Peppermint Hot Chocolate

It has been cold the last couple of days. Tonight I was just craving some Hot Chocolate. My favorite thing to do is to make dark chocolate and add one drop of Peppermint Essential Oil. It is so yummy! Best cold night snack ever!

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/eo-peppermint.html

DIY Lavender Moon Sand

Are you looking for things to keep your kids entertained this Winter? Try this DIY Lavender Moon Sand! it is very simple to make and your kids will be entertained for hours.

Ingredients:
8 cups of flour (use wheat flour for a more natural sand look)
1 cup of baby oil
4-6 drops Spark Naturals Lavender essential oil (or you can use your favorite essential oil)

Directions: With your hands, mix the above ingredients in a large plastic storage container with a lid. Add 4-6 drops of lavender essential oil for a soothing/calming benefit. Place the lid over the container and store for later or play with it now!

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/essentialoils/eo-lavender.html

Acne Facial Oil

No one likes dealing with acne. If you or your child suffers from acne, here is a great recipe to help your skin be healthy and acne free.

Ingredients:
1oz Spark Naturals Fractionated Coconut Oil
6 drops Spark Naturals Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Spark Naturals Melaleuca Essential Oil
1 drop Spark Naturals Geranium Essential Oil
1oz Spark Naturals glass bottle with dropper

Directions: Add the each essential oil into the bottle.
Fill the remaining space in the bottle with the Fractionated Coconut Oil. Roll the bottle gently to mix the oils together.
Apply a small amount to the face, neck and back (where there is acne). Avoid the eyes, ears, nostrils and lips.

Mix the oils before each use to make sure they are properly mixed.

www.sparknaturals.com

Rosemary-Mint Sugar Scrub

Rosemary Mint Sugar Scrub Recipe

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1/2 cup Kosher or Epsom Salt
1 cup Carrier Oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil
5-10 drops Spark Naturals Rosemary Essential Oil
5-10 Drops Spark Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and fractionated coconut oil. Stir until well mixed. Add 2 drops each of rosemary and peppermint essential oil. Stir until the scent is evenly distributed throughout the sugar and salt mixture. Add the scrub to a jar and tighten the lid to seal.
Enjoy! It is now good to go.

www.sparknaturals.com

DIY Body Butter

My wife makes her own body butter and she LOVES it. Tonight she decided to get an early start on Christmas gifts for her friends. This is super easy and makes awesome gifts too!

DIY Body Butter recipe:

Ingredients:
4 oz. unrefined shea butter
4 oz. coconut oil
10-20 drops of essential oil (your choice)
-mixing bowl
-electric mixer
-glass container for storage

Essential Oils your skin will love:
Myrrh
Lavender
Wild Orange
Roman Chamomile
Ylang Ylang
Rosemary
Frankincense

Directions:
Bring shea butter to room temperature. Then, in a mixing bowl mash the butter with a fork; add coconut oil and continue mashing. Then, with the electric mixer, mix on HIGH for about 5 min.

Add 10-20 drops of your desired essential oil and mix for a few additional minutes to fully blend. Store whipped body butter in a clean container (we love mason jars) and close with a lid. Keep in a cool, dry and dark place. Room temperature is fine. Your body will thank you!

www.sparknaturals.com

Homemade Vapor Rub

How to Make Homemade "Vic's" Vapor Rub. You might not be thinking you might need this, but the cold and flu season is just around the corner, this is great stuff! It is so incredibly easy that you’ll never get the store bought stuff again! Here’s how it’s done:

1. Find a small container to use - I used an empty Glass Baby Food Jar that I had. It’s a 4 oz. jar – the perfect size for this homemade vapor cream.

2. Fill your container with your carrier oil of choice - I used coconut oil (for the thickness)

3. Add your essential oils - If using on children you’ll want a 1% dilution (about 5 drops per ounce of coconut oil), or a 2% dilution if using on adults only (about 10 drops per ounce). Since I’m using it on my girls, I added 20 drops of Spark Naturals Respire Essential Oil Blend. (5 drops X 4 oz.). Spark Naturals Respire contains a mixture of Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary.
Alternatively, you can use any combination of individual essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus.

4. Mix it and use it - Thoroughly blend your essential oils into your coconut oil. Store in your jar with a lid and use as needed by rubbing it on chests and feet to help breathing, coughs, and congestion during colds.

www.sparknaturals.com

Holiday Prep Diffuser Blends

Holiday prep can be INTENSE! If you're just trying to get through the afternoon, put on one of these diffuser blends:

Energizing, Grounding Blend:
-3 drops Spark Naturals Frankincense EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals White Fir EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Lime EO

Calm Happiness Blend:
-2 drops Spark Naturals Bergamot EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lime EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Coriander EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Clary Sage EO

Herb Garden "Brain Power" Blend:
-2 drops Spark Naturals Rosemary EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lavender EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Basil EO

You've got this!

www.sparknaturals.com

Thanksgiving Diffuser Blends

Happy Thanksgiving! Prep for today by loading your diffuser now for the festivities later!

1. Germ-away Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Shield Blend
-2 drops White Fir essential oil
-1 drop Oregano essential oil

2. Thanksgiving Baking Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Coriander essential oil
-2 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil
-1 drop Ginger essential oil
-2 drops Clove essential oil

3. Instant Room Freshener
-4 drops Bergamot essential oil
-1 drop Eucalyptus or Juniper Berry essential oil
-2 drops White Fir essential oil
-1 drop Cilantro essential oil
-2 drops Peppermint essential oil

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com.

Relaxing Lavender Bath

Are you stressed out with your holiday plans? Take 20 min for yourself and re-charge! It will help your mood be truly grateful tomorrow.

Once a week for 20 minutes, sit in a hot bath that contains a handful of Epsom salts, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and a half cup of baking soda. This combo draws out toxins, lowers stress-related hormones, and balances your pH levels.

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/essentialoils/eo-lavender.html

DIY Hard Floor Cleaner

Are your wood or tile floors a mess? Do you have Holiday company coming over? Want to know a great way to clean them without horrible chemicals?

Hard Floor Cleaner
1 gallon water
1/4 cup white vinegar
10 drops Spark Naturals Lemon Essential Oil
4 drops Spark Naturals Grapefruit Essential Oil
2 drops Spark Naturals Orange Essential Oil

Directions: Combine 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Add the lemon, grapefruit and orange oils. Mix before use.

www.sparknaturals.com

Vinyl Floor Cleaner

Do you have important guests arriving? Are your vinyl floors due for a DEEP CLEAN? They can sometimes get a little gross (especially in the kitchen) - luckily, this eo-boosted cleaner will have them looking great in no time!

All-natural Vinyl Floor Cleaner
•1c liquid castile soap
•15 drops Spark Naturals Lemon essential oil
•15 drops Spark Naturals Melaleuca essential oil
•6c warm water

Mix all ingredients together and use as needed. This also works fabulously for grimy walls!

Shop online for quality essential oils, accessories, and more at www.sparknaturals.com

Healthy Holidays Diffuser Blends

The holidays are wonderful times filled with fun, cheer, family, and sometimes GERMS. Try one of these immune-promoting or antiseptic diffuser blends to enjoy your holiday in good health and good scents!

1. Season's Greetings Diffuser Blend
-4 drops Shield Protective Blend
-3 drops Wild Orange essential oil

2. Fresh Forest Diffuser Blend
-3 drops White Fir essential oil
-1 drop Juniper Berry essential oil
-2 drops Melaleuca essential oil
-1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil (optional)

3. Room Freshener Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Bergamot essential oil
-2 drops White Fir essential oil

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com!

Uplifting Cold & Flu Bath or Massage Oil

Another common use for the ALL-STAR Juniper Berry essential oil is restoring some mental clarity in the FOG of a cold or flu.

Try this Uplifting Cold & Flu Bath Oil:
-3 tsp carrier oil
-3 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
-3 drops Peppermint essential oil
-3 drops Rosemary essential oil
-3 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
-3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

Combine all ingredients and shake or stir vigorously to blend.

Uses: add to the bath OR use as a foot massage oil - it feels AMAZING and will leave your feet moisturized, too!

Want more amazing recipes like this one? It can be found in Organic Body Care Recipes by Tourles, available here: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/books/organic-body-care-recipies.html

Juniper Berry Essential Oil Bath

We could ALL use a bit more revujenation and relaxation in our lives - why not add a few drops of Juniper Berry essential oil to your next bath?

Juniper Berry essential oil is believed to be helpful in alleviating symptoms associated with mental fatigue, tension, nerves, anxiety, and general stress.

Using it is simple - either combine 2-4 drops with 1/2 cup Epsom salts or just add directly to the water and swirl around.

Shop online for quality essential oils, accessories, and more at www.sparknaturals.com!

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/eo-juniperberry.html

Juniper Berry Diffuser Blends

We are SO excited for the new Juniper Berry essential oil that we launched today! Today, we have 3 MUST-TRY Diffuser Blends with Juniper Berry essential oil.

Calm & Restful Diffuser Blend
-1 drop Vetiver essential oil
-2 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
-3 drops Cedarwood essential oil

Better Day Diffuser Blend
-1 drop Frankincense essential oil
-2 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
-1 drop Geranium essential oil

Energizing Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
-3 drops Lavender essential oil
-1 drop Rosemary essential oil

Get your Juniper Berry essential oil today: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/eo-juniperberry.html

Hippie Autumn Diffuser Blend

Are you the "barefoot in the woods" type? Try this floral woods diffuser blend!

Hippie Autumn Diffuser Blend
•2 drops Sandalwood essential oil
•1 drop Patchouli essential oil
•1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil
•1 drop White Fir essential oil

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com!

Sensual Night Diffuser Blend

Have you ever used a diffuser to "set the mood"? Try this diffuser blend!

Sensual Diffuser Blend
•1 drop Bergamot essential oil
•6 drops White Fir essential oil
•6 drops Cypress essential oil
•3 drops Patchouli essential oil
•10 drops Sandalwood essential oil
•6 drops Frankincense essential oil
•3 drops Vetiver essential oil

Combine all EOs in a glass bottle with a dropper and shake well to combine. Place 3-5 drops in the diffuser.

This blend would also make a fantastic solid perfume (see our last post)!

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com!

Winter Doldrums Diffuser Blends

Have you had a case of the WINTER DOLDRUMS hit? Try these uplifting diffuser blends for a breath of fresh air!

1. Uplifting Balance Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Sandalwood essential oil
-2 drops Geranium essential oil
-1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil

2. Uplifting Citrus Mint Diffuser Blend
-3 drops LLP Blend
-2 drops Bergamot essential oil

3. Uplifting Floral Spice Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Lavender essential oil
-2 drops Grapefruit essential oil
-2 drops Coriander essential oil

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com

Mental Centering Diffuser Blend

Often, this is the time of day that my brain needs a little "boost" to say the least! If you find yourself struggling to think straight after a long or mentally taxing day, try this diffuser blend!

Mental Centering Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Cypress essential oil
-2 drops Black Pepper essential oil
-1 drop Frankincense essential oil
-1 drop Lime essential oil (optional)

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com

Rosemary & Thyme Herbal Deodorant

Do you HATE conventional deodorants, but still want to stay smelling fresh? Organic Body Care Recipes (by Tourles, available on www.sparknaturals.com) to the RESCUE!

Rosemary and Thyme Body Powder
-1 3/4 c cornstarch
-3/4 c baking soda
-1/4 c thyme, finely powdered
-1/4 c white clay
-100 drops Rosemary essential oil
-50 drops Thyme essential oil

Combine all ingredients except essential oils in a food processor. Use a mortar and pestle or whisk to combine oils with 6-7 T of the mixture and then add that mixture to the rest of the powder and pulse for 15 seconds to combine. Apply by sprinkling or using a powder puff.

This is a great unisex smell - herbal and fresh!

Want more? Get Organic Body Care Recipes here: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/books/organic-body-care-recipies.html

DIY Paraffin Hand Treatment

Here's a GREAT idea for a girls' night in: Herbal Paraffin Hand Treatments!

Herbal Paraffin Hand Treatments
(makes 12)
-24 oz paraffin wax
-4 oz beeswax
-1 cup apricot kernel oil (or sweet almond oil)
-20 drops vitamin E oil
-8 drops Frankincense essential oil
-8 drops Lavender essential oil

Directions:
1. In a double boiler, melt the waxes and apricot kernel oil on low heat.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and pour the wax mixture into a clean, large (1 kilo/ 3lb) coffee can. Be sure the can does not have any sharp edges.
3. Add the vitamin E and essential oils and stir well with a chopstick or spoon.

To use:
1. First apply hand cream or lotion, massaging in thoroughly.
2. While the wax is still warm but not too hot, dip one hand and then the other into the wax.
3. Allow the wax to air-cool and harden, approximately 20 minutes.
4. Gently peel off the paraffin and discard. Note: You can store the leftover wax right in the coffee can by placing the lid on it, but be sure to use it within 1 year. To use again, reheat and melt in a water bath. You may choose to add more essential oil and vitamin E, as they will dissipate with reheating.

LOVE this recipe? Find more like it in Herbal Home Spa by Greta Breedlove. This recipe is found there on page 157.

Buy it here: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/books/the-herbal-home-spa.html

Wintergreen Diffuser Blends

Have you ever tried diffusing Wintergreen essential oil? It is refreshing and fits wonderfully with the winter months! Give the diffuser blends below a try.

Citrus Mint Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Wintergreen essential oil
-2 drops Tangerine essential oil

Fresh Woods Diffuser Blend
-1 drop Wintergreen essential oil
-2 drops Cypress essential oil
-3 drops White Fir essential oil

Green Holidays Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Bergamot essential oil
-1 drop Melaleuca essential oil
-1 drop Wintergreen essential oil
-1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil
-2 drops White Fir essential oil

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/essentialoils/eo-wintergreen.html

Easy Holiday Gift Ideas with Essential Oils

www.sparknaturals.com 

DIY Cinnamon Scented Pine Cones

Are you looking for a FUN, FAST & EASY DIY project with essential oils? Try this Cinnamon-scented pine cones! They are a DIY version of the expensive ones you see in stores this time of year.

Cinnamon Scented Pine Cones
-Spark Naturals Cassia or Cinnamon Bark essential oil
-Spark Naturals Clove essential oil (optional)
-pine cones
-spray bottle (optional)

Purchase or collect as many pine cones as you wish - perhaps enough to fill a decorative bowl or other container. If you found them, put them in the oven on low heat (250F) and bake them for 20 minutes (keep an eye on them!) or so to dry them out, then brush off any debris. Use parchment paper to make it easier.

Next, either add a few drops of Cassia/Cinnamon and Clove essential oil to each cone, or mix several drops with water in a spray bottle and spray thoroughly to cover. Enjoy the festive scent!

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/essentialoils/cassia.html

Holiday Stress Diffuser Blend

Holiday planning got you STRESSED? Try our Bliss Calming Blend! This is one of our favorites here at Spark HQ and one of our most under-rated blends in our opinion. Click "See More" for our Bliss Diffuser Blend below!

Our lives are filled with stress and that stress takes a toll on our health and well-being. Bliss is a proprietary blend of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood and Vanilla.

This is a great blend to use throughout the day as stress and anxiety rise. Diffuse at bedtime or apply to the bottom of your feet to assist in peaceful, resting sleep.

With the holidays coming on and tension rising for many of us, Bliss is the PERFECT blend to have in your back pocket! Try this calming diffuser blend with Bliss:

Calming Bliss Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Bliss Calming Blend
-2 drops Tangerine essential oil
-1 drop Geranium essential oil (optional)

De-stress with Bliss today!
http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/eo-blends/bliss-calming-blend.html

Winter Dust Mite Treatment

With more time spent indoors, winter can bring with it increased irritation from dust mites. Luckily, clove oil can help kill dust mites AND repel them, so this is the PERFECT time to do a natural "treatment" in your house!

A 2014 study was conducted on the effectiveness of Clove essential oil as dust mite control. It concluded that "Clove oil is a promising agent for killing dust mites with a potential use in dust-mite laden mattresses. Spraying diminishes in efficiency after 3 months."

I know I'll be using Clove essential oil next time I go to freshen my mattress (baking soda + essential oils of choice) and I'll be using a mixture of water and Clove essential oil as a baseboard spray to keep things healthy in my house!

buy Clove essential oil here: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/essentialoils/clove-bud.html

read more here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24641290

Winter Warmer Hand & Foot Massage Blend

BRR... it is COLD! While essential oils may not be able to change the weather outside, they can help make you more comfortable!

One of our favorite uses for Black Pepper essential oil is for its WARMING properties.

Winter Warmer Hand & Foot Massage Lotion/Oil
Add 2 drops of Black Pepper and 1 drop of Ginger (optional) essential oils to your favorite plain lotion or carrier oil and rub on hands and feet before going outside. Be sure to test a small amount to make sure that the dilution is correct before rubbing it all over, but you might be surprised how much this helps!

Get some black pepper today: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/black-pepper.html

Snowy Mountain Diffuser Blend

Winter weather has come to many of us - and from what we are hearing there are some mixed feelings about it! If you're one who LOVES winter and is excited when the first snowflake falls, embrace today with this refreshing diffuser blend!

Snowy Mountain Diffuser Blend
-3 drops White Fir essential oil
-2 drops Cypress essential oil
-1 drop Cedarwood essential oil
-1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com!

DIY Soft Scrub

DIY Soft Scrub
Cleaning the bathroom is not an experience people look forward to very often. Being stuck in a small closed space with harsh chemicals not only makes it hard to breathe, but can also be hazardous to your health.
The next time you clean your bathroom, why not try mixing up an effective cleaner with many ingredients you already have at home. It still might not be your favorite household chore, but you will at least have a clean bathroom, clear lungs, and non-toxic cleaning products to make the job a little easier to handle.

DIY Soft Scrub
Ingredients:
3/4 rounded cup baking soda
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vinegar
5-10 drops Spark Naturals Lemon essential oil
(Note: Liquid castile soap is a vegetable-based soap commonly found in health food stores. Dr. Bronner’s is a popular one. Look for unscented.)

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the baking soda and castile soap.
Add the water and stir.
Add the vinegar and essential oil. The consistency should be a soft paste.
Store in an airtight container.

www.sparknaturals.com

Rough Monday Diffuser Blends

Mondays can be rough. Why not plan for tomorrow and get ready for it today! Do you wake up feeling more tired than when you went to sleep? We've compiled a list of diffuser blends to combat fatigue and get that spring back in your step:

Jet Lag Blend
-2 drops SN Grapefruit EO
-2 drops SN Lime EO
-2 drops SN Lavender EO

Burnout Blend
-3 drops SN Bergamot EO
-1 drop SN Vetiver EO
-1 drop SN Lavender EO

Exhaustion Blend
-3 drops SN Eucalyptus EO
-2 drops SN Rosemary EO
-1 drop SN Grapefruit EO

Thesis Brain Blend
-3 drops SN Rosemary EO
-2 drops SN Black Pepper EO
-1 drop SN Peppermint EO

Stressful Changes Blend
-3 drops SN Ylang Ylang EO
-1 drop SN Frankincense EO
-1 drop SN Lavender EO

Major Downer Blend
-3 drops SN Vetiver EO
-2 drops SN Bergamot EO
-1 drop SN Roman Chamomile EO

www.sparknaturals.com

Brighter Day Menopause Blend

Menopause is a fact of life, but sometimes it can also be a bit of a downer emotionally.

If you need a bit of a pick-me-up, try mixing up this blend and putting a few drops in the diffuser, bath, or in a carrier oil for a massage:

Brighter Day DIY Menopause Blend
-3 drops Spark Naturals Bergamot essential oil
-2 drops Spark Naturals Clary Sage essential oil
-2 drops Spark Naturals Myrrh essential oil
-3 drops Spark Naturals Ylang Ylang essential oil
-4 drops Spark Naturals Fennel essential oil
-4 drops Spark Naturals Geranium essential oil

Always discuss the essential oils you are using with your care provider.

www.sparknaturals.com

Glioblastoma Multiforme & Melissa EO

Today, we came across an exciting research article that investigated the potential of Melissa essential oil in the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a rare but very aggressive and tragic form of brain tumor that recently made national news due to Brittany Maynard, who was diagnosed with this currently incurable illness and became an outspoken advocate for the Death with Dignity movement. We express our heartfelt sympathies to her loved ones at this time.

The study acknowledges that current treatments for GBM are not effective. It investigated the activity of the Melissa essential oil and its major component (citral) in GBM cell lines. Both the essential oil and citral decreased the viability and induced apoptosis (cell death) of GBM cells as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation.

BOTTOM LINE: These results show that Melissa essential oil, through its major component, citral, may be of potential interest for the treatment of GBM.

While more research needs to be done, we support any and all efforts to find new, better, and especially natural treatments to such tragic diseases! Our hearts go out to any and all who have been affected by these or other incurable diseases.

Read more about the study here: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/07357907.2014.905587

(Haven't heard of Brittany Maynard? Read her op-ed here: http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/07/opinion/maynard-assisted-suicide-cancer-dignity/)

www.sparknaturals.com

DIY Fridge Cleaner

Do you have a nasty smell that just LINGERS in your fridge? Use this easy DIY fridge cleaner with essential oils and banish it forever!

DIY Fridge Cleaner
-1/2 c water
-3 Tbsp baking soda
-2 drops Lemon essential oil
-4 drops Melaleuca essential oil

Mix together and wipe it down!

BONUS: Did you know that you can get Lemon AND Melaleuca together in our Essential 4 Pack? Get yours today and start cleaning!

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/kits/essential-4-pack.html

Memory Enhancement Diffuser Blend

The holidays can be hectic, and I don't know about you but it seems like I am ALWAYS forgetting something! Here is a GREAT diffuser blend to for memory enhancement.

Memory Enhancement Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Rosemary essential oil
-1 drop Basil essential oil
-2 drops Thyme essential oil
-3 drops Grapefruit essential oil

Want more great blends and blending ideas? Find them in The Fragrant Mind here: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/books/the-fragrant-mind-book-valerie-ann-worwood.html

Melaleuca for Acne

BACK TO THE BASICS: Sometimes, it's great to focus on some of the easy, simple applications of essential oils!

For example, did you know that Melaleuca essential oil is a fantastic spot treatment for acne? Apply directly to the blemish or mix with witch hazel in a toner.

Due to the antimicrobial nature of Melaleuca, it is a natural choice for combating the bacteria that cause zits!

Get yours today: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/essentialoils/eo-melaleuca.html

DIY Hand Sanitizer & 1st Aid Spray

You can never have too many options for DIY natural hand sanitizer, and this one is wonderful because it can double as a first aid spray for minor injuries like scrapes & cuts!

DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer Spray
-1 oz Spark Naturals Witch Hazel
-1 tsp aloe vera gel
-1 tsp vitamin E oil
-10 drops Lavender essential oil
-20 drops Melaleuca essential oil
-5 drops Frankincense essential oil (optional, but great to include, especially if using for a first aid spray!)
-1 oz spray bottle

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl except witch hazel. Add to 1 oz spray bottle and fill to top with witch hazel. Shake well before using.

Shop online at www.sparknaturals.com!

Diffuser Blends for Sick Rooms

You'll DEFINITELY want to keep these Diffuser Blends for Sick Rooms handy as we edge further and further into Cold & Flu Season!

Diffuser Blends for Sick Rooms

OPTION 1: Shield + White Fir + Oregano
-3 drops Shield Blend
-2 drops White Fir essential oil
-2 drops Oregano essential oil (optional)

This option is simple, fast, and makes obvious sense - our Shield blend is PERFECT for sick rooms and White Fir essential oil is believed to assist in purifying the air. Which brings us to our next blend...

Option 2: ReFresh (from Dawn at The GRAY Area)
-6 drops Cilantro essential oil
-8 drops Citronella essential oil
-20 drops Lemon essential oil
-31 drops White Fir essential oil
-13 drops Lime essential oil
-7 drops Melaleuca essential oil

This option is blended with the idea of "purifying" the air and also features White Fir along with some other heavy hitters like Melaleuca and Lemon. We love this blend! BONUS: This blend, as listed, will fit in a 5ml bottle - make it and add a few drops to your diffuser! This could be fantastic diffused with Shield as well.

Option 3: Congestion Buster (perfect if you don't have Respire on hand!)
-3 drops Spark Naturals Eucalyptus essential oil
-2 drops Spark Naturals Peppermint essential oil
-2 drops Spark Naturals Rosemary essential oil
-3 drops Spark Naturals Grapefruit essential oil (optional)

We want to know: what are YOUR favorite sick room diffuser blends?

Get your Cold & Flu Kit here: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/kits/cold-flu-bomb-kit.html

Want more great ways to use Dawn's ReFresh blend? Check out this great post from Camp Wander: https://campwander.com/2014/06/13-ways-use-diy-purify-blend/

Holiday Baking Diffuser Blend

Do you want to have your pie and eat it, too? Now you can! With this deliciously seasonal diffuser blend, you can enjoy your holiday baking (or, if you're like me, holiday treats that someone else baked) AND keep basking in those delicious scents for HOURS afterwards.

Holiday Baking Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Coriander essential oil
-1 drop Cinnamon Bark essential oil
-1 drop Clove essential oil
-1 drop Ginger essential oil
-2 drops Wild Orange essential oil (optional)

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com

Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Is STRESS getting you down? Relax, we've got you covered with this GREAT list of essential oils for stress relief, plus a few MUST-SAVE ideas for how to use them!

Essential Oils for Stress Relief:
-Lavender
-Ylang Ylang
-Roman Chamomile
-Geranium
-Clary Sage
-Sandalwood
-Tangerine

PLUS:
-Bergamot
-Melissa
-Vetiver
-Frankincense
-Grapefruit
-Lemon
-Marjoram

IDEAS FOR USING ESSENTIAL OILS FOR STRESS:

Try this STRESS-BUSTER Diffuser Blend:
-1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil
-2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
-2 drops Geranium essential oil
-1 drop Lavender essential oil

De-Stressing Bath Salts:
-1 drops Geranium essential oil
-2 drops Tangerine essential oil
-1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil
-1 cup Epsom Salts
Directions: Epsom salts are often used to help relax, so they are a natural choice in addition to stress-relieving essential oils! Mix essential oils and epsom salts and place in an airtight, non-reactive container like a glass jar. Use 1/3-1/2 cup of salts per bath for adults.

DIY Stress-Relief Massage Oil
To make a massage oil, blend 1oz carrier oil of choice with 30 drops of your favorite stress-relieving essential oils from the list above.

Shop online for quality essential oils, carrier oils, and more at www.sparknaturals.com!

Peak Performance Diffuser Blends

It's Wednesday! We all know what this means: we just have to get through today and it's all downhill (in a good way) until the weekend!

Try one of these 3 AMAZING diffuser blends to keep you at your PEAK PERFORMANCE today!

Top Performance Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Frankincense essential oil
-4 drops Lemon essential oil
-3 drops Cypress essential oil
-1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil

Clear Head Diffuser Blend
-1 drop Black Pepper essential oil
-1 drop Ginger essential oil
-3 drops Grapefruit essential oil
-4 drops Coriander essential oil

Tired Nerves Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Rosemary essential oil
-4 drops Wild Orange essential oil
-1 drop Clary Sage essential oil

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com

Pregnancy Massage Oil Blend

We have a number of pregnant women who stop by our store in the Riverwoods. One of them mentioned using essential oils to treat back pain, so we thought we'd share this massage oil blend for pregnancy:

-4 drops Spark Naturals Eucalyptus EO
-4 drops Spark Naturals Sandalwood EO
-4 drops Spark Naturals Tangerine EO
-4 drops Spark Naturals Ylang Ylang EO
-4 drops Spark Naturals Roman Chamomile EO
-1 oz Sweet Almond Oil

Combine all essential oils in a 1oz bottle with a dropper. Fill to the top with carrier oil, and use in a gentle massage as needed. Be sure to discuss essential oil usage with your care practitioner.

www.sparknaturals.com

DIY Carpet Deodorizer - Cheap & Easy!

Sometimes, breaking old cleaning habits in favor of new, healthier ones, is hard. If you're looking for a nontoxic way to freshen up a smelly room, this carpet deodorizer is amazing! Best of all, it will cost you less than $1!

What you'll need:
•4oz baking soda
•2-4 drops SN Lavender EO
•2-4 drops SN Peppermint EO
•clean glass jar with lid (recycled is fine).

Combine all ingredients in the jar and shake heartily for several seconds. Let sit for a minute or two so that the baking soda can absorb the oils. Sprinkle the baking soda lightly over the carpet and let sit for 5-10 minutes, then vacuum it up. It smells amazing and will help keep common house pests away - bonus!

www.sparknaturals.com

10 Must-Try Essential Oil Recipes for your Diffuser

The following blends are meant to be used in a cold-air diffuser. The type of diffusers I use require a small amount of water to which the oils are added. I generally use 6-8 drops of oil per “batch.” If you don’t have one of the components, you can still try the recipe without it. Enjoy these and maybe share your favorites with us.

1. The Wake Up Blend
This is a much-loved combo, and for good reason! It’s perfect to increase alertness, or when you need a quick pick-me-up.
3 drops Wild Orange EO
3 drops Peppermint EO

2. Fresh and Clean
This blend is wonderful for creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home. It’s bright and fresh:
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Rosemary

3. Odor Eliminator
We are animal-people, and we’ve had our fair share of “incidences” in our house. Whenever this happens, I like to diffuse this blend. It freshens up the air in no time:
2 drops Lemon
1 drop Melaleuca
1 drop Lime
1 drop White Fir
1 drop of Cilantro

4. Seasonal Support
These three oils together are spectacular for helping to maintain clear breathing and a healthy immune response. I use this blend especially during the spring and summer months.
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Peppermint

5. Citrus Explosion
I love diffusing citrus blends when we have company coming over. It makes my house smell happy and clean.
1 drop Lemon
1 drop Lime
1 drop Wild Orange
1 drop Grapefruit
1 drop Bergamot

6. Take a Deep Breath Blend
I tend to be a very high-energy person. The good part of that? I get a lot done. The bad part? I have a hard time settling down sometimes…
I adore this blend for the evenings when I’m trying to slow my brain down, and I also like to diffuse it in the bedroom as I fall asleep:
1 drop Bergamot
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Patchouli
1 drop Ylang Ylang

7. Respiratory Blend
Use this blend to boost respiratory function–especially during cold and flu season.
1 drop Lemon
1 drop Lime
1 drop Peppermint
1 drop Rosemary
1 drop Eucalyptus

8. Flower Garden Blend
Want your home to smell like a flower garden in full bloom? Try this one:
2 drop Clary Sage
2 drop Geranium
2 drop Lavender
2 drop Roman Chamomile

9. The Man-Cave Blend
I think this combo smells very masculine and woodsy…
2 drops White Fir
2 drops Cypress
2 drops Wintergreen

10. Bug Repellent Blend
This combo isn’t one that I’d necessarily wear as perfume, but it contains a collection of oils that most creepy-crawlies dislike:
1 drop Lemongrass
1 drop Melaleuca
1 drop Thyme
1 drop Eucalyptus
1 drop Rosemary

Shop online at www.sparknaturals.com

DIY EASY Natural Toners with essential oils

Toners are an important part of a natural skin routine, and they are SO EASY TO MAKE! 

Try these super-simple ALL-NATURAL toners below with options for oily, dry, and sensitive skin types!

Spark Naturals Witch Hazel is a fantastic base for any toner since it is naturally astringent AND alcohol-free, so it can remove excess oil without over-drying. 

Basic Toner Recipe:
-1 oz Spark Naturals Witch Hazel (or reduce to 1/2, add Rose Water)
-2-6 drops essential oil suitable for your skin type

To use: either spray or apply to cotton pad and wipe over face after cleansing. 

It's SO easy! Here are some ideas for EO combinations:

DRY/AGING SKIN:
Option 1
2 drops Rose + 4 drops Lavender
Option 2
1/2 oz Witch Hazel and 1/2oz Rose Water + 2 drops Geranium + 4 drops Lavender
Option 3
4 drops Frankincense + 2 drops Carrot Seed

OILY SKIN:
Option 1
2-4 drops Melaleuca
Option 2
4 drops Melaleuca + 2 drops Bergamot
Option 3
2 drops Melaleuca + 4 drops Lavender
Option 4 (great for people with acne scars)
4 drops Melaleuca + 1 drops Frankincense + 1 drop Carrot Seed.

SENSITIVE SKIN:
Option 1
2 drops Rose + 2 drops Roman Chamomile
Option 2
1/2 oz Witch Hazel and 1/2oz Rose Water + 4 drops Roman Chamomile
Option 3
2 drops Lavender + 2 drops Roman Chamomile

Get high-quality essential oils and glass accessories online at www.sparknaturals.com! 

NOTE: If using any sort of citrus oil, be sure to use moisturizer with a high SPF as they can photosensitize the skin.

Pure Touch Massage Kit

Have you heard of our Pure Touch Kit? If you love massage or are a massage professional, this is a MUST-HAVE. It is also a GREAT gift for the holiday season!

The Pure Touch Kit includes 8 essential oils and 2 essential oil blends specially selected for their value in massage along with an 8oz Massage Oil AND a convenient carrying tin! 

The essential oils and blends included are:
-Lavender
-Thyme
-Oregano
-Basil
-Geranium
-Eucalyptus
-Peppermint
-Grapefruit
-Pure Touch (Massage Blend)
-Amend (Soothing Blend) 

Get yours today here: http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/kits/pure-touch-kit.html

DIY Aftershave with essential oils

Sometimes it can be hard to find essential oil recipes that don't have a strong floral or feminine scent. 

If you or someone you love falls into this category, this simple DIY woodsy aftershave is PERFECTION! Bonus: It can also double as a toner.

DIY Aftershave
-4 oz Spark Naturals Witch Hazel
-3-7 drops essential oils (see combinations below)

Original Woodsy:
-3-4 drops Sandalwood EO
-1 drop Ginger EO

Antimicrobial:
-4 drops Melaleuca
-2-3 drops Lavender (optional)

Earthy (this is a personal favorite!):
-3 drops Sandalwood EO
-2 drops SN Melaleuca EO
-1 drops SN Vetiver EO
-1 drops SN Lemongrass EO

Don't know what to put it in? We have a 4oz glass spray bottle that would be PERFECT for this aftershave: http://sparknaturals.com/…/4oz-blue-glass-bottle-w-black-fi…

Shop online for quality essential oils, accessories, and more at www.sparknaturals.com

5 Must-Try Friday Night Diffuser Blends

Happy Friday! Here are FIVE more MUST-TRY diffuser blends for whatever you need for YOUR Friday night!

1. Had a hard week but need to be in a good place for some important plants tonight?
You Can Do This Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Bergamot essential oil
-1 drop Clary Sage essential oil
-2 drops Geranium essential oil

2. Are you looking forward to a quiet night with some warm tea and a fantastic book?
Autumn Reflection Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Frankincense essential oil
-2 drops White Fir essential oil
-1 drop Clary Sage essential oil

3. Planning a nice candlelit dinner?
Cosy Cabin Diffuser Blend
-1 drop Vetiver essential oil
-2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
-1 drop Sandalwood essential oil
-2 drops Wild Orange essential oil
-3 drops Lavender essential oil

4. Nervous about tonight's plans and tired from the week?
Calm and Confident Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Bergamot essential oil
-1 drop Lemon essential oil
-1 drop Wild Orange essential oil
-2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil

5. Feeling under the weather?
Back on My Feet Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Oregano essential oil
-4 drops Shield Protective Blend
-1 drop Peppermint essential oil

Shop online for quality essential oils, diffusers, and more at www.sparknaturals.com

Headache Protocols with Compresses

I don't know what it is about Thursdays, but I often end up with a BEAR of a headache by the end of the day! If you find yourself in the same position, try this protocol:

Headache Compress Blend #1
-3 drops Peppermint essential oil
-3 drops Lavender essential oil
-2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
-2 drops Birch essential oil (optional)

Headache Compress Blend #2
-9 drops Relief Blend

Directions: Mix blend with 2 cups of water, preferably ice cold (be sure your room is nice and warm!). If you think your headache might be connected to congestion, try using very warm water, taking care not to burn your skin. Dip a washcloth in the mixture, wring it out, and apply to your forehead as you relax.

Shop online for quality essential oils, accessories and more at www.sparknaturals.com!