Essentially Yours - Pure and Natural Oils

Just a quick note...

2011-06-26T03:48:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that in addition to being passionate about Young Living essential oils, I'm also a best selling Kindle mystery author. The year 2011 has been crazy, because my publisher has decided to ramp up production on six of my books that have been ready to go and waiting in the queue. (I wrote a lot faster than I tried to get published!) Lots of editing and many new books coming, too. Including a new series called Tall Pines Mysteries. ;o)

One of the books is called Essentially Yours, and features a fun and sexy mystery set in the Adirondack Mountains. See? I couldn't keep the oils out of my writing - you knew it would happen eventually, didn't you? It's scheduled for release next March, but its prequel comes out this fall. Keep an eye out at http://www.legardemysteries.com.

- Aaron

Say Goodbye to the Common Cold!

2010-09-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

All right. I'll admit it. I can't guarantee that if you do what I did you'll have the same results as me. How could I know? I've only seen it work on me.

But, just in case it does work for you, I want you to know about it. I wish I'd known decades ago!

I would NEVER have believed this if it hadn't happened to me about 10 times already this year. But this weekend, it happened again, and I figured I ought to write about it before the memory fades.

I spent a week in Thailand recently for business. It was my first time ever in Asia. The trip over took 52 hours (including a plane that had issues, a forced overnight landing, and more...). The trip back was 31 hours hotel to home, BUT that was after a taxi never showed up and I missed my first flight. After another 24 hour delay (a whole story in its own), I finally got on board UA882 and arrived home late Friday night just before the Labor Day weekend.

Now, picture over 300 people on each flight (there were seven flights all together), picture us all going to the same restrooms, passing through the same walkways, going through customs together many times with other flights joining in as well. Picture all those germs...

I screwed up. I didn't bring my real THIEVES bottle with me, I mistakenly brought the one that was totally diluted that I let my grandkids use to play with. Just a few drops of oil in that whole bottle, and I put a sprayer on top for them to spritz all over the place. I use it as a breath spray, too. But it's not my concentrated bottle that I take everywhere, especially when I'm around a bunch of people! So, I didn't have my full strength THIEVES to use the whole time I was there, and I was very unhappy about that.

So, not surprisingly, when I woke up Saturday morning, I had a scratchy throat and it felt like it was a bit hard to breathe, as if congestion had already set in in my lungs. This is frequently a sign that I'm getting a cold; because of my asthma, I'm a sucker for viruses landing in my lungs. And you know the feeling when a cold's coming, it's just so distinctive, right?

Anyway, as I have done now many times this year when my little two year old granddaughter came home with a cold and I felt it starting in my throat, I dabbed a few drops of THIEVES (Clove† (Syzygium aromaticum), lemon† (Citrus limon), cinnamon† (Cinnamomum verum), Eucalyptus radiata† and rosemary† (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol)) onto my forefinger and rubbed it inside the back of my throat every 3-4 hours all day Saturday and in the evening. I also rubbed RAVEN on my chest at the same time. RAVEN has always been my first choice for breathing issues or congestion.(Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), lemon (Citrus limon), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Eucalyptus radiata).

By Sunday morning, all symptoms were GONE.

Now, being the skeptic I am, I normally would have assumed that maybe I was mistaken, maybe it wasn't really a cold coming, that maybe I had imagined it.

But after the past year, I have to say categorically, no way! This has happened TEN times now since fall 2009. I've had no colds, whereas normally I would have several during the year, and more when the grand kids were around. And I'm sure I know the sensation of a cold coming on, having lived on this planet for 57 years.

Next time you feel a cold coming on, try it. Be prepared for a bit of a shock, the THIEVES feels pretty darned strong on your throat. (my wife says it burns her, but not me!)

Sigh. I wish I'd known about my oils back then. Think of all the colds I could have avoided!

***

So, yeah. I'm a distributor of Young Living Essential Oils. I do it because I am convinced of the benefit of these all natural products, and I've seen them help people in my family every single day. I wanted to help others, as well, so I signed up to be able to get my friends 24% off the retail price.

To buy your own starter kit with THIEVES in it (plus peppermint, lemon, lavender, and much more...), come over to my Young Living Website. There are tons of free articles there to help you learn about the oils, the history, and applications.

I believe in these oils so much that I'm writing a book featuring them now, called Essentially Yours. I think it's my best yet. (#15)

To prove how dedicated I am to these products, I'll give away a free copy of Healey's Cave (my new release), to the first three people who sign up and order either the Essential Seven Kit or the Everyday Oils Collection. You can also order individual bottles, if you like.

Take good care of yourself, and have a great week!

Aaron Paul Lazar
http://www.pureoils.blogspot.com
http://aaronlazar.younglivingworld.com
http://www.mooremysteries.com

Using the Purification blend to repel bugs and soothe bites

2010-07-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

Although my family tends to doubt me every time I tell them about a new oil (they are just "show me" kinds of people!) , they are now believers in Purification, a wonderful blend that includes Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia), lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida), and myrtle (Myrtus communis).

We use it neat (100% strength) on bug bites to take away the sting and itch. And we mix it in a spray bottle of water to use like "Off" or bug repellents. It works wonderfully. I also put just a dab on my head and a dab on each arms (undiluted) to keep really bad deerflies and such away.

The whole family is sold now, and we use it every single day on four grandchildren and all of us adults!

I have also convinced them about many of the other oils now - they all use peppermint, Thieves, Deep Relief, lavender, balsam fir, Raven, and lemon on a regular basis. ;o) It takes time, but they're learning!

More later, must go read to a little one.

Living Life and Loving our Oils

2010-07-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss about posting articles here. I've planned to write - dozens of them - but life got more complicated (albeit, better) when I got a new job in the late spring! So, please hang tight and keep checking back. We're living life healthier and happier with our oils and will never go back.

Also - I've written over 20,000 words in my new mystery novel that will feature the oils in a way that excites me to no end. LOL. Can't wait to share the whole story with you!

Thanks!

Aaron Paul Lazar

Aaron's Contact Info

2010-03-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Lemon Oil - The amazing power of citrus

2009-11-29T10:29:00.000-08:00

My dear grandsons, Gordie and Julian, visited a great deal this week. We spent time cooking, drawing pictures, painting, playing "soccer" (with a half deflated red rubber ball), hanging out by the woodstove, bringing up firewood from the barn, and of course, enjoying Thanksgiving with the whole crowd.

Julian has become my best oil promoter - he knows all the names, what oils are in the blends, and what they're all good for! Gordie loves to have the oils applied at bedtime - a nice foot rub or a back rub is his favorite.

One morning last week, Gordie rose early with me. He's usually up by six (which only gives me an hour to write! LOL), and there he was, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, wanting to cook eggs together and draw pictures. The analogy works well for him, since he has beautiful copper hair, just like a red fox. While I made a quick trip to the laundry room to throw some clothes in the dryer, he found my permanent Sharpie marker and by the time I was back, he'd drawn on his rosy little cheeks and on our flannel backed vinyl kitchen tablecloth.

Horrified that I'd have to scrub and scrub, I turned to my oils, and remembered a note a few weeks ago about using Lemon Oil to remove superglue. I'd actually tried it, successfully, after reading the note when I had to repair a one-of-a-kind slate tile that Julian accidentally broke. (the lemon oil worked!)

I applied a few drops of lemon oil to my grandson's soft little cheek, and voila! The black marks disappeared. Same thing on the tablecloth, just a few drops rubbed the lines out as if they'd never been there.

We've been using lemon drops in our tumblers of ice water, partially for the benefit of the powerful antioxidant properties in lemons, but also because it tastes so good.

Here are more uses for Lemon. And if you didn't already know, over 150 hospitals in England are using the oils for antiseptic and treatment purposes. They use lemon oil to clean and disinfect their cabinets, devices, and patient's rooms. I'll bet it smells GREAT in those places, unlike the usual disinfectant-smelling hospitals we're used to in the States.

LEMON - (Citrus limon) has antiseptic-like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function. Most people, and especially children, react with delight to the citrus fragrance. CAUTION: Citrus oils should NOT be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within 72 hours.

Use a few drops of Lemon oil directly on sore muscles to help them relax.

Use a few drops of Lemon oil to disinfect and shine chrome on fixtures and appliances in your kitchen or bathroom.

Use 1-2 drops of Lemon oil to remove gum, oil, grease spots or crayon from jars, glass, plastic containers, counter tops, etc. (newly added: superglue and Sharpie marks!)

Use 1 drop of Lemon oil to add flavor to baked goods such as cookies and cakes.

Make refreshing lemon water to accompany your meals by adding a drop or two of lemon oil to a pitcher of cold water (or make it into lemonade, with sweetener).

Rub a drop of Lemon oil on a corn, callous or bunion mornings and evenings for relief.

Add 2-3 drops of Lemon oil to water in a spray bottle, and spray as an antiseptic cleaner on counter tops, appliances, utensils, toys, etc.

Soak your dishcloth overnight in a bowl of water and 3 drops of Lemon oil to disinfect and kill germs.

Add a drop of Lemon oil to your dishwasher before the wash cycle for added cleaning and sparkle.

Rub a drop of Lemon oil on your hands after using a public bathroom.

Add a drop of lemon oil to gift packages to send a cheery message.

Rub two drops of Lemon oil topically to help clear athlete's foot.

Diffuse lemon oil in the air at home, office, or schoolroom for an uplifting, energizing feeling.

***

That's it! Take care and enjoy the coming week.

If you're interested in becoming a Young Living Member (to be eligible for 24% discounts!), check out my website here, where you can join, or order retail. ;o)

http://aaronlazar.younglivingworld.com/

I'm in Heaven...

2009-11-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

Well, not literally. I'm writing this with my feet solidly planted on Mother Earth. But I just got my new shipment of Young Living Essential Oils and I'm surrounded by scents that are lifting me to the proverbial ceiling.

The new "Stress Away" roll on sends me into a rapture. It's a mixture of vanilla, lime, and other delicious oils. It brings to mind Margueritas and sugar cookies. And darn, if that doesn't relax you, what will?

I'm also in love with my new Golden Touch Oils Collection, particularly the Endoflex blend. Featuring spearmint, sage, geranium, myrtle, German chamomile, and nutmeg, it keeps luring me back for more inhalations. Word is it will support kidney function and help balance endocrine/glandular functions. But I just like it for the aroma. ;o)

The entire collection is designed to help relieve a collection of bodily discomforts and improve well-being.

Juva-flex or Di-Gize can be applied with a warm compress over a tummy to help with intestinal discomfort.
RC or Raven can be applied on chest and back to open up airways and relieve chest congestion and asthma.
Thieves eliminates airborne bacteria and supports a healthy immune function. (you know how much I love my Thieves already!)
Melrose is useful for cleansing minor cuts and scrapes, and as mentioned above...
Endoflex helps maintain normal kidney function and glandular balances. Frankly, I don't care what it does, it smells so darned good!

I also got a large refill for my Thieves foaming hand soap, more Thieves mouthwash, Thieves toothpaste (with none of those nasty things you find you're warned against on regular toothpaste) and a huge bottle of Ningia Red to boost our immune systems.

In addition, we've been doing "shots" with Citrus Fresh - a new combo with lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, mandarin, spearmint, and orange oils. It's so refreshing added to fresh ice water... and so good for you!

The other day my daughter Jenn came by and refused a beautiful dinner I offered her (beef stroganoff and fixings). She said her stomach hurt, and it had been for a few days. Now-get this-she's a nurse who's been going out straight and hasn't had time to "let" me teach her about my oils. As you can imagine, she's the skeptic I used to be.

I finally convinced her to rub a few drops of peppermint and ginger on her tummy. She did it, rolling her eyes and laughing the whole time. But ten minutes later, she stopped and looked at me as if I'd grown horns.

"Dad. My stomach feels better."

I just looked at her and smiled.

Now, I'd heard a few weeks ago that adding a few drops of peppermint to your water (hot or cold) could help acid reflux. I've had reflux for a long time, and have to take a pill in the morning as well as another variety of rx at night to avoid getting reflux when I sleep. It also used to go back down into my lungs, making my asthma worse.

I started putting a few drops of peppermint in my ice water at night, along with some orange oil. I stopped taking the night time reflux med, and so far, no reflux. Today I eliminated my morning pill, but also took two drops of peppermint in my morning drink. I'm testing this out, folks, and hope I can completely eliminate TWO prescriptions! We shall see.

Of course I already eliminated the Advil I was taking daily for headaches. I'm thrilled about that.

I just have to share one more thing. I've been babysitting a lot of sick grandkids lately. We're talking running nose city. Two had the swine flu. (they're recuperating, but it was bad!)

To help support my immune system and kill germs, I've been using Thieves on my hands and the bottoms of my feet daily, and putting a drop on my tongue as well to keep away the germs. FOUR times now, in the past two months, I've felt a cold coming on. A scratchy sore throat (which was always the precursor of a cold for me) would start, and I'd rub a few drops of Thieves on the back of my throat where it was sore about three or four times a day, plus all the other applications I'd been doing as a preventative. Each time my cold disappeared before it could blossom into something worse.

Every single time.

Wow. I'm now so convinced about the benefits of Thieves that I carry one in my car, one in my coat pocket, and have them all over the house. What a salvation! And it's so much better for you than the alcohol based antibiotic gel.

Okay, enough for now. Have a healthy and enjoyable weekend.

***

If you'd like to become a wholesale buyer of oils to save 24%, sign up through my new website here.

An Uncomfortable Subject - with a Surprising Solution!

2009-11-05T04:36:00.000-08:00

Cold sores.

Man, they're gross. Especially when they're on YOUR face. Right?
It's an uncomfortable subject and an uncomfortable ailment. I've suffered from them on my nose, of all places, a few times a year. Of course, it always happens just before I have some place to go or a public speaking event. Never fails.

Last week it happened again. A little irritating itchy red area started up on my nose two days before I was scheduled for a book club event with twenty four people under the bright lights of a library. I was mortified before it even happened, imagining myself with a giant red spot on my nose. Well, sure, there are much worse things that can happen, but it isn't fun at all.

Since I've been laid off from Kodak, I've had time to play around with therapeutic essential oils. They're produced very carefully (organically) by a super company called Young Living, and I've been experimenting with their value. This stuff has been used for thousands of years to heal and help people, and it's just now that our arrogant society is starting to integrate the benefits of these medicinal and healing plants into their lives. I guess Beth Israel hospital has seen the light and is integrating them into their programs.

But I digress.

So, I was using these oils for things like headaches (the pure peppermint oil completely eradicated my headaches. Haven't taken an Advil in months), skin care (lavender heals cuts and burns like crazy), relaxation, pain relief (oh my God, if you have pain, ask me about it later!), etc. I've also been getting the oils that are prescribed for my wife's MS - and I'm seeing some results. It's early, but we'll see.
Anyway, when this cold sore started to show up, I figured it couldn't hurt to dab a few oils on it and see what happens. I knew that the lavender is great for healing burns and cuts, among a million other things. And I'd heard that frankincense is also great for skin care, as well as helping with alleviating depression, etc. And I knew that the Thieves blend (cloves, cinammon, lemon, rosemary, and eucalyptus) was good for killing airborne bacteria as well as just smells so darned good I can't help but want it all around me (in the diffuser, in the cleaning products, in my toothpaste (yup!), mouthwash, and on my skin).

So, I put a few drops of each on the erupting cold sore. I thought, what could it hurt? And I know the oils are beneficial in a million untold ways, anyway. Plus they're all natural and I LIKE that. I didn't dare hope that it would actually work.

I was shocked when later that afternoon the itching/burning/hurting stopped cold. The red spot that would have by then started to ooze and grow and hurt was just that - a red spot. And if felt very dry, almost scaly, but not quite. Thrilled beyond belief at my "discovery," I applied a few drops each day a few times a day. It never erupted, it never progressed through its usual cycle.

So I started to wonder which of the oils might have fixed it. Or was it a combination? I researched a bit more (I'm still learning, mind you) and found this listing for Thieves. (look at the bottom of the list.)

Headache - Rub onto area of pain (this surprised me. I'd been using peppermint successfully for headaches with amazing results)
Neckache - Rub onto area of pain
Cough - one drop directly on back of tongue and swallow, then drink water and/or rub into throat area
Cough - add a drop to 1/4 to 1/2 cap Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash and gargle then swallow
Sore Throat/Strep/Tonsilitis/Cough - Add 1 or 2 drops to a spoonful of Young Living's Blue Agave and swallow or follow directions for cough
Memory Improvement - place on upper palate with thumb, and/or rub on temples, back of neck, top of head
Thinking Clarity - place on upper palate inside mouth, with thumb
Driving - Staying more alert/awake while on long trips - rub into temples and along hairline and inhale.
Studying - Staying more alert/awake late at night - rub into temples and along hairline and inhale.
Bloody Nose - rub all over nose
Clogged Sinuses - rub all over nose, cheeks, and above eyebrows. Caution: do not get in to eyes or it will sting
Pimples - place directly on them as often as necessary Alternate with lavender
Cold Sore - place directly on sore as often as necessary to help it heal and disappear. Alternate with peppermint
Canker Sores - Put on as often as necessary to help them heal and disappear. Alternate with lavender

So, I started laughing out loud when I read this. My big "discovery" was already well known and documented. It may have been the D-limonene in the lemon that partially helped, as its known to have antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiVIRAL properties. Either way, I'll use them all next time to be sure.

All those years, all those expensive salves and prescriptions... I could have just used a few drops of my Young Living Essential Oils to avoid the awful embarrassment and discomfort. Wow.

If you want to try the oils, click here. I'm so convinced about the benefits that I'm now a distributor! Imagine that!

I've decided to let nature fix what ails me. How about you?

***

Aaron Lazar is an author (Legarde Mysteries and Moore Mysteries) who's been laid off from his day job in engineering since May 2009. He's still looking for work in the Rochester, NY area, in either engineering or writing, so if you have any leads, give him a buzz! In the mean time, between job search, gardening, playing with his grandkids, cooking for his family, and writing his fourteenth book, he's been playing around with these essential oils and loving it. Email him privately about it if you wish at aaron dot lazar at yahoo dot com.

Goodbye to Headaches

2009-11-05T04:08:00.000-08:00

I've suffered from headaches all of my adult life. They're ranged from daily morning headaches that seemed to come from the sinus area, to sharp, knee-buckling migraines that could only be assuaged by sleep. I remember lying on my pillow in a darkened room while Dale tried to keep the little ones quiet downstairs... the noise of my head rubbing against the pillow fabric was torture.

Driving often precipitated a headache, and of course loud television sound tracks were guaranteed to get me going. But most of all, I woke every morning (or in the middle of the night) with throbbing headaches that wouldn't go away.

After suffering for years, and after dealing with my family's more severe health issues that always took the forefront (MS, childhood development issues, teen rebellion issues, etc.) I finally saw a headache specialist.

He prescribed a very strong medicine that had pretty scary side effects. (heart related risks) But I was desperate, so I tried it. I remember him saying it would "get worse before it got better" each time you took it. Driving to work one sunny morning, I took a dose when a headache hit. The head pain grew almost intolerable, then backed off a little. The headache didn't go away completely, and I got very sick to my stomach.

I tried it a few more times, then got so fed up I went to the market and bought and over the counter solution. Advil, blue liquid capsules. I figured if it was over the counter, it couldn't be too bad for you, right? After all, it was just a liquid, too, which should pass through my stomach easily and not cause ulcers or anything. Right? Hmm. Read on.

The Advil helped immediately! Pain was gone and I was thrilled. I started taking it automatically every morning (2 pills) and sometimes two at noon and two at night. I'd take it in the middle of the night to resolve the headaches that woke me up, and it worked. By golly, it worked! It was cheap, and it worked!

Then I saw my doctor for something totally unrelated - a badly strained back. I'd never mentioned the Advil to him, since it was "over the counter" and it was already helping the headaches. Why bother? But this time he recommended an ibuprofen type drug to help the swelling. I told him I'd already increased my Advil to help the pain, but it hadn't helped much. I was taking six Advil a day.

He looked at me with those gentle eyes of his that suddenly grew wary. "How long have you been taking it?"

"Ten years. But not this much. Usually I just take two in the morning and sometimes during the day."

"Every single day?"

"Pretty much."

It was then that reality hit, square between the eyes. He said I was at high risk for developing bleeding ulcers, and that he'd sent many people to the ER who almost died from such because of taking too much aspirin or Advil. He told me I was probably having "rebound" headaches from the Advil, and that my body reacted with headaches when I didn't take it.

Frankly, I didn't believe the rebound bit, but he scared the heck out of me with the stomach ulcer warning. So I stopped. Cold turkey. And I had two weeks of solid head pain.

Eventually, the daily headaches lessened. Some days I didn't have any. But they still showed up and I had to simply tough it out. He was right about the rebound, but the Tylenol he suggested as a solution didn't cut the pain in the least.

So I suffered. Until last spring, when I was waiting to get my hair cut at Lisa Marie's Hair Salon in Livonia, NY. In the middle of reading a newspaper article, I sat straight up in my seat. A scent had wafted over to me from Lisa's station - something so powerful and pleasant and uplifting that I couldn't stay put. I wandered over to her (how bold was that?!?) and asked her what it was. On her table she had a collection of little brown bottles with colorful labels on them. She lifted one to me and let me sniff. Then she put a little on my hand and rubbed it in. I think it was the Thieves blend of essential oils (cloves, cinammon, lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus radiata), or maybe the Christmas Spirit blend (cloves, orange, spruce). I can't remember now. All I remember is that I was attracted to this stuff like a character in a cartoon. It was as if I lifted off the ground and floated toward it, then inhaled it like an aphrodisiac or a drug! While she cut my hair she told me about her personal experiences with the oils, how the Peace and Calming blend had helped her little son focus better in the classroom (verified by his teacher, who didn't know what Lisa had tried), and about her brother who'd been in a horrible accident, and how the oils had helped relieve his pain where no other meds could. And so much more.

I was both intrigued and skeptical. I wanted to learn more, to be sure it wasn't some kind of scam product. I soon learned that these little bottles of oil were supremely legit - used by the Beth Israel hospital to treat patients and by many other fine physicians around the world. They are purely organic and from the earth. Nature's bounty, carefully processed with the highest quality standards and organically produced. I fell in love with the oils, bought a starter kit with nine bottles (Peppermint, Lavender, Lemon, Frankincense, Purification, Thieves, Valor, Panaway, and Peace and Calming) and started to experiment to see what they'd do for me and my family.

That's when Peppermint Oil became a major part of my life. I learned that in addition to its many other properties (see list below), it was known to relieve headache pain. I applied a couple of drops to the nape of my neck, to my temples, and across my forehead - but not too close to my eyes, as this stuff is VERY concentrated and can make your eyes water. One drop of peppermint oil is a s strong as TWENTY cups of peppermint tea.

In less than ten minutes, my headache simply vanished. The relief lasted a few hours. I reapplied, and the same thing happened. I started to get all nervous because I was afraid to get too excited about something that affected such a huge problem. How could this work? Why would it work? I researched like mad, and found the whole essential oils story to be steeped in history - from ancient Egyptian practices to those mentioned in the Bible. Eastern cultures have used them for years, taking the goodness from plants, trees, and shrubs and using them to treat all sorts of conditions. I wore my peppermint into a Thai restaurant, and one of the servers, of Chinese heritage, said it smelled just like the "Chinese medicine" (oil) her family uses to rub on the forehead for headaches!

So it wasn't new. It just wasn't widely embraced *yet* but our Western world.

I don't go anywhere without my peppermint anymore. I just ordered two more 15ml bottles to be sure I don't run out. I keep it by my bedside, in the kitchen, in my car, and in my pocket. One bottle does last a long time, but now that I've found such a super solution I want it available all the time.

I've tried it on my cousin - her headache went away. My mom wanted to try it on her sciatica. I was skeptical that it would help, but now she sleeps every night pain free. She figured that one out on her own and just bought another bottle of it! She also says a dab of it on her forehead keeps the gnats away when she's gardening. She lives near a swamp and has TONS of those pesky things. I've met other oil lovers now (at expos and conventions) who have similar stories, accounts of peppermint (and the other oils) working wonders in their lives. My life has changed dramatically now, and everywhere I go, I suggest a different oil or combination to my friends. I guess you could say I'm newly obsessed, but in a good way.

And yes. I'm going to write a book about it!

***

I'm not a doctor. I don't claim that peppermint will work for everyone's headaches. But it's worth a try. If you're interested in getting a kit or a single bottle, here's my website:

http://aaronlazar.younglivingworld.com

(note: there's no "www" in the address!)

P.S. If you're interested, I recommend you sign up as a "distributor." I did. There's no pressure or obligation, you just get your future oil purchases at 24% off retail if you do. And then, if you fall for them like I did, you can share them with your friends at the same discount. (you also make a little money yourself for selling them, it's a legitimate business that many people actually make a very good living on!) Sort of like Avon products, but for your health and home. :o)

***

Here's a list of ways folks have used peppermint in the past:

o PEPPERMINT - (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint's effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint's ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint's ability to directly affect the brain's satiety center, which triggers a sense of fullness after meals. Peppermint is grown and distilled at the Young Living Farms.

· Put a drop of Peppermint on your tongue and/or one under your nose to increase alertness and concentration-very helpful if you're starting to feel tired when driving!

· Rub 4-6 drops over your stomach and around your navel to relieve indigestion.

· Add a drop of Peppermint oil to water or herbal tea to relieve heartburn or nausea.

· Massage several drops of Peppermint oil on an area of joint or muscle injury to reduce inflammation (around, but not directly on, an open wound).

· Rub several drops of Peppermint oil on the bottoms of your feet to reduce fever.

· Apply a drop of Peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.

· Inhale Peppermint oil before and during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue.

· To relieve a headache rub a drop of Peppermint oil on your temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and/or on the back of your neck.

· Diffuse Peppermint oil in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy; then inhale Peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.

· Place a drop of Peppermint oil on your tongue, or put a drop in your palm or on a tissue and simply inhale the aroma to relieve congestion from a cold or sinus problem.

· Add Peppermint oil to food as a flavoring and a preservative.

· To deter rats, mice, ants or cockroaches, smear a few drops of Peppermint oil along their path or point of entry to deter them.

· To kill aphids add 4-5 drops of Peppermint oil to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.

· Drink a drop of Peppermint oil mixed in a glass of cold water to cool off on a hot day.

· Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue to stop bad breath.

· Inhale the fragrance of Peppermint oil to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.