NingXia Red and Oil Pulling............ what the!?!

Need more energy, stamina and better health?

Get off those sugary/caffeine 'energy' drinks as they are basically full of harmful stimulants which are killing your brain and your insides........ there is a way better option:

I seriously could not live without my daily 30ml dose of NingXia Red (my natural multi vitamin that is full of berries! and oils! :) ) Most mornings I have it as a shot or I mix it with water and add a few drops of Lemon or Tangerine essential oil.
Myself and my girls have been drinking it on and off now for nearly three years now and I definitely notice the difference when I don't include it in my daily nutrition.......

NingXia Red goodness

                                                              Great for any age!

Quite simply, NingXia Red is a power punch berry juice that will wake up your body with a nutrient infusion of epic proportions.

The most potent antioxidant juice on the planet!!

NingXia (ningsha red) Red has the highest levels of naturally occurring, age-defying S-ORAC activity to help support immune function, cardiovascular health, and nourish the eyes. NingXia Red contains lemon and orange essential oils rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene to promote healthy liver function. It also contains the superfoods blueberry, pomegranate, apricot, raspberry and grape seed.

Ningxia wolfberry, the primary ingredient in NingXia Red, has been cherished for centuries for its health, energy, and longevity benefits.

Many of us have heard of the goji berry right? Well, just as there are many varieties of grapes for wine making, there are many varieties of goji—as many as 41 species growing in Tibet alone! The NingXia wolfberry is a goji species, however one of the most beneficial for our health. It is only found in the NingXia Province in Northern China, where they live to the ripe old age of 140 yrs! These beautiful people have known this ancient superfood secret for thousands of years. Young Living's wolfberries are organically grown on the fertile flood plain of the Yellow River down stream from the mineral rich Himalayan Mountains.   

                              The NingXia Wolfberry

The high antioxidant levels in NingXia Red may counteract causes of chronic inflammation, heart disease, diabetes and cholesterol. It is also high in Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to help support age related macular degeneration. 

The Wolfberry contains 500 times more vitamin C by weight than an orange. Wolfberries contain over 20 trace minerals such as iron, copper, calcium and zinc. Wolfberries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta–carotene (with more beta carotene than even carrots), in the world.

Here is what 1 shot of NingXia Red equals to:
                                            

                                                                                               

34 Large onions

100 oranges
814 blueberries                                                   
10.85 lbs. of spinach
55.33 lbs. of almonds
59 broccoli florets
73 medium strawberries
93 apples
30 tomatoes!

Now ask yourself a serious question:

When was the last time you ate this good?      
In ONE day?

NingXia Red® allows you to STEP UP TO A NEW LEVEL OF HEALTH, INCREASE YOUR ENERGY, SUPPORT IMMUNE SYSTEM, LIVER FUNCTION & CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH.

Are you ready for optimal wellness? So, who makes NingXia Red? Young Living of course.......

                                                          NingXia Red SMILE!!!

Would you like to try some?
Contact me via www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous  if you'd like to enhance your entire health! 
NingXia Red is available in a 1 litre bottle and also handy 30ml sachets which are great to put in the freezer for nutrient rich ice blocks for your kids!

 

Have you ever heard of OIL PULLING..... weird I know.

The scientist in me just had to give it a go!

I have learnt so much about the amazing health benefits of coconut oil since I started using Coconut Magic's oil. www.coconutmagic.com After trying 2 other brands I really wouldn't bother with any others, this is absolutely beautiful coconut oil. Subtle flavour, clean, crisp, fresh and pure. No overpowering, burnt coconut smell in my cooking or on my legs.....

Did you know that coconut oil can help you loose weight, whiten teeth, restore healthy hormone function, beautify your skin and hair, balance blood sugar, eliminate food cravings, strengthen immune system, improve digestion, increase your energy and detox the body! Remember oils ain't oils and quality is everything!
  
So I have done some research on the humble coconut and came across oil pulling. As soon as I read detox and whiten your teeth I thought, yeah right that sounds ridiculous!! I'm going to do it!.

Oil pulling is an ancient form of Ayurvedic medicine which dates back thousands of years.

All you have to do is put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 15mins... I do this first thing in the morning while I'm getting my girls breaky or having a shower. Zola and Indie both look at me with a smirk and Zola asks "mummy have you got coconut oil in your mouth? Can I have some" and of course I smile and go over with a teaspoon for both of them...

Make sure you don't swallow it as the oil is supposed to draw all of the toxins out of your body up through the cheeks in your mouth, therefore cleansing the body, and allowing it to heal itself. After the 15 minutes spit it out.  As a consequence health problems of all types improve. Oil pulling can help those with asthma, allergies, chronic fatigue, diabetes, migraine headaches, PMS, and chronic skin problems.


According to Bruce Fife, the first thing that most people notice when they start oil pulling is an improvement in their oral health. Teeth become whiter, breath becomes fresher and the tongue and gums take on a healthy pink colour.


Did I feel any difference?
Amazingly.....  YES!!!......
After about 2 or 3 weeks of doing it nearly every morning I totally noticed the difference! My teeth where actually whiter, I had more energy, felt more positive and my body was detoxing (I could tell as my underarms took on a different smell)

So I challenge everyone, do give OIL PULLING a go!! Its great, its harmless and it works!


Thank you for taking the time to nourish your body with me :)

Keep smiling brightly!


Joyous Health and Harmony
Amy**
xo

naturallyjoyous@live.com.au
www.naturallyjoyous.com

References-
Essential Oils Desk Reference 2009
The Low Glycemic Effects of NingXia Wolfberry by Dr Mark Schreuder
Oil Pulling for a Brighter Smile and Better Health by Bruce Fife

Disclaimer: The information in this post is intended for educational purposes only. This is from my own personal direct experience. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with their own health care professional.

   

Pure LOVE..............

Jasmine essential oil!

Well actually Jasmine absolute!! To be precise.... I just put some on my neck and body and feel like I want to make love to it, what a beautiful exotic sensual smell....
It actually empowers you!

After I put it on I felt the urge to shimmy my shoulders and shake my hips and just needed to know more!!!!

Maybe its the hot cross buns or the chocolates, I just feel amazing as I wave my body around submerged in this oil!

OK so Young Livings Jasmine absolute oil is actually an essence and not an essential oil. This means that it is not mixed with a carrier oil is the real deal!!!

"The flower must be picked at night to maximise fragrance and enhance chemical constituents".......

Did you know that one pound of Jasmine Oil requires about 3.6 million fresh unpacked blossoms!!  The blossoms must be collected before sunrise.

A single pound of Jasmine oil may cost between $1,200 to $4,500. In contrast synthetic Jasmine oils can be obtained for $3.50 per pound. But obviously they do not possess the same therapeutic qualities...


 Jasmine Oil is named the "Queen of the night" For its beautiful seductive fragrance.

Uses: It is uplifting, may help with depression, nervous exhaustion, anxiety indifference, skin problems (eczema, wrinkles), may improve mental accuracy and clarity!

It turns you on and makes you sharper!!! Why wouldn't you use this oil!!??


If you would like to learn more about the power of Medicinal Grade Essential Oils, connect with me via www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous

Joyous Health and Harmony,

Amy Joyous**

www.naturallyjoyous.com.au




 

Make your own MILK!!!

Beautiful Fresh Almond Milk made by you!!!


On the weekend, I was asked to represent Young Living at a local event, in Sandgate.
Its was an absolutely LIFE Transforming event : hosted by a husband and wife team (Kristine and Wayne Matheson) who have both overcome cancer. They empower others towards living a life full of natural health, happiness and longevity. Using a plant based lifestyle, RAW foods as their medicine and incorporating fitness and meditation into their daily lives to achieve optimal health. A truly inspirational couple who have brought me one step closer to my naturally healthy and abundant lifestyle.


That is the reason I finally made my own milk...... (and I'm not talking breast milk :) ) I have been contemplating it for awhile now, sometimes we all just need a little push in the right direction.


Last year I began to stop drinking cows milk, my main reason was that I felt sluggish and not quite right after drinking it and I also started reading more and more about the dairy industry which just turned me off dairy milk altogether!


For instance did you know, according to Animals Australia that "To keep producing milk for human consumption, a dairy cow must produce a calf each year..... Calves are taken from their mothers within 12-24 hours of birth. If nature was allowed to take its course—calves would suckle from their mother for several months, even up to a year. Mother cows, like most mammals have a strong maternal bond." 


I know that I would be absolutely guttered if some random just came in and took my girls off me straight after going through all of the emotional and physical exhaustion of child birth... why do humans have the right to do this to animals? It's pretty terrible!


Did you know that: MILK depletes the CALCIUM from YOUR BONES!!!


According to Vivian Goldschmindt who has studied Nutritional Science and Biochemistry;


Many scientific studies have shown an assortment of detrimental health effects directly linked to milk consumption. And the most surprising link is that not only do we barely absorb the calcium in cow’s milk (especially if pasteurised), but to make matters worse, it actually increases calcium loss from the bones. What an irony this is!


Here’s how it happens. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. You see, calcium is an excellent acid neutraliser and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is – you guessed it… in the bones. So the very same calcium that our bones need to stay strong is utilised to neutralise the acidifying effect of milk. Once calcium is pulled out of the bones, it leaves the body via the urine, so that the surprising net result after this is an actual calcium deficit.   


Wow how many parents know that? We were all introduced to it by our parents, a cup of milky goodness, its known to be comforting and filling..... why, our parents taught us, they learnt from their parents and their parents and their parents....


Well, here is a great alternative that is oh so easy, healthy for kids and yummy.....
100g of almonds = 300ml of calcium


Almonds have so many amazing health benefits, they contain absolutely no cholesterol, have high levels of Vitamin E, contain magnesium, potassium, folic acid, zinc, phytochemicals, selenium, copper, biotin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron, making them a true nutritional powerhouse!

MAKE YOUR OWN ALMOND MILK!

All you need is:
1 cup of Raw Almonds (organic if possible)
Soak overnight
3 cups of filtered water
I vanilla pod
Blender
Stockings from wooleys..... cut from about the knee..... (of course you can use a proper nut bag, however I am yet to purchase one!!)

Add the one cup of soaked almonds to your blender, add the 3 cups of water, blend.

Pour blended ingredients out into stocking, I found it easier folding it over the juice container to separate the milk from the almond pulp.

Pull the almond pulp stocking out of the container and squeeze remaining milk out of stocking.

Place milk back in the blender and add the vanilla pod seeds (you can also add raw agave or maple syrup if you are a bit of a sweet tooth) and blend for a second!
I can not wait to  try cinnamon and nutmeg essential oils too!

And Voila!
Here is you Fresh Home Made Milk... made with LOVE!

This morning I made a smoothie out of mine;
Banana, Balance Complete (a daily super food & nutritive cleanse from Young Living), Maca powder and maple syrup....
Delicious!


Hope you all enjoy making your own milk, give it a go and tell me what you think :)
Well, it's time to go and pick up my gorgeous gals!
Untill next time, smile often,


Joyous Health and Harmony,


Amy*
Naturally Joyous Oily Mama

What's In Your Juicer?

Getting your kids to eat beans, carrots and spinach............. Without them realising it!

JUICE IS AWESOME!!! (and I'm not talking about poppers!)
Juicing has been a really significant and important part of our (myself and my girls) morning routine! Toddlers just love juice and when you get them to help you feed the fruit and veg into the juicer they think thats extra special! ....... and it gets them away from the TV... :)

Raw Juices can save your life
"I have seen it work miracles in some of my patients who were stuck in the merry-go-round of drug therapy. The juice from raw fruits and vegetables has powerful healing and rejuvenating properties that can help people with all sorts of health problems" Dr Sandra Cobot


I have spoken to other mama's and it seems a common occurance to have your young children screw their noses up, while pushing there dinner plate of yummy food away to the other side of the table. They just dont realise how much love, preparation and thought you have put in, not to mention the time. I find this a real disappoint to experience food rejection and feel a fraction hurt when my kids dont even want to try one spoon full... ("please just one, try it, you'll love it!" I plead)


My girls are usually fine with eating their dinner, however lately Zola has become very picky with what she puts in her mouth, as she would rather keep eating nutty snacks, olives, cheese, rice crackers and some form of savory chips! She has been knocking back beans, carrots and most green stuf (except broccoli!)


So I have been making more time for morning juicing.... and getting those vital vitamins and minerals into my girls little bodies with ease!

The juicer I use is called a Compact Juicer. I love it because it slowly squeezes the juice out allowing all of the vital living enzymes, minerals and vitamins to remain. These living enzymes assist with the digestive process, which means your gut, liver and pancreas do not have to work too hard to provide you with vital nutrients. Juicing can reduce acidity and toxicity in the body by stimulating the function of the bowels, liver and kidney, which increases the breakdown and elimination of toxic chemicals and waste products from the body.

You can also use this type of juicer to make lots of other fresh things like nut butters, wheat grass juice, baby food, purees, fresh fruit sorbets (with no sugar added), pasta and noodles, mince, dips and salsa and it also grinds coffee beans! Very handy little machine.

One of our favourite concoctions:
(that Zola and Indie are making here)


4 or 5 Granny Smith Apples
1 Carrot
1 Cucumber
2 Sticks of Celery
Handful of Green Beans
1 Lemon/Lime, peeled

other additions:
For a sweeter juice add some yummy fresh pineapple - useful for arthritis, bronchitis, asthma (and assists in weight reduction which is always a good thing to know after having kidlets!)
Ruby Red Beetroots - liver cleanser and great for iron deficiency
Immune booster - garlic or ginger (both a natural antibiotic for the whole body!)
Oranges - natural antibiotic, anti inflammatory and cleanser
Cabbage - detoxing the liver, cleansing skin of acne, digestive and intestinal aid
Watermelon - helpful in depression
Tomatoes - helpful in high blod pressure and reducing cholesterol

                                                CHEERS!

Healing Properties of certain fruits and vegetables:
Apples - High in soluble fibre pectin, which soothes the intestines and reduces constipation. Improves colonic flora, reduces unfriendly bacteria & parasites. Excellent for childhood diarrhoea.

Broccoli - Excellent for weight loss.
Helpful for high blood pressure, liver problems and constipation.

Carrots - Excellent for skin problems, reduces imflammation of the digestive and intestinal tract. Liver cleanser and tonic. Increases vitality and vigour. Contains an insulin-like compound, therefore can be used in juice mixtures for diabetics. Promotes high quality breast milk and healthy pregnancy, great for growing kids!
  
Celery - Reduces acidity, which is beneficial in cases like arthritis, toxicity and gout. Natural diuretic, which reduces fluid retention. Calms the nervous system. Excellent for weight reduction as it lessons a 'sweet tooth'. Helpful for insomnia, kidney/bladder problems and constipation.

Green Beans - are thought to strengthen the kidneys and liver, according to Oriental Medicine. Excellent source of protein. Help keep blood sugar levels stable, as their glucose content is released slowly. Great for diabetics.    

Cucumber - Has excellent diuretic properties, reducing fluid retention. Anti - inflammatory, reduces hair loss, high potassium levels helpful for high blood pressure. Reduces acidity in cases of arthritis and reduces kidney stones. 

Spinach - Heals the lining of the digestive tract. Reduces arthritic pain, fatigue, contipation and heavy menstral bleeding. Improves vision.                  


Music, food for the soul..................
As I write this with a huge smile on my face, I am excited, exhilarated and energised at 10pm at night listening to Triple J, Roots n All by Sarah Howells (who just happens to be the funkiest presenter ever) I have decided that thursday nights are my stay up late and research nights just so I can listen to this wonderful presenter. The music she plays is fresh, unique, folkie, indie, bluesy and just makes your heart sing...... la la la la la :)
'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' by Tiki Taane very beautful version......


Juzz (my husband) just came down to my office and asked if I had been smoking some happy herbs :) ha ha well, no I replied, "I feel fantastic! Who needs that, I'm writing about my passion, natural health, spreading the JOY and listening to terrific tunes...." oh and the girls are peacefully asleep which helps!


When I am cooking in the kitchen or cleaning (picking up after my fabulously creative, inquisitively messy gals),  I love listening to Florence and the Machine, Jabaru, Camille, Mamas and Papas, Sia and Xavier Rudd just to name a few.......
What music do you love to listen to while sweeping away or wiping the benches?


"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" - Hippocrates

Thought I would mention two very common illnesses that I have come across many times in my Raindrop Practice;
These recipes are from Dr Sandra Cabot's book - Raw Juices can Save your Life!

ARTHRITIS
Some possible causes: Excess process foods, dehydration, trauma to joints from sports injuries, excess weight, lack of exercise...


Celery Balancer Juice:
This juice will reduce acidity and inflammation in the joints. Helpful for all types of arthritis.
4 stems of celery
1 medium carrot
2 medium apples
20g alfalfa sprouts
1/2 clove garlic
1 sprig parsley


THYROID DYSFUNCTION - Underactive Thyroid
Some possible causes: Deficiency of minerals such as iodine and selenium, auto-immune disease, viral infection of thyroid gland, genetic factors; family history.

Juice for the Thyroid Gland:
1cm fresh ginger root
1 red radish and leaf
2 carrots
1 medium beetroot and top
3 lettuce leaves
1 tsp kelp powder (stir thru juice at end)


*helpful natural supplements:
-Kelp and other seaweeds (wakame salad from Lawnton seafood house is delicious, stir through your salads) these are an excellent source of iodine and other trace minerals to support thyroid function.
-Young Living has lots of synthetic free natural supplements, one that the EODR
 recommends is Sulfurzyme. These provide temporary relief from pain, containing three active ingredients, including MSM, NingXia wolfberry and Copaiba essential oil. (helpful for both Arthritis and Thyroid)


One more juice idea..... Beetroot, apple, lemon and celery with.... 30ml of NingXia Red! This is the power juice that will wake up your body with a nutrient infusion of epic proportions!!! The most potent antioxidant juice on the planet!! 
More on NingXia Red Juice in my next blog....... stay tuned :)

Well, I hope I have inspired someone to open their pantry, get out their juicer, blow off the dust and head down to their local country markets. It gives you a sense of empowerment creating your own personal flavours and watching your little ones eat half of the chopped ingredients before stuffing it into the shoot.


Thank you for spending the time reading my blog in this crazy, busy, fast paced world.
Please take a moment and share with your friends....


Enjoy your JOYOUS juice,
Joyous Health and Harmony,
Love Amy***
www.naturallyjoyous.com
www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous


References:
RAW JUICES can save your life; Dr Sandra Cabot, 2001
EODR; Essential Oil Desk Reference, 4th Ed, 2009

PEP UP with Peppermint Essential Oil!

Invigorating, stimulating and energised!!

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Originated from North America, the Mediterranean and Great Britain.
It was one of the main ingredients used by grave robbing bandits to protect themselves during the black plague in the 15^th century. (Part of Thieves essential oil blend) It is a highly regarded digestive stimulant, Medical Doctors in France have been known to use it to treat liver and respiratory disease for years.

Peppermint essential oil's main chemical constituent is, Menthol. This is one of the most synthetically reproduced compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. It is in many products from mouth wash, toothpaste, chest rub, body wash, shampoo, mints and ice cream, lots of things have been created from peppermint! So instead of buying a peppermint essence made from alcohol in the supermarket, you can have the real thing, pure, potent powerful, safe and very concentrated!!

I love cooking with it, I have added it to chocolate ice cream and chocolate drinks, and this is one of my favourite easy recipes choc peppermint brownie slice that my Nana gave me (well she use to make it without the peppermint oil, wish she could be here to taste the new and improved version!)

Chocolate Peppermint Brownies (Vegan)

You will need:

1/2 cup pure organic coconut oil

3/4 cup organic maple syrup/agave

3 drops of peppermint essential oil

1/2 silken tofu

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

3/4 organic SR flour

1/4 cup cocoa

Melt coconut oil and cocoa in saucepan. Mix until smooth, beat in maple syrup/agave and silken tofu. Add peppermint oil, walnuts, sifted flour and mix well.

Place on lined baking tray, (don't forget to let your little one lick the spoon, like Zola here, best bit about baking!) Then, cook for about 25 minutes at 180 degrees. Cool before cutting. ENJOY!

*(This recipe has been taken out of my book: "An Aromatic Life" -Natural Lifestyles using Essential Oils. Such a handy book covering lots of topics including; Pregnancy, babies and kids, Chemical-free Cleaning, Intuition, Diffusing for a healthy home, Essential Aid written by a Naturopath, Natural Beauty, Emotional Clarity and Oils with Animals!)


The variety of uses for peppermint oil is incredible!
Take today for example; I have used it as an energiser instead of having another cup of coffee, around mid afternoon, (or if you are into those sugary energy drinks, get the boost without the fat!) I put one drop on the back of my hand and lick if off, instantly feeling a boost and full of life!
Or you can place one drop in a cup of very warm water or green tea for a pure energising tea!
I then used it on the back of my neck and shoulders, to ease my tight muscles as i sit here at the computer. It also has worked in helping me keep cool during this sticky humidity.

In the past I have used it with my girls, on the soles of their feet to reduce their high temperatures and also in my diffuser as they have started getting a runny nose. (they both love smelling oils from their bottles especially this one, not that they need any MORE energy!)

If i feel a bit blocked up and stuffy in the sinusy department, it clears my head staight away and helps me think more clearly!

Medicinal properties of peppermint oil include: Anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, is a pain reliever and curbs appetite.

Many uses include arthritis, respiratory infections, candida, headaches, nausea and indigestion.

Sometimes I need a bit of motivation to go for a walk or do some sit ups or any exercise really, so I’ll just inhale out of the bottle, with about 10 deep breaths, going over my intention for that moment and I find it does push me to just get in there and start moving! You can really feel the oxygen flowing in your mind.

Diffusing or inhaling this oil improves alertness, concentration and accuracy. It has been massively researched and studied and one of my favourite studies from the University of Cincinnati found that it improved mental accuracy by 28% when inhaled.  It is purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind. Therefore I think it would be another nice oil to have during meditation as it can bring more awareness and focus.

I have also used it while traveling in the car, my husband sometimes gets travel sickness, I rub it on his belly to stop the feeling of nausea.

***Peppermint oil and water in a glass spray bottle to freshen yourself up outside in the sun, re awaken, uplift or spray around the house in the morning to give a fresh energy….***

A great pest control as it deters rats, mice, ants and cockroaches. I place a few drops on cotton wool and rub the area where they are coming from and leave it there. Or have a spray bottle and spray the surface.

“The very smell of it alone recovers and refreshes the spirit” Peppermint oil enhances our receptive capacities on both mental and spiritual levels, and like clary sage it benefits those in need of inspiration and insight.  Known as a visionary oil.

So as you can see Peppermint oil is highly beneficial in so many ways! This is one oil that I never leave home without!

If you would like any more info you can connect with me via:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous
Website www.naturallyjoyous.com

Thankyou for stopping by, I hope that something caught your eye and made you smile. These beautiful oils are truly life changing and I would love everyone to experience the same health benefits that I do everyday - Naturally!

Joyous Health and Harmony,
Amy Marais
xo


References:
-My own personal direct experience
-Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, 1999
-Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2009
- An Aromatic Life, 2011


This information is from my direct personal experience and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe or treat any illness or dis-ease. Please seek medical advice from a qualified health professional. 

<<<<<<<< I LOVE LEMONS >>>>>>>>


What a miracle fruit for your daily health!!

They contain a powerhouse of nutrients, they are refreshing, zesty and clearing.

As soon as I get up in the morning I have 2 cups of water with a whole lemon squeezed in both (zola and indie have it aswell, zola says “mummy can I have my lemon morning water please”)
Which always brings a smile to my face.

This morning water is extremely beneficial, everyone should get into the habit of 2 glasses as soon as they rise, as it helps dehydrate your body after a long night’s sleep. According to Irene Hess Oats a Medical Herbalist from Canberra, dehydration today is a killer in our society, it contributes to dis-eases such as depression, MS and Parkinson's. Adding the humble lemon to your water helps the liver to produce bile, which is a mild natural laxative. It also assists with weight loss, the pectin (fibre) in lemons forms a gel in the digestive tract, where it mops up fats, reducing their absorption therefore creating a feeling of fullness. Vitamin C in lemons can also aid weight loss, as it is required in order to produce amino acids that help the body burn fat. And it also increases your immune system.

Lemons actually originated in California and Italy. How many lemons does it take to produce essential oils........... It takes 3,000 lemons to produce one kilo of essential oil. Lemon essential oil is high in the chemical constituent limonene (along with all the other citrus oils grapefruit, orange and tangerine) Limonene is a compound with antiviral, antitumoral, anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Limonene increase white blood cells and inhibits various cancers. It improves memory, relaxation and circulation among soooo many other things.

Spiritually it sharpens the focus of consciousness, clarifying and uplifting the intellect. It calms, lightens and disperses confusion, easing stress and worry (must get my dad and mother in law a bottle! J) Like rose oil it can help to open the heart, by alleviating fears of emotional involvement and of losing oneself in another person.

Lemon essential oil has been known to help protect against and fight off cold sores (making sure not to go out into the sun within 24 hrs of applying as all citrus oils are photosensitive) Great for gingivitis and gum disease (same as myrrh essential oil) and for insomnia, try rubbing the soles of your feet, adding a few drops onto your pillow at night or diffusing it in your bedroom. It is also great for post exercise aches and pains, muscle stiffness and swollen ankles or feet.

I use my lemon oil in my cooking for extra flavour and neat in my water (with other citrus oils when im out and about, as its better than carrying around a knife and lemons in your bag!!!) I also put a few drops in my dishwashing water for extra sanitation along with the thieves cleaner, and clean my bench tops and chopping boards with it. A kitchen that is naturally fresh and clean. :)

A small glass spray bottle filled with water and about 10 drops of Lemon oil is a perfect addition to anyones carry bag. I find that spraying my fruit and veggies, (when I can't get organic), if I’m out and about is very handy to help rid pesicides, fungicides and any other nasties. It's also fabulous as a hand spray while your little ones are being toilet trained using public restrooms and smelly toilet blocks in parks, as it works as a great antiseptic if your kids touch yukky surfaces! Which they seem to be attracted too! 
And lastly, of course fantastic in your bathroom/toilet and car as a natural freshener. 


Yummy Vegan lemony Recipe: Buttery Lemon Oil Cookies
I baked these the other day for my first Monday Meditation Workshop and they were a hit!
This recipe is taken from Vegan with a Vengeance, Isa chandra Moskowitz (of course i added the Lemon essential oil and removed the vanilla essence)

You will need:

225g non-hydrogenated margerine, softened
75g icing sugar
175g plain flour
5 drops of lemon essential oil
2 tablesoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp salt

• In a bowl beat together margarine and icing sugar until fluffy. Add flour, beat well.
• Add remaining ingredients, mix
• Mould dough into ball, wrap in cling film and wack in fridge for about 2 hours
• Pre heat oven at about 160 degrees
• Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut with fun cookie cutters....
• place on tray with baking paper and into the oven for only 6 to 8 mins.
• Allow to cool and enjoy the oily goodness :) 

If you would like any other info about the wonderful lemony benefits feel free to write a comment or connect with me from the links below:

www.naturallyjoyous.com
www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous

Wishing everybody a fabulous smiley day,

Joyous Health and Harmony,
Amy Marais**
Young Living Member 1090238

"Young Living essential oils - nature's living energy"


References: Essential Oil Desk Reference, 4th edition, 2009
                      Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Gabriel Mojay, 1997
                      The Miracle of Lemons; Dr Penny Stanway
                      Irene-Hess Oats; Medical Herbalist
                      And my own personal wonderful experiences

This information is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any illness. For your own personal interest.
 

.......... Quality ............


Whether it's quality of life, quality goods, quality time with your kids or quality services, we would all like the highest quality, wouldn't we?

Being a relatively new mum, like most I like to make sure I have fun things to do with my girls on a daily basis. A great website by the way is www.alittlebird.com.au  for all of your kiddy needs.

Over the last few weeks it has been raining quite a bit up here in Brisbane, so I have spend a lot of time indoors! One of our favourite things to do is to get out the BIG shoe box full of crayons, pencils and stamps. (no textas yet for little flamboyant Indie). My girls have so much fun making a creative mess..... and doing some yoga moves........

Lately I have noticed that it is so important to buy quality stationary. Crayons and pencils from "the cheap shops" just don't work, snap really easily or hardly write at all.

Well, guess what... the same goes for Essential Oils!!
Cheap, dilluted or adulterated oils just don't work... (and can actually be harmful.)

Buy cheap products, get cheap results.

Most essential oils out there stating "100% pure" from supermarkets and pharmacies, are produced for the perfume industry. They are only interested in the oil's aromatic qualities, not it's therapeutic qualities. In the perfume industry, certain practices are common and acceptable, such as distilling the oil using high pressures and high temperatures in high-volume "pressure cookers" and adding chemical solvents, fillers and synthetics to produce greater quantities of oil at a faster rate. Unfortunately, all sorts of wrong practices happen in the oil industry.......

Young Living pride themselves on TRUE QUALITY starting right at the source. Every single bottle of essential oil goes through a strict process known as Seed to Seal.

In short: they know what species of seed to plant, own their own 5 farms, only ever use low-temperature, low-pressure steam distillation process. This ensures that all critical chemical constituents remain, therefore allowing it to be medicinal grade. They test every batch, before sealing and shipping it straight to us the members! No need for extra handling, marketing or advertising. No nasties added, safe, pure and perfect... 

It is so good to know where you're getting your products from, who to trust and how it is made.

My business, Naturally Joyous is full of integrity, quality and RESULTS!

So, you get the picture....... these are amazing oils. What other product can you use for your personal care, nutrition, first aid, cleaning, cooking, physical health, emotional wellbeing and as a preventative against dis-ease?


Interested in your own oils?

The Everyday oils collection is the best to kick start your healthy lifestyle.........

How I use my everyday oils:
Lemon: flavour my water and my kids water, they dont even realise that its good for their health :) Just used it last week to get a sticky tattoo off Zola's arm too!
Peppermint: make yummy choc peppermint goodies in the kitchen, and also on my girls feet if they have a bit of a high temp.
Lavender: to calm and sooth overactive sisters who rev eachother up before bed... and on Zola's burnt hand :( all heale nicely now though :)
Frankncense: is said to "deepen the breath" so, perfect for meditation or yoga and great to rub on your own or your kids chest (sinuses, bronchitis, asthma)
Peace and calming: if you're feeling a bit frustrated, anxious or stressed.... perfect.
Purification: Mozzi bites, cleansing the air and Zola and Indie's skinned knees!
Thieves: on tinny feet and in my lemony honey immune booster drink
Valor: on feet or shoulders whenever I feel 'unbalanced' or need some confidence/courage
Pan Away: after carrying my girls on my hip, on my sore shoulder and mum's arthritis.


Just a little snippet, if you would like to learn/read more...... there is a great book out called "An Aromatic Life" by ahem fabulous authors, I may be one of them :)

You can order off me... Just send me a msg via www.naturallyjoyous.com
or order at www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous

Or request your FREE ebook: My Everyday Essential Oils by Zola aged 2!!!!

Anyway, until next time on your abundant oily adventure.......

Joyous health and harmony,
Amy**
xo

Please feel free to ask a question or leave a comment!
And thankyou for stopping by!