Recipes

Relaxing Bedtime Tea

Relaxing Bedtime Tea
I want to say a few things lavender does and how important it is to relax 👇

Relaxation is important for the immune system because it helps maintain a healthy balance in the body and promotes optimal immune function. Chronic stress and a lack of relaxation can have a negative impact on the immune system in several ways:

Prolonged stress can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which can weaken the immune system. Inflammatory responses are meant to be temporary and occur when the body is threatened by pathogens, injury, or other stressors. However, chronic stress can lead to persistent inflammation, which is associated with a range of health problems and can suppress the immune system's ability to respond to new threats effectively.

Ingredients:
  • 8 ounces water
  • 1 bag Tazo Calm Chamomile Tea (or your favorite brand of Chamomile tea)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 toothpick swirl of Lavender Vitality Essential Oil
Instructions:

  1. Heat the water just until it turns steamy; no need to bring to a boil.
  2. Place a chamomile tea bag in a cup and pour the water over the bag.
  3. Cover the cup with a saucer to hold the heat in and let it steep for 5 minutes. 
  4. Uncover the cup and dispose of the tea bag.
  5. Stir in the honey until it dissolves. 
  6. Place a clean toothpick in your Lavender Vitality Essential Oil and then swirl that into the mug. Discard the toothpick and enjoy!


Healthy Halloween Cider

Healthy Halloween Cider
I don't think there's anything more perfect on a chilly day than a warm cup of yummy cider! In honor of Halloween, I had to showcase this fun "potion" from the Young Living blog!

Ingredients:
  • 2 quarts fresh apple cider
  • 1 orange, unpeeled and cut into slices
  • 3 drops Lemon Vitality essential oil
  • 1 drop Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil (start with a toothpick swirl, it's strong!)
  • 1 drop Clove Vitality essential oil (start with a toothpick swirl, it's strong!)
  • 1 drop Nutmeg Vitality essential oil (start with a toothpick swirl, it's strong!)
Directions:
  1. Combine apple cider, orange slices, and essential oils in a large pot and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or more.
  2. Discard orange slices.
  3. Serve warm.

That "Time of the Month" Smoothie

That "Time of the Month" Smoothie
This smoothie may look simple, but it is packed with ingredients to help balance hormones and support PMS type symptoms naturally. Enjoy this smoothie anytime of the month, but especially during the days or week you feel you need it most! 

Ingredients:

  • 1 frozen organic banana
  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds 
  • 1 Tbsp cacao nibs
  • Juice from one orange
  • 3 drops Orange Vitality Essential Oil
  • 2 drops EndoFlex Vitality Essential Oil Blend
  • 1-3 tsp organic coconut oil (optional)
  •  1 cup organic spinach
  • 1/4 cup dry, unsalted and unroasted almonds (bonus for soaked overnight/sprouted)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened yogurt of choice
  •  2/3 cup unsweetened plant milk of choice OR water (as I discussed last week, I use my little milk maker and coconut shreds!)
  • 5-7 Ice cubes (optional)
Directions:

Add ingredients to a blender in the order listed and blend well. Top with a sprinkle of dried coconut, chia seeds or sliced almonds. Enjoy! 

Fall Head Over Heels for Hot Apple Cider

Fall Head Over Heels for Hot Apple Cider
Warm, spicy, and just sweet enough, this delicious drink can be made in large batches and kept for up to 2 weeks in your fridge. Perfect as a pick-me-up following long fall walks! 

Ingredients:
  • 10 organic large apples, quartered (strong flavored apples such as Granny Smith work best)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon all spice
  • 3 drops Clove essential oil
  • 3 drops Orange essential oil
  • 3 drops Nutmeg essential oil
  • 60 g organic coconut sugar

Instructions:
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, add your apples, cinnamon sticks, all spice, essential oils, and brown sugar.
  2. Cover with water by at least 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
  3. After the two hours, use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the softened apples. Return to the hob and allow to simmer uncovered for 1 more hour.
  4. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all the juices out. Discard solids.
  5. Serve warm.

Pumpkin Spice Latte (with essential oils!)

Pumpkin Spice Latte (with essential oils!)
I'm sure you've had a pumpkin spice latte before if you love pumpkin, but I can promise you haven't had one like this! Rather than being full of sugar, this one is delicious, flavorful and actually has health benefits!! I promise you won't be disappointed.

Ingredients:
  • 2 teaspoons of pumpkin puree
  • 1 drop Cinnamon Bark essential oil
  • 1 drop Ginger essential oil
  • 1 drop Nutmeg essential oil
  • 30 ml espresso or any strong coffee ( I use this one because caffeine and breastmilk don't exactly mix!)
  • 250 ml milk of your choice (I use my awesome little milk maker and make coconut milk!)
Directions:
  1. Put the pumpkin purée in a large heatproof glass or mug.
  2. Stir in the essential oils and coffee until combined.
  3. Put the milk in a saucepan over a low heat until it’s steaming and frothy.
  4. Pour into the coffee mixture, and spoon over any froth.
  5. Stir to combine, and dust with cinnamon or pumpkin spice flavouring before serving.

Blog Categories

BreastfeedingHealthy LivingMotherhoodRecipes

Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 
I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin
 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

Contact