Tuesday, April 2, 2013


Essential oils are the concentrated aromatic essence extracted from a plant. They are essentially the immune system of the plant that include a variety of hormones, vitamins and chemicals that are needed to perform various functions. Some even say  essential oils are the soul of the plant.
Listed below are some great essential oils that can be used to help your immune system fight allergies this spring!
Chamomile – anti-inflammatory, relaxing, relieves headaches, and eases inflammation. It is a powerful antispasmodic and muscle relaxant that can be used as an emergency remedy during asthma attacks, rub on solar plexus, wrists and temples. It is important to note that one should avoid Roman Chamomile if allergic to ragweed.Blue Tansy essential oil is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. It is also very beneficial to the skin and cells of the body and makes a perfect natural remedy for itchy skin and cancer natural skin treatment. Use it for sunburn, radiation burns and
inflamed skin!
cedarwood
Cedarwood Essential Oil is an air purifier, coughs, dandruff, dry skin, fungal infections, insect repellant, nervous tension, rashes, rheumatism, ulcers. Cedarwood is a good addition to a hair tonic, and gives the aroma a long lasting undertone.
Eucalyptus – helps to fight symptoms such as congestion, headaches and respiratory conditions. It is anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, and expectorant. When mixed with a carrier oil such as grape seed, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil, it can safely be applied topically to chest and throat areas.
lavender
Lavender – anti-inflammatory, builds immunity, relieves headaches and eases muscle pain, acts as a natural antihistamine. It has a very calming and relaxing, soothing aroma. Diffuse to help ease mental strain.
Cardamom – Constipation, cough, dyspepsia, halitosis, indigestion, flatulence, loss of appetite, muscular cramps and spasms, nausea, nervous strain, physical exhaustion, sinus headache, stomach cramps, vomiting.
tea_tree
Tea Tree – Blisters, burns, colds, coughs, dandruff, ear and nose infections, fever, fungal infections, immune system deficiencies, insect bites, oily skin, respiratory problems, skin rashes, sunburn, tooth and gum infections, vaginal infections, viral infections, warts, wounds. Tea tree makes a great addition to most skin care products. A simple way to use it is adding the oil to aloe vera gel.Helichrysum – Bruising, burns, colds, cough, fever, lethargy, muscular aches and pains, nervous exhaustion, scarring, sprains, stretch marks, sunburn, wounds.
helichysum
Tumeric – Bruises, colds, diarrhea, fever, infections, inflammation, wounds. The antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory actions of this oil may be useful added to an ointment.
Yarrow – Burns, colds, constipation, coughs, cramps, cuts, diarrhea,fever, flatulence, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, skin toning, varicose veins, wounds.
Tagetes – Calluses, corns, coughs, fungal infections, warts.
Saro Oil is strongly anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. It is also said to offer anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for massage, sore muscles and bruise formulations.
Basil – Abrasions, anxiety, bronchitis, colds, coughs, depression, flatulence, fatigue, infection, insect bites and repellant, sinus infection, whooping cough.
basil
Pine – Colds, coughs, cuts, exhaustion, fatigue, fever, fluid retention, infection, muscular aches and pains, nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions, poor circulation, slow circulation, sore throat, sores. During the cold season pine oil can be added to a diffuser to help purify the air.
Cypress – Antispasmodic and disinfectant. Helps to relieve breathing difficulties and suppress coughing. May benefit symptoms of Asthma.
peppermintPeppermint – helps to improve breathing by opening sinuses and airways, fights infection, relieves pain of headache and muscular pain, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Apply to temples for headache pain. Apply to back of neck to relieve stress and tension.
Geranium – Anxiety, broken capillaries, bruises, burns, circulatory disorders, cuts, diarrhea, fluid retention, insect bites, lymphatic congestion, sore throats, stabilize emotions, lcers, wounds. The emotional stabilizing properties of this oil can be used in many ways. Diffuse into the air, or make a room spray that you can spray as needed. You can also add a couple drops to a relaxing bath.
Rosewood – Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dry and oily skin, elasticity, wrinkles), fungal infections (Candida, oral, vaginitis), depression, improves skin elasticity, wounds.
lemonLemon – protects immunity, relieves respiratory issues. Excellent antibacterial agent, which makes it well suited for respiratory inflammation. Cleansing to the environment. Citrus oils can be photosensitive, so exercise caution with exposure to UV rays.
lemons
Ginger – Analgesic, expectorant and stimulant. Decreases respiratory symptoms such as constricted breathing, wheezing and coughing. Can be very beneficial for any kind of digestive issue or upset stomach.
What is your favorite allergy fighting essential oil??
We call upon all those who have lived upon this earth … to teach us, and show us the way. ~Chinook Blessing
Many Blessings to you this spring!
Michelle

Visit my personal site at www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Sunshine Juice


A couple of weeks ago I had a birthday, and my family was awesome enough to give me some new equipment to create great photos and videos! Thank you family! So today, I have been experimenting!!
Now I have never created a video I actually wanted people to see but I have dreamed for the last couple of years to start creating videos to share what I am learning and know because I tend to be somewhat of a hermit. Its time to break out of my shell and share a little!
www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com

Reasons You Need To Be Juicing:

  • Energy – When people start juicing regularly, people feel more energy, maybe its because the energy is not being spent on digesting food or smoothies or maybe because its because the body is getting a concentrated batch of vitamins and minerals in their natural form but with the extra nutrition the body’s performance will improve and more energy will be available.
  • Maintain Healthy Weight – I don’t like to preach weight loss but when you juice regularly its easy to loose those extra pounds. First because you have more energy to exercise and second because fresh organic juice contains no synthetic chemicals or preservatives because its entirely as nature intended it to be!
  • Detoxification – This is a big one! Everyday our liver works hard to clean and detoxify our blood. Our blood carries oxygen throughout our body and helps with all of the bodies processes. Poor blood quality equals low energy. A diet full of unhealthy food and synthetic chemicals makes it hard for our body to function at a high capacity.
  • Improved Sleep – Who doesn’t like to get a good nights sleep? As many people are stressed and are getting inadequate nutrition, this drains the body of important vitamins and minerals and interrupts our natural sleep patterns. Juice makes it easy to get high quality nutrition right when you get out of bed or during anytime of the day!
  • Disease Prevention – Disease thrives in a dirty environment that is filled with toxins, bacteria and carcinogens. When we eat a plant based diet full of organic, whole, unprocessed foods and juice we are effectively giving our body the protection it needs to fight off and defend the body against dis-ease.
  • Enjoy life – When the body is healthy and the mind is clear it is easy to get all of the juice out of life as our relationship with our body improves, our relationships with others also improves!

Good Morning Sunshine Juice


Sunshine Juice Recipe:

  • 2 Grapefruits
  • 6 Carrots
  • 1 cup Pineapple
  • 1 Golden Beet
  • 1 inch Ginger (optional)
Juice the grapefruits with a citrus juicer and run everything else through your regular juicer (I use a GreenStar).
This juice would also be a great addition to your 3-Day Juice Cleanse or your 7-Day Juice Cleanse!
Grapefruit Juice
To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. ~Buddha
Juice On!
Love,
Michelle
Check out my site at: www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Blueberry Smoothie


I have been busy the past week experimenting with my new equipment and new ideas.
So here is a quick smoothie to get you shakin' in the morning!
How to Make a Blueberry Smoothie Video
blueberries!

Super Blueberry Smoothie

  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/4 cup walnuts soaked and rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1 cup blessed water or brewed tea
  • 1 teaspoon spirulina
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Drink fast because the blueberries contain pectin the smoothie gets thick and jelly like!

Cinnamon is a great addition to your smoothies because its 1) anti-inflammatory 2) helps with circulation - so even smelling it helps improve memory 3) helps regulate blood sugar 4) lowers cholesterol 5) anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic 6) a great way to sweeten up your food because it tastes great!

Here is also a quick little video about me!

I hold three treasures close to my heart. The first is love; The next is simplicity; The third, overcoming ego. ~Lao Tzo
Hope you have a beautiful day!
Lots of love,
Michelle

Check out my personal site at www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

3 Day Cleanse


We are already into the second week of the New Year and I have some clients that are going to start a juice fast with me starting January 12th. Before a juice fast or if you wanted to to a whole body cleanse, it is important to start letting go of foods and simplify your diet. It is extremely important to prepare for your cleanse in order to have a safe and pleasant experience.
A 3 day cleanse will help you re-boot and give you more energy or prepare you for deeper cleansing like a juice fast. During your three day cleanse abstain from coffee, alcohol, meat, fried foods and white refined sugar and flour (sweets, breads, bagels, pasta, ect.)
During your 3-day cleanse
  • Drink plenty of water! Water is the principal chemical component of the body, comprising of about 70% of our body’s weight. It is important that we are all individually unique and require different amounts. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body’s weight in ounces of water everyday. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you would drink 75 ounces of water a day. NOTE: tea, juice, and other drinks are NOT substitutes for water! For more information on the healing benefits of water, click here.
  • Eat as much live (raw) food as possible … lots of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables!
  • Try to avoid beans, cabbage, nuts, broccoli and cauliflower as they may cause gas.
Daily Schedule
Breakfast Time:
Lunch Time:
Snacks: Only eat snacks when you are truly hungry.
Evening Meal:
The main thing is to keep it simple. Don’t over think it. Eat until you are full and then be done. Make sure to drink plenty of water.
veggie soup bowl
In addition to a cleansing diet it is important to incorporate lifestyle practices that will help enhance the cleansing process both physically, mentally and spiritually.
  • Meditation/Prayer (this is my favorite)
  • Conscious Breathing
  • Journaling
  • Body Movement like walking, yoga, rebounding
  • Skin Care is also important, dry skin brushing, sunlight, infrared sauna
  • Sleep
You can do it! Grab a friend and do a 3-day cleanse! It will boost your energy, leaving you feeling great!
Love, peace, bliss,
Michelle
Check out my personal page at www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com