by bringmebliss | Feb 26, 2016 | Nature's Way
The Oil of Renewal
I’m guessing you think of basil as the plant in pesto or or on balsamic glazed bruschetta. Perhaps you use basil as a spice for your Italian dishes. Did you know there is a Basil essential oil?
Basil essential oil is steam distilled from leaves, stems and flowers. Its chemical constituents are Alcohols, Phenolic Ethers, Oxides, Esters and Monoterpenes. These scientific terms are easily accessible through a google search, so if you are interested in chemistry, feel free to investigate further. Suffice it to say, there is science behind essential oils. They are made up of highly complex molecules which have specific functions and they exist for plant protection. They also work well in the human body to target cells in need of oxygenation and defense.
I use this oil (sparingly – one drop) in my spicy pasta sauce, but the primary uses of basil are:
- Acts as a cooling agent for the skin.
- Promotes mental alertness and lessens anxious feelings.*
- Diffuse to promote a sense of focus while studying or reading.
- Massage with Wintergreen and carrier oil on back of neck for a stress-relieving experience.
- May help to ease monthly feminine discomfort.*
- Take a drop internally to provide soothing support during menstrual cycle.*
- Diffuse as aromatherapy for feeling of relief at the end of your work day.
- Add to your favorite Italian dishes for a refreshing taste.
- Blends with Lime, Bergamot and/or Peppermint for an invigorating aroma.
Basil can be applied neat (with no dilution) when used topically. It is generally recognized as safe for human consumption by the FDA and may be taken internally as a supplement (although not for children under 6 years of age). Pay attention to quality of oils when you buy them!
Emotionally, Basil is known as The Oil of Renewal. It can support individuals who are under a great deal of mental strain. It may support the adrenals and can aid the body in restoring to its natural rhythms of sleep, activity and rest.
Not all oils are created equal. If you want 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils, CLICK HERE or fill out the form below.
by bringmebliss | Feb 22, 2016 | Inspiration, Mind/Body
Who doesn't long to be loved? To be loved is to be accepted, to belong, to thrive. It is bliss.
There are many kinds of love right? We often think of romantic love first, but there's the love of God, the love of your family, the love of your friends and even the love of strangers.
LOVE is beyond measure. True love is to be honored, accepted and adored just as you are. Oftentimes, people fail at showing love. That's why I turn to God, because I know He loves me. He adores me. He adores you. How do we know that God loves us if we don't actually feel like we've been loved?
In the Bible, John 3:16 says, "for God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not parish but have eternal life." It's the only print record I know of where the love of God is clearly stated. Jesus lived and died to show us that he loves us, understands our suffering and accepts us just as we are. If we want LIFE, we follow Him to have it abundantly.
You may not have this kind of faith, but you may already feel loved by "the universe" or your family, friends, partner. That's wonderful, because it is proof that you are worthy of love (which you are) and you are enjoying the sweet gift of intimate relationships that I think God intended for humans.
If you are not feeling loved, you need to tend to the cave of the heart which knows great love for you. Just rekindle the fire by repeating this mantra…"I am loved. I am loved. I am loved."
Another way to approach this mantra is to say, "I am love. I am love. I am love." If you are love, you can certainly love yourself and therefore you are loved! In order to feel whole, we need to not just hear that we are loved, but believe that we are loved. This is essential for your self-care.
Try it. Sit for a few minutes today and repeat this mantra and then let your heart swell up with love for you – from God, from yourself, from the universe, from me!
Remember, you are loved!
by bringmebliss | Feb 19, 2016 | Nature's Way, Self-Care Strategies
The Oil of Clarity
Cardamom is known as one of the world’s most expensive spices. Cardamom essential oil is steam distilled from perfectly ripened seeds.
Aromatically, it is uplifting, refreshing and invigorating. It may be beneficial for clearing the mind and confusion and could bring you BLISS!
The body systems affected by cardamom are digestive and respiratory.*
- Cardamom may help ease indigestion and maintain overall gastrointestinal health.*
- It promotes clear breathing and maintains respiratory health.*
- It’s a flavorful spice for cooking and baking for great Indian flavor.
- You can take cardamom internally to help alleviate occasional feelings of stomach discomfort.*
- Inhale for feelings of mental clarity.
- Breathe in for a sense of openness and clear head.
- This oil may deliver a cool sensation on the skin.
- Cardamom blends well with other oils such as bergamot, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, orange, rose and ylang ylang.
Not all essential oils are created equal. Taking oils internally requires having the purest oils and knowing how to use them. To obtain 100% Pure Certified Therapeutic Grade essential oils, CLICK HERE or fill out the form below for more information.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
by bringmebliss | Feb 15, 2016 | Inspiration
Mantras from an Eastern Philosophy perspective – Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. are words, phrases or sounds that one repeats over and over to move from the thinking part of the mind to the heart center. The idea is to have a deeper experience with the self, to connect with truth and to the divine nature of your soul. We are often disconnected from God within who has many positive attributes, so we forget that from which we are made. Monday Mantra will offer a variety of words and phrases which you can use to connect more deeply with the cave of your heart and to God within. I'm choosing mantras that resonate with me; they are mostly in English. If they help you, please share! Mantra practice is a great self-care tool.
Today's Mantra: God is good.
Goodness comes from God. Goodness is morally excellent, virtuous, of high quality, honorable, worthy, genuine, benificent. My belief is that if we are going to rely on God for wisdom, we should hope that God is good. God has other attributes as well…faithfulness, wisdom, holiness, omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotent. This is a Christian point of view, but other spiritual traditions recognize God as having these attributes as well.
Be reminded through this mantra, that God is good and resides in your heart. We are made in His image and if His goodness resides in you, then your goodness will shine.
God is good!
Sit comfortably and quietly, close your eyes and repeat over and over, God is good. Connect with your heart space as you breathe in and out this positive mantra. Start with 5 minutes and if you can go longer, please do!
by bringmebliss | Feb 11, 2016 | Uncategorized
Comfort food at its finest!
Inspired by Sam's Cafe – Phoenix, Arizona
I was introduced to this soup/chowder at the above named restaurant many moons ago. It was so good that everytime I went there I had to have a cup. I admit, it's not the healthiest soup; however, it does have a lot of great veggies in it and it is super tasty, so I still think it's good for you! I found this recipe on the internet and have made it several times. You will need a big pot!
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
3 large carrots, cut into 1/2 – inch dice (I have used shredded carrots and chopped them even more.)
2 large onions, diced
5 stalks celery, diced
1/8 cup minced garlic
2-3 small poblano peppers, seeded and diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white or black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (or more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granule
3 quarts chicken broth
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro leaves, minced
3 cups diced grilled chicken (I have used leftover oven-roasted chicken, but grilled is better.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
Directions
-Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
-Add the carrots, onions, celery, garlic, poblano peppers, salt, white pepper, cumin, and thyme.
-Saute for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
-Stir in the chicken bouillon.
-Add the chicken broth and cilantro, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
-Stir in the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until the chowder is thickand the chicken is heated through.
-Shortly before the chowder is done, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
-Add the flour and stir to combine.
-Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes to cook the flour. Do not allow the mixture to brown!
-Ladle 1 cup of the hot liquid from the stockpot into the skillet, whisking constantly.
-When the first cup of liquid is incorporated, add another 2 cups of liquid, 1 at a time.
-Pour the mixture in the skillet into the stockpot, whisking to blend.
-Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes longer, or until the mixture begins to thicken.
-Remove the pot from the heat.
-Stir in the hot sauce, then the cream, and serve.
