Hey friends, Happy Wednesday! Today I am reviewing something a little different over here at Life Between the Miles–essential oils! Now, before you click ahead to your next blog, give me a minute. I know it seems like essential oils are the newest trend with bloggers lately, and I am not usually one to play with herbal remedies, but these things are great for athletes (and for everyone else too!)
My first experience with essential oils was a few months back. You see, I have a terrible time falling asleep at night. Robyn’s head hits the pillow and within 2 mins (yes, I have actually counted out the seconds) he is passed out and I lay awake in bed for at least 30 minutes every night trying to fall asleep, even when I am dead tired. My friend gave me some lavender essential oil a few months back and told me it would help me fall asleep. I am lucky your eyes actually don’t stick to the back of your head when you roll them, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to write this review for you today. I was skeptical, but let’s face it, I was willing to try anything to help me sleep. Well, I tried it and fast forward to today, I still use the oil every single night and I am falling asleep quickly and staying in a deep sleep. That was good enough to convince me it works.
So, when my friend Kathy, a representative for Young Living Essential Oils reached out asking if I was interested in trying a few oils for a review here, I jumped at the chance. I let her know that my awesome readers are mostly athletes so I wanted to test out some things that you guys would find appealing as you are training and generally living a healthy and fit life. So, she sent me among other things Panaway, Peppermint and Ningxia Red.
A little about essential oils before we get going:
What exactly are essential oils?
They are liquids that are distilled from plants (including their seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruit, etc.).
Why should I use essential oils?
- They’re powerful antioxidants.
- They’re antibacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-fungal, anti-infections, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-parasitic, antiviral, and antiseptic.
- They’ve been shown to destroy all tested bacteria and viruses, while simultaneously restoring balance to the body.
- Every cell in your body can be effected by essential oils within just 20 minutes of using them.
- They help promote spiritual, physical, and emotional healing.
How can I use essential oils?
- Aromatically by diffusing or inhaling the oils
- Topically by placing the oil directly on a specific location. Some oils are considered “hot” and should be diluted with a carrier oil like Coconut, V6, or Olive Oil
- Internally by placing 1-2 drops in a drinking glass (not plastic as the oils can dissolve plastic or petroleum-based products), or by adding 1-10 drops to a capsule and swallowing,
- Compresses
- Baths
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Massage
Essential oils can be used to treat any number of symptoms, as well as be used as a preventative measure. When I first started researching them for this review, I was SO SO overwhelmed with all the info there is out there on essential oils. I mean, people use them to treat every ailment there is! I won’t go that far, I am a big believer in modern medicine when necessary, but I am starting to be more of a believer in natural remedies for certain things, especially things that aren’t urgent to treat.
Okay, now that we know a little bit more about essential oils, what they are and how they can be used….let’s continue on with my experience with them. First up….Panaway!
Panaway
Panaway is a blend of essential oils that was specifically designed for inflammation and pain, which is kind of perfect for most of us runners/athletes. It is supposed to bring additional oxygen to the site which accelerates the healing process. My first thought is that it would be perfect for sore muscles after a tough run or workout. Kathy send me this oil in a roller ball, which was great because I was able to pack it in my gym bag for easy storage. I first used this on a Tuesday morning after I woke up and was really sore from my workout the day before. I rolled on the panaway and immediately noticed the scent, it smelled like wintergreen and had a really fresh scent. It also had almost an immediate cooling effect, much like a lot of sports creams like Bengay, Icy Hot or Tiger Balm. I drove to work hoping to make it through my scheduled run and I was surprised that I felt great. My muscles didn’t feel tight or sore like they did when I first got up. But like anything, I wanted proof it wasn’t a placebo effect. Well, I have used it 4-5 times since I have gotten it and each time I experienced a similar reaction, so this is going into my bag of handy tools when my muscles are fatigued or sore!
Peppermint
Next up was peppermint! Peppermint is used for everything from upset stomachs, headaches, pain management and added energy. I first used it by placing 2 drops on my tongue and then swiped some under my nose. I will be totally upfront, this stuff is STRONG!!!! However, once I got over that shock, about 20 or so minutes passed and I really felt a sense of heightened alertness. It was great, especially super early in the morning when I am usually just going through the motions and trying to get into work. It definitely got me through some tough workouts. I also brought it with me to Spain. and it helped a lot with the jet lag when I was getting up at odd hours. I also used it on my forehead, temples and the back of my neck and when I started to get a pretty good headache while I was in a long session at the conference center (probably also related to jet lag) and it made me feel a lot better. I have also used it a few times diluted in water. I made the mistake the first time of letting too many drops fall into the water and let me tell you, I won’t make that mistake again. The amazing thing is that you only need a tiny drop or two and it really packs a punch!
Ningxia Red
The last item I tried was the NingXia Red, which is loaded with wolf berry, the world’s highest antioxidant food! It’s primary benefits are increased mental fitness, cognitive alertness, and physical acuity. It is also supposed to enhance athletic performance and endurance (who wouldn’t like a little more of this?) and boosts energy. This is actually a juice that you can drink directly from the tub or mix with 2-4 oz of water. The first time I used it, I did it more like a shot and it tasted good, not something I have ever really tasted before but I will equate it to what I think mixing berry and orange juice together would taste like. The second time I used it, I mixed it with water. I liked it both ways, but for convenience sake, I’d just take it as a shot. Both times I used the NingXia Red I felt like I had increased and steady energy levels throughout the day and I felt strong during my runs all the way from start to finish. I never felt a crash like I have when I have tried Red Bull and I didn’t have that jittery feeling I get when I have tried energy drinks either. I felt really focused all day and when I took Ashton to the park, I felt like I had a bit more pep in my step after a long day at work.
Well, that’s it ladies and gentlemen. I was actually kind of shocked at how much I liked these oils. Kathy also sent me some special stuff to use on Ashton since he has VERY bad eczema and it seemed to help him as well. I will spare you the pictures because let’s be real, no one wants to see that (trust me!) If you guys are interested in giving essential oils a shot, take a look below for some of their starter kits at a big discount. I will caveat this with the fact that the price looks a bit shocking at first, but I think for what you get it’s worth it. Also, you can order single oils if you want to give just one or two a try at first like I did. You can order them through this link!
And finally, the GOOD news! I loved Panaway so much that we are going to be giving away a roller bottle full of this awesome stuff to one lucky reader! With Fall marathon/racing season in full effect, whose muscles don’t need a little extra TLC? Enter my rafflecopter giveaway below and I will announce the winner on Monday, October 13th. Please note this is only open to US readers (sorry guys!)
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Question of the day
Have you ever used essential oils? What are your thoughts? Do you have favorites that you use all the time? Which ones interest you the most?
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