AD (Formerly Adrenal Toner)

INGREDIENTS: Licorice Root, Astragalus, Ginseng Root, Ginger

One of the key functions of the adrenal glands is to prepare our bodies and minds for situations in which we may need a quick and appropriate response. They accomplish this by producing certain types of hormones and sending them throughout the body. Hormones are the communication system of the endocrine glands. If our belief is that we live in a stressful or unsafe environment, the adrenal glands will be continually firing, all day long, every day. This continual work load eventually sends the adrenal glands into a state of fatigue, leaving us with symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings, allergies, blood sugar problems, aching joints, low energy, and with a need for a couple of naps throughout the day.

The kidneys and the adrenal glands are closely connected. I have pondered the connections here. Stressed kidneys can contribute to a personality that is generally fearful; afraid to move forward but afraid not to at the same time, and afraid of many other things. Did the malfunctioning kidneys cause the fear or are the kidneys malfunctioning because of the fear? Either way, the adrenals get over worked coping with the fear.

The adrenal glands are vital to immune system function. They also produce hormones which are important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, the regulation of blood sugar, the maintenance of electrolyte and water balance in the body, and the regulation of blood pressure (to name just a few of the their many functions).

This formula is helpful, along with other remedies, for mononucleosis and chronic fatigue. There is a full program for these outlined in my book, Butterfly Miracles with Homeopathic Remedies II.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

ALMOND OIL (Prunus dulcis)

EXTRACTION METHOD: cold pressed, refined

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, light almost clear color

PART UTILIZED: kernel

APPLICATION: Almond Oil is such a delightful carrier oil that is can be used all by itself, 100%.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: little to no aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Sweet Almond Oil is easily the most popular carrier oil for many reasons. Almond Oil is inexpensive and absorbs into the skin quite quickly. Almond Oil is rich in vitamins A, B, and E, all of which are beneficial nutrients for healthy skin. Almond Oil is light enough to be used as a make-up remover. It opens the pores, ensuring that all makeup is easily removed. Almond Oil, heated, can be used in place of more expensive, commercially available hot oil treatments for dry hair and scalp. This is one of my favorite uses for Almond (and Coconut) Oil.

Almond Oil contains, along with the vitamins mentioned above, heart healthy fats, potassium and folic acid. Besides using Almond Oil as a carrier oil when applying essential oils, perhaps replacing some of your cooking oil with Almond Oil might be a good idea. I use mostly Solid Coconut Oil for cooking because I like the slight coconut flavor it provides. I use Almond Oil from time to time where the flavor of coconut might not be appropriate or desired.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

APRICOT OIL (Prenus armeniaca)

EXTRACTION METHOD: cold pressed, refined

CONSISTENCY: light weight, light almost clear color

PART UTILIZED: kernel

APPLICATION: Apricot Carrier Oil can be used all by itself, 100%.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: pleasant, slightly nut scented aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Apricot Oil is appropriate for all skin types, but especially effective for sensitive, inflamed, dry, or prematurely aging areas. Apricot Oil is readily absorbed by the skin and leaves very little greasy residue. It is generally non-irritating, making it appropriate for children and infants. There are reports of the benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil for treating mild sunburns.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

ARNICA OIL (Arnica montana)

EXTRACTION METHOD: Arnica flowers infused in Almond Oil

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, light yellow color

PART UTILIZED: flower

APPLICATION: Arnica carrier oil can be used all by itself, 100%. Though it is not recommended to use on open wounds.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: little to no aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Arnica is useful for bumps, bruises, and inflammation. Arnica works on sore, tight muscles and helps to reduce swelling of injured areas. Applying Arnica Oil immediately after the injury can prevent swelling; application later on can reduce swelling that has already taken place. Arnica is also effective in relieving the pain of arthritic joints and swollen feet.

In recent years, Arnica is being used by midwives as the oil of choice during exams for dilation during labor. It is absolutely incredible how the application of a little bit of Arnica oil “melts away” any swelling of tissues that may be occurring, and prevents bruising and trauma to those very delicate tissues. One of the most important things I learned in the last few years of my midwife practice. (Thanks to Laura Lechner, friend and trainer.)

Arnica Oil in herbal/oil form is ment for external use only. Arnica Oil is said to cause swelling in exposed muscle tissue, so it is not used on open wounds or deep abrasions except in homeopathic form. Arnica is one of my favorite healing plants and should be in every first aid kit!

Special Instructions: Arnica Oil (at least the one sold by Butterfly Express LLC) is made by soaking Arnica blossoms—fresh, whenever possible—in Almond Oil. Arnica Oil is used with amazing results for injuries where bruising, swelling, and/or inflammation are present.

Place Arnica flowers in a carrier oil such as Almond oil. Cover with a loose-weave cloth and let sit for 2 weeks stirring daily. The ratio of oil to plant material is 1:25. Arnica is better made with fresh flowers whenever possible. The dried flowers are easier to find and handle, and have proven very effective for me many, many times.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2022

AVOCADO VIRGIN OIL (Persea gratissima)

EXTRACTION METHOD: expeller pressed, refined, or virgin

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, refined, has a very light color, the virgin oil is dark green and can so slightly solid when cold.

PART UTILIZED: fruit

APPLICATION: Avocado Oil is quite light and absorbs reasonably quickly so is sometimes used by itself on particularly damaged skin patches. Generally, however, it is used as a percentage in carrier oil mixtures.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Refined Avocado Oil has a slight nutty aroma, Virgin Avocado Oil has a stronger nutty smell.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Avocado Oil is a rich oil that penetrates deeply into the skin. It is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, all wonderful skin nourishing vitamins. Like all good carrier oils, Avocado contains oleic and linoleic acids. Avocado Oil is excellent for use with dry or aging skin, with eczema or psoriasis, and for sun or wind damaged skin. Avocado Oil is said to have a sufficiently high sterol content to be useful as a carrier when using essential oils for joint and muscle inflammation and pain.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021