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Cinnamon Apple Pie

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with cinnamon essential oil

Ingredients
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
2 ½ tablespoons baking powder
¾ cup raw sugar
½ cup olive oil
½ cup orange juice
½ cup walnuts
2 small apples, grated
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 drop Cinnamon Bark oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly coat cake tin with olive oil.
  2. Juice orange in bowl and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Set aside.
  4. Grate the apples. Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, add sugar, olive oil, and Cinnamon Bark oil. Mix together using a handheld or free-standing mixer.
  6. Add the flour mix and the orange juice to a bowl with sugar and oil alternatively and keep mixing.
  7. Add the apples and the walnuts and fold in gently with a spoon until just combined.
  8. Pour the mixture into baking dish and bake for 45 minutes (or until a toothpick can be inserted and removed clean). Slice and enjoy.

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As usual we want to thank you for following us. We hope that this Blog entry has been helpful and fun to follow! For any further questions leave a comment below or email us at customerservice@sparknaturals.com

If you’re ready to tackle this Cinnamon Apple Pie and don’t have your very own Cinnamon Bark essential Oil, click the link below and get started!

CINNAMON BARK

Acquaint Yourself with Cinnamon EO

Categories Diffusers & Blends, How To Use, Individual Oils, UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Acquaint Yourself with Cinnamon EO

Apple spice cake. Pumpkin pie. Mulled cider. Cinnamon rolls. Snickerdoodles. What do they all have in common? Cinnamon!

Cinnamon is a deep, rich spice typically associated with winter, cold, and the holidays therein-and for good reason! It is warming, can help with circulation, and can fight illness like a champ. So why limit it’s use to ciders and cakes?

 

From the same family as Cassia, Laurel (Bay), and Ravensara, Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil (cinamomum zeylanicum) is considered antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and a stimulant. Diffused, cinnamon cleanses the air and infuses it with a pleasant, stimulating aroma. Emotionally, Cinnamon has been known to encourage a receptive and open mind.

Fog Buster Diffuser Blend

2 drops Peppermint EO

2 drops Cinnamon EO

1 drop Rosemary EO

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Oftentimes when we think of a stimulant we think of a pill or mega caffeine, but what we tend to overlook is that it is also synonymous with tonic and restorative. Blends including Cinnamon (such as Shield and Dream) can help restore healthy cells, improve blood sugar levels, and overall boost the immune system in a natural and powerful way.

One drop packs a big punch! When cooking, one drop is the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of dried spice. In a blend, one drop per teaspoon of carrier oil or 4 oz water (or more) is usually enough.

Cinnamon: 1 tsp vs 1 drop

~~~For more great cinnamon uses, click here!~~~

*Cautions: Due to Cinnamon’s strength and heat, it may cause extreme irritation to eyes and skin USE WITH CAUTION AND CARE. Not recommended for pregnancy or nursing.

~The Spark Team~

Pure Cinnamon Bliss

Categories How To Use, Individual Oils1 Comment on Pure Cinnamon Bliss

When you think of cinnamon, what do you think of?

Maybe you think of Christmas and the spicy smell that distinctly follows the cinnamon name. Maybe it makes you think of pinecones or maybe you associate the smell to baking.

Cinnamon is widely associated with winter and the holiday season, but cinnamon bark essential oil has so many more uses and association than that.

When we think of cinnamon, we think uplift and brighten!! Cinnamon bark essential oil has an abundance of hidden talents. It is great for cleansing the air, supporting the immune system, increasing circulation, and decreasing depression.

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It has also been linked to assisting in weight loss because of its detoxification properties and digestion support qualities.

There is also the great historical fact that cinnamon is a wonderfully quick, on the go breath freshener; just place one drop on your tongue or dig a clean, unused toothpick in the oil and use as normal.

As you may guess, cinnamon bark essential oil is spicy in scent and can be a little “hot” when you used topically without carrier oil.

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Quick and Easy Sugar Scrub

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 3 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil

Combine the cinnamon oil, vanilla extract, and sugar together until all ingredients are well mixed. Slowly add the coconut oil until the mixture is the desired consistency and texture.

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“Mulled Cider” Diffuser Blend

Fill diffuser to designated line, add the essential oils and enjoy!

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Peanut Butter and Cinnamon Energy Bites

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • ¼ cup ground flaxseed
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 drops cinnamon essential oil
  • *optional 1 cup grated apple

Mix oats, flaxseed and ground cinnamon. In a different bowl, mix all the other ingredients except the apples. Once combined, pour over oat/flaxseed/ground cinnamon mixture until even coated. Knead all the ingredients together, I recommend using your hands. It might get a little messy but it will mix the best this way. Finally, if you are adding apples, do so now and mix carefully. Using a small ice cream scooper or your hands, scoop out golf ball size. Make sure that the balls are pressed firmly together or they will fall apart once cooled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4-5 days.

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Petitgrain Essential Oil

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Petitgrain essential oil is produced from the same botanical species (Citrus Aurantium) as Neroli and Bitter Orange, but Petitgrain has its own characteristically unique aroma of bitter-sweet, somewhat harsh, woody, floral smell. Petitgrain is distilled from the leaves and twigs

Petitgrain is sometimes known as the poor man’s Neroli because it is much less expensive but offer many of the same uses and benefits. 

Petitgrain essential oil is known to be uplifting, calming and balancing, and It aids in reducing stress and anxiety.

Therapeutic Properties

-Promotes relaxing feelings

-Allows restful sleep

-Supports healthy immune system 

Health Benefits

Aids in treating hypertension

Prevents microbial infections

Prevents body odor and skin infections

Petitgrain is a mood lifter like other citrus oils, and it smells fantastic to most people. Diffuse when you are feeling down or just want a fresh smell in the air. Blend with citrus and floral essential oils for added benefits. 

Mood-lifting Citrus Blend

Petitgrain is an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, which makes it an excellent option to add to creams, gels, salves and massage oils for muscles aches and pains. 

Sore Muscles Relief Massage Oil

Mix all oils together and massage onto sore, achy muscles.

Uses

May be applied topically

May be used aromatically

May be taken internally 

Petitgrain is an absolute wonderful oil to learn about and to have in your essential oil cabinet!

Petitgrain is not currently in our regular essential oil collection but in the month of November you can order it as part of the Oil of the Month for only $15.99

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Our Wellness Starter Kit for Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

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Spark Natural’s Get well starter kit is essential during cold and flu season. Be ready for whatever this winter season brings. This kit can help boost your family’s immune system, purify the air, disinfect surfaces, and help relieve cold symptoms.

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Refresh: Cleansing Blend

With the invasion of chemicals in our homes, more and more people are moving back toward less toxic cleansing agents. Refresh is Spark Naturals proprietary blend of 100% pure essential oils of Citronella, Cilantro, Melaleuca, White Fir, Lemon, Lime & Wild Orange, with no added carrier oils.  It is designed to eliminate contaminates from coughs, sneezes, dirty hands, bug bites or even food germs naturally from the air or any cleanable surface.  Refresh has a cleansing aroma which will quickly take care of any unpleasant odors naturally.

Reviews

“This is my go to blend if I want a clean and refreshing scent in the room. I take this along with my oil diffuser whenever I travel. For a more calming effect, I mix a couple drops of Lavender.”-Mari

Posts about Refresh Blend

Why Refresh Blend?

10 MORE Ways to us Refresh

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Respire: Respiratory Blend

Spark Naturals Respire blend is a great source of protection during flu season and congestion in general. The cold winter months force most of us indoors where we live work and socialize in close proximity with others who may have cold and flu germs. This blend of Peppermint, Melaleuca, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lemon and Clove may help in protecting against common germs. In addition to helping with Cold & Flu symptoms, this blend was formulated and may help with the common respiratory issues such as congestion.

Reviews

“I have been using this oil for over a year now and I still love it. My whole family is now using it. It works great to relieve sinus pressure and some headaches that are associated with sinus pressure. It works similar to Vicks vapor rub, but I think this works better. I just put a drop under my nose and it works instantly. I actually carry it in my purse because I use it so often. Wonderful product.”-Christina

“I ordered this oil because I had the Doterra “Breath” that was gifted to me as a gift. These oils are so similar and work for my asthma attacks. I like the price and no commitment that Sparks Naturals have. I love the smell of this oil. I also like it in the respire stick. I have both products.”-Naddie

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Melaleuca

During World War II, soldiers and sailors were issued Melaleuca essential oil as part of their kit, to treat topical infections and infected wounds. “Tea Tree” oil has over 92 different compounds and many, many uses. Melaleuca is highly purifying and can aid in clear breathing as well as clear and healthy complexion. It is one of the most powerful immune stimulant oils and helps fight infections of all kinds. Melaleuca has a strong effect on environmental threats because of its purifying qualities and is often used on skin irritations to soothe the skin. Melaleuca can also clear abscesses, acne, burns, herpes, oily skin, athlete’s foot, cold sores, blemishes, deeper rash, sunburn and infected wounds.

 

Reviews

“I or someone in the house can start to get sick and I immediately start drinking this in my water and diffusing it in the air. I myself don’t become sick. Works every time.”-Texas Pam

Posts about Melaleuca

Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

man and child walking near bushes during daytime
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Shield: Protective Blend

These days protecting yourself and your family is more important than ever. Spark Naturals is pleased to present this ancient blend. Legend has it that in 15th century England during the time of the great plague, grave robbers and thieves developed their own blend of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary to protect them while robbing the plague victims. This potent blend only contains the essential oils and no carrier oil, so be sure to dilute before topical use.

Reviews

“If you use oils, this one is a must have for your arsenal. This shield essential oil blend is meant to keep you healthy even when cold and flu germs are all around you.….. I’ve used it diluted in some coconut oil with a few drops of the shield essential oil blend and dabbed it on my neck and arms. No reaction of any kind.”-Amanda M.

“We love Shield! The blend smells amazing and is great for so many things. I love to diffuse it during the fall and winter months. It’s also good for sore throats, colds, and illness-prevention. Excellent choice for your natural medicine cabinet.”-Jessica

Posts about Shield Blend

Top 5 Ways to Shield Your Family

Shield Yourself: DIY Hand Sanitizer

OnGuard & Shield? See the Difference

Precautions for all oils

Keep out of reach of children. Possible skin sensitivity-dilute and check blend ingredients before use. If pregnant or nursing, please consult with your physician before using. Always avoid contact with eyes.

~The Spark Team~

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Pampered Holiday DIY

Categories Blends, D.I.Y., Diffusers & Blends, How To Use, Individual OilsLeave a Comment on Pampered Holiday DIY

It’s that time of year again! Shorter days and longer nights means more time together indoors. Emotions run high (or low) and tight quarters breeds germ city. Last year we shared a calming play dough and diffuser decor DIY, so this year we thought we’d add a few DIY gift ideas to the list! With all the craziness the holidays and colder weather can bring, take time to breath, meditate, and spend time together in harmony with these following suggestions-but first, a little bit about the essential oils used. We chose these specific oils not only for their scents, but for their calming, uplifting, and/or immunity properties.

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Calming

Bliss Blend– a proprietary blend of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood and Vanilla used to ease stress and anxiety as well as to help calm the body enough to sleep.

Zen Blend–A masterful grounding blend of spruce, rosewood, blue chamomile and frankincense designed to promote clarity, calmness and an overall feeling of good and peace.

Lavender– Historically been used to clean and help heal wounds and burns, to repel insects, to calm and soothe emotions, to recover from minor illness, to address skin complaints, to relieve headaches, and to wash laundry, as well as in perfumery and cooking.

Holiday Inspired Room Spray

Uplifting

Wild Orange–A favorite among cosmetics, perfumes, soap and detergent manufacturers for its amazing smell, anti-fungal and antidepressant properties. Wild Orange and citrus oils are used in aromatherapy to invite and create feelings that are calming and happy.

Peppermint– Great for mental fatigue and depression, renewing the spirit, and stimulating mental agility and improved concentration.

Rise Blend– A blend of Tangerine, Lime, and Eucalyptus Essential Oils with a sweet fresh scent.

Bath Melts

Immunity

Frankincense–Aids in healthy cellular function, combats major illness, speeds recovery of wounds, aids in feelings of relaxation, and reduces the appearance of skin imperfections.

Myrrh–Can help with bronchitis, colds and coughs along with meditation and enhancing spiritual mood. It is often mixed with lotions, creams or carrier oils to treat wounds, athlete’s foot, cracked skin, acne or other skin ailments

Shield–Legend has it that in 15th century England, during the time of the great plague, grave robbers and other thieves developed their own blend of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary to protect them while robbing the plague victims. Today this blend is great to fight off illnesses like colds and flus. 

Clove– Has a spicy, pleasant aroma and is valuable for relieving respiratory and digestive problems.

Luxurious Lipbalm

The Holidays can be stressful, so while making these fun gifts for your family and friends, remember to keep some for yourself. You deserve it.

~The Spark Team~

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DIY Essential Oils in the Garden

Categories Cleaning & Home, D.I.Y., How To UseLeave a Comment on DIY Essential Oils in the Garden

While you may be looking outside thinking “Winter sure is throwing a tantrum that Spring is here,” now is the best time to be getting your garden prepped and ready for the warmer days ahead! I don’t know about you, but last year was TERRIBLE for my strawberries…SO. MANY. SNAILS. (ugh!) So I’ve been doing my research to make sure this year’s crop will be fantastic. If you’re wanting to decrease the chemicals used for your garden, then this info is for you!

Many flowers and herbs work together to help the garden’s ecosystem flourish. For example, Basil planted around tomato plants boosts the flavor of the tomatoes as they grow, and Marigolds planted through the garden help keep critters like eelworms and white fly away. Peppermint and garlic are also great natural deterrents. Don’t have space for these plants? Need a little extra help? Give this general spray a try! Remember, it might not appear to work the first day, but over several days your should see improvement.

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General Insect Deterrent Spray

1 Drop Cinnamon

4 Drops Rosemary

2 Drops Clove

1 Drop Thyme

3 Drops Lemongrass

1 Dropper Bottle

2  Pint-size Jars with Lids

1 Unbleached Coffee Filter

To Make: Combine essential oils into a glass dropper bottle (6x recipe to fill a dram dropper bottle).    In one glass pint jar, fill with water and add 2-4 drops of essential oil blend. Shake and let set for 24hours, shaking when you think about it. When ready, pour the oil water through the coffee filter into the other jar and store in a cool dry place (like a fridge or pantry).

To Use: Right before spraying the garden, add 1 Tablespoon of the Insect Deterrent water to a pint size jar with a spray lid (or spray bottle). Shake to combine and spray daily for several days and then as needed.

IMG_0757As I mentioned before-snails and slugs were the bane of my existence, until I tried these methods! I hope they help you as well. The first seems a bit unconventional, but it’s easy and not only deters slugs and snails, but it helps keep mice, cats, and dogs away as well.

Snail and Slug Deterrent

Clean Old Food Container (i.e. yogurt, sour cream, baby food, etc.)

2 Drops Essential Oil (Cedarwood, Clove, Peppermint, or Rosemary)

Water

To Make/Use: Bury an old food container in the garden so the top is level with the surrounding dirt. Add a little vegetable oil or water into the contain and add 2 drops of essential oil. Cover when it rains and refill as necessary.

Another way to deter snails and slugs is to put a physical barrier around the areas they like to be in most (usually the thickest plants such as strawberry patches). Crushed eggshells, course sandpaper, copper wire, or dried pine needles are the best options. If you want to take it a step further, add a drop of essential oil to the crushed eggshells or sandpaper for extra deterrent power.

Do you have other tried-and-true methods you use in the garden? Share them with us below. Happy Gardening!

~The Spark Team~

Cold & Flu Kit

Categories Blends, D.I.Y., How To Use, Individual OilsLeave a Comment on Cold & Flu Kit

This year the Flu is spreading like crazy! I’m pretty sure it’s made the rounds through every work place and school across the nation in record numbers. Thank goodness for inexpensive/budget friendly NATURAL remedies, am I right? I can’t tell you how many people I’ve recommended this kit to, but I love it! Not only does it have the oils I need, but they come in a convenient case. I toss it into the diaper bag, car, purse…pretty much everywhere we go for an extended period of time this kit comes, too. While some might be turned away from a kit because it has the “smaller bottles”, because you only use a few drops at a time, this kit is perfect for your winter/illness needs. Each 5ml bottle contains roughly 100 drops of oil, which will fill many capsules and several roller bottles.

Cold & Flu Kit

Oregano (origanum vulgare): Part of the Labiatae family, Oregano is considered an analgesic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory and is often called “natures strongest antibiotic”. It is often used for viral and bacterial infections, as well as respiratory issues and muscular pain. Considered a “hot oil”, Oregano is one of the strongest oils on the market and should be used cautiously. After 10 days of straight use, take at least a 10 day break before using again. Best avoided if pregnant/nursing or on multiple medications. {Oregano pdf}

Melaleuca (melaleuca alternifolia): Also known as “Tea Tree”, Melaleuca is from the Myrtaceae family and is often used for acne, athlete’s foot, canker/cold sores, hives/rashes, and of course cold and flu. It is also great for laryngitis, bronchitis, lice,  and sinusitis. Melaleuca is considered to be antibacterial, anti-infectious, fungicide, antiviral, antiseptic, decongestant and anti-inflammatory. It is also generally considered safe to use with children 2months and older.  {Melaleuca pdf}

Shield (Protection Blend): The legend has its roots in 15th century England during the time of the great plague. Grave robbers and thieves developed their own blend of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary to protect them while robbing the plague victims. This potent blend only contains the essential oils and no carrier oil. Dilute before applying topically.

Roller Bottle: When filling a roller bottle, add drops of essential oils to be used first, then top off with the desired carrier. For kids and most skin-types, Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO), Rosehip Seed, or Sweet Almond carriers are recommended. Dilution depends on the age and size of the person to be using the roller. Err on the side of caution and use less if you are unsure. The younger the child, the more diluted the oil should be. *Caution: Some essential oils may interact with the Roller Fitment causing an increased flow of oil or the roller ball to fall out. Avoid using with citrus and frankincense essential oils (singles or blends). Before each use, test the roller ball to make sure it is securely in place. Please exercise caution with each use and avoid using product around the eye area.

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Flu Bomb Capsules

Veggie or Gel Caps

2 Drops Shield

1 Drops Melaleuca

1 Drop Oregano

Add oils to capsules and take every 4-6 hours until symptoms improve, not to exceed 10 days. (For Adults)

Flu Bomb Kid Roller

5ml Roller Bottle

2-5 Drops Shield

1-3 Drops Melaleuca

1 Drops Oregano

5ml Carrier Oil 

Add essential oils into the roller bottle and top with carrier. Rub on bottoms of feet and up the spine every 6 hours until symptoms improve (not to exceed 10 days).

*Some people also like to add Lemon to their Flu Bomb-because our Shield blend is made with Lemon instead of Wild Orange, we excluded it from the above recipes.*

How do YOU like to keep your family well during times of sickness? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

~The Spark Team~