Frankincense is a frequently mentioned healing oil of the Bible.
It is extracted from the Boswellia tree. The Boswellia tree needs to be at LEAST 40 years old, before we can extract 1 drop of oil from it. 

The trees only grow in tough, arid conditions, and are often home to vipers. They are sometimes hanging off the sides of cliffs, making collection very difficult. Even the soil is dry & rocky.
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At the right time, the tree must be scored with a knife to release the resin. This resin is referred to as "frankincense tears." The oozing tears are wiped off, and the tree is scored again, releasing a deeper cut of frankincense resin...the deeper the cut, the more costly and therapeutic, (or healing) the resin. A third cut is made. This produces the best frankincense. This resin is collected and once dried and sorted, it is pulverized--beaten, and distilled producing the precious frankincense oil known for its healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.

“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had already been there a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to get well?'”- John 5:6 

For some time I have not understood the meaning of this verse. The man had been an invalid for 38 years. Duh. Of course he wanted to get well. Right? Was this, or was this not a valid question from Jesus?

I have found that there are people who do NOT really want to be well. Why? Maybe because they don’t want to change their diet, or take supplements that would improve their health. Or maybe they’re comfortable in their sickness and enjoy the attention it brings. (Now before I get blasted, I know that every sickness doesn’t fall into this category, but many do. 50% of Adult disease comes from emotional stressors or diet.)

Whatever the reason, we have to honestly ask ourselves, “Do I really want to be well?” What a thought provoking question Jesus asked.

I was on a prescription medication for anxiety for 17 years. I had to answer the question. And by acknowledging that I DID want to get well meant that I had to make changes. I needed to eat real food and get into an exercise routine. I needed to reduce my toxic load. It also meant that I’d have to take about 5 different whole-food and plant based supplements daily. With every meal. And that means I had to have them with me at all times. Which meant I had to carry a purse, and I wasn’t used to that. (Do you see where I’m going?) I could’ve said, it’s too hard. Just take the drug. Side effects and all.
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But I answered the question–I WANTED TO GET WELL. What about you? Some of us need physical healing. Others may need psychological or emotional healing. I needed all three. The good news is there are natural solutions like nutrition, whole-food supplements and essential oils that may help your body heal itself. We just need to answer the question and make the changes.

To purchase essential oils click HERE We will follow up with you personally and guide you on how to use them effectively for your families needs.


Rachel Lee Carter (c) 
LeavesforMedicine.com

“Now when the turn of each young lady came to go in to King Ahasuerus, after the end of her twelve months under the regulations for the women– for the days of their beautification were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and the cosmetics for women.”  -Esther 2:12

I started down the path of “anti-aging” about ten years ago in an attempt to extend my modeling career as long as possible. I invested financially in the latest, best (and often very expensive) skin treatments, and I underwent some pretty harsh down-time-required co2 laser treatments. I allowed myself to get stuck with toxins and endure Microderm abrasion procedures. The pricy creams I slathered on my face were laden with chemicals–made from a lab. When something new was available, I bought it and used it.

What I’ve come to realize within the last two years is that the toxins going on and into my skin, though purported as anti-aging, would actually have the reverse affect long-term, causing my skin further harm.

Let me explain:
In the US over 10,000 hazardous industrial chemicals are used as cosmetic ingredients, many of which are pesticides, reproductive toxins, skin irritants, endocrine disruptors, degreasers, and are carcinogenic. By putting these directly onto our skin, they are absorbing up to 10x faster than if they are eaten.

Our bodies then have to “filter” the junk and in the process we actually suppress our immune system, and cause further damage to the skin cells–the same ones we are trying to “anti-age.” Here’s where my story changed….

I started doing research on essential oils, herbs and spices used in scripture, especially those for beautification. These would naturally be synthetic free and if they were good for Queen Esther, then they were worth my attention. My studies throughout the Old and New Testaments would confirm other oils used in ancient times, many with the ability to improve skin appearance and even reduce the appearance (and cell-structure) of wrinkles and uneven skin tone and texture.

These were my findings:

Ancient records show that Myrrh was deemed so valuable that it was worth its weight in gold. Myrrh essential oil and resin has been used for centuries for its internal use, but also for external health benefits because it is soothing to the skin—promoting a smooth, youthful-looking complexion.

Balsam Oil is mentioned in the Bible in the accounts about Queen Esther, the queen of Sheba, and King Hezekiah. This is among the “spices” that are referred to in the above passage according to Hebrew text analysis. Balsam is a tree resin from the Middle East, in the same climate and region as Frankincense and myrrh’s origination. These resins all have the ability to produce apoptosis, or cell death in damaged cells. (Wrinkled or damaged skin anyone?)

Spikenard (sometimes referred to as Lavender by the Greeks) was poured on the feet of Jesus by Mary of Bethany, and the Egyptians and Romans used it in cooking, bathing, as a perfume, and in skincare. Today, we use Lavender to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.

Cypress Oil in scripture was most likely the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), an evergreen from which we derive the essential oil. Cypress oil contains monoterpenes, making it beneficial for oily skin conditions. It also is great to stimulate blood flow–which would create a youthful glow.

Geranium Oil dates back to ancient Egypt when Egyptians used Geranium oil to beautify and promote the appearance of clear and healthy skin.

Patchouli Oil was employed historically as a perfume, incense, and medicine in ancient times. Among the most prolific traders of patchouli is the Middle East since the founding of the Spice Road. It is often used today to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and minor skin imperfections and to promote a smooth, glowing complexion.

Another really sweet tidbit about Esther–Her name is actually Hadassah, (also called Esther,) and the name means “Myrtle.” Myrtle essential oil is known to contract and tighten the skin, helps to diminish wrinkles and is for overall skin health.

Since I began using some of these oils in my daily skin care regimen, a make-up artist whom I work with a few times a year asked, “What on earth are you using on your skin? You’ve aged backwards!”
Ahhh–take that chemical creams, lasers and syringes…and thank you, Queen Esther.


For more information, one-on-one training: Contact me at leavesformedicinellc@gmail.com
Click HERE to purchase oils or join the Leaves for Medicine team. Upon receipt, we will follow up with you personally to guide you in using your new oils with your family.

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​Mark 6:13—“And they cast out many demons and ‘healed’ many sick people, anointing them with ‘olive oil’.” NLT (Emphasis my own.)

​I paused my quiet time, because I wondered if that was an accurate translation of the text…so I dug further. I found that of the 24 translations I checked, only TWO called the anointing oil, OLIVE OIL. The other 22 simply called it OIL.
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As we know, the Word of God wasn’t written in English, so men throughout the ages have been trying to decipher it from the original text—Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew. Some words don’t have a direct translation to English, and other times, there are numerous translations from one word. In either case, we are often left to determine what the writer meant. In this situation, I’m siding with the 22, and here’s why:

I navigate to Biblehub.com and key in my verse, Mark 6:13. Many English versions of the verse appear. But I’m not looking for the English translation—I want the Greek. So I click on the Greek tab and scroll down to “with oil” (elaio). Just as I expect, the word “olive” is nowhere to be found.

When I click on “healed them” (etherapeuon), I find exactly what I was expecting…the Greek word itself–eTHERAPEuon. See that word “therapy” or “therapeutic” peeking out? Mystery solved. This was not olive oil—a food grade and carrier oil. This was a therapeutic grade oil that historically was used as their medicine—an ESSENTIAL OIL.

There are over 500 references to essential oils or the plants that produce them found in scripture, and this is what ignited my passion for essential oils. In our home, we use them aromatically, topically and internally. We also use them in cleaning, beauty regimens, hair care, skin care, pet care, food prep, DIY and more.

I’d love to share how you can create Biblical beauty, health and wellness in your own home.
For more information, or one-on-one training: Contact me at rachelleenc(at)yahoo.com

Click HERE to purchase oils or join the Leaves for Medicine team. Upon receipt, we will follow up with you personally to guide you in using essential oils with your family.

© Rachel Lee Carter, LeavesforMedicine.com

If you follow natural medicine at all, you know the world of social media is abuzz about the FDA and “Compliance.” So what in the cat-hair is compliance anyway? And why is the Federal Drug Administration concerned about essential oil claims?
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At first, I was angered that I wouldn’t be able to teach which oils “cure, treat or prevent” XYZ aliments…but the more I have learned, the more I understand how this benefits the world of natural health, and all of us who run an essential oil ministry and/or business.

Let me explain….
God created our bodies to be able to heal themselves. When our bodies have the nutrients they need, they are able to do their jobs more effectively. Pharmaceuticals, or drugs aren’t designed to heal. They’re designed to treat symptoms associated with diseases. Only our bodies can heal. For instance, if I have a headache, I could take an OTC pharmaceutical drug. My headache appears to have gone away–but in actuality, the drug blocked nerve-endings causing the pain to seemingly subside, (while adding additional petrochemicals to my already too toxic body which potentially created the headache to begin with.)
(Find more at: http://www.drday.com/body_heal_itself.htm ) The issue causing the headache still exists. Over time, my body will heal the headache, and the issue causing the headache if it has a good support system: nutrition. Another good support system? Essential Oils. 
Essential oils “support” the body’s many systems (cardiovascular system, muscular-skeletal system, respiratory system, immune system, etc.) This process isn’t drug related at all. That’s why we don’t (and can’t) legally make “drug claims”…because they aren’t drugs. HALLELUJAH!! If they were drugs, they’d only be masking symptoms and adding to our body’s toxicity.
These new compliance regulations allow us to teach what essential oils are and what they’re NOT. Want your body to have all the necessary tools to heal itself naturally? Contact me if you’re interested in learning how you can change your healthcare forever.
For more information, one-on-one training: Contact me at leavesformedicineLLC@gmail.com
Click HERE to purchase oils or join the Leaves for Medicine team. Upon receipt, we will follow up with you to guide you in using your essential oils.
© Rachel Lee Carter, Leaves For Medicine LLC, LeavesforMedicine.com

Jude is the 6 year old love of our lives. He’s feisty, playful, funny and well…clumsy. (He got that from his dad.) He’s an exceptional athlete at such a young age, and often, a little dangerous. This was the result of running face-first into a tree while attempting to catch a fly-ball

Scary, right? Yes, I panicked. Would it give him a black eye? Get infected? Leave a nasty scar? I wasn’t sure, but I had learned enough about natural remedies, and the accident gave me an “opportunity” to try a plant based, all natural salve I owned but hadn’t used yet. (Please email me for more information). Now, I’m not going to get all sales-pitchy on you, that’s not what you came here for…but I would be remiss if I didn’t show you what it did

After applying the ointment.

7 days later…

I’ve never seen lacerations and raw skin heal from the inside-out until now.
No scabbing–that’s healing from the outside-in. No bruising either. Or pain.

Well, needless to say, we won’t be without this essential phenom. If you’d like a tube of the
​Neosporin-esque ointment, contact me for information: LeavesforMedicineLLC@gmail.com

(And yes, he caught the ball.) 🙂

For more information, one-on-one training: Contact me at LeavesforMedicineLLC@gmail.com
​
Click HERE to purchase oils or join the Leaves for Medicine team.
​Upon receipt we will follow up with her personally to guide you in using your essential oils.

Everyday seems to be an adventure with essential oils…take today for example:
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I woke up this winter morning slathering my kids down with a mixture of oils of Frankincense, Oregano, Melaleuca, Lemon and Protective Blend before sending them off to school. These all go on the bottoms of their feet (the location of some of the largest pores in the body) and will support their immune systems. My 6 year old also gets a dose of the focus blend on the back of his neck. With it, he seems to be more alert and attentive in class. Without it, he sometimes earns “defining marks” in school.

The kids are out of the house, so I turn on the coffee pot, empty the dishwasher and start another load of laundry.

The day is under way, but I start to feel un-nerved. Why? I couldn’t tell you. It just happens. Usually cyclically, and very predictable, but still unwelcomed. My oil kit holds the answer…the calming/balancing Grounding Blend. For good measure I add a couple drops of Wild Orange oil, known for it’s peace and calming properties as well. Ahhhh. That’s better.

And now to the sofa with my coffee and Bible for my quiet time in God’s Word; the same Bible which revealed these precious oils to me in the first place. Ezekiel 47:12 ~ “Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

While reading Psalm 126, I’m distracted by Raleigh, our golden retriever who has become frustrated that his bone is stuck under the sofa where I’m seated. As any good dog mom would, I crouch down and reach to get the bone. But notice his tennis ball is also stuck waaaaay back under the couch. I plunge my arm as far as it can reach to the rear of the sofa in an attempt to retrieve the ball for my retriever, flicking my fingers to get a grasp on the prize. Immediately, (because of my unnatural reach) a strong, hot pain shoots through my neck and shoulder as a cramp, no…a spasm distorts my neck into a position it’s not meant to be in. As the distortion merges onto my face, I hot-foot-it back to my oil kit. A…B…Basil. Yes, Basil. With my only good hand, I unscrew the cap and begin dousing my neck and shoulder with the culinary oil. Within seconds, my arm and neck find their correct position again, as the muscle ache subsides. As I recount this, I shake my head with wonderment and giggle at the thought of people actually believing me. I wouldn’t believe me. It sounds so ridiculous. I get that. I do. But it is true. Basil is one of the best muscle relaxing oils known to man. And it works faithfully and immediately.

Praise Jesus it does.

Once again, the oils have found their way into our lives moment by moment. And it’s never the same day twice with them. Tonight, I’ll be using Vetiver and Lavender for a restful nights’ sleep. In fact, we all will. They will keep me from waking through the night, settle my boys down to rest and will prevent my husband from snoring.
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Praise Jesus it does.


For more information or one-on-one training: Contact me at leavesformedicineLLC@gmail.com
Click HERE to purchase oils or join the Leaves for Medicine team. Upon receipt, we will contact you personally to guide you in using your essential oils.


© Rachel Lee Carter, Leaves for Medicine LLC

“Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail…Their fruit shall serve for food, and their LEAVES FOR MEDICINE.” Ezekiel 47:12

Like most people my age, I grew up eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) and visited the doctor when I was sick. Pharmaceuticals, (Rx and OTC) made their way into my life, and I was thankful for their intervention.
About five years ago, a fellow model challenged my husband and me on drinking soda. I didn’t care if it wasn’t healthy, it tasted good. But he persisted about it’s lack of nutrition, and bragged that he hadn’t had a soda in 20 years. DING! DING! DING! (I feel the competitive juices rising in the deepest part of my being,) “I can do that,” I touted. He laughed, but the steely-eyed-I’m-going-to-show-you Rachel went to task.

I gave it up, just like that. But it was only the beginning. When people asked why I didn’t drink sodas, I felt silly explaining my true intent (WIN AT ALL COSTS) so I began to research the negative side effects of the chemical-laden drinks. The more I read, the stronger my resolve. This education led me to learn more about chemicals found elsewhere in our food.

Friends who had already made the health plunge also began chiming in. So I paid attention. I learned about the benefits of a diet low in (or without) meat, sugar and dairy. I introduced more whole foods and organic options into our family’s diet. Raw foods and juicing also made their entrance. While I’m not 100%, or even 75%, I am a sharp contrast to the carnivorous sugar addict I once was.

Now, the essential oil bit: One of those friends  (also a fellow believer) began sharing the health benefits of essential oils, and I thought she had lost her mind. “What kinda voodoo medicine are you peddlin’?” I laughed. All I knew about essential oils was that it was a staple for new-agers. Long ago, I proverbially “threw out the baby with the bathwater,” and would have none of that kool aid. I’m thankful for friends as stubborn as me. She persisted and invited me to learn more.

Haha, well, the  joke was on me. Essential oils have changed our lives. I’ve learned the science behind these amazing God-given compounds and we have experienced incredible health benefits from them. They are our go-to for everything for natural solutions in our health, reducing toxins in our cleaning, pet care and even beauty regimens. Extended and immediate family members have experienced weight-loss (with diet and exercise). And now I’m TRAINING people how to use these God-given gifts He intended for us.

Yes, it’s turned into a business, but it’s first an extension of our ministry. I have a team of like-minded Christians who have been trained in Essential Oils who are faithful to educate others on how to take control of their own family’s health. In our estimation, extending the business, extends the ministry. I’m careful not to give air space to anything in the new-age vernacular–no chakras or mother earth verbiage here.

But I will mention that essential oils are mentioned over 500xs in scripture. I will boast the significance of Mary emptying an alabaster jar of pure nard (Greek for Lavender) on the feet of my Savior Christ Jesus. I will teach the deeper meaning of Frankincense (which must be crushed and bruised to get the life–the oil–out of the tree) and that it was one of the three gifts brought to the Christ Child. Every good and perfect gift is from God, (James 1:17) not mother nature. And this website will give the Creator glory for His gifts.

We aren’t doctors–though we love ours–so allow us to openly disclaim: We will not attempt to claim to diagnose or cure diseases, only God can do that. But we each have an obligation to care for ourselves through true health and wellness. We have found the best option in essential oils…the oils God created from leaves…that was His intention for us, Leaves For Medicine. (Ezekiel 47:12)

For more information or one-on-one training: Contact me at leavesformedicineLLC@gmail.com
Click HERE to purchase oils or join the Leaves for Medicine team. Upon receipt, we will contact you personally to guide you in using your essential oils.


© Rachel Lee Carter, Leaves for Medicine LLC