There is typically a higher amount of air pollution in the air than normal during the winter months due to an increase in the burning of wood, coal, and heating oils and the fact that cold air keeps air pollution closer to the ground.

This increased pollution can lead to several different respiratory problems. The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties of essential oils, along with the negative ions and oxygenating molecules that are released when essential oils are diffused all help to reduce chemicals, bacteria, and metallic toxins in the air. Several oils recommended for air purification include cypress, eucalyptus, fir, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lime and rosemary. See www.aspirationsllc.com/Diffusers.htm and www.aspirationsllc.com/DiffuserTypes.htm for more information about essential oils diffusers.

A wonderful book called The Last Adventure of Life: Sacred Resources for Living and Dying from a Hospice Counselor, is now out in its 2nd edition, thanks to Findhorn Press of Scotland. This book is about using essential oils for the elderly. Many healers and therapists are finding this a useful resource book, both for themselves personally as well as for their clients and friends (see www.thelastadventureoflife.com for details).

For fluid in the ears, try placing some Melrose oil on a cotton ball and place gently in your ears (not all the way in). Peppermint can also be used externally on the chest and throat all the way up behind the ears. Peppermint is useful as a decongestant.

For pain in the ears, try Thieves along the jawbone, neck and outside the ears.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are aware of the very serious possible side effects for the disease including pain in your hands and feet, bruises and sores, complications from medications and heart problems. Applying PanAway, Wintergreen, Cypress and Valor to your knees, legs, ankles and feet can reduce the pain and therefore help you with an exercise program (under your doctor’s supervision) that will be critical to improve your health.

Other oils and blends that can be helpful include Clove, Corriander, Cinnamon Bark and V-6. Young Living also has vitamin supplements, immune system boosters and enzymes that can be part of an overall program. Contact Maria Low through www.aspirationsllc.com for more information and support.

You can change your life and change your health for the better starting today!

Sugar junkies can sometimes have characteristics similar to alcoholics. One candy bar is just not enough! Sometimes the only solution is to swear off sugar completely.

If this is one of your admirable health goals, try the 5 Day Nutritive Cleanse from Young Living (learn more about Young Living at www.aspirationsllc.com).

Don’t be surprised if your cravings and desire for sugar dissipate as your body comes in to greater strength and balance. Give yourself the chance to embrace the world with health and joy!

For infected teeth and gums, the best oils are helichrysum and Thieves (find more info about Thieves at www.aspirationsllc.com/FeaturedProducts.htm). A small cotton pad can be used to place these oils on the affected gum line. This can be held in place for hours or overnight. A drop of oregano can also be used, but this is very strong and use depends on the person’s sensitivity. Please take infected teeth seriously. See your dentist if further treatment is necessary.

Some of the best oils to use for children when they are ill are RC (for respiratory involvement in colds and the flu), Raven, Mountain Savory, Thieves (see more info at www.aspirationsllc.com/FeaturedProducts.htm) and Oregano. They should be diluted with olive oil and can be applied on the chest, back, spine and feet.

Make sure your child also has a good probiotic to keep his or her digestive system strong. Young Living also has great vitamins for kids: Mighty Vites and MightyZyme. Children of all ages can also drink Ningxia Red, a fantastic boost for their health. Please remember to take care with your children and bring them to a doctor whenever necessary.

All of Young Living essential oils are organic, medical grade, therapeutic oils. Essential oils that are not therapeutic grade should never be applied directly to the skin or taken internally. Please be careful with any oils that are not therapeutic grade as they have impure substances that can harm your skin and eyes.

At Young Living, the oils are tested with two of the most refined testing machines in the world. In addition, the oils are sent out to other labs for independent testing. When Young Living purchases oils from other companies, they return 80% of the oils as not being up to the necessary standards. Learn more about essential oils at www.aspirationsllc.com/EssentialOils.htm.

One of the very best resources to know how to properly use therapeutic grade oils is the Essential Desk Reference (ISBN0-943685-49-4, 4th Edition) published by Essential Science Publishing. Call them at 1.800.336.6308 or visit their website at www.essentialscience.net.

A key for healthy children during the school year is to have the children bring Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier to school. Have them use a drop every time after going to the bathroom and several times during the day for protection. This is an inexpensive and easy solution to protect them from the infections going around.

For adults, the waterless hand purifier fits into a small purse and can be used by putting a drop into your hands after leaving public facilities. At home or at your office, you could have the liquid Thieves hand soap on your bathroom sink and I have it also on my kitchen sink.

These tips were contributed by Anna-Maya Powell. More can be found at www.annamaya.com. Anna-Maya is a dear friend and mentor for Maria Low of www.aspirationsllc.com.

There are many different viruses that can contribute to the symptoms that are commonly associated with colds. Several essential oils that can be used to help combat these symptoms.

Blue cypress and fir can be used for aches and pains. Ecalyptus, ravensara and peppermint can help with nasal congestion and respiratory problems. These oils can be diffused or applied to forehead, temples, back of neck and chest. Or place 4 drops in 1/2 cup of hot water and place nose and mouth over opening and breathe.

For a sore throat, a drop of melaleuca alternifolia can be applied to the tip of the tongue, then swallow.  This works best when done immediately upon noticing a sore throat. Repeat frequently until the throat feels better. The oil can also be applied behind the ears and down under the jaw line.

More tips can be found in "Reference Guide for Essential Oils" by Connie and Alan Higley and additional information about essential oils can be found at www.aspirationsllc.com.