Essential Oils

I think when you are setting up a first-aid box for your long term storage you should think about adding some essential oils. Here is some information I have gathered about essential oils.

Essential oils are natural antibiotics and the body doesnt create immunity to them. The same cannot be said about "prescribed antibiotics". In some way they will all be antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, but the degree to each quality will vary from one oil to the other.

Essential oils will not weaken in storage, provided you keep them in a place that they are not exposed to heat, they come in the amber bottles to prevent excessive exposure to light.

Essential oils work primarily through the nose - and go directly to the brain. There is an almost immediate reaction to the limbic system, which is interesting, as a side note when you realize that the limbic system is what kicks in that is associated with your basic needs and emotions like hunger.pain, pleasure, you get the picture.

Any essential oil can also enter the body by being applied topically to the skin.

CAUTION:
Essential oils should not be taken internally. Some may not be dangerous at all, and they should be marked with a caution on the label. Research is important. I have been into essential oils for years but by no means do I know everything. If I know for sure that it is toxic I will say so in red.

This is a very few basics that you might want to consider to keep on hand.

Camphor - Mental stimulant, arthritis relief, cold and flu relief, tick repellent. Toxic - no internal use.

Eucalyptus - Decongestant, inflammation, sinus infections, muscular aches, revive due to nervous exhaustion, disinfect. Toxic- no internal.

Lavender - Protects skin from sun, wound healing, calms and sedates, relieves cramping, muscle tension etc, skin regeneration, tension. People prone to seizures should be very cautious, could be more of a mental stimulant to them.

Lemon - Antiseptic, purifies, cleanses, supports lymphatic system therefore immune system. Reduces anxiety, feel happier. Is non-toxic but is phototoxic, dont go out in the sun if you have applied topically, also can irritate sensitive skin.

Tea Tree - Sore throat, antiviral, antifungal for nails, treat insect bites.

Texas Cedarwood - Repels chiggers, treatment for respiratory , urinary, acne or skin infections.

Oregano - Very powerful immune booster, defends against viral, bacterial and fungus infections. Must be blended with a fatty oil or will burn the skin. Toxic internally.

Clary sage - Relieves stress, tension, promotes restful sleep, regulate female reproductive system. Non-toxic BUT large dose can produce narcotic effect, do not use if have a alcoholic beverage. PURPLE ALERT!! NECESSARY FOR EVERY WOMAN, CAN BALANCE EMOTIONS, RESTORE TRANQUILITY, CALMS NERVOUS SYSTEM IN CASES OF DEPRESSION, INSOMNIA, AND DEEP TENSION!

Frankincense - Relaxes, clears sinus passages, uplifts moods, creates meditative state, reduce inflammation, soothing and healing for inflamed skin or burns, deepens breathing for asthma. Non-toxic. Not to be use in pregnancy. IF IT WAS GOOD ENOUGH FOR JESUS, IT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.

Grapefruit - Astringent, stimulant, general tonic, antiseptic, increase circulation, stimulates lymphatic system, obesity and water retention, relief of depression. Phototoxic, no sun when using. Dont know but may interfere with medications taken by mouth.

Rose - Antiseptic, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, heart supportive properties, increase concentration, aids in having "sweeter dreams" good for the skin, relaxing. Another thing, can grow your own roses!!

Spearmint - Whiten teeth, freshen breath, insect and animal bites, mouth sores, repels rodents, analgesic, anti depressant, antiseptic, colds and flus, dermatitis, digestive disorders, fatique, tension,hyperactivity, stress, peaceful. Nontoxic and we can grow our own, it is super easy to grow!!



The list is exhausting, you may find scents that you like better with a little research, this is just a basic list to help you get started. Tomorrow I will talk about the different applications and blending the oils with carrier oils.

Big time praise report!

I got special permission to share this. I am so glad I talked to my cousin Kelly , today. Her husband Mark was diagnosed with prostate cancer going on 2 years ago. He went thru the treatments and did all that, but they knew a year ago that he needed to have proton ? radiation treatments. They also knew awhile back that according to their insurance they were going to have to pay $16,000.00 out of pocket. Kelly sent out an e-mail awhile back asking for prayer, I told her to tell Mark that I thought of him often, and still kept him in my prayers. She ask if she told me about the money thing, I didnt know what she was talking about so she told me. The money wasnt going to be a issue, because they would work out a payment plan, so he could have the treatments, but of course that is alot of money to owe on anything. When they got to the treatment center the lady told her she needed a check for $500.00 for their out of pocket expense. She told Kelly their insurance changed at the beginning of the year and the company agreed to pay everything except $500.00. Praise God, all He needs us to do is take our needs to him and allow Him to do the work. Our Father knew a year ago that they didnt have $16000.00. Kellys prayer had been to show them a way to budget in the money, and God made a miracle happen. I know my prayers will be of thanksgiving for awhile as I share in the joy of this financial burden being destroyed by Our Father, God. Amen and Amen!

Boys, Boys, Boys!

Abner 2 1/2 and Oliver 5

TEAMWORK is a new word at Grandmas house. Oliver has a new game (yeah, by the way, thanks alot, Trey) that he needs help with. Mathblaster. He gets to play and Grandma has to give him the answers, seeing as how he is only five. Geez, I hope he breaks it soon! Grandma cant get anything else done! (They live with me for right now, so it takes up alot of my time)

What a week!

I am so far behind, where I wanted to be on this thing that to move on with my life, will make me even more behind. I found a new blog that I love, love, love. I think it will help me alot, BUT, it is a MANLY MAN'S BLOG. It is called "Living Prepared" and he has the greatest information on the survivalist front. The thing about it that scares me is, geez, I'm a girl. I dont know the first freakin thing about guns, alternative fuel sources and such. But, I did take a hugh step for me. After being without water for a few days, man oh man, the inconvience. But this world, this country, is headed towards a state of major inconvience. So, even though, the $$$$ was a bit much, took a bite out of the projects I had planned for in the very near future, I ordered a water filtration system, canned Heirloom seeds and, a ham radio, or was it a CB, I cant remember, like I said those are manly things and I cant keep it all straight. I have just felt like it is so important to get the long term storage going and some things are too important, so they must be the priority. I already have heirloom seeds for the garden, these will be to save in long-term storage. Oh yeah, and I ordered a couple kerosene lanterns from Lehmans, with extra wicks. I sure would like to have their $1000 plus grain mill, because, I am sure it is top of the line, but, that cant happen yet. That will be my next big project, to find a reasonable priced grain mill. All in all, this blog I liked, set me back a pretty penny.

This little carpal tunnel surgery was a bit more painful than I expected. I just had them give me Tramadol because, I think I can handle a little pain, and, that was all I expected. What an idiot. It hurt like heck, especially after I fell on my arse. Yep, went running to my crying grandson because "I thought" he was hurt, which he wasnt, fell, tore a hole in my elbow and caught myself using both of my hands. Then I was the one that cried, but just for a little bit.

Okay, now, for the fun things. Next week, what I ordered for ME, ME, ME, because I wanted it, is a butter churn. Kind of pricey, probably for what it is. I could have gotten a vintage cheaper on e-bay but, I didnt want something that could be rusted out, or had been spray painted, and I expecially didnt want the little used wooden paddles, that just didnt seem sanitary to me. I ordered Lehmans Best Butter Churn, it was $139.00 or so. When it comes in, I will make butter, and post pictures. I think the grandkids will like that. The other fun thing, that should be here Monday, is the new 18 inch quilter. I sent the first one back, because I was not going to be happy with the shorter neck, so, prior to my surgery, I whipped up a few things to practice on, and even got out a couple unfinished, because they werent perfect, quilts to finish up. I decided to take on the mantra I tell my co-quilters. FINISHED IS BETTER THAN PERFECT!

Fluffy

I guess this would have been a better picture to use but I wanted to show the wind break wall. At least Chelsea isnt pulled up to the front door in this picture. I have removed the wiggly looking trim and painted there, so it looks better. It is a start, right?? I have too much of my mother in me and will always be working on it, I'm afraid. I want to put a picture of the newest family member, the boys named her Fluffy, I wanted to name her Hazel, but, couldnt say no, so, Fluffy it is. I might mention, this picture is the one I saw on Craigslist, and it was love at first sight. All my beautiful pictures, I realized, are on my phone. So this will have to do for now.

I want to put up a picture to show what I have accomplished the past year, when I think about how I didnt get anything done, I really did. Painted the entire inside, have some trim to finish on the back. Yeah, climbing up and down on scaffolding was really fun. My knees loved it! Got a 30X30 area fenced for my garden, grew veggies, still have lots to do to get the garden area in shape. Got a couple goats, dont know why, because, then I had to build a temporary stable and fence in an area for them, and I really wasnt ready to do that. Had a storage building built. Couple flowerbeds made, not completely happy with them, still have work to do there and built a wall to serve as a wind break. Oh yes, also, I had the front porch built. Eventually it will be moved to the back, it is temporary because of a lack of money. Anyway, while I beat myself up for not getting anything done, I really did have a few accomplishments. This year first and foremost is the chicken coop. I have wanted to have chickens for a long time.

Now I get it!

Well, I sure got off to a running start. NOT!! To be perfectly honest, I wasnt sure exactly what a blog was, but now I get it. So, I will attempt, again, to be a blogger. Dont know what I would even think that anyone would be interested in what I have to say or do, but, my goal is, to blog, and to share. So, today, what I want to share is this. UGGs!! This may be one of the best investments I have ever made, and of course, I got them on the cheap! The boots, they were really cute as one time, I have had them for about three years and since the blizzard Christmas of 2009, they have been very dear to my heart. They probably, literally saved my life, seeing as how I was out here, alone, no power, with frozen water pipes, and my car was stuck up on a snow drift and going nowhere. I got the boots for 1/2 price, after buying 10 pair of shoes (easy now, it took about three years) at Metro shoe, you get your card stamped and at 6 pairs you get one 25% of and at 10 pairs you get 50% off. Guess what, I have a filled card again, (it has been 3 years) and I am saving it for another pair of UGGs, a pair that I will keep clean and cute. The gloves and earmuffs, they are wonderful. If my ears get cold, especially, really cold, it is flat out painful. Got them for about 75% off at Dillards, come to think of it, the gloves were too. Originally $160, got the gloves for $40. Had them about 2 years, I think. If you want to live in the country, and have to man up on occasion and get out in the cold UGGs are worth every penny.