Boost Your Immunity With Essential Oils

Happy New Year Everyone!  I hope that 2017 has started off on a healthy note! And, just to make sure it stays that way, I'm going to share with you one of my favorite recipes that I use to naturally boost my immunity!  It's wonderfully aromatic, easy to make, softens the skin, and contains some of my most relied upon essential oils.  These multi-purpose oils should be in everyone's home medicine chest, for sure!

While on the subject of essential oils, if you're looking for an excellent source for pure, therapeutic essential oils that deliver results, try doTERRA.  I've purchased essential oils from several reputable companies over the years, and still do, simply because I formulate skin and body care products for the commercial market and must purchase some of my oils in bulk quantities - which doTERRA doesn't offer.  But if you are a body worker, like me, or simply want to use essential oils to boost the physical and emotional health of yourself and your family, I highly recommend doTERRA. I use them in my reflexology practice and absolutely LOVE them! Their quality is superb, customer service exceptional, wholesale discounts are available, plus the wonderfully philanthropic company itself has high standards with regard to sourcing and production.  Here's my website if you want to look around . . . http://mydoterra.com/stephanietourles 

Today's recipe comes from page 165 of my best-selling book, "Hands-On Healing Remedies: 150 Recipes for Herbal Balms, Salves, Oils, Liniments & Other Topical Therapies."  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Essential Immunity Balm (Safe for children 6 years of age and older and the elderly)

With daily application to the feet, hands, and chest, this powerful medicinal will envelop your body with an "aromatherapeutic shield" to help protect you from airborne "nasties" and surface contaminants.  The soles of your feet and palms of your hands have an amazing ability to absorb topical remedies due to the plethora of sweat glands contained within their thick skin, so this formula's essential oils will quickly begin to deliver their benefits to your bloodstream.  When applied to the chest area and covered with clothing, the fragrant vapors rise to your nose and mouth, fortifying the sinus and respiratory channels against illness

Note: Please use the specific essential oils called for, as they are the most skin-friendly varieties. 

Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons refined shea butter (unrefined shea butter will work, but its stronger fragrance greatly subdues the aroma - thoiugh not the properties - of the essential oils)
- 5 drops eucalyptus (species radiata) essential oil
- 5 drops spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia or L. spica) or lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops thyme (chemotype linalool) essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil
- 1 drop clove bud essential oil

Equipment Needed:  Small saucepan or double boiler, stirring utensil, 2-oz PET plastic or glass jar or tin

Prep Time:  15 minutes, plus up to 24 hours to completely thicken

Yield:  Approximately 1/4 cup or 2 ounces

Storage:  Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year

Directions:  Warm the shea butter in a small saucepan (a tiny 1-cup size works great) or small double boiler over low heat, until it has just melted.  Remove from the heat. Add the eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, thyme, peppermint, cinnamon, and clove essential oils directly to the storage container, then slowly pour in the liquefied shea butter.  Gently stir the balm to blend, then cap, label, and set aside to thicken.  Unlike beeswax, shea butter takes a long time to completely thicken, and this formula may need up to 24 hours, depending on the temperature in your kitchen.  When it's ready, it will be very thick, semi-hard, and white (or creamy yellow if you've used unrefined shea butter).

Don't forget to label your container with a listing of ingredients and expiration date. 

Application Instructions:  Massage a small dab into your palms, the soles of your feet, including between the toes, and chest twice per day.  Put on socks or hosiery after application to the feet.

NOTE:  This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and portions excerpted from her book, "Hands-On Healing Remedies," (c2012 Storey Publishing).  The information is true and complete to the best of Ms. Tourles' knowledge.  All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information.  It is for educational purposes only.