Welcome to my Spring Cleaning...body and home!

I believe that season changes are important to acknowledge. Nature does, and I've learned that mother nature is a very good teacher and role model. So as nature is busy with all of her beautiful changes, I'm sure you've noticed, your body follows suit. I like to honor those changes by taking time to do my "Spring Cleaning". Don't worry, I'm not talking about closets and spare rooms. I like to take a minute to re-evaluate what I'm doing for my body and home and loved ones, and then make changes where necessary. It's also a great time to clean out all of the unnecessary clutter (body, home, life, whatever!). And for the fun part...it's when I take time to find new products to make and to stock up on my old favorites! I've thought a lot about how to present this to you, and I think I will just go head to toe.

A New Season

So spring is here. Maybe not officially, but it's here. There are a few things I like to do at each season change. To prepare for spring, I like to do a neti pot and some ear candling to give my sinuses a fighting chance and just to do a little spring cleaning in there...you know what I mean. I also like to make a plan (I love a good plan!) for the essential oil products I'm going to need. So I thought this year, I would share that with you. Next week will be my prep for spring week and I will keep you posted on everything I'm doing. Hopefully you will come out of this with some good ideas for things that work for you. I would love to hear from you. Tell me what you would like to make or problems you may need help with. We can prepare for spring together!

Quick and Natural Energy Boost

Step 1...rosemary scalp massage
Step 2...grapefruit leg massage
Step 3...basil and peppermint foot massage

Some years I don't really even notice daylight savings time. Sundays are usually a day of rest. This weekend, however, was full of celebration! But not a lot of rest. So, the time change did a bit of a number on me. Here is how I get a quick and natural boost of energy. First, put a couple of drops of rosemary on your hand and rub your fingertips in the oil. Massage your scalp vigorously for a few seconds. The rosemary will give you energy as will the scalp massage. The rosemary is also great for your roots. (Bald heads...try adding a little cream first.) Secondly, drop a few drops of grapefruit and a dime sized amount of olive oil in the palm of your hand. Rub into each leg quickly to increase circulation. (Bonus, grapefruit is great for cellulite!) Finally drop a drop of basil and 2 drops of peppermint on your hand, take several deep breaths and then rub into the bottom of each foot. There you go! Now you smell great and your body has the energy it needs...naturally!

Visit HealthyByBalance.com to purchase your essential oils and for more information.

Steam Bath for Sinus Problems

I don't know about you, but the weather is keeping me on my toes at the moment. The drastic temp changes and the crazy wind are giving my sinuses a run for their money...whatever that means. Luckily, I have my essential oils to keep me sane. A great way to combat allergies, colds, sinus or breathing problems is a steam bath. This time of year, I'm adding 2 drops of peppermint, 1 drop of basil, 1 drop of rosemary and 1 drop of tea tree. This is a pretty strong mix so start with your face farther away and your eyes closed until you feel comfortable getting closer. Keep your eyes closed the entire time. Click here for more information.

Lemon for Focus

In banks in Japan, lemon essential oil is diffused in the air because they believe it helps with focus. Add a few drops in a diffuser or just keep a tissue with some lemon oil near you when you need a little extra help focusing. I also love to add basil which is another great oil for the brain. Some fun side affects will be enhanced mood, better breathing and increased circulation.

Frankincense for Scars

Frankincense is such a great oil for your first aid kit. It will help heal and cut or wound, and I find that it will help stop the bleeding. It's also great for scarring. You can use this on old or new scars. Just put a drop or two of frankincense directly on the scar and then use cross friction which just mean two fingers going in the opposite direction. The frankincense can be very drying, so if you use the oil in the same place multiple times, add a cream.

Lavender and Rosemary Hair Rinse

Washing your hair everyday is not only unnecessary, but can be very damaging. Some people are lucky enough to wake up with their hair looking great or at least fixable. I am not that girl. I need to at least wet the hair, but I would like to also freshen it up a bit. I found this site about a trend of going "no poo" which is just a hysterical way of saying I'm no longer washing my hair. You still get to clean your hair, just not with harsh shampoos. It's very natural and healthy. Not to mention cheaper. If I'm being completely honest, I do still wash my hair with actual shampoo (I hope this does not tarnish your opinion of me). But I love to incorporate the idea of "no poo" into my routine to give my hair a break. I only use shampoo about once a week. For instructions on going "no poo" click here. I, of course, will have to add some essential oils. Here's my version of "no poo"...1 cup baking soda, 5 drops lavender, 4 drops rosemary. You can dissolve this in warm water and make a rinse, or just take the lazy way...put a handful on your wet head, rub it in, then rinse.