A year ago, around Christmas break, my daughters had been hit with the stomach bug. Only this bug reared it's ugly head consistently for about 8 days. I was exhausted from cleaning up barf, my oldest was exhausted from doing the actual barfing, and Christmas felt ruined, to be honest. I practically followed them around with a bucket and a spray bottle of carpet cleaner.

I reached out to a neighbor friend who had been posting about essential oils and decided I needed something to help with (the smell in my house) the nausea. And that is when I became a true believer.

Did you know that daily use of essential oils can support our bodies holistically?

helps fight cold and flu symptoms
soothes and clears skin
promotes rest and relaxation
balances hormones
dietary supplement alternative
boosts energy and mood
alleviates pain or discomfort
improves digestion
can be used in cooking/baking
can also be used to help animals

Here are my go-to's:

PEPPERMINT

Oh, my sweet, sweet peppermint. A rub on the belly and just a smell of it under the nose and we felt a little more at ease. Peppermint helps support digestive and gut health. It's also helpful dropped in to some water to provide a natural source of energy. Think, pre-work out!

LAVENDER

Lavender is one commonly known by many as a necessary oil that promotes rest and relaxation. A little rubbed on the bottom of the family's feet at night or diffused in the evening guides to a more restful sleep for all!

THIEVES

Thieves has an incredible story that dates back thousands of years to when thieves would rob gold and valuables from the homes of the dead and dying. When the King asked these thieves how they were not becoming ill themselves, they gave away their biggest secret. The essential oils they would coat their bodies with before entering the infected homes. How could you not believe in something so powerful! Thieves has a long list of benefits. Used for diffusing, vitality purposes, natural anti-bacterial cleaning, immune support...the list goes on. I drop in my hot tea, and while sipping, I'm also cleaning my counters with a Thieves:water blend. My kitchen smells fresh and disinfected naturally and I am protecting my immune system at the same time.

PURIFICATION

Purification is a combination of: Citronella, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Lavandin, Myrtle, and Tea Tree. When diffused in my home, it gives a sense of cleanliness and refreshing tones. With adding the new puppy in to our family, this oil has given my home LIFE and ENERGY again.

STRESS AWAY [roll-on]

Stress Away is a blend of Cobaiba, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Lime, Lavender and Ocotea. This sits next to me at work like a comforting blanket. When my stress levels feel heightened during the day, I either inhale and catch my breath or roll-on my outer and inner wrists and behind my neck. I close my eyes and count in for 3 and out for 4-5. Repeated a few times and I feel my body reset.

JOY

My neighbor gifted me a sample of Joy about a year ago to try for mornings when I work out or when I need a pick me up to feel, well, JOYFUL! Joy essential oil is a blend of Citrus, Bergamot, Ylang ylang, Geranium, Lemon, Coriander, Tangerine, Jasmine, Roman chamomile, Palmarosa, and Rose. What's not to love? I blended in a rollerball with coconut oil and lavender for a daily cologne. I also diffuse at wake up, to start our day. "Joy will come in the morning!"

Head on over to my DARLING friend Sheena's page at Oh Darling Oils for all the goods on essential oils! Follow her on IG for adorable and helpful videos, giveaways and more on how you can incorporate essential oils into your regimen.

For custom rollerballs and other essential oil accessories, visit Lavender & Joy Essentials on Etsy! Cristi is wonderful and enjoys providing her customers will adorable EO cuteness!

*These oils are part of the Young Living Essential Oils collection. For more information on Young Living, please contact me directly or visit Young Living Essential Oils.

Get Oily : 6 Essential Oils that will give you life!