Why Raindrop?

We just hosted a Facebook class on the Raindrop technique.

Side Note: Yes, you can attend in your PJs. If that sounds like your kind of class, good news: we host an online class every month! Stay in the know here and here.

If you missed the class, or would love to keep learning, this post is for you. Here’s the spoiler: Raindrop = essential oils + massage.  

The Basics: What is the Raindrop Technique?

RaindropTechnique

Before we go into the why of Raindrop, here’s a quick rundown of the what.

The Raindrop technique was developed by Young Living founder Gary Young back in the 1980s. As he developed this technique, he drew from his experience with Native American wellness traditions. The end result was a revolutionary means of supporting the body and mind.

The technique involves applying therapeutic grade essential oils to the spine, neck and feet. The application process is typically about an hour, but the benefits may last up to a week or more.

The Benefits: Why Raindrop?

What benefits? There are plenty of emotional and physical benefits and here are just a few…

  • Invigorates the Mind

  • Supports Healthy Body Energy and Emotions

  • Aids the Body’s Response to Natural Irritation or Injury

  • Promotes Healthy Circulation

  • Helps with Structural Alignment

  • Supports Stress Level

  • Supports Immune Function

  • Promotes Healthy Respiratory System

  • Promotes Overall Body Wellness

The Beginning: What Oils are in the Raindrop?

The Raindrop Technique includes seven single oils and two oil blends. Check out all the benefits of these individual oils! So many “whys” here.

Thyme

Thyme is a key ingredient in Ortho Ease massage oil and is great for use after exercise. It is also believed to bring a sense of purpose when used aromatically, and is great for supporting your immune system.

Basil

Basil essential oil has a fresh, herbaceous aroma that can be calming, refreshing and bring clarity of thought. It can also help support the respiratory system. Ancient Greeks thought very highly of basil and considered it the “king of plants” and actually used it to anoint kings.

Peppermint

This oil can be diffused to create a stimulating, focused atmosphere for daily tasks. You can also apply it topically to create a cool, tingling sensation on the skin, which can be very soothing after hard physical activity.

Oregano

As an herb, oregano shines in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; but as an essential oil, it has a wealth of benefits and uses outside the kitchen. Oregano essential oil’s warm, herbaceous scent is excellent at purifying the air when diffused with oils such as Peppermint. It also pairs especially well  with V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex when used in massage for supporting the immune system.

Wintergreen

Wintergreen’s refreshing minty aroma is stimulating and invigorating. It’s a great addition to lotions that are applied after activity to support bone and muscle health. It is a key ingredient in our Cool Azul Pain Relief Cream.

Cypress

Cypress has a fresh, herbaceous aroma that can promote a sense of security and grounding. It is also known for supporting healthy circulation in the body.

Marjoram

Marjoram is a key oil used in the Raindrop Technique and can be used in massage after exercise. It can also be very calming and relaxing. It was known as the “herb of happiness” to the Romans and “joy of the mountains” to the Greeks.

Valor®  

Valor essential oil blend is one of our most popular products and was a favorite of Founder and Chairman of the Board D. Gary Young. A truly unique blend of Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, Camphor Wood, Geranium, and Frankincense, Valor has a woodsy, grounding aroma that is great for massages and other topical and aromatic uses. Use it to greet each morning with a positive attitude or to refocus at the end of a challenging day.

Aroma Siez™

A key Young Living blend, Aroma Siez™ combines the soothing and relaxing properties of Basil, Marjoram, Lavender, Peppermint and Cypress. A great blend for supporting healthy bones and muscles.

Is your interest peaked? Stay tuned! We’ll share the how’s of Raindrop soon.



DIY Essential Oils for Back to School

We’ve reached our final course...errr post...in this series: Back to School DIY. As you’re settling into your new routine, you may just be inspired to do some DIY projects, and we are here to help with some of our fav recipes. Much like our diffuser post, these recipes will take you from Good morning to Goodnight.

So, class, are you ready? Let’s get started!

Smooth(ie) Sailing: Rise N Shine Smoothie

Make mornings easy with this quick and tasty breakfast treat. 

Make mornings easy with this quick and tasty breakfast treat. 

Need Breakfast at the push of button? Enter the Rise n Shine Smoothie. We award this one bonus points for being delicious and nutritious. Switch up ingredients to customize to your family’s tastes. Vitality oils, milks and fruits can all be swapped for your favs.

Everyday Wellness: Germy Hand Kid Soap

Feeling DIY-inspired? Try this wellness-boosting, Thieves-powered foaming hand soap. 

Feeling DIY-inspired? Try this wellness-boosting, Thieves-powered foaming hand soap. 

While we love Thieves Foaming Hand Soap, this recipe is a great DIY alternative if you’re feeling creative. Either way, you’ll be supporting your family’s wellness with the power of Thieves.

After School Anti-Smell: Stinky Kid Spray

Keep this spray with you anywhere stink can happen: aka EVERYWHERE.

Keep this spray with you anywhere stink can happen: aka EVERYWHERE.

Purification (obvious alert) purifies the air. That means that it can even refresh things like middle school boy bedroom, volleyball bag or mysterious minivan odors. Don’t leave home without it.

After School Snack: Dreamsicle Fruit Dip

Ease into homework time with a yummy snack: Dreamsicle Dip + Fruit. 

Ease into homework time with a yummy snack: Dreamsicle Dip + Fruit. 

Treat your students to a sweet treat after school that’s not packed with sugar or strange ingredients. Fruit + this yummy Dreamsicle dip will please even picky eaters. Want to make it even healthier? Replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and the powder sugar with agave, honey or stevia.

Night Night: Sweet Dreams Cream

Relax...Sweet Dreams Cream to the bedtime rescue! 

Relax...Sweet Dreams Cream to the bedtime rescue! 

We will share anything that helps kids have a good night sleep. Just apply this cream after evening bath to help your kids relax. It’s an easy way to use oils with your family and with Lavender and Peace & Calming II, it’s bound to invite (you guessed it) Sweet Dreams fast.

Class Dismissed 

Thanks for attending our Back to School crash course! Do you have any Essential Oil DIY inspiration to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Stay tuned, we'll share September Promo details soon!

Oils for Mom

I have two boys. 1 and 3. Whenever I tell someone my kids’ ages, they say “You’re busy!” Then I get the smile ... that smile somewhere between “you can do it!” and lots of empathy, especially from mamas who are no longer in the toddler trenches with me.

And they’re right. Having two kids two years apart is no joke. I mean, we laugh a lot. But each day carries it’s own challenges. And that’s why I’m thankful for the help I get from wonderful little Young Living bottles.

So today, as a mom, I’m sharing which oils are on my and my fellow Tree of Life mom bloggers most-used lists. Use it as an inspiration for how to use Essential Oils in your family or as a shopping list for a special mom in your life.  

Joy, Rose, DiGize, Thieves, just a few of faves for moms! The best of the best #BecauseYouDeserveIt. Happy Mother's Day! 

Joy, Rose, DiGize, Thieves, just a few of faves for moms! The best of the best #BecauseYouDeserveIt. Happy Mother's Day! 

Mood Support:

Full-time moms, working-moms, work-from-home moms: we all work a lot. And I hope I’m not the only one with a few racing thoughts now and then. (Have your recently cooked while your toddler gets out every pan you own and places them right where you need to stand? Bananas.) Anyway, mood support makes me think of a cheesy, but nonetheless true cliche: If mama ain’t happy, nobody's happy.

  • Joy: I rub a little Joy over anyone’s heart in my family when a grumpy mood hits. That includes me down to my one year old. Want to learn more about Joy? We’ve written about it a lot. I especially love this mom’s perspective from Michelle McKool.
  • Lavender: I love lavender for minor head tension. It’s also a great way to prepare for a sweet night’s sleep. As an oily MVP, it’s also great for DIY beauty creams and dryer balls for fresh laundry.
  • Progessence Plus Serum: Hormone support often goes hand-in-hand with mood support. I love mom and grandma’s Cynthia Lengefeld’s post on how Progessence Plus Serum changed her life.  

Home Cleaning:

It’s not glamorous (and hopefully you have plenty of helping hands), but home cleaning is often part of the mom job description. I’ve been working toward a Chemical-Free house cleaning routine, and of course, essential oils and essential oil-infused products have helped a ton on that journey.

  • Purification: Here’s a “Quick: guests are coming, let’s freshen up” tip. Just diffuse Purification. It (duh alert) purifies the air with a refreshing, welcoming scent.

  • Thieves Household Cleaner: Love this stuff! I use it everywhere. The bathroom, kitchen, floors. Plus, it’s a great value. I’ve been using it for nearly two years and I’m still on my first bottle!

  • Lemon: I add lemon and vinegar to my Thieves Cleaner all-purpose recipe for fresh, streak-free clean everywhere! Lemon is also a go-to any stubborn stickiness. As a bonus to teen moms: Lemon helps students concentrate while studying.

Wellness Faves:

As mamas, we also work hard to keep our kids (and husbands) healthy. In my family, this involves a lot of hand washing and a few of these bottles.

  • Thieves: While some mornings get away from me, I try to put a couple drops of Thieves blend on everyone’s feet before they head out the door. This includes me! When I slack, I can tell. It’s truly an essential part of my daily routine.
  • Peace & Calming or Peace & Calming II: My 3 year old loves (and requests) Peace & Calming before bed. A couple drops helps him settle down for a peaceful night’s sleep.
  • Digize: We also write about Digize a lot. It’s great for pregnant mamas and little ones.

Pro Tip: Low on energy? Suzanne Rodolfich gives a great energy boosting suggestion  in her Postpartum Oils post.

Beauty Faves:

And what mama-must have list is complete without a little treat yo’self section? Using Essential Oils for DIY beauty serums is actually a way I have bonded with my own mom over Essential Oils.

  • Ylang Ylang: We both have curly hair and have found adding a drop of Ylang Ylang to wet hair once or twice a week has really nourished our locks and encouraged our curls. Plus, it smells amazing.
  • Rose: This is the treat yourself of all treat yourself oils. A valuable and highly-prized oil, this floral delight can be applied topically for healthy, youthful looking skin.  
  • Myrrh: This oil is a great night time moisturizer. I was inspired to add it to my regular routine by Jaynelle, she included it to her top 5 oils!

Happy Mother’s Day from Tree of Life! Which oil would you share with a mom in your life?