I am not one to take medications unless it’s mandatory. I prefer to either let whatever ails me run it’s course or go with more natural, homeopathic, remedies.
Growing up my mom wouldn’t give me medication for an upset stomach but rather she would give me ginger ale soda to drink. As a kid I didn’t know how soda could make me feel better. Now that I’m an adult I see that it was the ginger that helped ease my upset tummy. Ginger is known for helping with upset stomachs. Now when I have an upset stomach I reach for ginger tea or something else made with ginger.
When it comes to cleaning my home I prefer to use non-toxic, more natural products. I will admit that I didn’t always think that way. When my kids were born I took toxic products to heart and did my best to drastically reduce using them. Instead I would grab for the tried and true products my mom used to use like baking soda and vinegar.
I love air fresheners. I love keeping my home smelling clean – especially with five cats and a dog.
When we learned out one cat had severe asthma I cut back on using air sprays and similar products. I didn’t want to trigger any asthma attacks.
This is when I started to look into essential oils. Essential oils (those made from reputable companies) are made out of natural ingredients, making them “better for you.”
To make a room spray/air freshener I would add a few drops of essential oils to a spray bottle of water. To freshen our carpet I would add a few drops of essential oil to baking soda, let it sit overnight, then sprinkle it on my carpet and wait about 10 minute then vacuum it up. It freshens not only the carpet but also the room.
Using the essential oils to help with cleaning my home has resulted in less asthma attacks for our cat.
I’m really interested in learning more about essential oils and all of their uses. I’d like to know which oils to use to reduce stress, which one to help me sleep better, which one could help boost the immune system and reduce the duration of the common cold and so forth.
Finding quality essential oils is not as easy as it sounds. Many oils on the market are made out of synthetic products and not the pure ingredients. You really need to do your research.
I received to review some oils from a company called Nature’s Sunshine. They sent me to review the following products;
Core Balancing Blend
Like a meditative stroll through a deep and fragrant forest, notes of wood and subtle spice help intent to turn inward; achieving centeredness and connection. Find balance with CORE.
Ingredients: 100% pure essential oils of Cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar) wood, Tsuga Canadensis (Spruce) leaf, Cinnamomum camphor ct linalool (Ho Leaf), Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy) leaf and flower, Boswellia carteri (Frankincense) gum resin, Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile) flower.
My thoughts: This oil has an amazing scent. I do not know anything about my “core” or “finding balance,” but I do know that this is a wonderful scent that makes me feel calm and relaxed whenever I smell it. After a stressful day at work, or just life in general parenting teenager (ha ha) a few sniffs of this scent (with my eyes closed) helps to relax me and calm me down.
Tei-Fu Soothing Blend
Invigorate the mind and ease the body with this soft, refreshing blend of menthol, eucalyptus, lavender, and other efficacious oils that relaxes and soothes.
Ingredients: 100% pure essential oils of Menthol, Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor), Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) leaf and bark, Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus) leaf, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) flowering bud and leaf in a base of Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) oil.
My thoughts: This scent packs a punch. It’s strong, but nice none the less. I’ve used it with a little coconut oil to rub on my left shoulder and arm which always seems to be bothering me (compliments of having to sleep on a sofa bed everyday). It seems to help with my muscle pain.
Pine Needle
The familiar, fresh pine aroma conjures a feeling of the crisp, clean woods.
Ingredients: 100% pure Pinus sylvestris needle oil.
My thoughts: This is a VERY strong scent. You only need a drop or two to get the full scent of pine. It’s almost a bit too strong. I’ve used a drop or two in some water to add a fresh pine scent to the garbage cans. I also put a drop down the sink drain to get rid of food smells from food that finds its way into the drain. I am considering trying this in some water when I mop the kitchen floor, but I haven’t tried that yet.
These oils can be used in a variety of ways including diffusers, massage, compresses, baths, scrubs, lotions and sprays. Essential oils should be diluted with Nature’s Sunshine Massage Oil or Carrier Oil before applying topically. I would not recommend ingesting any of these oils. I know some people do but I know nothing about that so I wouldn’t recommend that.
The above uses are mentioned on the Nature’s Sunshine website. Personally I have only used them to clean and freshen my home, with the exception of Tei-Fu which I did apply to my skin mixed with coconut oil.
I am in no way an expert on essential oils. I haven’t really dabbled with them past making my home clean and fresh smelling. I know essential oils are very trendy now, but I honestly don’t know too much about them.
Nature’s Sunshine has other essential oils and blends you might be interested in checking out. They also sell oil kits and accessories as well as other products.
Visit NaturesSunshine.com to learn more about these products. You can also find the brand on social media (all the links are found on their website).
Have you tried products from Nature’s Sunshine? Do you use essential oils? What oils do you use and how do you use them? Feel free to share your thoughts.
Kimberly
*I received free product samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Janet W. says
I keep hearing from others about these essential oils and how helpful they are. I’ll have to look more into them.