritis and more.  Add 4-5 drops of Lemongrass essential oil to a carrier oil and apply to the afflicted area.  Or, add a few drops to water to use as a foot soak.

Digestion: Lemongrass has a calming effect on the digestive system.  It is used to treat bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.  Lemongrass can also treat heartburn.  Lemongrass is a natural diuretic, prevents to formation of gas, and stimulates bowel movements.  These properties cause lemongrass to aid in cleansing the body of toxins resulting in flatter, happier bellies. 

Skin Care:  Lemongrass oil is a natural antifungal and antiseptic.  It can be used to treat topical fungal infections on the skin and nails.  It also works great to deeply clean and treat acne afflicted skin by gently removing black heads and helping to heal existing pimples.  Lemongrass essential oil has a bright citrusy aroma which works great in skin care products.  It can even be used as a natural deodorant.  The fresh scent is great and the antibacterial properties keep odor causing bacteria at bay.

Heart Health: Lemongrass essential oil has been studied with regards to its heart healthy benefits.  It has been shown to reduce LDL (or bad) cholesterol.  It is also a vasodilator, which means it helps your blood vessels to relax which results in lower blood pressure.  Be sure to talk with your doctor if you are going to add lemongrass essential oil to your heart health routine.

Cleaning:  With all the amazing antibacterial and antifungal properties not to mention an amazingly fresh scent and lemongrass oil is a perfect cleaning agent.  It can fight germs and give your home an invitingly clean smell.

Insect Repellent:  Lemongrass essential oil is comprised of natural insect repellent compounds.  Skip the scary toxic bug repellent spray and mix up and all natural and effective lemongrass oil spray. 

What the Studies Show:

Lemongrass essential oil has been around for centuries and has successfully been used in ancient medicine pratices to treat a whole host of issues.  Science is starting to take notice and research is being conducted to see how lemongrass fits into todays traditional medicine practice.  Lemongrass is being studied for its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.  It has proven itself as a powerful agent against a host of known fungal and bacterial infections as well as treating inflammation. 

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