Gilley's Naturals

04/13/2026

Gold, frankincense and myrrh. Presents for....

Yes, you probably know. We know what gold is good for but what about the other two? Let's talk about frankincense today. Frankincense is a wonderful essential oil that smells like a combination of lemon, pine and a woodsy scent if you can imagine it. A 2019 study found that compounds in frankincense, incensole and incensole acetate, have the ability to activate ion channels in the brain to help alleviate anxiety or depression. Putting a few drops in your cupped hands and smelling it deeply might be all you need for relief from stress or immediate anxiety.

Dr. Axe says, "Studies have demonstrated that frankincense benefits extend to immune-enhancing abilities that may help destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses and even cancers. Researchers at Mansoura University in Egypt conducted a lab study and found that frankincense oil exhibits strong immunostimulant activity.

It can be used to prevent germs from forming on the skin, mouth or in your home. This is the reason many people choose to use frankincense to naturally relieve oral health problems.

The antiseptic qualities of this oil may help prevent gingivitis, bad breath, cavities, toothaches, mouth sores and other infections from occurring, which has been shown in studies involving patients with plaque-induced gingivitis." Plenty of ideas right there!

For your face it can help soothe irritation and smooth out skin tone and calm "angry" spots. I'm recently experimenting with the oil added to tallow for a facial moisturizer. Here's a quote that I especially gravitate to... "In a 2019 human model, researchers found that 4 weeks of frankincense consumption facilitates the acquisition and retention of motor memory in older adults with moderate mental status.” ;)

As an antiseptic it may be helpful in eliminating germs when used as a spray or wipe for counters, etc. A drop on your toothbrush may fight gingivitis and odor while cleansing and rejuvenating your brushing. When using it topically, add to coconut, jojoba or shea butter for best results and always be sure to use an undiluted, pure grade oil. Like this!https://gilleysnaturals.square.site/product/Frankincense-Essential-Oil/29?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=KI7YLBBTE7KOGJSP3EZF6ZIM

04/08/2026

Do you see dandelions yet? If not now, it will be soon, sooner than you probably want. We go to great lengths to rid our beautiful lawns from them but wait!!

This is one of those things you may harvest in spring and enjoy the whole year. Helpful because they provide Vitamins:​ A, C, E, K and B.
Minerals: such as Potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and Prebiotic fiber, mainly in the root. Have you ever eaten a yellow dandelion flower? OK, not as good as other edible flowers like violets (which may also be blooming now. I just dug and replanted some this morning) but you can make wine from them! Have any of you tried this?

People often consume dandelion leaves, stems, and flowers in their natural state. You can eat them cooked or raw. The root is usually dried, ground, and used as a tea or coffee substitute. Here are some ideas to explore.
Fresh leaves: 4–10 grams daily
Dried leaves: 4–10 grams daily
Leaf tincture: 0.4–1 teaspoon (2–5 mL) three times per day
Fresh leaf juice: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) twice daily
Fluid extract: 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) daily
Fresh roots: 2–8 grams daily
Dried powder: 250–1,000 mg four times per day

I'm going to try some dandelion mead (recipe found here https://www.growforagecookferment.com/dandelion-mead/?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic) that also gives other mead recipes for flowers and herbs. Mead is a little different than wine in that it uses honey instead of sugar which appeals to me because I hope to raise bees this year. ;) I'm also going to start adding some young leaves to salads and will let you know. They likely seem to be bitter but we'll see!

Anyway, let's commit to trying some herbal remedies, infusions and natural homemade recipes for our health this year. What do you think?

Learn how to make dandelion mead with your foraged dandelions! It is similar to dandelion wine, but made with honey instead.

04/06/2026

Generally when it's cold out, you need some protection for that wind burn that suddenly rashes and gives you more red than ruddy skin color. Usually I'd advertise Cheeky Baby for that but now that it's warmer (at least for some of us, sorry MN) I have a new idea and testimonial for this handy stick.

It's almost sandal season (sorry again MN, it'll be months for you, sigh) and those poor heels need some attention. You can get a pedicure, sure, but to keep them up think about Cheeky Baby/Moisture Balm! Just a quick swipe over dry, cracked heels will make them softer and more attractive in those sandals that have been patiently waiting in your closet for this time of year.

I have a friend who SWEARS by it for really dry or tough places, especially feet. I gave her a sample of something else I was working on and no kidding, she still loves Cheeky Baby/Moisture Balm best. It will also work famously on very dry elbows and hands for deeper moisturizing and healing that lotion will be dissuaded by. Keep this handy stick in mind! Renamed several years ago because of it's many other uses than windburned cheeks, the new name is a better one with so many other things to use it for.

When the weather is cold or the air is dry and hot, both can chap skin and cause pain. This stick helps protect with Almond oil and nourishes with Almond, Mango, and Shea butter. Jojoba oil is regenerating for damaged skin and pure essential oils heal. Lavender and Frankincense soothe and repair any...

04/03/2026

When your immune system needs a little help or you want clearing of respiratory issues or you just need a boost, what do you reach for?

EUCALYPTUS OIL! It's commonly used in healing ointments, perfumes, v***r rubs and cleaning products. Why? Because it's natural, has no side effects and doesn't come with baggage that you don't need. After all, shouldn't products do what they claim without adding anything else?

Here's the rub (love that phrase)...Eucalyptus oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Eucalyptus it's also well known for its ability to fight bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and to help clear the respiratory tract of built up mucus. If you begin to have symptoms, try this. Add several drops to boiling water, throw a towel over your head and breath in the steam for any breathing or congestion issues.

To relieve coughs, dab a drop in a carrier oil to your chest and/or back of the neck. Want to try getting rid of a headache trying this? same instructions as above but on the temples and back of the neck. Diffusing a few drops helps kill the germs that hover around your home, especially helpful with children and all the things they bring to the house from school, etc., besides the myriad of papers... ;(

Where can you get this magic elixir? I thought you'd never ask!

As early as the 1880s, some surgeons used Eucalyptus oil during operations as an antiseptic and, by the end of the century, had become a mainstay in English hospitals to regularly clean catheters. Finally, in 1948, the United States officially registered Eucalyptus oil as an insecticide and miticide...

03/30/2026

I would like to connect with y'all (I'm in AR now so trying to get the lingo going) (in MN we said you guys, in WI we said yous guys, ha!) to better make posts.

What're you thinking about with health? What are you researching, wondering about, worrying about or trying to do better? Let's start a conversation bc it's not ALL about Gilley's Naturals. I know you have connections with other sites etc so no pressure but if you'd like to add a comment, I'd be interested to hear. And maybe we could get a community/tribe going to help each other sort things out.

What would you like GN to talk about? What would you lie to learn more about? What concerns do you have? Or do you just want to hear about GN products? If it's something personal, DM me but otherwise, how about taking a minute and responding here?

Let's make things matter!
Jill Gilley, owner and full time bottle filler, lol

03/25/2026

I was recently looking at the Calm Roll On ingredients bc it had been a while since I researched it. Ylang Ylang, one of the three essential oils, is said to fight depression and relaxes the body, perhaps driving away anxiety, sadness, and chronic stress. It also has an uplifting effect on the mood and may induce feelings of joy and hope. I think we ALL could use a little more hope sometimes, eh?

Ylang Ylang means "flower of flowers" and is even part of the recipe for Chanel #5. You can use it for a natural home freshener for stale air and upholstery by adding a couple drops with a couple drops of jasmine. For tension relief inhale 2 drops with 2 drops of frankincense and of course several drops combined with a citrus oil like orange or lemon is uplifting when it's a tough part of the day or you need a pick up. And here's one I imagine you didn't realize (I didn't), a few drop added to a small amount of aloe vera juice can be sprayed directly on roots to energize growth and stability of hair follicles. Who would've thought?

Don't forget, ALL the oils in Calm are really beneficial in your home. Putting it in a spray bottle and spritzing it here and there only adds to the calming effect. Add them to a diffuser if you like!

When you need just a minute of peace or stress relief, roll a little Calm over your neck or wrists and enjoy the blend of soothing aromatherapy essential oils. You could easily swap out the roller ball for a sprinter and have Calm Spray. Using undiluted oils, Lavender helps your racing mind, while Y...

03/16/2026

While we're talking about mosquitos, lets talk about keeping them at bay (or killing them outright by slow, painful means) ; (I meant keeping them at bay...). If you want to make your own repellant citronella may be your answer! But there's more to this wonderful oil.

It's also good for naturally repelling most insects, fighting free radical damage, combating bacteria and fungi, reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, parasite cleansing and even helping control pet behavior. Dr. Axe says, "According to the ASPCA, research has shown that a citronella collar (and this can be any strong cloth or leather collar saturated with citronella oil) can be at least as effective for eliminating barking as an electronic collar, and it’s typically viewed more positively by dog owners. You can also use citronella to keep your dogs off furniture. As a bonus, when you spray citronella on your furniture or linens, it keeps them free from bacteria, pests and odors."

A few drops in water (until it smalls strong enough to notice) may be all you need to find so many of these ideas useful.

Most often associated with repelling insects, Citronella is so much more. Even the Environmental Protection Agency has classified it as “a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action”! You know you’re safe using it on even the youngest in your family. It has been studied and found to provide ...

03/13/2026

Mosquitos! For all my friends in MN, my heart goes out to you. I know!! I heard a pest guy say yesterday that just a pop bottle lid of water in your yard can host hundreds of eggs that turn into the menace. Time to think about that?

I'm sure you've heard about all the chemicals and problems with bug sprays. AI told me this....

Some repellents contain DEET, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals may lead to neurological issues, particularly in children.
Ingesting or improperly applying repellents can result in toxicity and serious health risks.
Environmental concerns arise from chemical repellents, as they can harm beneficial insects and ecosystems.
Pregnant women should be cautious, as some ingredients may pose risks to fetal development.
Always follow label instructions to minimize risks and ensure safe usage.

I used to love and NEED the ones containing DEET and faithfully put the sprays on my clothing but even then, you have to wonder! When my first grandbaby Oriah was born, we had a trip to a remote camping place and she was a baby so what to do?! This was over 20 years ago and there weren't many options on the market. A lot of searching and the trip turned out to be the Research and Development I needed. Buggone Bug Repellant was born too!

Essential oils mingled with aloe vera gel juice, non-alcohol witch hazel for quick drying, vitamin E for conditioning, Essential oils of Lemongrass, Citronella best known for repellents, Cedarwood that has been used for literally centuries in India, and Eucalyptus, also very effective in natural bug products are the base for this effective spray. The great thing is that you can use it on children without a thought of safety.

Also in a stick form, we found this helpful rubbed on the brim of hats as we fished, worked on dog collars to keep the menacing bugs away and an old friend told me she thought it helped detract ticks on them too. Win win!

If you garden, hike or camp or even just walk outside this spring and summer (eye roll) give it a try to help keep your family and furry friends enjoying the great outdoors that you wait all year for. Literally, I know! Be safe AND comfortable.

Buggone Bug Repellent is the perfect spray for everyone in the family. Created for our first grandbaby, it's perfectly safe for children and may be used directly on the skin.All natural ingredients of Aloe Vera gel juice for conditioning skin, non-alcohol witch hazel for quick drying, vitamin E....

03/04/2026

The smell of Cedarwood is so amazing. Calming, grounding, rich in quality the essential oil is wonderful. It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antifungal, tonic, astringent, diuretic, sedative and insecticidal properties. Who knew a tree could be so amazingly helpful with so many things?!

Dr. Axe says on his website, "helpful in a wide range of common health concerns, including skin problems, hair loss, infections, stress and much more. In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this essential oil can even help naturally repel moths and pests from your home while discouraging the growth of mildew!" Do any of these environmental/health concerns ring a bell with you?

Probably 55 years ago I was in an early version health food store and bought a super tiny bottle of Cedarwood oil that at the time, was uncommon. My first sniff told me I'd found a treasure. I remember almost immediately feeling a real sense of calm and rest. It was weird. I recently ran across that tiny blue bottle and as soon as I opened it, that sensation washed over me again. Ok, no shaming about never throwing anything away allowed....

For skin care with acne, a drop or two in your moisturizer may help stop frequent breakouts. In shampoo or conditioner, a few drops again massaged into your scalp may stimulate hair growth or added to a carrier oil and massaged into the scalp may be helpful, and wouldn't your hair small incredible!!

Great against moths or pests, a few drops on a cotton ball or pad and tucked asway may discourage pests in closets or storage. Here's something I use it for often. A little in a diffuser in the evening may help with relaxation and calming after a long or tough day. If I had a store again, it would be diffused all day because of it's restorative brain properties. It is amazing blended with lavender, bergamot, frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli, lemon and orange oils or this blend combined with a carrier oil as a natural perfume. Or add it to your favorite lotion!

Here's a link to a very interesting, invaluable site for a lot more uses and ideas. https://draxe.com/essential-oils/cedarwood-essential-oil/

And here's where you can find it readily available from you-know-who.....https://gilleysnaturals.square.site/product/Cedar-Wood-Pure-Essential-Oil/26?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=KI7YLBBTE7KOGJSP3EZF6ZIM

Cedarwood essential oil benefits include helping boost skin health, promoting hair growth and relieving tension. Find out about more cedarwood oil benefits.

03/02/2026

You go somewhere and look down at your hands and soon it will be your feet in sandals....whose alligator skin is this?! They can't have gotten that dry since....

Spring always surprises me because things are so well covered all winter (long sleeves, pants, heavier socks) that when your body comes out of hibernation (hopefully you haven't had a baby or two like bears do) your beautiful summer skin is long gone.

Time for Bergamot Vanilla Mint lotion! Or Patchouli lotion from Gilley's! Both are almost greaseless and are without so many of the chemicals you don't want absorbing into your system. Bergamot Vanilla Mint is a soothing scent beginning with Bergamot essential oil, grounded with a touch of vanilla and invigorated with just a smidge of spearmint to make the smell pop. You'll besurprised soon after using it you don't have to worry about handling papers or things because it's been absorbed and doesn't leave THAT residue.

98% natural, clean ingredients make it a wonderful lotion to keep handy to use all day or slather on before bed. Do you enjoy the smell of Patchouli? Not that office worker who wore too much and made you gag but just a little whiff that gets noticed (and often complimented on, I know of many many instances). You'll be surrounded by old hippies, ha! Seriously, both lotions use the same nourishing base so it comes down to your preference in scents. We also have travel sizes for each one that fit well in purses, bags, glove boxes etc. Where do you need to remember to put it on?

02/27/2026

Let's talk a little more about Sweet Birch essential oil today. You may remember it's one of, if not THE favorite oil I've sniffed. Smells like Wintergreen! Have you ever chewed a wintergreen leaf in the woods? Amazing. The oil is slightly sweet but a little "muffled" minty if that makes sense.

Some of the most impressive points of this oil are the anti-inflammatory properties and help with pain relief for things that are caused by higher inflammation like arthritis or joint pain. Its easy to add some Birch oil to a good carrier oil like h**p seed or almond or coconut oil. OR, you can just order Deep Muscle Relief products from Gilley's (wink wink). 4-6 drops to a TBS of carrier oil is recommended.

Also anti-bacterial, you may add a drop to your toothbrush for help disinfecting your mouth and gums, especially helpful after or during illness. And your breath will be so wonderful!

I've added it to a diffuser for a calm and uplifting scent to a room, lifting spirits and getting away from the gloom of a cloudy day. Here's one I love, 6-8 drops added to Epsom salts and added to your bath. sigh. For congestion, a few drops added to steaming water can help unclog sinuses!

So who's ready?

Aaaaahhhhh, the uplifting, rejuvenating smell of this oil will soon become one of your favorites. Besides being a terrific anti-inflammatory oil for aches, pains, and muscular conditions, it does so much more. Try it diluted for topical pain!A v***rizer or bowl of hot water, it helps alleviate disco...

02/16/2026

Have you ever smelled Sweet Birch essential oil? The scent is akin to Wintergreen and is incredibly calming and reviving at the same time. How can that be you ask? It's uplifting and yet the scent grounds your spirit with it's slightly sweet and minty smell. It can ease your racing mind and helps if you feel "weak willed" according to one article I read.

Besides the effects it may have on your mind and mood, it has properties for helping with spasms and injuries working as a stimulant towards healing and fighting inflammation. Very helpful as a circulatory stimulant! We use it's "sister", Wintergreen in our Deep Muscle products for its healing and restoring properties. According to Bio Source Naturals it is "similar to cortisone, beneficial for bone, muscle, and joint discomfort as well."

Uplifting, just a drop inhaled in your hands can help open your mood and sinuses making you feel more invigorated and clear headed when you need your mind to rest. It's actually my favorite essential oil for just cheering your heart.

And here it is!

Aaaaahhhhh, the uplifting, rejuvenating smell of this oil will soon become one of your favorites. Besides being a terrific anti-inflammatory oil for aches, pains, and muscular conditions, it does so much more. Try it diluted for topical pain!A v***rizer or bowl of hot water, it helps alleviate disco...