Maria Low – Young Living Essential Oils

Ick! Why You Need to Wash Your Fruits and Veggies

Introducing Young Living’s Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak

Maria Low
Sept – Oct 2023 • Vol 4, No 6

I have recently become aware of the latest trend in the treatment of commercial fruits and vegetables. Understanding the constituents of the chemical spray now applied to produce has inspired me to start taking the ritual of cleansing my food much more seriously. You might want to as well!

For example, most people believe that the waxy appearance on cucumbers is a coating of beeswax applied to preserve the fruit. This would keep the cucumber fresh longer and avoid mold. However, there is much more to the story than this.

Apeel Science is a company that makes products to coat fruits and vegetables. They have historically created products to enable produce to “stay at peak freshness for longer.” What exactly is in a formula that extends the shelf life of plants and fruits?

You might have already seen the sticker on your avocados which reads “Apeel.” Stickers will soon appear on asparagus, citrus fruits, strawberries, and more. The label may also appear on organic produce.

Apeel has developed a substance which they either spray or dip on the fruit or vegetables that mimics lipid molecules found naturally. The resulting film produces a chemical barrier. To make a long story short, the overall rate of the chemical reactions happening in the produce slows down. Science calls this amphiphilic liquid. This means that there is a combination of water-loving and fat loving molecules. This type of liquid is often called a surfactant. Surfactants are a main ingredient found in dishwashing soaps, most shampoos, and body soaps. The formulation creates a slippery feel. Some surfactants also have antibacterial properties.

The different components in the formula vary according to the type of fruit or vegetable that is going to be sprayed or dipped. The creators of this coating claim that it keeps your vegetables fresh by supercharging the defense against deterioration that evolution created. However, there may be a cost to this innovation. For me, the process raises the following questions:

  • Does the formulation release toxic gases?
  • Is the formula applied over fruits and vegetables that have already been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides?
  • Does the consumer know how long the produce has been sitting out in the open for purchase?
  • What is happening inside of the product once it has been sealed off with a surfactant?

In the science labs at the Young Living Essential Oil facilities in Utah, they looked at the surfaces of organic and conventional food. They discovered many types of pollutants. In addition to any surfactants that may be used, there is residue on produce from air pollution. There are also multiple kinds of residues from the insects and animals passing through the fields. Food simply must be washed and washed well!

Before Young Living created the Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak, I would add drops of lemon essential oil or the Citrus Fresh blend to water in a large metal bowl and leave produce in the solution for two to five minutes. Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak has added other essential oils to cover a wider spectrum of issues. This product does a far better job than my simple approach. The Thieves Soak safely removes dirt, residue, and other contaminants.

The formulation is organic, plant based, and concentrated. Two teaspoons can be added to a gallon of purified water. Add enough of this solution to a large bowl to cover the produce. Soak lettuce for about two minutes. Denser produce can soak for five minutes or more. Rinse and drain. Meat can also be soaked. This will take longer, at least eight minutes. Fish will take less time. The ultra-concentrated Thieves formula can make up to sixteen gallons of vegetable soak.

Additionally, it’s good to have on hand the Thieves Fruit & Veggie Spray for travel or camping. Remove obvious dirt from the produce. Spray well and let sit for two minutes or more. Then rinse well with drinking water. Do not expose the solution on the veggies to direct sunlight.

I am considering giving the Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak as a gift to friends and family members to introduce them to a higher level of food sanitation. This procedure should not be taken lightly. Once you see the residue at the bottom of the bowl or the color of the water after washing your fruits and vegetables, you will know what I mean. It is best to leave this residue at the bottom of the bowl and not on your dinner plate!

Note well to keep the Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak and spray away from little children. This product is not approved by the FDA. Suggestions are for Young Living’s pure, organic, essential oils only.

Websites: EssentialOilsKitchen.com and EssentialDropsOfJoy.com

2023-08-30T11:39:21-06:00Current Events, Natural Therapies/Remedies|

Are These Essential Oils in Your First-Aid Kit?

Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree & More!

Maria Low
July – August 2023 • Vol 4, No 5

Have you ever had something happen so fast that you didn’t have a single second to think about it? My housemate was in the garage setting up a large mouse trap. He called for me to hold the trap steady as he applied peanut butter and cheese as bait. Suddenly the device snapped on three of my fingers. Yikes! I grabbed my hand and doubled over with pain.

At that moment, I couldn’t even think straight. My housemate yelled, “Get the Lavender oil!” As I made my way to the bathroom, my fingers were a bluish grey and ridges were forming on my fingernails. I applied the Lavender generously. In a couple of seconds, the pain was gone. How could something like an essential oil work so fast? Although I have used essential oils for decades, I continue to be amazed at how well Lavender works.

The Power of Lavender Oil
Interestingly, science shows that lavender’s greatest virtue is not reducing pain. Lavender is best known for aiding skin and scalp problems. The anti-inflammatory properties of Lavender make it very effective for treating burns. The fragrance of Lavender is calming and relaxing. Thus, it is known to promote sleep.

In addition, the molecules of Lavender enter the limbic system in the brain, making this oil useful for helping students concentrate on mental tasks. In my unexpected situation with the mouse trap, Lavender was exactly the right oil for the right purpose at the right time. I felt transformed emotionally and physically in seconds!

Peppermint Oil Saves the Day
Another mishap showed me the power of Peppermint essential oil for dealing with pain. I was looking for a spice in a kitchen cupboard. I opened the upper door but did not find it. Then I looked in the lower door, but it was not there. I quickly rose, not noticing the first door was still open. I hit the corner of the door between my eyebrows.

I was stunned and saw stars just like you see in comic books! I walked into the bathroom to look at my forehead. The lump was the size of a walnut. After a brief rest, I walked to my car. As I sat in the seat, I noticed a bottle of Peppermint. I opened the cap and applied layers of Peppermint oil. I looked in the rearview mirror as the lump shrank and the pain disappeared. All that was left moments later was a yellow streak!

Peppermint is a member of the mint family. Notably, Peppermint has a cooling effect, which is helpful when you are experiencing pain. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) contains a sulfur compound. This molecular structure distinguishes Peppermint from Spearmint. The esters in Peppermint oil give this amazing oil its distinctive color and taste. Esters are known for their relaxing, soothing, and stress-releasing effects.

More Essential Oils for the First Aid Kit
Here are a few other Young Living essential oils known for assisting with discomforts, accidents, and emotional upsets:

Eucalyptus Oil
The oil from the eucalyptus leaf has also been used to repel insects and support the health of the respiratory system. Eucalyptus essential oil is also helpful for soothing sore muscles. Young Living sells three types of Eucalyptus essential oil: Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Eucalyptus Blue. These are therapeutic grade essential oils and are safe to apply on the body. Eucalyptus oil is wonderful to diffuse as well!

Lemon Oil
Lemon essential oil is from cold pressed lemons. It takes 3,000 lemons to produce one kilo of the essential oil of Lemon. This essential oil has a fresh uplifting aroma that can be used to cleanse the air by diffusing. The organic oil can be used internally to provide circulatory and immune support. A few drops can be added to a large bowl of purified water to sanitize fruits and vegetables. One or two drops in a glass of water make a delightful beverage.

Tea Tree
Tea Tree essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. Historically, it has been used as an antimicrobial and antiseptic essential oil. Tea Tree has high levels of eugenol which makes it effective for respiratory concerns, insect bites, helps teeth and gum inflammation, and as a cleanser for scrapes.

Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamomum verum is a well-known spice which graces everything from potpourris to our morning breakfast rolls. Historically, records show that cinnamon has been used for its powerful antibacterial properties. For example, Cinnamon oil has been used as a fumigant during infectious illness.

Resource: The Essential Oils Desk Reference, Life Science Publishing
Websites: EssentialOilsKitchen.comEssentialDropsOfJoy.com

Make inquiries and learn more from Young Members who make essential oils a part of their lifestyle:
Maria Low • Member #10279 • yleo.aspirations@gmail.com
Kathleen Karlsen • Member #1043288 • kathleenkarlsen@msn.com
Kasondra Grillo • Member #29010370 • kasondra95@gmail.com