Update: Essential Oils & ADHD

Recently, I discovered In Tune, which is a blend of powerfully renewing, rare CPTG®, certified-pure-therapeutic-grade essential oils that have calming and mind sharpening benefits. In Tune Focus Blend is formulated to allow us to concentrate on a specific task without becoming distracted, frustrated, or upset.

Three weeks ago, I shared in my post that as an ADDer mom with three older ADDer kids, I was interested in pursuing natural alternatives for better attention, concentration, memory, mood, and ability to stay on task. For 18 years, my children and I have tried a wide variety of traditional medications, including Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, and Vyvanse. Yet there has to be safer options without negative side effects. If you missed this post, here it is:

http://www.danaarcuri.com/2013/05/essential-oils-adhd.html

My goal was to order my first bottle of doTERRA In Tune. The plan was to experiment with this essential oil to determine if it truly does reduce ADHD symptoms. At this point, I had far more to gain than to lose with this venture. Before I share my personal experience, let's recap on the benefits and pure ingredients of this oil.

In Tune essential oil is a Focus Blend and was created to help with:

Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
Mood Swings
Hard to Please
Poor Organization
Unfinished Work
Clarity of Thought
Increase Alertness
Increase Focus
Calming and Soothing

In Tune is a proprietary blend of amyris, patchouli, frankincense, lime, ylang ylang, sandalwood, Roman chamomile essential oils, carefully selected for their ability to enhance focus and support healthy thought processes. This blend helps those who have difficulty paying attention to stay on task and sustain focus.

Approximately two weeks ago, I began my essential oil experiment on myself. Keep in mind, I'm no longer prescribed stimulant medication, nor do I take any prescription drugs. The longer version of this story is written in my upcoming memoir, Harvest of Hope: Living Victoriously Through Adversity. The shorter version is that I endured a hellish nightmare from potent chemicals and it's only by the grace of God I'm alive today.

Does In Tune work?

Initially, I questioned if In Tune was helping me during the first week. Perhaps, I expected a dramatic change? Or I hoped for zero ADHD symptoms? Of course, my expectations were a bit unrealistic since there's no cure for ADD/ADHD.

Truth be told, I'm not sure I'd want to be cured from this condition because I believe it comes with incredible gifts, especially the ability to hyperfocus when I'm writing my book. As an author, I can honestly say that hyperfocusing gets the job done and it helps me to accomplish much more work.

Here's how I used In Tune:

Upon rising in the morning, I consistently applied the roll on bottle of oil onto my skin. In Tune was rubbed onto the back of my knees, along my spine, or the bottoms of my feet. The pores on the soles of our feet are fairly large and absorb very well.

If you're uncertain of which location to apply your oils topically, massaging acupressure points on the bottom of your feet is the best area. In the fields of foot reflexology and Vita Flex, the feet represent the entire body. Therefore, putting essential oils onto the soles of the feet can benefit almost any part of the body, according to reflexologists.

An essential oil that is directly applied to the skin can pass into the bloodstream and diffuse throughout the tissues in 20 minutes or less, which is all the more reason why you want to know your oils are the purest and why I chose CPTG®, certified-pure-therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Regularly, I used In Tune once daily in the morning. If I had extremely time-consuming projects, which needed my utmost attention, I'd apply the oil a second time in the afternoon. I never used In Tune at night. However, if you have a night shift or require focus in the evening, by all means rub the oil onto your feet to ensure increased attention, memory, and organization.

The End Result:

In my personal experience with doTERRA In Tune essential oil, I had cumulative success by repeated use. It was not overnight results. Rather, in my experience it was gradual, consecutive applications of this oil on a consistent basis, which proved highly effective for reducing my ADHD symptoms.

By my third week, In Tune significantly reduced my annoying symptoms of distractions, forgetfulness, lack of attention, the inability to complete tasks, and impulsive behaviors. Also, I noticed my mood was more calm, in control, and balanced. Overall, I'm absolutely thrilled to experience positive results. Truly, it's life-changing.

Today, I raise my arms in victory to celebrate this amazing progress. It's one step closer to living up to my full potential. Most exciting of all, my own testimony provides me the wonderful opportunity to reach out and help others who are struggling with ADHD. To pay it forward with real life strategies. To live a life of passionate purpose.

For more information about In Tune or the entire collection of doTERRA essential oils, please visit my website:

http://mydoterra.com/danaarcuri

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or medical professional. The information shared in my post does not constitute medical advice. Furthermore, individuals are recommended to seek professional medical assistance in the event they are suffering medical conditions. Most importantly, consider becoming your own health and wellness advocate.

Copyright © 2009-2013 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog can be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission of the Author.

SCRUMPTIOUS SUMMER BODY SCRUBS

With summer less than two weeks away, it's time to slough off dry, dead skin from the cold winter months. Exfoliating your body 1-2 times weekly will keep your skin soft and smooth so you can show off your bare legs and arms without worrying about rough, dry patches. Also, it's one beauty trick to prepare your skin for a gorgeous summer tan.

Today’s pricey beauty products, which contain sugar or alpha hydroxy acid, can be created inexpensively right in the comfort of your home. Making sugar scrubs is easy and will have your skin glowing beautifully.

Not only will your skin appear healthy, but using scrumptious essential oils by doTERRA will stimulate your senses. Depending on which essential oils you choose, your homemade sugar scrub may be invigorating and energizing or relaxing and soothing.

Three Important Ingredients:

* White or Brown Sugar (I prefer raw, organic sugar.)
* Carrier Oil (Fractionated coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil.)
* Essential Oil (You may use one or more doTERRA oils.)

Scrumptious Summer Scrub Idea's:

For energizing and invigorating, consider jump starting your day with peppermint, Wild Orange, Citrus Bliss, Lemon, Grapefruit, Rosemary, and/or Elevation. Hoping to fit into your skinny bikini? Try a combination of Slim & Sassy mixed with Peppermint, Grapefruit, and Eucalyptus in effort to shed some inches.

If you're feeling stressed out and in need of some rest and relaxation, excellent oils include Lavender, Serenity, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Sandalwood, and/or Melissa. Perhaps, soak in a warm, soothing bath with a few drops of essential oils before you begin exfoliating your skin. Rinse off in the shower to thoroughly remove all residue. You'll be pampered from head to toe and ready for la la land!

If you love warm-n-spicy flavors, delight yourself by adding delicious Cinnamon essential oil to a brown sugar scrub. It's scrumptious, tempting to the taste buds, yet zero calories. Use your imagination and let your creativity flow!

Sugar Scrub Directions:

1 Cup Organic Sugar
1/3 Cup Fractionated Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, or Jojoba Oil
10 drops doTERRA Essential Oils of Choice

Combine all ingredients. The goal is for your scrub to not be too dry or too oily, but the perfect combination. While I usually use glass jars for combining my oils, I prefer to avoid broken glass in the shower. Therefore, to stay on the safe side, I suggest plastic containers. Check out your local craft store because they usually stock firm plastic containers with lids.

A few years ago, I purchased these plastic containers and whipped up homemade body scrubs to give to friends and relatives as gifts. It's a fabulous idea for birthdays, bridal showers, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas. Tie a pretty bow around the lid for decoration. Once you give this as a gift, they'll be begging you for more!

To learn about making sugar scrubs or to place an order, please visit my doTERRA website: http://mydoterra.com/danaarcuri

Copyright © 2009-2013 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog can be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission of the Author.

Queen of Constipation

Right from the start, I admit this isn't a typical topic. Constipation may sound gross, but let's face it, everyone experiences it from time to time. Truth be told, I've dealt with this unpleasant condition for my entire life. No wonder I'm the Queen of Constipation!

Considering that I've tried practically every imaginable method to overcome chronic constipation, I'm thrilled to discover a little trick to get things moving smoothly. Hold onto your hats because relief is on the way!

I use 2-3 drops of DigestZen essential oil. I apply it onto my abdominal area in the direction of the colon and massage. Here are directions: Begin at the lower right hand side and massage upward, move to the left across your colon (under rib cage), and work your way downward. Repeat this gentle massage several times daily to get things flowing better.

Another suggestion is to use magnesium supplements. I use a local brand from Giant Eagle that contains magnesium citrate, malate and an amino acid chelate along with malic acid. Look for a purer brand, which doesn't contain additives, soy, dairy, gluten, or any artificial ingredients.

In my opinion, a veggie capsule is best. Usually, begin with 2 capsules, but everyone is different in how they respond. For tough cases, I take 3 capsules at bedtime to prompt a bowel movement within 24 hours.

In addition to benefiting from doTERRA DigestZen and magnesium supplements, I strongly recommend cleaning up your diet. Our food and beverage choices will directly impact our overall health.

If you suffer from constipation, avoid dairy, soy, junk food, fake food, and sweets. Consider fresh fruit and vegetables, such as blueberries and broccoli. As for myself, I had to eliminate banana's, which truly causes havoc on my GI system.

It's important to increase your fiber with natural options, rather than OTC fiber (powders/remedies) filled with preservatives and harsh ingredients. In my experience, these products caused intense cramping with minimal results.

Lastly, I suggest exercising to keep your bowel movements regular and to maintain vibrant health. Depending on your personal preferences, you may enjoy walking outdoors or on a treadmill, swimming, low impact aerobics, or pursuing a serious workout in a local gym. The main idea is to get off the couch and get moving. My motto is whatever works!

When all else fails, another sure way to improve your digestive system is to take DigestZen internally. While not all essential oils may be safely consumed, dōTERRA (CPTG) Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils represent the safest, purest, and most beneficial essential oils available today. For internal purposes, take 1-2 drops of DigestZen in 1/4 cup of warm water.

For more information about DigestZen, please visit my doTERRA website: http://mydoterra.com/danaarcuri

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or medical professional. The information shared in my post does not constitute medical advice and the accuracy of the information is not guaranteed. Furthermore, individuals are recommended to seek professional medical assistance in the event they are suffering medical conditions. Most importantly, consider becoming your own health and wellness advocate.

Copyright © 2009-2013 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog can be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission of the Author.

Essential Oils for the Whole Family

If we sneak a peak in our medicine cabinet we usually find a concoction of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for headaches, fevers, pain, coughs, colds, allergies, and sinus, plus prescription drugs. When we closely examine the ingredients contained in these medications we realize they're potentially undesirable.

Although our society uses OTC medicine as a quick fix, it doesn't mean it's safe and without long-term risks or negative side effects. For every single drug in your medicine cabinet there's a safer, more natural option: Pure Essential Oils for your whole family.

A few weeks ago, I decided to replace my medicine cabinet with the Family Physician Kit from doTERRA. The oils contained in the Family Physician Kit are a holistic solution for the most common, everyday ailments as well as more serious health concerns.

The reason I chose doTERRA instead of other popular brands is because this company is the cream of the crop with Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) oils. No synthetics, pesticides, or harsh ingredients. Only the best of the best!

The Family Physician Kit contains 5 ml bottles of six single oils (Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Melaleuca, Oregano and Frankincense) and four oil blends (Deep Blue, Breathe, DigestZen, and OnGuard). It comes with ideas for using the oils and an audio CD featuring doTerra’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Hill.

In addition to this kit, I ordered Balance, InTune, and Slim & Sassy. Upon receiving my oils, I immediately experimented with Balance by applying a few drops to my bare feet and inhaling the beautiful scent. Within minutes, I noticed that it provided me an improved, calm mood, rather than my usual 'stressed to the max' feeling. Also, I felt more focused and in control of my emotions.

The next oil I used was Deep Blue since I've been living with Fibromyalgia and herniated discs for the past five years. My goal was to decrease muscular aches and pain. Gently, I massaged three drops of oil onto my low lumbar area, hips, the sides of my upper legs, back of my neck, shoulders, and down my arms.

While there was initial relief, it didn't last as long as I hoped for. This led me to experiment with Frankincense, which I applied to the same trigger area's. For whatever reason, this particular oil did the trick. Remarkably, my pain disappeared for the entire day!

Frankincense is a huge blessing, especially since chronic pain has been such a distressing, debilitating condition to endure on a daily basis. If you or a loved one suffer from chronic pain, I highly recommend trying doTERRA essential oils, instead of prescription drugs.

From my own hellish experience with Cymbalta, which was nearly fatal, I've tapered off all prescriptions. Currently, I'm one year and six months FREE of this medication. My real life story sharing this horrific experience with Cymbalta and other deadly drugs is in my upcoming memoir, Harvest of Hope: Living Victoriously Through Adversity, which will be published in Fall 2013. It provides an inspirational message of perseverance, hope, and overcoming unrelenting hardships.

Another health issue I confront on a daily basis is gastrointestinal issues and gluten intolerance. Two years ago, I wanted to be tested for Celiac Disease, but didn't have medical insurance. It made logical sense to simply stop consuming gluten.

I'll be the first to admit this restricted diet is the toughest one I tried, but on the bright side it can improve your health by leaps and bounds. The cool news is that I have discovered DigestZen essential oil relieves abdominal pain, cramps, and constipation. As gross as this may sound, DigestZen is helping to keep me regular. What a positive difference!

Lastly, my 15 year old daughter has benefited by using OnGuard. This morning, she woke up with a sore throat so I mixed two drops of OnGuard into a glass of water. First, I had her gargle with this mixture and then swallow. Thankfully, doTERRA oils are safe to consume orally. Better yet, my daughter no longer has a sore throat!

I look forward to using Slim & Sassy for weight loss purposes and InTune for better focus with ADHD. I'll keep you posted on how my family and I are coming along with essential oils. Hopefully, this inspires you to take a better look at your medicine cabinet and consider pure holistic solutions. Thank you for joining my doTERRA journey to vibrant health!

For more information about doTERRA Essential Oils, please visit my website: http://mydoterra.com/danaarcuri

Copyright © 2009-2013 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog can be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission of the Author.

Essential Oils & ADHD

Eighteen years ago, my four-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities. He was so hyperactive that he was practically bouncing off the walls. His teacher's complained that he dived off the school desk, was unable to sit still, and continually distracted the students.

When I was interested in reading about ADHD to gain more insight I discovered a book, Women with Attention Deficit Disorder, by Sari Solden, MS, LMFT. It was one of those dramatic light bulb moments when I suspected that I had undiagnosed ADHD.

Suddenly, years of impulsive behavior, lack of focus, and job-hopping made logical sense. What a relief to know that I wasn't lazy, stupid, or crazy!

Ultimately, this is when my ADHD journey began. Initially, it was like a confusing maze with many dead ends along the way. The good news is that I educated myself with important knowledge. In determination, I gained hands on experience as an ADDer mom raising not only one ADDer child, but a total of three.

Either God has a funny sense of humor or He created us different for a higher purpose. I believe ADHD isn't a curse, but a blessing in disguise.

Also, I've learned that traditional medication usually results in negative side effects. As a parent, I had to weigh the pros with the cons. Did I want my children taking powerfully addictive chemicals that would directly impact their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being? Could there be a safer, natural solution with less side effects?

If nothing else was gained, it was the ability to empower myself and my kids. To practice a healthier lifestyle eating whole, organic foods, rather than artificial junk. No more preservatives, Aspartame, artificial colors, flavors, pesticides, and unnecessary harmful ingredients.

Next, I had to keep in mind that each individual is unique. No two people respond identical. What works great for one person may not work well for another. It's truly trial and error. Patience is key!

In my own personal experience with stimulant medications, I've been prescribed three different drugs. Ritalin was a complete nightmare and turned me into a raging lunatic. Strattera was great at first when I could focus and stay on task, but eventually I felt as if a dark cloud was looming over my head 24/7. Imagine feeling depressed all of the time. Hmm, not exactly the idealistic solution that I was hoping for.

Lastly, I was prescribed Adderall, which was sincerely helping me for two years. Yet the longer I was on this drug, I began to encounter undesirable side effects, which became debilitating.

For example, I started to have symptoms of a UTI, but my urine culture was always negative. Antibiotics never resolved the condition. There was a constant urge to urinate with a very sensitive bladder. No doubt, I was unable to continue taking Adderall and was forced to terminate it.

According to WebMD, urinary tract infection is one of the severe side effects from Adderall. Other negative side effects include stunted growth, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, blurred vision, aggression, insomnia, nausea, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, and the list is endless.

Another negative side effect I noticed with Adderall was horrible irritability. My mood was always miserable and angry. It was unpleasant and I couldn't tolerate it any longer. There had to be a better way.

Once again, this resulted in my seeking natural and safer alternatives. Recently, I discovered InTune, which is a blend of powerfully renewing, rare CPTG®, certified-pure-therapeutic-grade essential oils that have calming and mind sharpening benefits. InTune Focus Blend is formulated to allow us to concentrate on a specific task without becoming distracted, frustrated, or upset.

InTune Essential Oil is a Focus Blend and was created to help with:

Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
Mood Swings
Hard to Please
Poor Organization
Unfinished Work
Clarity of Thought
Increase Alertness
Increase Focus
Calming and Soothing

InTune is a proprietary blend of amyris, patchouli, frankincense, lime, ylang ylang, sandalwood, Roman chamomile essential oils, carefully selected for their ability to enhance focus and support healthy thought processes. This blend helps those who have difficulty paying attention to stay on task and sustain focus.

Today, I ordered my first bottle of doTERRA InTune. My plan is to experiment with this essential oil to determine if it truly does reduce ADHD symptoms. I will continue to share my experience and keep you up to date. Stay tune as I begin InTune!

For more information about doTERRA Essential Oils or InTune, please visit my website: http://mydoterra.com/danaarcuri

Copyright © 2009-2013 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog can be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission of the Author.

Book Delays, but Essential Oils Save the Day

Have you ever had big plans when something unexpectedly got in the way? Perhaps, there were delays or an entire revamping of goals?

Recently, I wanted to complete my 30 Day Devotional, Harvest of Hope: Living Victoriously Through Adversity. My goal was to have this book finished by Mother's Day so I could give it to my mom as a gift.

Yet when I considered self-publishing there was a time crunch so I considered the option of having my book printed locally. All would have gone as planned, except the local printer didn't create books in the size I needed. My options were becoming more slim by the day!

In the meanwhile, I was scheduled for oral surgery on Thursday, May 9th with high hopes that it would be uneventful. Unfortunately, complications set in right away. Fever, swelling, pain, and dizziness. Overall, crummy would sum up how I felt. Not exactly what I had anticipated, especially on Mother's Day.

Instead of a joyful day celebrating motherhood, I landed in the oral surgeon's office to have my aching mouth examined. The end result: Dry Socket, which is an inflamed condition at the site of extraction of a tooth that occurs when a blood clot fails to form properly or is dislodged.

Typically, this painful condition may last for seven to ten days. My oral surgeon recommended applications of Clove Essential Oil. It work wonders and is a life saver! To learn more about the powerful healing benefits of doTERRA Essential Oils, visit my website at http://mydoterra.com/danaarcuri

In spite of my plans not going my way, I trust God has everything under control. The Bible reminds me, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

For now, I'm surrendering not only my 30 Day Devotional to God, but my recovery and healing. Let's face it, if I had my way, there wouldn't be delays, suffering, or pain. Life would be perfect and everything would go according as planned.

When we look at the greater scheme of things, life usually has a few bumps along the way. I suppose this is how our Heavenly Father stretches our faith, builds our character, and teaches us to lean on Him, rather than ourselves. After all, if we were self-sufficient and had no needs than how could we be used as vessels to share our personal testimonies?

It's these real life testimonies that transform our walk with the Lord. Life-changing moments when we have no doubt that our God is a Sovereign God. His love and faithfulness is everlasting.

Today, I will not lean on my own understanding. I'll let go of my ways and my timelines. Instead of fretting about my book delays and physical pain, I'll run into the warm arms of my Heavenly Maker who is my greatest comfort. His ways far outshine mine and He will sustain me.

Copyright © 2009-2013 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog can be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission of the Author.

Harvest of Hope: 30 Day Devotional

Six months ago, God placed it on my heart to write a 30 Day Devotional in conjunction with my memoir, Harvest of Hope: Living Victoriously Through Adversity. When the Lord calls you to do something, trust me, He will equip you.

I finished writing my devotional last night. I'm bubbling with joy and excitement because the goal is to publish this before Mother's Day so I may give this to my mom as a gift. My 30 Day Devotional has an inspirational message of hope, encouragement, and rising above unrelenting hardships. It makes a great gift and it's perfect for an individual seeking deeper faith in the midst of trials.

Here's a sample of my devotional:

Day 20 - Overcoming adversity isn't an overnight success. It's a grueling process involving much time, patience, and determination. Based on a wide range of variables, it may differ for each person. The journey leading to overcoming hardships may take a few weeks, months, or a lifetime.

Despite how much time it may take the one thing for certain is that overcoming is a choice. The only other option is to quit and give up hope. For one to successfully overcome, you must have a strong desire to walk through the burning ashes to rise above adversity. It's not for the fainted-hearted. Overcoming requires faith, hope, and perseverance.

Today, pray for God to give you wisdom as you face various obstacles. Lean on His supernatural strength to guide you in overcoming opposition. Keep on keeping on!

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21 (NKJV)

Copyright © 2009-2013 by Dana Arcuri. All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog can be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission of the Author.