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In Low Tox Life

All Natural DIY Stain Stick

Living a low tox life means avoiding as many toxins as possible in our household and personal care products and one of the places we need to evaluate is our laundry.

I always say, you are the gatekeeper in your home. That means you get to choose what products you use and what products you feel comfortable allowing into your home.

Many products out there that are designed to whiten and brighten, contain ingredients that ‘trick the eye’ into thinking they look cleaner and some whiteners can cause developmental and reproductive effects.

Sadly, most products on the market contain synthetic and harmful ingredients that pose a risk to you and your family’s health and have no place in a healthy home.

I talk a little more about this over on this post.

So what can we do?

Well, you can spend some time looking for a company/brand that is committed to only using safe, beneficial ingredients or you can make your own.

I tend to do a mix of both.

There are some things that I love making myself and there are other things that I leave up to the experts and buy from my favourite online brand.

Here’s a super simple stain stick recipe that has worked for me.

It uses a combo of basic raw ingredients with things I always have at home.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

  • 2 drops Thieves Dish Soap
  • 5 drops Lemon essential oil
  • Hydrogen Peroxide

METHOD

  1. Add the dish soap and essential oil to a 10 – 15 mL glass roller bottle.
  2. Top up with hydrogen peroxide.
  3. Apply to stains before washing.

SUPPLIES

The hydrogen peroxide you can usually find at your local health food shop or discount chemist.

I order my essential oils from Young Living as they work well, are the best value and are free from contaminants and adulteration. (I’ve spent years researching and trying loads of brands)

The Thieves dish soap I get from Young Living too because again, no nasties or hidden ingredients.

Use my referral number as a discount code if you’d like to try these too!

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In Low Tox Life

All Natural DIY Fabric Softener

Did you know that fabric softener is one of the most toxic household products you can have in your home?

Apart from crazy ingredients like methylisothiazolinone , a potent skin allergen and glutaral, known to trigger asthma and skin allergies, they also contain synthetic fragrances.

Synthetic fragrances have been linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions and they are in almost everything you can think of!

READ YOUR LABELS

When you start to look around your house and read the labels of your favourite products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of chemical nasties, but do not fear. I always encourage people to take one step at a time.

Choose one room, one cupboard or one product, and switch it out for a safe, all natural product instead. Just be on the look out for greenwashing!!

What is greenwashing? This post explains it.

MAKE YOUR OWN

The beauty of making your own products is that usually they are very cost effective PLUS you know exactly what is in there. No hidden nasties.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

  • 1 tbl of your favourite organic/chemical free conditioner
  • 10 – 20 drops of essential oil of your choice
  • 1 cup of distilled vinegar
  • 1 cup of warm water

METHOD

  1. Add all ingredients to a 500 mL glass jar or bottle and mix gently.
  2. Add a small amount to your wash as you normally would to soften clothes, towels and sheets.

DON’T HAVE TIME FOR DIY?

Here’s where I shop for all my family’s favourite personal care and household cleaning products. I’ve read the labels and they are 100% safe, effective and the company aligns with my values.

They also deliver to my door!

Use my referral code (1706951) for a 24% discount and go here if you want to learn more about how essential oils can bring so much beauty and good health to your life.

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In Recipes

My Super Fresh Strawberry and Mint Sorbet Recipe

Summer is officially over but it’s not too cool to still enjoy a freshly made strawberry and mint sorbet.

This recipe ticks all the boxes if you are needing something sweet and tasty but you want to make it at home quickly and easily without any silly chemicals or unhealthy ingredients.

There is the option to add a little refined caster sugar or rapadura if you want to but the strawberries, mint and apple are quite sweet on their own.

I needed to supplement my homegrown strawberries at the market with this recipe as I’m not producing as much right now. I also grabbed some beautiful organic apples to juice up.

My mint is growing great guns however, so I was super excited to add that in to the recipe.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

  • 250 – 280g of strawberries (you can use frozen)
  • 3/4 cup ice cubes
  • 60 mL organic apple juice
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tsp caster or rapadura sugar (optional)

METHOD

  1. Blend all ingredients together until your desired consistency.
  2. Add a little water or extra juice if you need it smoother.

Want to know the nutritional benefits of strawberries?

Check out this post here.

And if you’d like to know the latest Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list for 2022, go here.

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In Essential Oils

Royal Hawaiian Face Serum

Nourishing your skin can be so simple using pure ingredients that promote a natural, healthy glow.

In this recipe we will be using a selection of the finest quality essential oils to moisturise and tend to the delicate needs of your facial skin and décolletage area while making you feel a million dollars.

Creating your own spa treatments at home can be so simple and affordable.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Manuka essential oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 2 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 2 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood essential oil
  • 60 mL pure Jojoba oil

METHOD

  1. Add all essential oils to a 60 mL glass dropper bottle.
  2. Top up with jojoba oil.
  3. Carefully invert back and forth to mix all ingredients.
  4. Use a small amount day and night after cleansing skin.
  5. Can be used on its own or before your favourite organic moisturiser.

NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

Use my discount code 1706951 here.

And be sure to check out my free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

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In Essential Oils

Lavender-Infused Dry Shampoo

Washing your hair after a hectic day is extremely satisfying and can even be part of your self-care practice. However washing too often can leave it prone to dryness and breakage. Have you ever experienced this?

Greasy or dirty hair never feels nice, so a great alternative in between washes is dry shampoo.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most conventional dry shampoo brands contain toxic ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, fertility problems and even cancer. This is another product on the shelves that needs to be avoided but thankfully you can make your own!

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Tea Tree essential oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (for dark hair only)

METHOD:

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl, adding the cacao powder one tablespoon at a time until desired colour is reached.
  • Put in a container of your choice and apply with a makeup brush.
  • Leave for 2–3 minutes to absorb hair’s natural oils.
  • Brush through hair and style as desired.

Dry shampoo adds texture and keeps your hair feeling fresh for longer. It can even be used to help style your hair and give it some lift when it’s feeling a little flat.

Have you tried dried shampoo before?

Let me know if you try this recipe!

NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

Use my discount code 1706951 here.

And be sure to check out my free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

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In Essential Oils

Mermaid Waves Hair Spray

We all want lushious locks that we can be proud of but we also don’t want to sacrifice our health for beauty, right?

This all natural recipe is just the thing to show your hair some love and leave it smelling beautiful.

If you are looking for that ‘beach wave’ look, keep reading to the end to discover the secret ingredient.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 5 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
  • Alcohol-free Witch Hazel

METHOD:

  1. Add all essential oils to a 120 mL glass spray bottle.
  2. Fill with the witch hazel and shake gently to mix.
  3. Spritz lightly on to damp hair and work into scalp.

THE SECRET INGREDIENT:

Do you ever wish you could create the perfect beach waves at home, even when you are no where near the beach?

Here’s the secret ingredient to add to your new Mermaid Waves hair spray…

Sea Salt!

Yep, that’s it. I guess it’s not too hard to understand why.

Simply add a pinch to your spray bottle before filling up with witch hazel and apply in the same way.

You can also add to dry hair and scrunch for extra beach waves.

DON’T HAVE ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY ESSENTIAL OILS?

Use my discount code 1706951 here.

And be sure to check out my free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

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In Essential Oils

The Healing Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil

TRADITIONAL USES

Spearmint has traditionally been used to improve digestion and increase the appetite.

BOTANICAL NAME

Mentha spicata

AROMA + BLENDING

Spearmint essential oil has a fresh, minty, sweet scent and blends well with Anise, Basil, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tangerine and Vanilla.

KEY QUALITIES

The Sweet Sister

Refreshing, carminative, restorative, stimulant (nervous and mental).

BODY SYSTEMS

Spearmint essential oil helps to support the following body systems:

  • Respiratory (sinus congestion, cough)
  • Lymphatic (fluid retention)
  • Digestive (nausea, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, travel sickness)
  • Urinary (kidney stones)
  • Reproductive (heavy menstrual flow, leucorrhoea, excess milk supply)
  • Integumentary (itchy skin)
  • Nervous (mental fatigue, headaches)

MOOD + EMOTIONS

Spearmint essential oil has been used to uplift the mood and help to sharpen the senses. Spearmint helps to allay feelings of resentment and selfishness.

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Spearmint essential oil enhances feelings of calmness and compassion. Use it to bring more clarity of thought, focus and direction in your life.

PRECAUTIONS

Could antidote homeopathic remedies.

RECIPES USING SPEARMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

REST AND DIGEST MASSAGE BLEND

  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops Spearmint essential oil
  • 2 drops Basil essential oil
  • 1 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 1 tbl vegetable carrier oil
  1. Combine the essential oils in a small glass amber bottle.
  2. Add the carrier oil and apply to the stomach area 1/2 hour before or after meals.

FRESH BREATH MOUTHWASH

  • 1 cup of distilled water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops Spearmint essential oil
  • 1 drop Lemon essential oil
  1. Add the salt and baking soda to a small amount of warm distilled water.
  2. Mix to dissolve.
  3. Add the essential oils and the rest of distilled water.
  4. Bottle and label.
  5. Shake well before each use and for best results, make weekly.

OUTDOOR BBQ DIFFUSER BLEND

  • 2 drops Citronella
  • 2 drops Eucalyptus
  • 2 drops Spearmint

Add essential oils to your favourite ultrasonic diffuser and sit back and enjoy the therapeutic qualities of this beautiful blend. Use to uplift the atmosphere at your next BBQ and keep the bugs at bay.

ARE YOU BRAND NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

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In Essential Oils

The Healing Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil

TRADITIONAL USES

Rosemary has traditionally been used to break up congestion and ease breathing.

BOTANICAL NAME

Rosmarinus officinalis

AROMA + BLENDING

Rosemary essential oil has a strong, minty-herbaceous, woody-balsamic scent and blends well with Frankincense, Lavender, Citronella, Basil, Thyme, Pine, Peppermint, Elemi, Cedarwood, Petitgrain and spice oils.

KEY QUALITIES

The Memory Helper

Stimulant (nervous and mental), analgesic, tonic (to the nervous system), strengthening, restorative, purifying, protective, reviving, refreshing.

BODY SYSTEMS

Rosemary essential oil helps to support the following body systems:

  • Respiratory (colds, asthma, bronchitis)
  • Lymphatic/Immune (fluid retention, infections)
  • Digestive (liver congestion, hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, jaundice, constipation, flatulence)
  • Cardiovascular (low blood pressure, poor circulation)
  • Musculoskeletal (arthritis, gout, rheumatism)
  • Integumentary (oily skin, acne, puffiness, sagging skin, dandruff, scalp discorders, poor hair growth)
  • Reproductive (menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea)
  • Nervous (vertigo, headaches, speech impediment, memory loss, neuralgia)

MOOD + EMOTIONS

Rosemary essential oil has been used to help with memory recall and to switch on the brain cells. Rosemary helps to allay feelings of confusion, indecision and nervous exhaustion.

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Rosemary essential oil enhances feelings of self-empowerment and creative inspiration. Use it to bring more clarity of thought, emotional strength and warmth to your life.

PRECAUTIONS

Avoid with high blood pressure or epilepsy.

RECIPES USING ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

SCALP TREATMENT FOR HAIR LOSS

  • 1 tbl Jojoba oil
  • 1 tbl Calendula infusion oil
  • 1/2 tsp Carrot Seed oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 4 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 4 drops Rosemary essential oil
  1. Add the jojoba, calendula and carrot seed oil to a small glass amber bottle.
  2. Add the essential oils and gently mix.
  3. Label your bottle.
  4. Warm the oil before application by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water.
  5. Massage a few drops into the scalp area and leave in to be absorbed.
  6. Apply several times weekly.

UNDER THE WEATHER STEAM INHALATION

  • 4 cups of hot water
  • 4 drops Hyssop essential oil
  • 3 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 3 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 3 drops Lemon essential oil
  1. Add the essential oils to an amber glass dropper bottle.
  2. Pour the hot water into a ceramic or glass bowl and add 3-4 drops of prepared essential oil mix.
  3. Form a tent over your head with a towel and place your head approximately 20 cm from the water or whatever distance is comfortable for you.
  4. Inhale slowly and deeply while you breathe in the vapors for 10 minutes, keeping your eyes closed.
  5. Repeat 2-3 times per day or as necessary.

TERRA AUSTRALIS DIFFUSER BLEND

  • 2 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Rosemary
  • 2 drops Kunzea

Add essential oils to your favourite ultrasonic diffuser and sit back and enjoy the therapeutic qualities of this beautiful blend. Use to bring the feeling and aroma of the Aussie bush into your home.

ARE YOU BRAND NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

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In Essential Oils

The Healing Benefits of Lemon Essential Oil

TRADITIONAL USES

Lemon has traditionally been used to help cool and purify the body.

BOTANICAL NAME

Citrus limon

AROMA + BLENDING

Lemon essential oil has a light, fresh, citrus scent and blends well with Lavender, Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Sandalwood, Sacred Frankincense, Chamomile, Onycha, Fennel, Geranium, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Elemi and other citrus oils.

KEY QUALITIES

Sunshine in a Bottle

Refreshing, mental stimulant, cephalic, purifying, reviving, strengthening, soothing.

BODY SYSTEMS

Lemon essential oil helps to support the following body systems:

  • Respiratory (sore throat, catarrh, asthma, bronchitis, upper respiratory conditions)
  • Immune (cold sores, infections, fever, stagnant lymph)
  • Digestive (constipation, liver and kidney congestion, excess acidity, poor pancreatic function)
  • Cardiovascular (high blood pressure, poor circulation)
  • Musculoskeletal (arthritis, gout, rheumatism)
  • Integumentary (acne, boils, oily skin, corns, cellulite, insect bites, scars, broken capillaries)
  • Reproductive (PMS)
  • Nervous (neuralgia, headaches)

MOOD + EMOTIONS

Lemon essential oil has been used to bring clarity of thought and relief from mental exhaustion. Lemon helps to allay feelings of bitterness, apathy, fear, apprehension and negativity.

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Lemon essential oil enhances feelings of happiness, vitality, positivity and motivation. Use it to bring more awareness, stability, focus and laughter into your life.

PRECAUTIONS

Photosensitive. Do not use on skin before exposing to direct sunlight or sun beds.

RECIPES USING LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL

SHRINKING FOOT BATH

  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 tsp Epsom Salt
  • 3 tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 1 drop Cypress essential oil
  • 1 drop Juniper essential oil
  1. Mix the essential oils into the bath salts.
  2. Add the aromatic salts to a basin or tub of cold to tepid water and stir with your hands.
  3. Sit comfortably in a chair, allowing your feet to soak for at least 15 minutes.
  4. Dry your feet and lie down for a further 15 minutes with feet elevated above heart level.

MASSAGE OIL FOR CIRCULATION

  • 2 tbl vegetable carrier oil
  • 12 drops Cypress essential oil
  • 6 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 4 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 3 drops Nutmeg essential oil
  1. Add the essential oils to an amber glass dropper bottle.
  2. Pour in the carrier oil and shake gently to mix.
  3. Label your bottle.
  4. Apply to the legs and back area with firm upward stroke movements, always towards the heart.

GET UP AND DANCE DIFFUSER BLEND

  • 2 drops Grapefruit
  • 2 drops Lemon
  • 2 drops Geranium

Add essential oils to your favourite ultrasonic diffuser and sit back and enjoy the therapeutic qualities of this beautiful blend. Use to increase positivity and remember how to be playful.

ARE YOU BRAND NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

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In Essential Oils

The Healing Benefits of Pine Essential Oil

TRADITIONAL USES

Pine has traditionally been used to lessen join pain, assist with breathing and to purify the spirit.

BOTANICAL NAME

Pinus sylvestris

AROMA + BLENDING

Pine essential oil has a fresh, foresty, antiseptic smell and blends well with Cedarwood, Rosemary, Melaleuca alternifoia (Tea Tree), Melaleuca ericifolia (Lavender Tea Tree), Melaleuca quinquenervia (Niaouli), Sage, Lavender, Juniper, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Marjoram.

KEY QUALITIES

The True Disinfectant

Strengthening, cleansing, restorative, reviving, refreshing, stimulant (nerve), soothing (mental).

BODY SYSTEMS

Pine essential oil helps to support the following body systems:

  • Respiratory (bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, sore throat)
  • Urinary (cystitis, UTI)
  • Digestive (hepatitis, gallstones)
  • Cardiovascular (poor circulation)
  • Musculoskeletal (pain and stiffness, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica)
  • Integumentary (congested skin, eczema, psoriasis, cuts, skin irritations, lice, scabies)
  • Reproductive (prostate issues, leucorrhoea)
  • Endocrine (adrenal fatigue)
  • Nervous (fatigue, exhaustion, stress)

MOOD + EMOTIONS

Pine essential oil has been used to uplift the mood and relieve mental fatigue. It improves mental clarity, alertness and memory and refreshes the spirit. Pine helps to allay feelings of self-doubt, apathy, impatience, confusion, guilt and resentment.

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Pine essential oil enhances self-empowerment and positive energy and has a protective quality that is helpful to highly intuitive or sensitive people . Use it to bring more love, joy, wisdom and trust into your life.

PRECAUTIONS

Possible irritant to sensitive skin (dilute well)

RECIPES USING PINE ESSENTIAL OIL

ENERGIZING FOOT SOAK

  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 tsp Epsom Salt
  • 3 tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 drops Pine essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Clary Sage essential oil
  • 1 drop Peppermint essential oil
  1. Mix the essential oils into the bath salts.
  2. Add the aromatic salts to a basin or tub of cold water and stir with your hands.
  3. Sit comfortably in a chair, allowing your feet to soak for 20 minutes.

STEAM INHALATION FOR SINUS RELIEF

  • 4 cups hot water
  • 1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 1 drop Tea Tree oil
  • 1 drop Pine essential oil
  1. Pour the hot water into a ceramic or glass bowl and add the essential oils.
  2. Form a tent over your head with a towel and place your head approximately 20 cm from the water or whatever distance is comfortable for you.
  3. Inhale slowly and deeply while you breathe in the vapors for 10 minutes, keeping your eyes closed.
  4. Repeat 2-3 times per day or as necessary.

ACTS OF KINDNESS DIFFUSER BLEND

  • 2 drops Grapefruit
  • 2 drops Cardamom
  • 2 drops Pine

Add essential oils to your favourite ultrasonic diffuser and sit back and enjoy the therapeutic qualities of this beautiful blend. Use to increase vitality, warmth and openness.

ARE YOU BRAND NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

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