Bentonite clay under-arm detox {and face mask} recipe

Why would a busy working mother of two take the time to do an armpit detox?

I was conducting research and prep work for a switch to a non- toxic homemade deodorant.  I wanted to rid my pores of any residual chemicals (aluminum, fragrances, ingredients like dimethicone and preservatives).

Dimethicone is a man made silicon polymer added to products so they ‘slide’ better on the skin. It creates a barrier on the skin.  Dimethicone is found in deodorants, hair conditioners, makeup and products like muscle or pain creams.

‘It traps everything under it—including bacteria, sebum, and impurities—which could lead to increased breakouts and blackheads. The coating action actually prevents the skin from performing its normal activities—like sweating, temperature regulating, sloughing off dead skin cells, etc.’ [3]

The Bentonite Clay will draws out impurities and bring increased circulation to your skin. You may feel a slight tingling when using Bentonite clay, this is normal.

‘Ion exchange allows ingested bentonite clay to absorb internal contaminants such as toxins, heavy metals and poisons.’  [1]

Dry Bentonite Clay

What occurred after just a few days was a pleasant surprise…

I did feel fresher and noticed less odor.  Not that I was that smelly before but it did make a difference. My skin was softer and less itchy and continues to seem healed and fresher. It obviously drew out impurities. My goal was to pit-detox every night for a week, I made it 5 out of 7. Good enough.

I like deodorant and can get away with only that often, but I also like some antiperspirant action. To continue to keep my pits soft and clear of any residue, I’ve been doing this detox once a week.

I know, sweat is natural and our bodies want to sweat out toxins but I sweat enough during Tabata class. On the weekends I am able to get away with only using coconut oil with some essential oils (tea tree, lemon, or lavender mainly), but at work or a night out- it’s a must to have antiperspirant.

(I’ll post on a  homemade deodorant soon that is working perfectly for both my husband and myself).

You can imagine the responses when I posted this on my social media.

 

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Calcium Bentonite Clay
• 1/4- 1/2 cup Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (optional) or distilled water. I use Bragg brand.  You can add more or less vinegar as preferred.
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
• 5 drops Rosemary essential oil

Mix well and apply. Allow to dry for 15-20 minutes and rinse off well by hand or gently with a clean soft washcloth. Refrigerate leftovers.  Do not use metal bowls or utensils when mixing this clay.

You don’t necessarily need to add essential oils, but what I love about essential oils is that you get to play around with them and they are multifunctional. The essential oils are going to provide many benefits.  

• Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) for it’s blemish fighting and antibacterial/antiseptic qualities.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for moisturizing, scent, and healing. A brief Dr. Axe article on 7 uses for Lavender essential oil.

‘For instance, researchers from China have recently discovered that lavender essential oil helps your body produce three of your bodies most powerful antioxidants, glutathione, catalase, and SOD within 22 hours of using lavender essential oil!’  Source: DrAxe.com

• Rosemary is the added bonus oil for it’s fragrance and properties. It contains a-Pinene and eucalyptol.   ‘…α-Pinene is an anti-inflammatory via PGE1,^[9] ‘ [2]

(If you don’t have Lavender, Tea Tree, and Rosemary on hand you can substitute the following which are excellent and safe for skin care: Carrot Seed, Geranium, Clary Sage, Helichrysum, Copaiba, Lemon, Orange, or Cedarwood).

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Use as a Face Mask

I also use this as a face mask.  It calms any blemishes that are cropping up and stops them from getting worse. It can be used once or twice weekly to tighten and clear pores of excess oil or as an acne spot-treatment.  I always have this amazing rosy glow after using this mask. I immediately put Hemp Oil Serum on after rinsing.

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If you have any questions or wish to order Young Living essential oils, you may click on this link here to my affiliate page.  You can also comment or email me at genbumom@gmail.com.  I will respond within 24-48 hours.

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Note: These comments have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not substitutions or recommendations to treat, cure, or diagnose any diseases. If pregnant, nursing, or if you have any health conditions, please consult your physician prior to use.

Sources:

1. Lohrey, Jackie. ‘Uses for Bentonite Clay.’  August 16,2013. www.livestrong.com
2. Wikepedia. ‘Alpha-Pinene.’  Accessed October 2, 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-Pinene
3. Aragon, Britta. ‘The Truth Behind the Cosmetic Ingredient Dimethicone.’ August 26, 2015. www.franklipman.com

Oatmeal, Honey, and Hemp seed oil facial scrub

This Oatmeal, Honey, and Hemp seed oil facial scrub is moisturizing and blemish fighting. Most importantly, it is chemical free.

I’m going to outline two methods I tested.

Oily/acne prone skin does require some moisture. If you have dry or mature skin you can add different essential oils, like carrot seed oil or rosemary oil, to stimulate your skin cells.

Hemp Seed Oil is non-comedogenic and aids in cleaning your pores. Honey is antibacterial and prevents bacteria buildup. Ever heard of dabbing honey on a small cut? This is why: It soothes, fights inflammation and is antibacterial.  The combination of honey and hemp seed oil will to bind to your makeup and the natural oils in your skin and draw out impurities.  Oatmeal is moisturizing and healing.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic plain oatmeal
• 1 cup distilled water
• 3 TBSP organic Honey
• 3 TBSP organic Hemp Seed Oil
• 4-5 drops each: Rosemary [1] and Lavender [2] essential oils
• Carrot seed oil (Optional)
• You could add a few tsps of Castile soap if you have oily or combination skin.

Method A: Pulverize dry oatmeal in a blender or mixer for 20-30 seconds, until oats are about 1/4 the size of a normal oat.  You want some texture for this to be a scrub. Add remaining ingredients. Smooth onto skin and wash in circular motions. Rinse very well.

I refrigerated the leftovers because of the Hemp Seed Oil. This should keep fresh for at least one week.

I ended up with oatmeal  in my hairline and had to rinse for awhile to get all the oatmeal off my skin. It was grainier and more of a facial scrub.

My son seemed fairly entertained by mommy washing her face with oatmeal at the kitchen sink. My husband complimented me that evening on how nice my skin looked.   I’ve also started saving pulverized, powdered oatmeal in a glass container, so it’s on hand at all times. I add 1/4 cup to my daughter’s bath if she has diaper rash.

Method B:  Remove 1/2 cup from the scrub mix you made. Add 1 cup of water and 1 tsp. of Castile soap and blend in a mixer until a liquid, almost milky, consistency. Some settling may occur and you simply shake to reincorporate the ingredients before application. I stored mine in a re-used baby food jar in the fridge.

Method B was easier to rinse off and left my skin feeling better cleansed. Play around with what works best for you!

Essential oils used:

• Rosemary [1] – healing and blemish control
• Lavender [2]- moisturizing, clarifying, and skin toning and adds a pleasant ‘base-note’ scent
• Carrot Seed Oil (option for dry skin)- Detoxifying and rejuvenating. Great for mature skin. Effective at makeup removal.

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Sources:

1. Shea, Lorraine.  ‘Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil.’ http://www.Livestrong.com. August 16, 2013. http://www.livestrong.com/article/82331-benefit-rosemary-essential-oil/
2. Author unknown. ‘Lavender Essential Oil.’ http://www.youngliving.com. Accessed September 24, 2015 https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/lavender-essential-oil

Beard conditioning spray {the winter beard is upon us…}

The winter beard is upon us; it’s mid-September and we have experienced our first cool down of the late summer season. With this temperature plummet cravings begin for Pumpkin and Chai tea latte’s, seasonal craft beers, bonfires in sweatshirts, and of course, our men start dabbling with the idea of developing a luscious winter beard.

Yes, it’s winter beard pre-season.

Men do care about their beard health; regardless of what they may admit. They do not want it scraggly or to have dry skin underneath. The essential oils used in this spray will assist with hair stimulation, blemishes, and moisturizing. It’s dual function is you can spray up near his hairline also.

If your man is not the type to get into ‘beauty rituals’ tell him these few simple words: oil and massage. You have just convinced him. This works. Every. Single. Time.

Ingredients for Beard Conditioning spray:

• 1 oz. distilled water
• 1/2 oz. hemp seed oil
• 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil

Shake well before use. Apply about 4-5 spritzes and comb through with a quality beard comb to loosen up any dry skin underneath. Massage the oil into his skin underneath his beard.  Massage near his jawline, then up to his temples to soothe any tension areas.

This must be refrigerated because of the hemp seed oil.  It has a nice cooling effect according to my husband. Of course, always store in a dark colored glass bottle. I tend to be conservative when using essential oils, if you want a stronger spray, consult your dilution charts.

This can be used every day or a few times a week.  It will help his beard remain soft, full, and problem free during the colder seasons.

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Why use these particular essential oils?

Cedarwood adds a woodsy aroma. It also promotes clear skin. [1]

Lavender is our super oil. Men love the scent, it’s relaxing and reduces stress and what prevents breakouts more than eliminating stress? It also soothes itchy and dry skin.

Frankincense promotes cellular health and ‘applying this oil topically may help smooth the appearance of healthy-looking skin.’ [2] [3]

Tea tree is good for fighting blemishes. It can be drying, but the hemp seed oil provides plenty of moisture to counteract any drying effects. Recall, hemp seed oil has a 0 non-comedogenic factor (it will not clog pores). Tea tree oil cleanses and wards off infection from any nicks or cuts if he shaves his neck area.

Of course, always spot test a small area before application.

To learn more about essential oils click here: www.youngliving.com/genbumom

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Sources:

[1] www.YoungLiving.com Cedarwood EssentialOil

[2] https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/frankincense-essential-oil

[3] http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/frankincense-essential-oil.html

These comments have not been evaluated by the FDA. I am not a licensed physician. Always seek out high quality therapeutic grade oils and check for allergic reactions before full application.

A continuous change to simple and non toxic living

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I was not and may not always be a do-it-yourself mom.  My children are young and we don’t have many obligations and expectations after school. This is prime time for experimenting with homemade dishwasher tabs, face washes, and recipes.

However, I feel we do need some store bought products in our arsenal. Why?

1) It tells manufacturers these items are in demand and we want chemicals out of our products. Money talks. Many of us are in a very powerful consumer group right now. We are already seeing some changes being made, for example Johnsons removing formaldehyde releasers from their products or Kraft removing yellow dye #5 from their products.

2) Convenience. Busy moms do not always have time to whip up a new concoction (especially if it fails). We already put a lot of pressure on ourselves.  A shortcut never means failure.

We do need to be mindful about excess consumerism. Only buy what you need and recycle bottles and reuse to store homemade products. If a product does not work for you pass it along to a friend.

I love DIY mom’s, but if I will make my own laundry detergent is yet to be determined. I am still skeptical of Borax that is called for in many recipes I have researched. Castile soap and vinegar in the rinse cycle  is working well (soft clothes)  and has proven extremely cost effective compared to buying ‘free and clear’ laundry soap every week.

Our previous brands were not as safe as we had believed; we were another casualty of ‘green-washing.’

Below are my top trusted store-bought brands: 

Food:

• Amy’s Kitchen
• Cascadian Farms
• Mom’s Best
• Plum Organics
• Meijer Organics line
• Alexia
• Kettle
• Among Friends
• Annie’s
• Rainbow Light (Vitamins)
• Earth’s Best (Baby formula)
• Enjoy Life
• Nature’s Path Organic
• Happy Baby Organics
• Lucy’s
• Kashi
• Saffron Road
• Pascha
• Bragg’s

Bath, Body, and Hair:

• Shea Moisture
• Acure Organics
• Young Living Essential oils

Beauty and Skincare:

• Acure Organics
• Ava Anderson Non toxic
• Young Living Essential oils

Soap, Laundry, and Dish Soap. Non toxic Cleaners:

• Dr. Bronner’s
• Gaia Natural Cleaners
• Young Living Essential oils (Lemon, Thieves line of products)

Essential Oils: Young Living is my first  and most trusted choice in essential oils.

I’ve added 4 more suggestions for the novice seeking a change to non-toxic living.

(If you want to view 1 through 4 from the post A Change to Simple and Non toxic products click here.)

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Week 5:  Watch one documentary about something, anything. 

Download on your smartphone or tablet device. Watch on Netflix. Rent at the library. These films are poignant and eye-opening.

1. GMO OMG  “How do GMOs affect our children, the health of our planet, and our freedom of choice?”   [2]

2. The Human Experiment “The Human Experiment lifts the veil on the shocking reality that thousands of untested chemicals are in our everyday products, our homes and inside of us. Simultaneously, the prevalence of many diseases continues to rise.” [3]

See the Trailer: http://ktffilms.com/

3. Unacceptable Levels  “A film about chemicals in our bodies and how they got there” [4]

“…you don’t have to take on the world to change it. Just pick one thing in your life – water, food, vaccines, the law…it doesn’t matter, just pick something. Become curious about it and start asking questions, and then find some of the answers – just like I did.” – Ed Brown, Unacceptable Levels [4]

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Week 6: Make one homemade product you can continuously self produce.

For example, homemade sugar scrubs for feet and hands. It’s cheap (sugar, coconut oil, Vitamin E oil, and some essential oils) and easy.  Also, an all purpose cleaner made with Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap, vinegar, and lemon essential oils. (Always use glass with citrus oils).

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Week 7: Buy one new product line that you can trust.

 If you search for 100% organic products, you can rest assured it’s also Non-GMO. [1]  I trust this cookie brand by Among Friends. No strangely named ingredients and it lists acceptable substitutes if you are vegan.

You can make them sans eggs and add ground flax seed for added Omega 3’s and fiber.  We often use these as ‘breakfast cookies.’ They are low sugar and filling.

(Note: If  a recipe calls for 1 egg you can substitute with this: Mix 1 TBSP ground organic flax seed with 2 TBSP water, let sit 10 minutes. Use as your egg substitute).

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Week 8: Visit a whole foods or natural food store. Again.  

Try a different section this time.  I love the bulk food section.  Cook with rice often? Give Quinoa a try.  Love bean soup? Stock up on red and white lentils and make a new soup recipe.  You only need 1 cup of dried chickpeas to make your own hummus (chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon and some seasonings equals a simple homemade hummus).

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This is fairly simple once you make the appropriate switches in your products and foods. When you find what works you stick with it.  Please continue to utilize websites like http://www.nongmoproject.org/ and http://www.ewg.org/ for further information.

This is a step by step process and it is easy to become overwhelmed. Focus on what you can do today.

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Sources:

[1] The Non GMO project: www.nongmoproject.org  GMO Facts: Frequently asked Questions

[2] GMO OMG documentary: http://www.gmofilm.com/

[3] The Human Experiment film:  http://thehumanexperimentmovie.com/ Narrated and produced by Sean Penn.

[4] Unacceptable Levels film: http://www.unacceptablelevels.com/about/

Note:  Rocky Mountain oils also offers therapeutic grade essential oils. I started out using them but switched to Young Living due to Young Living’s Seed to Seal promise of quality.  To view Young Living’s product line: www/youngliving.com/genbumom

10 Ways to Use Lavender Essential Oil

10 Ways to use Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the perfect everyday essential oil.  It’s gentle enough to be used on children, contains healing and soothing properties, and the smell is gender neutral. Lavender is known or it’s relaxing and calming, sedative-like effects.

I’ve linked to other recipes from previous posts that use Lavender essential oil because, again, I use this oil every day and for about a dozen different things.

1. Sleep Aid and Stress Reducer. Lavender promotes a restful night’s sleep and may help with insomnia and stress. [1]

Add 3-5 drops in a full bath to help children relax and wind down.  It also soothes dry skin.  Kids are, after all, always getting scratches and rashes, lavender will soothe their skin gently and effectively.

Diffuse 3 Drops Lavender plus 7 parts Stress Away blend during yoga practice or at nighttime. This blend of Lavender and Stress Away blend (Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla*, Ocotea, Lavender) always gives me a gentle clarity and peace of mind during yoga practice. I feel more centered and patient the remainder of the day. {Let me be honest however, my yoga ‘practice’ is Sundays and maybe one evening per week when the kids are sleeping!}

2. Lavender is a great middle or base note for perfume making. I personally enjoy experimenting with Lavender essential oil, it pairs well with many different scents. Sometimes a drop of two is all you need when mixing scents.

• Lavender + Lemon or Lavender and a Purity blend for a light and uplifting scent
• Lavender + Ylang Yang and/or Rose or Lavender + Orange for sensuality
• Lavender + Cedarwood for grounding and peace

Add to 1 oz. carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond:   5 drops lavender and 5 drops Clary Sage essential oil in a rollerball for an on-the-go deodorant.

I order aromatherapy glass rollerballs in a set of 6.

3. After shave spot treatment.  Dab on shaving nicks or minor cuts. You can apply Lavender essential oil ‘neat’ or directly on skin or minor cuts. No carrier oil necessary. Lavender is a very gentle oil.

4. Baby Bum Moisturizer and Bath Soak.

• Add to coconut oil for a baby bum moisturizer.  In a serum dropper:  Mix 2 oz. coconut oil plus 2-3 drops lavender for children 6 months plus.
• Or add a few drops to the bath along with Oatmeal. Pulverize organic oatmeal in a mixer for about 5 minutes into a very fine powder.  Add 1/4 cup oatmeal to bath and 5 drops of the carrier oil/lavender mix above to sooth irritated baby bottoms. Do not use on broken skin.

5. Lavender is ideal for daily skincare. Click here for a Clarifying Hemp Oil serum recipe. I use this morning and night. I have noticed a reduction in ruddiness, acne, and dark spots. I often don’t wear make up anymore on weekends. How great is that?

• Acne prone skin: Per 2 oz. of Cold Pressed Hemp seed oil:  Use a ratio of 5 drops Lavender, 5 drops Frankincense and 5 drops Tea Tree oil to help clarify and heal acne prone skin. 100% Pure Tea Tree oil has been proven as effective as salicylic acid in treating acne. To order via Genbumom click here.

• ‘try mixing tea tree oil with raw, organic honey. Honey also contains antibacterial properties and promotes skin healing.’ [2]

• Dry or mature skin: Per 2 oz. of  Cold Pressed Hemp seed oil:  Use a ratio of  5 drops Lavender, 5 drops Rosemary, and 5 drops Carrot Seed oil.

I typically alter between these two serums.

For a seriously amazing blemish spot treatment: Mix 1 TBSP Bentonite Clay and 1 TBSP Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.  Let dry 15 minutes, rinse.  Dab on 1 drop Frankincense, Tea Tree, or Lavender essential oil ‘neat.’  Diffuse some Lavender,  read a good book, and then get a peaceful night’s rest!

  6. Reduce under-eye puffiness. Mix Lavender with Copaiba, Frankincense, Rosemary, or Geranium essential oil to help reduce under eye puffiness. Use as you would any eye serum or cream and avoid direct eye contact. Always do a spot tests first. If irritation develops do not rinse with water, apply carrier oil to dilute.

I use coconut oil as an eye makeup remover, it’s a gentle carrier oil for an eye serum.

7. Belly bloat reducer.  Add to 2 oz. carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond:   5 drops lavender and 10-12 drops Clary Sage or Cobaipa essential oil in a rollerball for bloat reduction PMS or period bloating or mood relief. 

8. Body Wash and Hand Soap. Add Lavender to water and Castile soap for a body wash.

Add 3 drops Lavender,  2 Tsp. Castile Soap, and water in a foaming dispenser for hand soap.

9. Dab directly on bug bites and bee stings to soothe itching or burning. Safe for children. You should generally dilute with a carrier oil for use on children.

I tend to have allergic reactions to mosquito bites and Lavender oil quickly reduced itchiness and bump size (better than hydrocortizone cream in my opinion). I used to get  bumps that would last for days, but they are gone the following day after using Lavender oil.

10. Ouch a minor burn!  If not serious and NO broken skin:  Dab diluted peppermint oil on immediately (1 drop peppermint per 1 TBSP water), continue to dab on peppermint water until stinging subsides.

Add Lavender to a healing carrier oil such as Rose hip oil or Grapeseed oil for the next week and apply often.

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Were you counting? That was 10 Uses for Lavender Essential Oil…

Below are 3 more ways to use this versatile and gentle oil.

• Add 1 drop Lavender to your mascara tube to keep it fresh and your lashes moisturized. You can also add 1 drop Cedarwood to aid in fullness and lash retention.

• Per WebMD:  ‘Canker sores. Some research shows that applying two drops of lavender oil to the affected area three times daily can improve canker sore healing and reduce canker sore swelling and pain.’ [1]

• ‘Hair loss in a condition called alopecia areata. There is some evidence that applying lavender oil in combination with oils from thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood might improve hair growth by as much as 44% after 7 months of treatment.’ [1]

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Sources:

1. ‘Lavender.’  Accessed October 16, 2015. www.WebMD.com
2. ‘How to use Tea Tree Oil for Acne.’ Accessed October 17, 2015. www.wikihow.com

Hemp seed oil clarifying face serum

Years ago if anyone would have asked me to put oil on my face, I would have declined the offer politely.  Why would someone with combination skin put oil on their face?

I started out trying coconut oil and experienced a few minor breakouts. I dabbed some Frankincense essential oil on one area and the throbbing feeling ceased. The next day I was relieved to see it reduced in size.  Frankincense is soothing to the skin and has wonderful skin healing and balancing properties.  Lavender helps to even out skin tone and can reduce blemishes (and smells wonderful).

I recommend reviewing this article from Body Unburdened.com – it is informative without being overwhelming about appropriate carrier oils for facial use. It helped me make the decision to use Hemp Seed Oil as my base (It has a non-comedogenic 0 factor).

Some basic information about carrier oils:  They all have a comedogenic factor or  ‘number.’ Non-comedogenic 0 means it will not clog pores. For some skin types a 1 or 2 rating won’t affect your skin negatively and it may actually help dry skin; for others it will  clog pores and you need to seek out an oil with a rating of 0. Which is another reason why I chose Hemp Seed Oil. Coconut oil and Jojoba oil did not work for me personally as a facial oil. I tried both but it resulted in breakouts. I still recommend Jojoba (a 2) for hair and coconut (4) for a body moisturizer.

What else rates a 0? Safflower Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius),Sunflower oil, and Argan oil.

Why Hemp Seed Oil though?

• It has a greenish tint, which can reduce ruddiness.
• It is high in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
• ”Hemp seed oil is also rich in gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. This is another type of omega-6 fatty acid and, according to Ratical.com, it has a number of skin health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.”Source: Livestrong.com 
• It may help reduce scarring.

So, below is my current serum. I use this morning and night after cleansing my skin. I adore the way it minimizes my pores, gives my skin a healthy glow, and my makeup disperses very well with this as a base.

Skin Clarifying Hemp Oil Serum:

• 2 oz. cold pressed Organic Hemp Seed Oil
• 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil (acne prone skin)

Note: Hemp oil does need to be refrigerated. I enjoy the cooling effect when I put this on my face straight from the fridge.  It’s also a good excuse to scope out a snack.  A little goes a long way (for the serum and for a snack).

Oily or acne prone skin responds best when not overwhelmed or over stripped. Don’t fear moisture. If you can mimic natural sebum production you can override its overproduction.

You can add  Tea Tree oil to this serum to further combat oil over-production and it would aid in healing blemishes. Tea Tree oil can be just as effective as the chemical salicylic acid.  I had a little dryness and peeling by my chin for just a few days when I first started adding Tea Tree oil but no further peeling since.

When using 3 essential oils in a 2 oz. solution, I would drop your ratios to 3:3:3 per 2 oz of Hemp seed oil.  10 drops essential oil total per 2 oz of carrier oil works best for me but that is slightly conservative.

I made this serum with 5 drops Frankincense, 5 drops Lavender and 5 drops Carrot seed oil for my mother and she said it has helped with her rosacea and some bumps on her facial skin.  I think my mother’s skin is amazingly soft and beautiful anyway (she eats clean and exercises daily) but to hear her amazed at the results is just another reason why I love mixing up oils for people!

Always check dilution charts prior to mixing your own products.  You can always increase ratios later.

As always, spot test your essential oils first. If irritation develops, discontinue use.

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What I discuss on this site has not been evaluated by the FDA, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any particular disease. I am not a registered physician and I encourage you to discuss your health concerns with your own doctor.