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Essential Oil Basics: Featuring doTERRA’s Healthy Start Kit

I have had some moms coming to me lately who want to begin using essential oils, but they’re not sure where to start. They want to incorporate the oils in their daily routine to keep their family healthy, and they want to they get the biggest bang for their buck. That was me too! So, I thought I’d create some blog posts that explain the oils in doTERRA’s various Starter Kits. Today, I’ll be focusing on the Healthy Start Kit. Just like the name suggests, it gets you all you need for a quick, healthy start. It comes with 10 (5ml) essential oils, and a diffuser!

LAVENDER: This is called the “Swiss army knife” of essential oils, because it’s such a versatile oil. Use it with Tea Tree oil on your kiddos diaper rash, heat rash during the summer, and bug bites all year round. Combine it with Frankincense in a diffuser to calm your baby before bedtime. Put some on your pulse points in the afternoon to ease your anxious feelings. It’s a MUST for all families.

LEMON: I LOVE me some lemon oil! I like to combine this with Peppermint in the morning to help wake up our house before school and get out all the morning grumpiness. It’s great to drink in a glass of water for a gentle daily detox. Lemon also works to break up any gunk in your little one’s cough.

PEPPERMINT: If you ever need an afternoon pick me up, grab your bottle of Peppermint! Put some drops in your diffuser with Lemon and Frankincense to help you focus. Peppermint is also great for supporting a healthy digestive and respiratory system. Simply dilute and rub on those pain points, and you’re good to go.

TEA TREE (MELALEUCA): Tea Tree oil is all things cleansing. ItYou can clean your home with a few drops of this oil and water in a spray bottle for PENNIES. It’s also great for helping you achieve clear skin, and offers amazing sinus support. Use it in your shampoo to help control your dandruff, too!

OREGANO: What I like to call “the big guns.” This is not an oil that you will use everyday, but you’ll be glad you have it when ya need it! It’s one I like to use when I feel like my kiddos need some extra immune support. Combine it with OnGuard and Frankincense for the ultimate immune supporter. It’s also great to use for cooking! I like adding a drop to our favorite Italian dishes; yum!

FRANKINCENSE: The king of all oils. “When in doubt, get your Frankincense out!” This oil is great for literally everything: immune systems, respiratory systems, emotional support. It’s great to incorporate in your skincare routine, as it has some awesome anti-aging properties. It’s also great combined with Peppermint for head tension. For more info on this oil, check out this blog post.

ONGUARD (Protective Blend): This was my gateway oil. This oil soothed my sore and scratchy throat so well, that I dove all in and got a kit after that. OnGuard can be used as a daily, preventative measure to support your immune system. You can make a hot tea out of a couple of drops with hot water to soothe your throat, diffuse it to cleanse the air in your home, and apply topically on your kiddos spine to keep them healthy.

DIGESTZEN (Digestive Blend): This blend is GOLD. I love having it handy for when one of my kids has tummy troubles. I just rub this right on their bellies (diluted with some Fractionated Coconut Oil) for relief. It also saved me during my pregnancy when I kept having digestive issues. I put a couple drops in a veggie cap before a meal, I was so much more comfortable after having this oil.

BREATHE (Respiratory Blend): I love rubbing this blend on my chest before a run. It helps to promote clear breathing and helps to open my airways. When one of my kids start coughing, I put Breathe, Lemon and Frankincense in a diffuser, and it helps them sleep so much better at night.

DEEP BLUE (Soothing Blend): This is my husband’s favorite blend, for sure! We never run out of this. He rubs Deep Blue on his back after a lot of lifting, and it really helps to soothe his sore muscles. I like to rub some on my legs after a long run to help with post workout soreness. 

BREVI STONE DIFFUSER: You literally get everything you need by having this diffuser included in the kit. You can adjust the time limit on this diffuser, and can use the light as a night light for your kids, or turn the light off if you wish.

THE DETAILS: This kit is only $160. It offers a $25 savings on the oils plus a FREE wholesale customer membership. This gives you 25% off doTERRA products for a whole year — no selling or any additional orders required. What a generous deal! Get started today HERE. 

BONUS: For the month of July 2020, anyone who starts with the Healthy Starter Kit (or any larger kit) will receive $50 in FREE product of your choice next month. Get started today HERE, and receive a surprise welcome gift from me.

This kit will be such a gift to your family. I know for my family, we have been able to address so many health concerns in a natural and holistic way the past few years. What are you waiting for? Start TODAY.

FDA disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

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Mental Health Awareness Month: Cling to Hope

I didn’t expect this blog post to be so difficult to write. I knew I wanted to write about Mental Health Awareness, but I didn’t know how to approach this article… and not because I feel like I don’t have a voice in this battle. I know I have a voice, a story, and a passion about mental health… but how on earth do I put words to the ache in my heart?

I fought depression on and off from 11 years old to 28 years old. I am only 31 years old. I struggled with anorexia in middle school, late in college, and then briefly after having my second child. Depression has been a part of my life more often than not. Depression is what stole my childhood. Depression is what stole my motherhood for the first 4 years of it. Depression stole my identity for so long. I believed the lies it fed me for far too long. The lies of You’re not good enough. You’re not worthy of (Fill in the blank/literally anything other than pain). You’re not loved.

Y’all I went so long believing these lies were true. It wasn’t until I was about 26 years old and in counseling while I was recounting my thoughts out loud to my counselor. Specific thoughts I had when I debated with the idea of suicide… My counselor was able to help me realize that those thoughts were some dark lies. Many have said suicide is a selfish decision, and I understand that perspective. I also understand the perspective of the one with suicidial ideations… you’ve convinced yourself this is the most selfless thing you can do for your family. You’ve convinced yourself that they are better off without you, that you’re easily replaceable, and that you truly don’t matter. You’ve convinced yourself that the lies are true. **Please note: If you are thinking about suicide, I urge you to stay. Stop listening to the lies in your head. Know that you are LOVED. You matter. You have purpose. Go get professional help.**

This month, and every month, I stand with those of you affected by mental illness: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia, you name it. I stand with you, I will fight for you, and I will pray endlessly that you hear God’s truth, and not lies.

Even though I had studied for years about psychology and have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, it took my husband to convince me to get help. I was in such a dark place after we had our third child… I went to counseling, I took Zoloft for a while, I continued studying and found Dr. Caroline Leaf’s work from my counselor’s suggestion. (If toxic thoughts are running your life, I highly recommend her book Switch on your Brain). Before we got pregnant with Sarah, while working with my doctor, I weaned off of Zoloft. I started using some holistic measures in place of it (and still do), and after having my fourth baby I didn’t struggled with postpartum depression. I don’t know if you can appreciate the magnitude of that sentence… for the first time in YEARS I didn’t have to battle my mind while caring for my children. Sure, I still dealt with those raging hormones the first couple of months, but I felt the JOY of motherhood that I had only heard about from other moms. To this day I don’t have to take Zoloft, and I no longer have to fight the daily fight to chose life and not death. 

I want to provide hope. If you’ve been struggling with mental illness for months, years, or decades… there is hope. I know, please trust me I know, sometimes it feels helpless. I have many memories of crying out to God begging him to just take it away. I am incredibly thankful He provided me with a solution for my body and emotions.  I want to encourage you to continue to seek help and healing. Reach out to your loved ones. Know that you are loved, wanted, valued. Go to counseling. Provide your body with solid nutrition, exercise and supplements. Feed your mind with positive thoughts and emotions. Surround yourself with loving people and influences. Believe in healing. Cling to hope.

doTERRA February Promotions

Happy February! I know we are well into the month, but have y’all seen doTERRA’s February promotions yet? They are pretty sweet, and I’m here to tell you all about them. Let’s get started.

Product of the Month

Did you know that doTERRA offers a FREE Product of the Month, every single month? All you have to do is place a qualifying Loyalty Rewards order, and this product will automatically be added to your cart. No promo code needed.

This month doTERRA is offering a free Melaleuca Touch roller bottle. I love the Touch rollers because they are already diluted in a base of doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil. This makes it so convenient to apply on your kids, or other family member with sensitive skin. Melaleuca is great for immune support, and we like to roll this oil on our feet daily. You can also use this roller for skin blemishes by easily applying on the area of concern. We also use this roller (along with doTERRA Lavender Touch roller) for any sort of skin irritations.

Highlighted Product

doTERRA also highlights a product every month where you can receive 10% off. Yes, if you have a wholesale account, that is 10% ON TOP OF your wholesale discount. So awesome! This month they are highlighting their SPA Replenishing Body Butter. Y’all, I have literally had people tell me they can’t live without this product. Honestly, I am usually not one for spa products, but this body butter is heavenly. It’s made with shea and cocoa butter which are known for their ability to moisturize the skin. It also has jojoba seed oil and avocado oil that are praised in the skin industry for their ability to soothe and nourish your skin. Of course, this body butter in infused with the doTERRA essential oils: Wild Orange, Douglas Fir, and Frankincense. You can’t find a body butter more luxurious than this one. It would make a great Valentine’s Day gift for your special someone!

New Year, New You

doTERRA has extended their New Year, New You (NYNY) promotion. This is for those of y’all that have been wanting doTERRA essential oils, but haven’t made the plunge yet. Here’s the skinny: When you enroll as a Wholesale Customer with at least 100PV order (basically any starter kit), and join the Loyalty Rewards Program for extra discounts and free product (with a 100PV order in March) doTERRA will give you 100 PV to redeem for any essential oils of your choice! You’re getting $100 in free doTERRA essential oils (or other products) of your choice. It’s a pretty sweet deal! Go to https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/amandagerber/join-and-save to get started.

Bonus from ME!

Just to sweeten the deal, here is what I have to offer when you choose to start your doTERRA journey with me:

  • Welcome gift (personalized roller bottles, recipes, and other oily goodies)
  • Private access to my team’s Facebook group (a wealth of oil knowledge)
  • Free Wellness Consultation (a chance to really dive deep into your health goals)
  • Continued Support (to answer your questions in real time from a real person— ME!)

Which one of these promos are you taking advantage of this month? Share below in the comments!

January doTERRA Promotions

Hey y’all! Happy New Year, and I hope you guys ended 2017 with a bang! I can’t believe 2018 is here already, and I want to help get y’all set up for success and health this year. Today I wanted to chat for a few minutes about doTERRA’s January promos and how your health can benefit from these amazing offers. Here we go!

Free Frankincense: Say, what?!? doTERRA has extended the promotion for a free Frankincense (my favorite essential oil). You have until January 15th to get a free Frankincense with a qualifying order of 200PV or more. Frankincense is so good for so many things: immune support, digestive health, mood support, brain health, and MORE. It’s a great time to stock up on your favorite doTERRA essential oils and supplements. Check out my previous post on Frankincense to learn more about the benefits of this oil.

Product of the Month (POM): Here’s the skinny on the POM… Every month doTERRA offers a FREE product to their Loyalty Rewards Customers. If you are currently on the Loyalty Rewards Program, and you place a 125PV order (so $125 in essential oils) on or before the 15th of the month, doTERRA sends you a FREE product as a thank you. The product changes every month, and this month it is Wild Orange. Wild Orange is always a crowd pleaser. I like to diffuse it in the mornings with Peppermint to wake me up and keep me alert and focused. Wild Orange is also really good at supporting your digestive system, and keeping you in a happy mood.

10% off Product: Also every month doTERRA will highlight a featured product and have it at 10% off. Anyone can purchase this product at an additional 10% off. This month it is their TerraGreens. TerraGreens is a blend of whole food fruits, vegetables, super foods, and doTERRA essential oils. Adding one scoop of this to your daily smoothie will help ensure your body is getting tons of nutrition to function properly. It’s a great way to get veggies in your kid’s diet if they aren’t usually open to eating their vegetables.

New Year New You (NYNY): Y’all, if you still are not a Wholesale Customer with doTERRA, now is the PERFECT time to get started. January is usually the month people are hyper focused on their health and nutrition. So to assist you in your desire to make 2018 a healthy year, doTERRA is offering 100PV (so equivalent to $100 in essential oils/product) to new wholesale customers with a qualifying order.

There are tons of amazing promos going on right now. If you’d like to set up a free wellness consultation with me, feel free to contact me at info@amandagerber.com . I’d love to discuss your health concerns and health goals. Then I can help to point you in the right direction as to what essential oils would be best for you and your family. I’m looking forward to a healthy and happy 2018! Feel free to see at the details of these promotions at mydoterra.com/amandagerber 🙂

I’d love to hear from you. What’s one of your health goals for 2018?

Back to Basics: Foundations for Your Health

Ok, friends, I feel like I should warn you before I dive into this post. It is not going to be the most entertaining post you’ve ever read. It’s not going to be the most enlightening post you’ve ever read. Honestly, it probably won’t be the most memorable post you’ve ever read either. So, why the heck am I even writing about this? Because it’s so foundational that everyone needs to read it. (So please read it! I promise the next post will be more entertaining.)

I’m going to be posting more often on this blog, on social media, and on my podcast about doTERRA essential oils, holistic health remedies, and some natural DIYs. I’m doing this because my heart is truly to show others that we really can take control of our health and wellness naturally. HOWEVER, it is extremely imperative that we get the foundation right. For example, I’ve chatted about how essential oils can help support your immune system, but if you’re filling your body with Twinkies, and not sleeping or exercising 24/7 then you’re going to run into some issues. We’ve got to get the foundation solid… Not perfect, because I love a cupcake every now and then, but solid. So, let’s dive in!

1. Nutrition: We’ve all heard it. “You are what you eat.” It’s so true. My normal routine and habits have gotten thrown off (Let’s be clear, I did the throwing. I’m not blaming circumstances) and I can feel it. It’s been more difficult to get up early in the morning, I’ve been less productive, and just kinda felt blah. I’ve just spent a couple of days getting back to my normal and I’m already feeling better. I’m not going to get into vegan/paleo/keto/gluten free argument. I will say, we all probably need to up our veggies. So start with that, and pound the water. Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces. Flavor it with some doTERRA citrus oils to keep it interesting.

2. Rest: There’s this Daniel the Tiger song that always get stuck in my head… “When you’re sick, rest is best, rest is best.” I wish I could sing it to you, because words on a page doesn’t do it justice, and if you don’t have kids in your house under the age of 5 you probably have no idea who Daniel the Tiger is. That’s okay, you get the point. When we’re sick, when we’re well, and every day we need adequate rest. Maybe if you’re in your twenties you can rock your day on 3 hours of sleep, but trust me, you will perform and feel much better if you get at least 6 hours of sleep in your system. Some people even feel the best when they get 10 hours of sleep, but let’s not get crazy. Find how you function the best.

3. Love Yourself: I know it may not seem like it at the time, but negative self talk doesn’t serve your body or emotions at all. You’re actually physically harming your mind and body when you beat yourself up with negativity. Be gentle and kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same care you would treat someone else. Give yourself grace. Start speaking love and life over yourself. It sounds cheesy, and it even feels awkward when you start speaking love instead of hate, but get over the awkwardness. Your love for yourself will bleed over to how you love others. It will make the world go round. Ok, not that last part, but you get my point. If you want some science to back this up, then go and check out the book Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf. It’s very eyeopening.

4. Movement: I used the word “movement” here instead of “exercise” because I feel like we associate exercise with grueling, intensive workouts that are only for the elite athletes. However you want to word it: movement, exercise, working out… you need to do it. Pick a movement you like: going for a walk in the woods, having a dance party with your kids, hard core sweat sesh, running, yoga, whatever. Find what you love and do more of that. Movement releases toxins in your body and pumps you full of endorphins. I can use all the endorphins I can get!

Now, I could go on and chat about supplements, probiotics, meditation, sunshine, and much more, but those will be other posts for later days. This truly was meant to be a very basic and general post. Help me out though: What are some foundational steps you take towards enhancing your health and wellness?

Simplify Food Choices: The End or the Beginning?

I had multiple people ask me why I gave myself a clean eating challenge. My main goal was and is this: for my health, and for my family’s health. I didn’t do it to lose weight or fit in a certain dress size. I didn’t do it with hopes to fit back in my pre-kids jeans (those days are long gone. A 30 year old who has had 4 kids does not need to be in a size 0 blue jeans). I did this for my health, and from there flowed different objectives I wanted to accomplish.

I wanted to be more mindful of what I put in my mouth. Many times I felt like a hypocrite (as I should) because I would deny my kids ice cream, but then bust out a pint when they went to bed. I noticed there were times I just drifted towards the pantry, not even because I was hungry, but just to see if something caught my eye… almost like I was treating food like entertainment. I realized I wanted to change my mindset about food: I want food to be enjoyable, but I also want it to serve a purpose. I want food to fuel and heal my body.

I wanted to create better habits. I mentioned in the beginning, so much of what goes in my mouth does so out of habit. What I also realized was so much of what I make is also habit. I’d like to think of myself as a pretty healthy person, but I have to admit I got a little lazy when it comes to preparing lunches. Most days when I pack my kids’ lunch it’s a peanut butter sandwich and a piece of fruit. Not terrible, but not amazing. I realized I need to work on lunch, and plan on buying a few containers that would be conducive for them to take veggies and hummus to school instead of relying on breads to fill them up. Please help! What are some of your favorite containers for your kid’s lunch box?

So, the results… Do I feel better? Sure, but I can’t say I notice a drastic difference. Now, this could be because I ate healthy about 70% of the time, or maybe I need to do this for 90 days or longer to notice a huge shift. But, I do feel better. It’s easier for me to wake up in the mornings (mostly) when my alarm goes off at 5:00AM (another habit I’m starting). I’m also pooping more. I go about twice a day without any effort, so that’s nice. I did lose about 4 pounds, also nice. I’m convinced I’m still addicted to sugar and bread because I still think about both often. Although, I don’t miss dairy… which is kind of funny because I used to tell myself I think I could easily go vegan if I didn’t have to give up cheese.  

What’s next for me in my food journey? I honestly am not sure. I’m doing more research, which mainly means watching a ton of YouTube videos (my favorites right now are Kris Carr and Dr. Axe which is kinda funny because they have 2 different views) and Netflix documentaries (Hungry for Change and Food Matters will rock your world) while I’m washing dishes and doing laundry. I do think I’ll be vegan one day. I’ve already made small steps in that direction, and I think that’s how it will happen: one small step after another instead of stopping all animal products cold turkey (I had to add that pun in there!).

Ok, I need some feedback while I’m still on the fence about where to go from here. What’s your food philosophy? Why did you choose your path?

Warm Kale and Mushroom Salad

It was just there. Staring at me. In all its mac and cheese gloriousness. It was saying Eat me. Eat the mac and cheese. I’m cheesy, I’m gooey, I’m somehow organic even though I came out of a box… I’d been having this argument with myself all morning. I fought with the flour tortillas that I used to wrap my sons’ tacos in, I stared longingly at my husband’s toast that was soaking up the yolk of his egg, and I argued with Annie’s Organic Cheddar shells and cheese. And I won, y’all. I thought for sure I’d be defeated, but I wasn’t, and I came up with a yummy warm salad to combat my hunger after defeating the mac and cheese.

I looked in the fridge, but I didn’t want your typical cold salad. I instantly came up with this simple, but delicious warm salad. The best part? It only took 10 minutes from start to finish. You need to try it, because it will change your life, or at least your vegan lunches.

kale-and-mushroom-salad

Ingredients

1/4 cup of sliced red onions

6 sliced mushrooms, your choice

2 heaping handfuls of chopped kale

2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Directions

1. Slice and chopped the veggies while heating up the coconut oil

2. Place the sliced onions in the pan. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Once the onions are translucent, add the mushrooms.

4. Once the mushrooms are softened, add the kale.

4. Sprinkle with garlic powder while the kale is softening, and add more salt and pepper if needed.

5. Enjoy your masterpiece and give yourself a pat on the back for turning down the mac and cheese.

Notes:

1. This recipe serves 1 person. Double or triple the recipe as needed.

2. Use this as a base for your warm kale salad. Get creative with your add ins!

3. Consider adding other seasonings like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

4. If you’re not a vegan, top with crumbled gorgonzola cheese.

5. If you’re not vegan or vegetarian, cook chopped bacon with the onions.

Try it out, and let me know what ya think! And help me out, what’s your favorite vegan lunch?

WINSDAY: Lemon

When life gives you lemons… go to Sicily, cold press the rind, bottle the essential oil and do a giveaway, because that stuff is amazing! Seriously, lemon essential oil is one of my favorites. I probably go through close to a bottle a month because I use it for everything. You can replace many household cleaners with this one bottle of essential oil. It’s that good. So, it’s past 10 o’clock and I’m sleepy. Lucky for you, I still want to do a giveaway, so I am gonna cut out the fluff and just give you a list of what I’ve used this essential oil for in my home. Don’t judge me on some of these!

lemons (Photo credit: myjuicecleanse.com)

• Add a few drops to water in a glass spray bottle for an easy all purpose cleaner.
• Forget about a load of laundry overnight? (What? Me?!? Never!) Add 5 drops of lemon essential oil to the load, wash, and the clothes smell lemony fresh!
• Does your kid have a stubborn fake tattoo that won’t come off? 1 drop of lemon essential oil takes it right off. (Sorry, you’re stuck with your real one you got the moment you turned 18. Hope it was a good one! We can’t all have Texas as our first tattoo).
• If you have a white board with marker residue, put a couple drops of lemon essential oil on a paper towel and it will clean it right up.
• Add a few drops to your water (in glass) and enjoy the taste and natural cleansing properties.
• To assist with seasonal respiratory discomfort, diffuse or take internally.
• Diffuse with lavender or bergamot to uplift the mood.

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment below telling me why you can’t wait to try lemon essential oil. Good luck!

I only recommend one brand of oils for internal use. To learn more about the brand I trust and love email me at info@amandagerber.com.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided here is in no way intended to replace proper medical help.