Recipe Friday: Peace and Joy Essential Oil Diffuser Blend

Pretty much every day, and certainly every evening, I put essential oils in my diffuser. My daytime diffuser sits in our kitchen, which is an open space to the dining area. I spend a lot of time around there, so I like to enhance my moods and physical health with the benefits of essential oils

The essential oils, and their benefits, in my daytime favorite, which I name Peace and Joy are as follows. Benefits and other information are listed for use in diffusing (inhaling), topical application, and ingestion.

• Lemon: cleaning, lymph drainage, cleanses the body, antibacterial, antitumoral, antiseptic, improves microcirculation, immune stimulant (increases white blood cells), improves memory; use for circulatory problems, arteriosclerosis, obesity, parasites, urinary tract infections, varicose veins, anxiety, hypertension, digestive problems; acne; use with local honey to treat/sooth a sore throat; drink in water to promote weight loss; detox for gallbladder and lymphatic system (drink in water)
  • Other info:
    • topical, inhale, diffuse, ingest
    • citrus family
    • Caution: avoid applying to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 24 hours
    • Made from the peel
• Sweet orange: eases stress and anxiety (when used as aromatherapy); Improves digestion and helps to relieve constipation; Nourishes dry, irritated and acne-prone skin when mixed with a carrier oil and applied as a cream; Promotes a feeling of happiness and warmth when used in aromatherapy; Helps to eliminate toxins from the body; Helps in stimulating lymphatic action to promote balance in water processes and detoxification of the body; antimicrobial properties; may prevent the proliferation of E. coli bacteria; Natural remedy for high blood pressure; anti-inflammatory; Reduces anxiety and boosts mood; Natural anti-depressant; mild tranquilizer
  • Comes from Citrus sinensis, the oranges you are used to eating. It is derived from the fruit, especially the rind.
• Grapefruit: supports metabolism, cellulite reduction, antitumoral, metabolic stimulant, antiseptic, detoxifying, diuretic, fat-dissolving, cleansing for kidneys, lymphatic and vascular system, antidepressant. Rich in limonene, which has been studied for its ability to combat tumor growth. Used for Alzheimer’s, fluid retention, depression, obesity, liver disorders, anxiety
  • Other info:
    • Mix with coconut oil and rub on areas of cellulite, or take a few drops internally with water
    • topical, inhale, diffuse, ingest
    • citrus family
    • Caution: avoid applying to skin that will be exposed to sunlight w/in 24 hours
• Frankincense: reduces inflammation, destroys cancer, spiritual awareness; boosts immune system, treats autoimmune disorders, fights infections, improves anxiety ,heals skin (acne, scars), balances hormone levels, regulates estrogen production, eases digestion (helps produce bowel movements), beneficial in reducing symptoms of leaky gut syndrome, sleep aid, antiviral; contains sesquiterpenes which stimulate the limbic system of the brain (the center of memory and emotions) and the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands. (The hypothalamus is the master gland of the body, producing many vital hormones including thyroid and growth hormone.)
  • Other info:
    • Breathe it for immune, colon, lungs
    • Apply to neck and feet to boost immune system
    • sometimes referred to as olibanum
    • topically, inhale, diffuse, or ingest
    • This is a potent oil: if you ingest, dilute it first, and do not ingest large quantities.
    • Mix 6 drops to one ounce of carrier oil and apply to the skin to fight
    • sagging, wrinkling (helps tighten skin)
    • Helps speed digestion, like digestive enzymes (modulates the gut)
    • Add a few drops to a cloth and inhale for respiratory assistance (good for asthma or allergies); or an oil diffuser.
    • Inhaling also helps relieve muscle aches, stress, and negative emotions.
• Rosemary: thickens hair, improves brain function and memory; good for Alzheimer’s, soothes aches and pains, balances androgen and estrogen, liver detox and gall bladder function (benefits bile flow, reduces plasma liver enzymes), lowers cortisol (lowers stress), protects the liver, anti-tumoral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, enhances mental clarity & concentration, relieves throat & lung infections
  • Other info:
    • an evergreen oil
    • from labiatae family
    • part of the “four thieves” formula
    • add a drop to shampoo for healthy hair
    • dilute to apply topically, directly inhale, diffuse, ingest
    • Cautions: do not use on children under 4 years of age; avoid using on persons with high blood pressure
• Peppermint: digestion, aids in absorption, cools heat in the digestive lining; focus, energy booster, fever reducer, relieves headaches and body/muscle aches. Anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antiparasitic (worms), antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, gallbladder/digestive stimulant, pain-relieving, curbs appetite, helps with irritable bowel system; improves focus, improves breathing (bronchitis, pneumonia, allergies); relieves headaches (2 drops peppermint + 2 drops lavender, rub on forehead)
  • Other info:
    • Can rub right on the stomach to relieve symptoms; also rub on bug bites for a few days to relieve itch
    • topical, inhale, diffuse, ingest
    • inhale 5-10 x/day to curb appetite
    • do not apply to infants younger than 18 mo
• Eucalyptus: good for respiratory issues like bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies; insect repellent (helps block malaria), expectorant, mucolytic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-aging; respiratory/sinus infections, decongestant, rheumatism/arthritis
  • Other info:
    • can use the leaves to cover wounds, to disinfect
    • a spray of 2% eucalyptus oil will kill 70% of airborne staph bacteria
    • topical, inhale, diffuse, ingest
    • myrtle family

Just think of all the health benefits we get from essential oils!

To make Peace and Joy Blend:

Ingredients:

• 3 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 5 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 3 drops Frankincense essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil OR eucalyptus essential oil

Directions:

Fill diffuser to manufacturer’s instructions with tap water (mine holds 2 oz, or ¼ cup).

Drop essential oils into the water. (Amounts are really up to you.)

Replace diffuser lid.

Turn diffuser on.