A beginner's guide to Natural Living
Are you ready to “go the natural route” but have no clue where to start? This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through some basic steps to help you begin your journey.
You’ll find out what products need to hit the road and which ones can stay. Plus you’ll get the 4-1-1 on essential oils and find out what to look for in personal care products, cleaning products, and supplements.
Did you know? The global air freshener market was valued at $10,124.4 million in 2017 and is only expected to climb from there. Source: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/air-freshener-market
How many of you have ever purchased a can of air freshener? How about a plug-in or a candle? I know I have in the past!
Have you ever stopped to consider what’s INSIDE that bottle or candle? Read on and we will help you do just that. You may be surprised at what you discover!
Have you ever seen the word “natural” on a label before? The label may convince you that it’s safe to enter your home and be used in your everyday life, BUT I would encourage you to dig a little deeper, friend! Things aren’t always as they seem.
Company marketers are smart. They want you to FEEL like you are buying something that’s “natural”, but that may not always be the case. It’s often referred to as “greenwashing.” Thankfully, Young Living is not out to “pull one over on you.” You can rest assured that what you are getting is as advertised - a product made with quality ingredients and essential oils you can trust. But more on this, as we go on.
Hey hey, friends! I am so glad you’re here! This class is intended to help you figure out how this whole “natural way of living” is supposed to work. How do you know what needs to be tossed and what can stay? How do you know how to use all those “natural” things like essential oils and diffusers?
Well, we are going to walk you through all that and help you through those first few steps! You can do it - and we are here to help!
But before we dive in, comment and tell me what brings you here today and what you hope to learn from this article!
#2 Ready to Make a Change
For me, Young Living has been a big pivoting point in our lives.
Before I was introduced to Young Living Lifestyle I was and still am a wife to a husband who had suffered for years from Post Traumatic Stress and had since also developed many diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular and circulation problems, and more. I am also a Mom to two boys, both of who learn differently; with varying degrees of dyslexic and ADD characteristics. I too am Dyslexic with attention and focusing challenges however I turned that challenge around and have been a private Orton Gillingham Therapeutic Tutor for the past 20 years, educating kids to learn, read, write and understand numeracy. I did my life the best I could with what I had. Then one day I received a gift in the mail, a box of 11 essential oils, two packages of Ningxia Red, a diffuser, and some reading. A very generous gift from a loving friend, she said there are many great benefits to using these oils, especially for me, my students, and my household. I was skeptical about what she was getting me into but I immediately fell in loved with many of my new scents and then the learning began. She also told me that she was having some ladies over and we were going to chat about this box of oils. OK, I thought, I already have the box of oils so it's not going to be a sales thing, I had no idea that from that day forward I was never going to look at household products, cleaners, laundry, dryer sheets, cosmetics, and health ever the same again. Earlier in my life, I also worked in a drug store for 15years, 10 of which in cosmetics. I took pride in what I knew and had educated many people along the way on the differences in all the things a drugstore sells. Well, I learned that night that many everyday products I used were potentially harmful to my family, my guests, as well as the students I was teaching with attention, focusing, memory, and learning problems. Products I trusted to be safe was far from it. The cleaners and body products I was bringing into our homes could make our already poor health, attention, and anxiety, worse! I was flabbergasted! I was angry and felt betrayed. I am a bit of an all-or-nothing kind of personality and now I was about to go all in and all out with chemicals and fragrances. Many start this journey slowly, ditching and switching one or two products at a time. Once I knew the toxic level of each product I used, it had to go. I cleaned out the kitchen and bathroom and tossed it all. I couldn't give it away to anyone else because if it is harmful to me I can't give it to you! My household cleaner became Thieves as well as my laundry detergent and replaced my dryer sheets with wool dryer balls. I began drinking Ningxia 2oz each day, as we needed some serious nutritional support. Yes, I appreciate it may have been a tad radical but the results were even more spectacular! Over the next few months, so many things changed; my thinking became more clear, my energy increased, I dropped 25-30lbs and I cleaned things I often left untouched. It's been 5years now and I don't want to imagine what our lives would look like now if we hadn't made such important life changes. We make sure our environment is clean and toxic-free by using Thieves no matter where we are, here in Peachland BC, Canada, or where ever in the world we are. We use oils to manage anxiety, pain, circulation, digestion, immune support, balance hormones, massages. emotional release and support and so much more. This journey has given me so many tools to care for and improve the lives of all the people I love without any negative side effects. I am so grateful. It is truly a worthy lifestyle change.
Before the development of scientific medicine, people had to rely on the earth and their common sense. They simply experimented with the plants around them. Throughout the years, the same experimentation with plants has occurred and has led to the discovery of many powerful drugs that are still in use today. So why would we want to get back to nature and not just solely rely on what is available to us in the store and online?
Well, although beneficial at times, things that exist in today’s world CAN expose us to toxins. They exist in everyday products like shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, lotions, makeup, air fresheners, etc. We can even be exposed to toxins in our food, building materials, cookware, cleaning products, shower curtains, furniture, carpet, and more. When these toxins start to accumulate in our bodies, you may start to experience symptoms of toxic overload such as fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, brain fog, skin issues, hormone disorders, and more. Nobody wants that!
Slowly ditching the products and substances that present risks to your body and replacing them with products and substances that provide nourishment and work alongside your body’s natural abilities can truly make a difference!
Pair that with gaining knowledge in the world of natural living - i.e. this class - and you’ll start to feel even more empowered. I want to make sure you’re connected to our community so you have the support you need throughout this journey. We want you to have the best tools in your toolbox to rid yourself of confusion and helplessness and get you well on your way to living your best life.
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Did you know toxins were in things like cookware? Drop a GIF to explain how you feel about this.
#3 Why choose Young Living?
It may come as a surprise to you that toxins exist in our everyday products like soaps, shampoos, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, makeup, and more. Sadly many items within this industry are not highly regulated for safety and we, as the consumer, are led to believe they are safe for use. To combat the risk of toxic overload, Young Living has created over 600 + products to equip us with nearly everything we need to feel empowered on our journey to natural living.
Young Living is the ONLY company to back their items with a Seed to Seal quality commitment. You can rest assured you are filling your home with quality products that are sure to get you “back to nature.” Check out some of the strict guidelines they abide by to fulfill their promise of sending only the best products to your home.
- plant material that is grown on corporately-owned farms or carefully vetted partner farms (that you CAN visit!)
- sustainable farming and sourcing practices, providing the purest oil
- great care is taken to preserve and protect natural resources
- hand-weeded fields and ZERO use of pesticides
- oils that retain all their natural constituents and beneficial properties
- use of food-grade distillers with state-of-the-art design and distillation methods
- low pressure and low-temperature distillation, without the use of solvents or synthetic chemicals
- rigorous testing on each batch by internal labs and third-party facilities
- oils that are carefully reviewed through every step of production to meet or exceed industry safety and purity standards (beyond organic!)
If the oils do not meet these high standards they are rejected and will not be bottled as a Young Living product. Check out more info on their Seed to Seal promise at www.seedtoseal.com.
AND… you can have these products delivered right to your door. You are not required to “sell” anything, but if you do decide to share your passion for products like these, they offer a compensation plan and the ability to become a Brand Partner, which could cover the cost of your purchases and more. For more information on this, check out www.youngliving.com/IDS.
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What excites you the most about Young Living? Tell me in the comments!
#4 Ditch & Switch
The first step in this journey is to DITCH the junk. But how do you know what needs to go? Let’s take a look at what ingredients present a risk to you and your family.
- Formaldehyde - This is a preservative that is often seen in lotions, cosmetics, and baby wipes. It’s a known carcinogen and can cause skin and respiratory irritations.
- Phthalates - These are a group of chemicals found in personal care products and many plastics and vinyl. They can affect your endocrine system, reproductive health, and even potentially cause cancer.
- VOCs - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that are emitted into the air. They’re found in some building materials, home, and personal products, gasoline, and even things like glue and permanent markers. Breathing VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation as well as difficulty breathing and nausea, even damage to the central nervous system and other organs. Some VOCs can even cause cancer.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - These are surfactants commonly used as an emulsifying cleaning agents in household cleaning products (laundry detergents, spray cleaners, and dishwasher detergents). In other words, they keep things mixed up and help them create lather. Oftentimes they are synthetically derived and have the potential to cause skin irritation.
- Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, and TEA) - These are found in many household and personal care products and have been linked to organ system toxicity, bioaccumulation, and even cancer.
- Triclosan - This is found in many antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, and detergents as well as some toothpaste, deodorants, cosmetics, plastics, and more. It can affect the thyroid and endocrine system and was recently banned by the FDA to be used in “antiseptic washes” but can still be found in some other products like toothpaste, cosmetics, and even clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys.
- Fragrance - The word “fragrance” can appear on a label and contain an enormous list of ingredients that a company is not required to disclose, as it is considered a ‘trade secret.’ That means a product could contain some awful ingredients and the consumer wouldn’t even know! These chemicals could be linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities. Why take the risk?
These are just a FEW of the ingredients you may want to avoid when bringing products into your home. But my oh my! Doesn’t that sound exhaust to have to read label after label, wondering if what you’re using is safe? Don’t you worry? I've got the perfect solution for you…
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Take a quick peek at the back of some of the bottles in your cabinet? Do you see any of these ingredients? Snap a pic and we can chat about what you see.
#5 Creating a Customized Wellness Box
Ditching the toxins in your home may seem overwhelming at first. So, to keep things manageable, start with one room and replace the items there. Then move to another and so on. This does not have to be an overnight process; do it at your own pace.
And guess what? You don’t have to spend hours online or at the store reading labels. Nope!
Young Living makes it so simple to start replacing all the toxic junk you’re tossing with their monthly auto-ship program.
Becoming a member and creating a free account unlocks a 24% discount on all monthly wellness subscriptions or one-time orders. It also qualifies you to earn spendable Loyalty Rewards points and gifts when you spend 50 PV or more on your subscription items each month!
You get to pick from over 600 oils and products - customizing your subscription orders to your liking. You’ll be able to manage all your subscription items independently of one another. You can even choose to skip a month.
If your monthly subscription order contains at least 50 PV, you’ll start earning 10% in spendable points! Do that consecutively for 3 months and you’ll start earning 20% back in month 4. Do that consecutively for 24 months and that percentage bumps up to 25% in month 25!
I still have a few more things to share with you, but before we move on, I want to make sure you know how to set up your own FREE Young Living account. Go here for a quick tutorial: https://sway.office.com/hTWPEtUHqKPtCmBF?ref=Link
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What room do you think you’ll start with first?
Already started? What area is next for you?
#6 Essential Oils
Now that we’ve discussed HOW to keep those replacement items coming, I want to walk you through some of the most popular things you will be ordering. First up - essential oils!
Essential oils are the concentrated liquids extracted from plants, herbs, and trees. They’re either steam distilled or cold-pressed. They’re very potent and contain powerful health and wellness benefits. Use them for aromatherapy, personal care, or household solutions. They make an excellent replacement for room sprays, plug-ins, candles, and perfumes. I would suggest trying these first…
- Thieves - purifying & supportive
- Lemon- uplifting & cleansing
- Lavender - calming & cleansing
- Peppermint - invigorating & cooling
- Stress Away - relaxing & soothing
- Citrus Fresh - refreshing & mood-boosting
- Peace & Calming - balancing & grounding
You will also want to grab a quality diffuser. Diffusing vaporize essential oils and gets them into the air so that we can breathe them in.
Young Living provides us with cool mist ultrasonic diffusers to protect the oils from heat and retain their incredible properties! YL’s diffusers come with a 1-year warranty and often come in bundles, getting you the best deal possible.
Not only does diffusing help purify the air, but it can also enhance spiritual awareness and can stimulate olfactory receptors, and activate regions in the brain’s limbic system associated with memory, emotion, & state of mind. Whoa!
What about safety & usage? Start with just a few drops when diffusing. Most people typically diffuse 3-10 drops at a time, depending on their sensitivity and preferences.
You can also apply Young Living oils to the skin. To keep it simple, start with one drop and add a small amount of carrier oil, like coconut or grapeseed oil, to dilute it. You’ll want to dilute more heavily when applying hot oils like Thieves and Peppermint as well as when using essential oils on children and the elderly.
Young Living also carries a line of ingestible essential oils called the Plus (+) oils. Add a drop (or more) of a Plus (+) oil into an empty vegetable capsule, a cup of tea, or a glass of water. You can even cook and bake with them! As always, start slow and see what works for you.
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Newbies: what oil from that list intrigues you the most?
Not-so-newbies: what oils would you add to that list?
#7 Clean Personal Care Products
Now that you’ve ditched things like synthetically-fragranced lotions, fluoride-filled toothpaste, and conventional makeup, you’re going to need replacements. Thankfully Young Living has you covered and you can add them to your subscription box as often as you need. Here are some of my favorites to add:
Lotions
Young Living carries several options for babies, kids, and adults. They’re all formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances or colors. They’re even infused with Young Living premium essential oils & backed by the Seed to Seal quality commitment so you can trust you’re using a quality product. They contain an ultra-moisturizing blend of plant-derived oils and butter and are formulated to absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
Toothpaste
Again, Young Living carries several options, including one for kids. None of them contain fluoride. They are free of harmful peroxides, SLS, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetic perfumes, dyes, artificial colors or flavors, and preservatives. And of course - they’re infused with YL’s premium essential oils. They contain naturally derived ingredients, which gently remove surface stains while helping prevent tartar buildup, fight plaque, and support healthy gums.
Makeup
Young Living offers a clean makeup brand called Savvy Minerals, which bans more than 2,500 harmful ingredients (that are often used by other makeup companies). They’re infused with Young Living essential oils and backed by Young Living’s Seed to Seal quality commitment. Savvy makeup contains no sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, animal-derived ingredients, synthetic fragrances, or synthetic dyes; it’s vegan friendly and cruelty-free
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These are young Living offers just a few categories of personal care products that are you curious about?
#8 Safe Cleaning Products
This was one of the hardest areas of my home to ditch! I was obsessed with getting a good clean and I assumed I needed ALL the cleaners to do it, until one day I could barely breathe while cleaning the bathroom. I decided it was time to make a change - out with the old and in with the new. Thieves Household Cleaner came to my rescue and now that’s all I use!
Young Living has an entire line of products infused with the legendary essential oil blend called Thieves - a sweet and spicy combination of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, Rosemary, and Lemon essential oils. Here are some products you might want to grab in your subscription box.
Thieves Household Cleaner
It provides an effective, deep clean with the power of naturally derived, plant-based ingredients. The concentrated formula is easy to mix to create a variety of cleaning solutions for inside and outside the home - at a fraction of the cost of store-bought cleaners! It’s safe to use around children and pets as directed and of course - it’s infused with Young Living's signature Thieves premium essential oil blend.
Thieves Laundry Soap
It’s free from SLS, dyes, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, phosphates, synthetic perfumes, chlorine, and optical brighteners. It contains natural enzymes that combat dirt, stains, and strong odors. It’s formulated with gentle, plant-based cleansers that are safe for sensitive skin and infused with Young Living’s Thieves' premium essential oil blend.
Young Living also offers foaming hand soap, dish soap, dishwasher powder, fruit & veggie soak and spray, hand sanitizer liquid and wipes, kitchen & bath scrub, mini spray, and the Home Cleaning Kit. You’re going to want to try them all!
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Newbies: which Thieves product are you most excited to try?
Not-so-newbies: which Thieves product is your favorite and why?
#9 Quality Supplements
Unfortunately, m, any conventional vitamins and supplements can be synthetically, and legally, produced in a lab; they are not required to come from nature. Supplements do not require approval before they are sold or marketed, nor is their safety required to be proven. (That can be a scary thing!)
They often contain inactive or poorly bioavailable nutrients as well as artificial sweeteners and dyes. Don’t waste your money on that! Get quality, oil-infused supplements delivered to your door.
Young Living supplements are cultivated, tested, and bottled under Young Living’s Seed to Seal quality standard so you know you are getting a good product! They are made with naturally derived, plant-based ingredients and infused with Young Living premium essential oils, which increase their bioavailability in the body. They contain no artificial dyes, flavorings, or sweeteners. How great is that?!
Young Living offers a variety of options covering feminine and masculine wellness, digestive wellness, daily longevity, targeted support, and nutritional supplements. These are some of my favorites to have to come regularly.
- Life 9: a highly potent probiotic with 17 billion live cultures from nine beneficial bacteria strains
- Master Formula: a full spectrum, multi-vitamin, and mult,i-mineral complex that helps support general health and well-being
- MultiGreens: boosts vitality by supporting the glandular, nervous, and circulatory systems
- NingXia Red: a delicious drink that contains whole Ningxia wolfberry puree; provides a whole-body nutrient infusion
- OmegaGize 3: combines the power of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, and CoQ10 along with essential oils to help maintain and support the cardiovascular system, cognitive health, proper brain function, maintain bone and dental health, and promotes healthy mood balance
- Essentialzymes-4: this multi-spectrum enzyme complex is specially formulated to aid the critically needed digestion of dietary fats, proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates commonly found in the modern processed diet
- Super B: assists in maintaining healthy energy levels, supports the normal function of the immune system, & helps protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals
Be sure to check these as well - Sulfurzyme, Super C, AlkaLime, and ICP Daily. They’re amazing!
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Newbies: what supplements are you excited to try first?
Not-so-newbies: what are your favorite YL supplements?
#10 Connect & Learn
Young Living offers over 600 products and essential oils we are not going to cover them all in one class. So, you must get connected to an oily community!
Conveniently, when you set up a personalized account with Young Living, you not only get a quality product you get a quality community. That community is made up of people like you and me - people who want to be living their best life and create a happy, healthy home for their families to reside, families,
That community exists for support, education, questions, ideas, recipes, and friendships - so take advantage of it and plug into it. Bring your findings and connect to others on this journey! It’s a great way to learn about ALL the other products YL has available - CBD, pet products, Einkorn products, cookware, and more!
You can also find out tons of information on the Young Living website under the Learn tab (www.youngliving.com) as well as their blog (https://www.youngliving.com/blog/canada/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/YoungLivingCanada). Get connected and learn - it’s worth it!
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Newbies: what questions do you have?
Not-so-newbies: what do you love best about our Young Living community? Where do you find the best “oily” education? Please share!
#11 Thank You (& Giveaway)
Thank you so much for jumping in here with me and taking a look at what Young Living has to offer. I truly believe these oils and products need to be in every home, starting with yours and mine.
Don’t forget to get your YL account set up today if you haven't already! And be sure to put me down as your referring member so we can get you connected to our community. I can’t wait to see where your journey goes!
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Before we wrap things up I want to give you one last chance to enter the giveaway! Tell me ONE THING you learned from today’s class. The winner will be announced April 30 2022!
Thanks & Live well everyday!
Smiles and Hugs Charlotte
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