3 Easy Steps: Properly Diluting Essential Oils

While I am a complete novice at essential oils, I have added them to coconut oil (the solid kind). This is the first time I have added an oil to fractionated coconut oil in a roll-on bottle.

Frankincense is the first essential oil that I have purchased because I used it up completely. Personally for me, I have found it to very helpful in reducing pain. 

Since I am so new to this I first consulted Properly Diluting Essential Oils. I actually use this site frequently as a resource. 

1) I re-used the roller bottle that had frankincense in it. I popped out the roller ball assembly.
2) Then I had a 10cc syringe someone had gifted me. I used that to draw the fractionated coconut oil out of the bottle & then squirted it into the bottle. It worked perfectly. 
3) Then I added the drops of oil into the bottle & popped the roller ball back onto the bottle.

"3% Dilution (3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil; 15-18 drops per ounce) – best used short-term for a temporary health issue, such as a muscle injury or respiratory congestion. Up to 10% dilution is fine, depending on the health concern, the age of the person, and the oils being used."

I am gearing up to make more pre-diluted roll-ons. So, I am gathering additional items like more new roller bottles and syringes. 

Simply sharing my journey....

Amazon Associates links: Most are items I use and recommend, which I receive a nominal commission when you make a purchase. 

15% off on Plant Therapy Essentail Oil Roll-On's

Personally I use two brands of essential oils. I first tried Plant Therapy after researching quality, cost, and customer service. 

Please read all instructions carefully. The coupon code is: OCT25 and you apply it during check out. This coupon code can only be used once per household and only one coupon per order. This sale is for their pre-diluted roll-ons ONLY at www.planttherapy.com. Cannot be used with any other discount or offer. The couplon expires Oct. 25th (2014) at 11:59 pm CST.

These are the roll-ons that I bought.

                                                          

For other essentials oils I use check out Perky Gramma's Store (associates link).

Those cute little glass bottles and reflexology...

My grandmother was born about 1915. I was very blessed to have her in my life for many, many years. She got married at 16 and moved out to my grandfather's family farm & loved the very large extended family living on the farm.

She was smart as a whip, creative & ahead of her times. From a very young age, I remember reading her Prevention Magazines when we went to visit. Later she started doing reflexology message. I learned from her how effective this method was for relieving pain.

As I learn more about essential oils, I found that using oils on reflexology points & message work extremely well together. After researching many companies, I personally started using Plant Therapy essential oils. Now my wonderful daughter-in-law has started her own doTERRA business and I am also ordering from her to support her.

Now those cute little glass bottles. While I am still looking at placing my first order, I have found that a company named Aroma Tools carries those wonderful little essential oil bottles and many other handy items to use for carrying & dispensing your oils. Their prices are great, like half the cost of other sites I've checked. But, you have to buy in larger quantities. If you want to pay just a little more per piece, but far less quantities, try Plant Therapy (page 2 & 3) again.

So adding the two things together, in addition to the links shared above, I am sharing some additional links. I have been a fan of Dorling Kindersley informational books for years. I have in my library a super great D.K. book on reflexology by Kevin Kunz. These books are sort of hard to find, here is one I would recommend “The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology: 3rd Revision” by Kevin Kunz.

Also, I have found a super great interactive link for reflexology points on your hands and feet. This is a lot of fun for me as I continue to learn about reflexology. Click on the link above, not the photo.

While I am still learning on this journey, here just a few of the ways I have used essential oils from my blog. Plus, I have recently started using eucalyptus oil, lemongrass & rosemary oils neatly (full strength) on my feet at the kidney pressure point to try to improve my kidney health.

I love this feeling of the circle being complete from the knowledge that my grandmother shared with me as a child and now myself and my daughter-in-law applying that knowledge currently and then sharing my journey with you.
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I also have an online Amazon Associate/store called Perky Prepping Gramma's Store. This allows me to show you the products I have personally used and endorse, while monetizing my work. What I found early on was people would ask me where I got such & such an item and I would simply share a link. 
Even on regular Amazon (not prime), on specific items, when your order reaches a certain point, I believe it's $35 the shipping to home is free. So, I created a store of these items I use frequently or recommend. It doesn't cost you anything extra, but I do receive a small percentage as an advertising bonus, if you purchase from my store. You are even able to just link in and do any of your regular Amazon shopping.

Why I chose the Essential Oils and company that I am using...

First I will start with the most recent essential oil blend I have tried. I started the EO journey mostly because I am trying to decrease the amount of OTC pain medication I take. I have had chronic pain in my back, neck, knees and hands for many years.

My most recent product use was Plant Theapy's “Pain Aid” pre-diluted blend roll-on. I have to tell you, I am pretty amazed at how well it works for me. Pain Aid didn't completely remove all the pain; but it drastically reduced the amount of pain & worked so well, that within a few days I had already ordered my second bottle. This is a blend I will be learning how to make soon.
Personally, I chose to use Plant Therapy Essential Oils. 

How did I decide on which company to use? It can be a little overwhelming to get started using essential oils. I actually started out looking at many various companies products. What I was looking for was very high quality, sourcing, purity, cost effective and great customer service. I read a lot of sites and there are some great companies out there.

You know how it is when you go down the rabbit hole of researching things...
I had already sort of locked in on Plant Therapy. It took me a several days to write this post, since I couldn't find two of the sites I read that helped convince me about Plant Therapy.
One site was Nourishing Treasures the other was LearningAbout EO's. A page devoted to independent testing of various companies E.O.'s. It is funded by readers and had great information on multiple companies products.

When I am researching I tend to “read deep”. Which for me means trying to read as much as I am able on a specific site.

Specifically, I was reading this report on Tea Tree Oil testing. Plant Therapy's product was found to not be in compliance. What amazed me, instead of arguing, they pulled ALL of the Tea Tree products off their website and from Amazon. When Plant Therapy got their new batch of Tea Tree oil in, they paid for the independent testing themselves. Which was then found to be in compliance. This is the type of customer care that I was looking for. I am not saying other companies wouldn't do the same, I was just impressed by their personal response.

The other incident was a slight mix-up on a personal Amazon order. I ordered the Top 6 Essential Oil Sampler Set (Lavender, Eucalyptus, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Lemongrass and Tea Tree) from Amazon. I found out that the boxed set I received had Peppermint (mentha arvensis) instead of Peppermint (mentha piperita). I contacted Plant Therapy and they simply sent out the proper bottle to me in no time flat.

You are able to order these items at Plant Therapy's website (free shipping in the United States). If you sign up with your e-mail you will get a $5 off coupon to use on your order. They are linked above.
I now have their products listed on my Perky Prepping Gramma's Store Amazon associate site (free shipping and the same price on products as from the company direct). 

In addition, I have used essential oils for: Making toothpaste, Two salves: Tea Tree Oil Salve and Peppermint Oil Salve,  and in my DIY shampoo and conditioner.

Now I am going to take my shower and use the Pain Aid Roll-on. 

One Pomelo: 6 uses

I really enjoy trying new foods. I did a lot of reading and did all of this on Sunday with my new friend the pomelo fruit. First I cut the top off.

Then I cut into the skin and through the pith, scoring it about 6 or 7 times.

Then you dig your fingers into the top, into the fruit and open it up.

Look how nice that looks. Then I took the sections of fruit out. Then I made a pomelo hat. Evidently this is what you are supposed to do. No, really. Try goggling "pomelo hat", it may surprise you. So, here I am in my first pomelo hat.

Next, I ate some. I really like it. It is similar to grapefruit and sweeter.

Then I got busy. I cut out some of the pith to freeze for use on poison ivy. I probably will give it to someone else, since I don't seem to react to poison ivy. LOL.

Prepared the skin for candying. Sliced the skin into strips. This time I removed almost all of the pith,next time I may leave a little more on. To prepare the skin, add it to a saucepan and cover well with water, boil for 10 minutes. Drain and repeat the same step two more times.

Then I took half of the strips and left it plain (on the right) The other half I candied. TO do that simply add about equal amounts of water (and skins) again to the pan. After reading several recipes and knowing I like things tart, I only added about 1/4 cup of sugar to the saucepan. You slowly boil way the water, stirring as you go.

Then I dehydrated the skin for about an hour. I waited until I thought it looked right. 

The ones cooked in the sugar bath, I shook in a baggie of a little more sugar to coat the pieces. 

The ones without the sugar bath, I laid out in a pan and broke up a dark chocolate bar on top and heated it in the oven until the chocolate melted.

After the chocolate had melted, I stirred it up and let it cool.

Here are the results. Dark chocolate cover pomelo skin and candied pomelo skin.

I also added some of the skin to a jar and covered with vodka. I am going to see if I am able to make some essential oil from it. I will keep you posted.

There you have it. Pomelo 6 ways. 1) to eat, 2) as a hat, 3) remedy for poison ivy, 4) chocolate covered, 5) candied and 6) essential oil. I forgot to tell you, both of the candied skins are wonderful! They are almost gone.

Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Honestly, Tea Tree Oil from the Melaleuca Tree is one I have been hesitant to try.
I am very interested in using this oil because of it's analgesic properties.
I have sensitive skin and I am very sensitive to smells; especially if they are not pure essentials. So, first I did a sniff test. The scent lingered for about 5 minutes and didn't cause a reaction for me. I chose not to try this oil neat. 
I used gloves when mixing this up. I used about a teaspoon of coconut oil, melted the oil & added 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil with a wooden stir stick. I applied this still using the glove, I used this on my knees and lower back.

Well, it passed the test. Yippee!
Then I also tried applying it before I showered and then another time after I showered. I did this because I have had some other products that have caused a very uncomfortable burning sensation on my skin when using them close to the time when I have showered. I didn't have any problems with this Tea Tree Oil.
Overall I am pleased with the results. The smell is still strong for me, but I am able to use it on locations not close to my face (nose). I noticed that it does relieve some pain for me. This is one I will use and share.
WebMd has a few cautions about using Tea Tree oil.
Now with all that said, I choose to use Plant Therapy Essential Oils.
Perky Gramma's Store/Essential Oils
There are many options out there that are good quality. Do your research and make up your own mind.
Now share how you personally use Tea Tree Oil back on the Facebook page.
Thanks you all!

Peppermint Essential Oil

A few weeks ago, I starting using Plant Therapy Peppermint essential oil.
I purchased a bottle of Peppermint (mentha arvensis) in December. First, I added a (one) drop to my hair cleaning solution and a couple drops to my conditioner solution.

Then I added some to coconut oil to create a salve. I melted the coconut oil by placing the little tin on my stove while cooking, so the heat would melt the oil. Then I stirred in about 5 drops of the peppermint oil. So far I have used it on my neck and in my hair (for fly away hair). That was because this is a scent I like and tolerate well.

That is as far as I have gotten with peppermint.
I also just received a bottle of Peppermint (mentha piperita). I am working on learning the differences. 
I have a thing about storage containers now. Well, honestly I have always liked containers. This tin actually came from an Advent calendar. I am not considering them food safe, but I think I will find many uses for them.

 Do you have any uses to share for peppermint oil? What about the differences between Peppermint (mentha arvensis) and Peppermint (mentha piperita)?

Did you know that hair smells like hair?

Update 0417: I have been reevaluating what I store, now I am no longer storing shampoo or conditioner. I still have about two years worth of shampoo and conditioner stored. Now I store the things to make shampoo and conditioner (listed below).
Did you know that hair smells like hair?
I think we have been conditioned to expect hair to smell like something else. What I realized, I was living in a "fake" coconut scented cloud. I didn't mind, but I also didn't realize that I was in that cloud all the time. I have mentioned that I am extremely sensitive to smells. Now my hair smells like hair. 

I started the no-poo journey in August 2013. Started simple and thankfully I adjusted well to the process.

Here is what my hair looked like this morning. It was dry and fly away, so I added just a bit of coconut oil with peppermint essential oil (the peppermint is new) to the ends. Personally, I only had a few days of adjustment when I started the no-poo process. My hair is not color treated & is fairly dry.

I have adjusted things according to how my hair turns out. I also only wash the scalp portion of my head & I do wash it everyday. I think that is just out of habit. For the conditioner, I only apply and then wash it directly off. 

If my hair is still dry and fly away I add just a bit of little coconut oil. Now I use the tin that has peppermint essential oil.. When I mean just a bit, this is the amounts I work with. Adding little bits, until I feel my hair is good.

When I started, I found the recipe here: "Love Yourself Naturally".

Items Needed:
Squirt Bottle with Pointed Tip (use a mustard bottle or 12-oz. Squeeze Bottle)
Spray Bottle
Baking Soda
Vinegar (Use Apple CiderVinegar for Dry to Normal Hair, White Vinegar for Normal to Oily Hair)
Water

No-Poo Shampoo

1. create a solution of baking soda and water in your squeeze bottle – 1 tbsp of baking soda to 1 cup (250ml) of water. Try to use distilled water if you live in a hard water area. Make sure the baking soda has completely dissolved. The liquid should feel slippery in your hands (if it doesn’t add another tbsp of baking soda).
2. create a solution of vinegar and water in your spray bottle – 2 tbsp of vinegar to 1 cup of water. Shake to combine.
3. WASH: wet hair and, using the pointed tip of the bottle, apply the baking soda solution to the roots of your hair and massage into your scalp with your fingertips using small circular motions. DO NOT apply this mixture to the entire length of your hair. Leave on till it starts to feel “slippery” then rinse well, I mean REALLY WELL.
4. CONDITION: spray the vinegar/water solution on the length of your hair, focusing on the ends. DO NOT apply to the roots and scalp. Leave this on for a minute or two before rinsing.

NOTE: the vinegar may smell quite strong while you’re using it but don’t worry, your hair will have no odor once it dries.

NOTE: The squirt bottles don't last too long, so I am looking around to find a heavy duty squirt bottle for the cleansing solution.

Recently I started adding a drop of Plant Therapy Peppermint EO to the hair cleansing solution & a couple drops to the conditioning solution. It was one I wanted to start testing out. It is a little tingly, which I like.

Well, there you have it. I must say I started this without believing it would work. I know there are people that have had troubles adjusting. But for me, it has worked out really well. In the process, I found out that I was slightly allergic to the hair products I was using. I used to get itchy spots on my back and haven't had them at all since I changed. I will not be going back to commercial shampoo & conditioner. Now what am I going to do with those half bottles of shampoo & conditioner I have left in the shower?

What I do here is simply share our preparedness journey. If you liked this post we would love it if you joined our Perky Prepping Gramma community on Facebook, comment or share. Plus it would just make my day.

   

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