Today’s post is from a guest blogger, my friend Ansley Russell! Ansley is a mother of two adorable girls who has been using essential oils to improve the health of her family. I have learned so much from her about holistic ways to prevent and manage illness. Oils are all the rage these days, and knowing what to choose can be overwhelming. Ansley has let us know her favorite oils and how they can be used to support our health. Enjoy!
Cold and flu season is here, and it’s already made its mark. Kids are missing school, and parents are pulling their hair out trying to figure out how to keep their kids well. Unfortunately, there’s no one pill that will protect you from all the germs making their presence known, but we all know there are certain things we can do to help our bodies function at their peak. Good rest, a well-rounded diet, sunshine, and exercise are all good things, but isn’t there something else we can do?
Actually, yes! Essential oils are another way to boost immunity by supporting the natural processes of the body. From purifying the air to supporting natural sleep, EOs can be an added tool in your arsenal against all the crud going around. Here are some of my all-time favorites!
My number one essential oil for this time of year is Thieves. Thieves is a blend of five oils (lemon, rosemary, clove, cinnamon bark, and eucalyptus) that kills germs #likeaboss. I diffuse Thieves along with lemon daily during this season, and it is also a main ingredient in my homemade Immunity Roller. It smells like Christmas, and I love the fact that I can add such a warm, comforting smell to my home and know that I’m also supporting my family’s immune systems! Mom win!
While you may not think of lavender as something to help you stay well, it’s one of the number one oils used to support healthy sleep and mood. Since sleep is such an important part of maintaining a healthy immune system, lavender is one of the oils in my arsenal that I won’t go without. I add a drop to my little girls’ lotion before bed, diffuse it while they sleep, and even add a drop to my nightly moisturizer to support healthy skin. Lavender is known as the “Swiss Army knife” of oils because it has so many uses!
Lemon is another great essential oil during the cold and flu season. I love to pair it with Thieves in the diffuser for that fresh, clean home smell, and it is well established in the scientific community for its antioxidant and toxin eliminating abilities. Lemon is also beloved in oily circles for its uplifting and energizing aroma, so I love to diffuse lemon with peppermint oil when it’s time to get the house ready for guests!
I’m sure you’ve heard of frankincense, right? It was one of the gifts given to the baby Jesus from the wise men, but other than that, most people don’t know what a powerhouse this oil can be. Frankincense is high in compounds called terpenes, which are anti-inflammatory and actually protect healthy cells. When diffused, frankincense can help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of grounding and peace. When your stress levels are lowered, your immune system can fight germs off more effectively! Also, did you know that inhaling frankincense has been shown to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure? This is definitely an oil to add to your arsenal when it’s time for the family to gather.
Over the past year and a half, I have found that essential oils have become an integral part of my family’s day to day life. Through my oily community, I have learned how to use them safely as a part of a healthy lifestyle, and we have little need for over-the-counter meds or doctor visits. Interested in learning more? Drop a comment below, and I’ll follow up with you!
Note: Keep in mind that not all oils are created equally, so the $5 frankincense at your local Target or Sprouts will most likely be adulterated and not contain the compounds that benefit your health. After much research, I chose to exclusively use Young Living EOs because of their high standards of purity and environmental sustainability.
~Ansley Russell
For more information about essential oils, contact Ansley at ansleyrussell82@gmail.com
