Here’s a fun fact for you:
Humans are the ONLY mammals that don’t make their own vitamin C.
Interesting, right? Vitamin C is so important that literally, every other mammal has the ability to create its own.
More than just a boost to the immune system, it plays a critical role in many of the body’s functions and is a powerful antioxidant. It also aids in tissue regeneration, the absorption of iron, production of collagen and so much more.
Since we have to depend on outside sources to supply vitamin C, it’s very easy (and very common) to be deficient.
And an unaddressed vitamin C deficiency can lead to a variety of diseases. It could even be fatal. Catching it early on is crucial.
With that said, here are 7 signs you’re deficient in Vitamin C...
1. You get sick more often than most people you know
Vitamin C keeps your immune system up and running. When you don’t have enough, your immune system weakens and you start catching every little thing that comes your way.
2. You bruise easily (and wonder what you could have run into)
A lack of vitamin C leads to weakened capillaries, so even a minor bump creates a bruise.
3. Your skin is dry or scaly
Vitamin C deficiency is often the culprit behind chronic dry skin and even those annoying small bumps on the back of arms or thighs. This is because vitamin C is so closely linked to collagen.
4. You have brittle hair and nails
In the grand scheme of things, hair isn’t a very important part of the body. That’s why nutrients like vitamin C are sent to more essential areas first, and hair just gets the leftovers – if there are any.
5. Nosebleeds are a regular occurrence
This happens for the same reason bruising does. Inadequate levels of vitamin C equals weakened and fragile blood vessels.
6. Your joints are swollen and/or sore
This critical vitamin plays a key role in fighting inflammation, which as you may know is the cause of conditions like arthritis. One study showed that people low in vitamin C were 3 times more likely to develop arthritis than those who ate a C-rich diet.
7. Cuts or burns seem like they take a long time to heal
Collagen is the tissue that binds a healing wound, and it can’t do so properly without vitamin C. This fact has been known since 1937 when doctors noticed spontaneous breakdown of surgical wounds in patients low in vitamin C.
If you identify with one or more items on this list, there’s a good chance you need more vitamin C in your diet.
And if you don’t address this deficiency now, it could morph into serious conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, gallbladder disease, cancer and more.
But reversing vitamin C deficiency is actually quite easy with the Young Living Super C™ Supplement
Super C™ not only contains 1440% of the recommended dietary intake of vitamin C per serving, but it is also fortified with rutin, citrus bioflavonoids, and minerals to balance electrolytes and enhance the effectiveness and absorption of vitamin C.* The essential oils that are added may also increase bioflavonoid activity.
It is also free of common allergens. No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, salt, sugar, starch, corn, wheat, yeast, or soy products.
The best part?
You can kiss your synthetic vitamin C supplements, that are almost always made from GMO corn, goodbye forever!
Here’s to reversing vitamin C deficiency NATURALLY so that you can finally feel your best and prevent disease.
This practice combines five steps, each step uses a number as a prompt. Do them in order for one week and you’ll start to notice an improvement in how you feel. You’ll feel calmer, more aligned and you’ll be getting more accomplished too.
0 – Zero distractions
Start your day with zero distractions. Set your alarm to wake up 10-minutes earlier than normal, so you have uninterrupted time for your morning routine.
Zero distractions means don’t look at your phone first thing when you get out of bed. Avoid social, emails, notifications and texts for the first part of your day.
This is your time, prioritize your needs for these few minutes.
1- Drink a tall glass of water
Your body is dehydrated first thing in the morning. Drink a tall glass of water! You can add a drop of Lemon or Lime Vitality for a refreshing flavor.
2 – Find two things you are grateful for
Grab your Gratitude oil, add a drop or 2 in hand, take fingers of opposite hand and put in oil, rotate clockwise three times to activate - then apply over your heart, your hair, your pulse points. While you’re drinking your water, think of two things that you are grateful for. They can be simple things, like anticipating your first cup of coffee, that you have fresh clean water at the turn of the tap or even the quiet of the house before the day starts.
Gratitude: This blend was specifically formulated to elevate, soothe, and appease the mind while bringing relief and relaxation to the body. While the body is relaxing, the heart and mind can be opened to receive the gifts that are given each day. We all need a little extra gratitude ya knowwww! This blend contains Balsam Canada, Frankincense, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Coriander, Northern Lights Black spruce Vetiver, and Geranium. Soothing for sure!!!!!
Feel the gratitude for your blessings. Being thankful makes us happier and we all want to be a little happier!
3 – Be quiet, meditate for 3-minutes 🧘🏼♀️🧘🏼♀️🧘🏼♀️
Set a timer, be quiet and sit for 3-minutes. You can diffuse Frankincense essential oil or Grounding essential oil blend. Spend the 3-minutes focused on your breath. Feel the breath enter through your nostrils, fill your lungs then notice the sensation as the air leaves your body.
Feel the gratitude for your blessings. Being thankful makes us happier and we all want to be a little happier!
3 – Be quiet, meditate for 3-minutes 🧘🏼♀️🧘🏼♀️🧘🏼♀️
Set a timer, be quiet and sit for 3-minutes. You can diffuse Frankincense essential oil or Grounding essential oil blend. Spend the 3-minutes focused on your breath. Feel the breath enter through your nostrils, fill your lungs then notice the sensation as the air leaves your body.
4 – Move your body for 4 minutes
Stand up and move around. Stretch, do a few sun salutations, swing your arms back and forth, do some squats. It doesn’t matter what you do, just move and get your blood flowing.
That’s it 10-minutes and you’re ready to greet the day!
Hi friends
Are you still doing some holiday shopping? If you need gift ideas, I have some DIYs you can create in bulk while utilizing whatever essential oils you have on hand. Not only can you give a heartfelt token of appreciation, but you can also share the joy of oils. They make great conversation starters!
Warmly,
- Karen
5 Great DIY Essential Oil Gift Ideas For The Holidays
Try these amazing homemade gifts that you can whip up and share with all your loved ones. Spread the magic of essential oils with your family and friends in ways they will adore.
Exfoliating Body Scrub
This is such a luxurious shower treat your body will thank you for.
Simply mix 2 cups of coconut oil, 1 cup of Epsom salts (or use organic cane sugar for a more gentle scrub), and about 20 drops of your favorite essential oils – I enjoy doing this scrub with Lavender and YlangYlang.
This recipe isn't too specific, so it's okay to just guess how much Epsom salt or organic cane sugar to add based on how it feels.
Package it in mini glass mason jars and decorate with charming hand-tied bows before gifting.
All-Purpose Salve
Here are just some of the uses for an all-purpose salve:
-Moisturize dry nasal passages
-Dry, cracked cuticles
-Wind-burned cheeks
-Moisturizing elbow balm
-To soothe insect bites, minor burns, or rashes
This is how I make mine:
1. I start by making a base. Melt 1 cup of coconut oil, 1 cup of organic olive oil, and 4 tbsp of beeswax pellets in a double boiler. I use a glass measuring cup so it's easy to pour. This should make four 4oz jars worth of salve base. Now to add the nourishing parts...
2. Remove it from heat divide into four jars. Add 1/4 tsp of vitamin E oil to each serving. Don't add too much or it becomes a bit too runny.
3. From there, you can use any essential oils you want based on what you'd like to use it for. Some fantastic options would be Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lemon, YlangYlang, Copaiba, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Joy, or Frankincense.
Please use caution when picking oils that may cause sensitivity to sunlight or those few oils that have a natural tint that may stain clothing.
Shower Melts
Try these in different silicone molds for giftable, fun shapes. Experiment with soothing aromas or rejuvenating combos! You'll need…
-1 cup baking soda
-1/2 cup cornstarch
-1/2 cup citric acid
-Spray bottle of water
-15 drops of lemon essential oil
-10 drops of peppermint essential oil
-15 drops of lavender essential oil
1. Mix together the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl, breaking up any lumps. The baking soda and cornstarch help hold the shower bombs together, while the citric acid gives them that desirable fizz.
2. Slowly add drops of the essential oils, mixing very well. Give the mixture a spritz of water, and then continue to stir and add drops of oils. Continue spritzing and stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. You don't want a watery paste, but it should be spoonable.
3. Once it's mixed, spoon it into the silicone molds. After a couple of hours, they should be holding their shape and you can gently pop them out to dry overnight. I find they don't fully dry on time when they're still in the silicone molds.
You can gift these in cute little organza bags or stylish mason jars!
4. All Natural Lip Balm
This one is so fun and customizable.
1. Melt 4 tbsp of Coconut Oil and 2 tbsp of Beeswax Pellets in a double boiler. I used a glass measuring cup so that it would be easy to pour once they were melted.
2. Once the oil and wax have melted together, remove from heat and add ½ tsp of Vitamin E Oil and stir.
3. Add your choice of essential oils (I did 5-10 drops per batch but go light on peppermint or cinnamon until you know what you like). Maybe soothing Lavender oil or Vanilla with some Lime. Some popular choices are Grapefruit, Peppermint, or a bit of cinnamon oil for a subtle plumping effect!
Tip: Check out these amazing paperboard cosmetic containers. They're perfect for this gift!
5. Calming Rosemary Mint Linen Spray – or whatever smells great to you!
You'll need a 2oz glass spray bottle for this one.
If you make a very large batch, my friend recommended recycling glass apple cider vinegar bottles and just purchasing a sprayer for the top.
1. Mix about 2 tbsp of witch hazel with 5 drops each of Rosemary, Peppermint, and Lavender essential oil. I've also tried this with a citrus variety. During the winter months, I gravitate towards warm aromas like Christmas Spirit and Cinnamon.
-2. Fill the remaining space in the bottle with distilled water, then replace the spray top. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.
Give the bottle another little shake before each spritz!
Like many others, wearing a protective face covering may have become a part of your routine lately. It's recommended by the CDC, but wearing a face mask isn't always a pleasant experience. Essential oils could help!
Make a diluted mask spray with a very fine mister and use it as an easy (and natural!) way to instantly refresh cloth face masks and support your overall well-being. Just a spritz can make running errands a little more pleasant, supportive, and hopefully a little less stressful too.
Here's what I used…
- 4 ounces distilled water
- 2 ounces witch hazel
- 5-10 drops essential oil – the amount may vary based on your preferences or with the oil you choose, but I recommend starting lightly and increase the drops later if wanted.
Because oil and water don't mix, witch hazel acts as an emulsifier to help the ingredients combine.
Some oils and blends to try…
- Lavender
- AromaEase
- Bergamot
- CitrusFresh
- Thieves
- Clove (this smells incredible with a little Orange mixed in)
- Stress Away
The holidays are just around the corner! Are you one to put up decorative lights outdoors before Thanksgiving or do you wait until after? Whatever holiday cheer we can infuse around us, we should try our best now more than ever.
Why not start by whipping up a batch of Vitality Essential Oil cookies? I've made incredible gingersnaps using Clove Vitality Oil and the spicy kick turned out perfect. The recipe I want to share with you this time is for Peppermint Vitality Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. The flavor is so decadent and bold, everyone will beg to know your secret!
Another one of my favorite ways to jump into the holiday season is by diffusing Christmas Spirit. It has a warm, cozy aroma that fills you with nostalgia. That's sure to make spirits bright!
Why not start by whipping up a batch of Vitality Essential Oil cookies? I've made incredible gingersnaps using Clove Vitality Oil and the spicy kick turned out perfect. The recipe I want to share with you this time is for Peppermint Vitality Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. The flavor is so decadent and bold, everyone will beg to know your secret!
Another one of my favorite ways to jump into the holiday season is by diffusing Christmas Spirit. It has a warm, cozy aroma that fills you with nostalgia. That's sure to make spirits bright!
Peppermint Vitality Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
2-3 drops of Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 candy cane (finely crushed)
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
-Preheat oven to 350° F
-Place heaping tablespoons of dough about 1” apart on parchment paper
-Bake for 10-12 minutes - until soft with slightly crisping edges
-Set to cool, but sprinkle crushed candy cane on immediately
