Sugar.  It's everywhere, even in the least likely places.  It's hard enough to cut back on things you expect to have sugar in them, like candy and soft drinks.  What you may not realize are the hidden sugars found in items such as condiments, bread, and many processed foods.  The average person takes in a whopping 500 calories from added sugar in processed foods alone. (Nature, Journal of Science)

Sugar cravings can be difficult to deal with.  Do not be fooled by sugar free alternatives and artificial sweeteners, they can be detrimental to your health. Some of these healthy alternatives below do not cause insulin spikes, blood sugar crashes, or uncontrollable cravings.

~ Dates: These tasty treats are full of fiber, leaving you with a full feeling.  They are also a good source of vitamins A, B, C, iron and potassium.

~ Maple Syrup: High quality syrup is a good source of manganese and zinc.  

~ Blackstrap Molasses:  Full of iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper and B6

~ Honey: a great sweetener and may also alleviate allergy symptoms


"It's not the sugar that's the poison, but the dose that makes the poison".  -- Dr. David Katz

Jojoba is a shrub that grows here in the southwest.  On a hike yesterday, I came across many plants and although the shrub may look very plain, it has many benefits for skin and hair.   

The wax and oil are produced from the seeds of the plant.  Jojoba is used as an emollient and soothes skin and unclogs hair follicles.  you can use it directly on your skin for acne, psoriasis, sunburns or chapped lips, or combine it with your favorite essential oil to massage into skin.  

Here are some great examples for you to try out this oil.

* Put a drop of melaleuca essential oil with a couple of drops of jojoba oil on a cotton ball. Apply to areas with acne.  

*Smooth a quarter size amount of jojoba oil with one drop of lavender essential oil onto wet hair, focusing on ends.

* Apply a drop of jojoba oil to lips before bed to condition.

*Apply to skin with a drop of your favorite essential oil as a skin softener.  

I love using jojoba oil as a carrier for my essential oils.  Makes my skin feel so smooth and soft without an oily feeling.  What is your favorite way to use this oil?

So here's some info on lemon, all broken down for ya.  Nice and easy.

Oil of the Month 
Lemon- Citrus Limon

Lemon is a must for your essential oil collection. Lemon Oil has been documented to be helpful with: anxiety, blood pressure, clarity of thought, digestive problems, energy, gallstones, kidney stones, promoting new blood cell growth, lymphatic system cleansing, memory improvement, can lower blood pressure, assist in liver detox, and relief of muscle aches and pains, cleansing and repair of skin injuries, decreases intestinal parasites, sore throat and sinus repair, pain relief of arthritis and rheumatism, water purification, removing gum from hair, removing wood stain from clothes and from wood, removes oil and grease spots.

Ways you can use Lemon
To Pep Up: use Lemon Oil on the inside of your forearms 2-3 drops and rub the arms together and inhale.

Diffuse: Lemon Oil on a regular basis to: Eliminate viruses and bacteria that are unfriendly and infectious in nature in the atmosphere of your home or office. Mental clarity is enhanced by simply breathing in Lemon Oil that has been diffused. Toxic triggers for asthma can be eliminated from the air. Molds can be eliminated from the air space.

Headache Relief with Mood lifting: Lemon 4 drops, Roman Chamomile 2 drops, Lavender 2 drops, Marjoram 2 drops, Rosemary 1 drop, White Fir 1 drop, Coconut Oil 8 drops. Mix gently in a roller bottle aromatools.com and roll on the muscles at the back of the neck and shoulders and allow to work for 5 minutes. Then stretch head from side to side gently.

Cold Sore Compress: 1-quart glass bowl, add 1/3 teaspoon Epsom salts, add oils to Epsom salts before adding water, 1 drop each of Lemon, Melaluca, and Bergamot... add the water to the premixed salts/oils and blend. Soak a clean cloth in the water to make a compress; apply the compress to the affected area frequently during the day.

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent: Use 2 drops of Lemon Oil with your soap and only use 1⁄2 of the recommended amount of detergent plus the lemon oil will help with no spots and clean rinse.

Warning: Lemon Oil may be irritating to sensitive skin. It may also promote photosensitivity, leading to sunburn or uneven darkening of the skin. Avoid UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying to skin.
Source: www.oilmentor.com

Tell us for favorite ways to use lemon in your home.