In the biblical story of Ruth, when she prepared to meet Boaz, she washed and anointed herself, put on her best clothes, and went down to Boaz’s threshing floor.1 Likewise, when King David arose from mourning his young son’s fatal illness, he “washed, anointed himself, changed his apparel, and went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.”2

What Anointing Meant in Biblical Times

In ancient times, anointing was an act of personal care, refreshment, and consecration. The word comes from the Hebrew sukh — to rub or smear with oil. People applied fragrant oils to their skin and hair to moisturize in a dry climate, cleanse, honor guests, prepare for worship, and mark special occasions. It was both practical and deeply spiritual. The same word family gives us mashiach — Messiah, “the Anointed One.”

Common anointing oils they used were:

• Olive oil as the base, which is skin-nourishing and was abundant in the region.

• Myrrh, a resin valued for fragrance and its preservative, skin-soothing properties.

• Frankincense, an aromatic resin burned in worship and also infused in olive oil.

• Cassia, Cinnamon, and Calamus plant parts were infused in olive oil and used in the holy anointing oil of Exodus 30:23–25.3

• Spikenard was infused from the plant's root. Its earthy, musky aroma was the precious oil Mary poured on Jesus' feet.4

These were plant-based preparations: cold-pressed olive oil infused5 with aromatic botanicals and tree resins. They were aromatic and medicinal. Olive oil is highly prized for skin health, and Frankincense and Myrrh have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The “perfumes” of ancient times nourished the body and delighted the senses. They were not overpowering, but rather subtle, and they spoke of cleanliness, not a perfumed cover-up.

What Is Sold as Perfume and Cologne Today

Modern perfumes and colognes are a different substance altogether. Rather than infused6 plant essences, most commercial fragrances are complex mixtures of synthetic petrochemicals. A single product may contain dozens, perhaps hundreds, of undisclosed chemicals hidden under the single word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the label, a loophole that protects trade secrets at the consumer’s expense.

Research has Documented Concerning Findings

• A systematic review published in the journal Toxics (2022) examined pollutants in perfumes and colognes and identified phthalates (used to make scents last longer), parabens, aldehydes, triclosan, benzene, toluene, styrene, and aluminum-based salts as common contaminants. The authors linked these to allergies, asthma attacks, migraine headaches, skin reactions, reproductive disorders, nervous system effects, and endocrine disruption.7

• Research by Dr. Anne Steinemann (University of Melbourne/University of Washington) found that fragranced consumer products emit more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some classified as toxic or hazardous under federal law, and that even products labeled “green” or “natural” emitted similar hazardous compounds.8

• A 2018 study published in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health found that over one-third of Americans report adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced products, including respiratory difficulties, migraine headaches, and skin problems.9

• Scent of Danger: Are There Toxic Ingredients in Perfumes and Colognes? “The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label,” reports EWG, which analyzed the Campaign’s data. “Among them are chemicals associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety in personal care products.” EWG adds that some of the undisclosed ingredients are chemicals “with troubling hazardous properties or with a propensity to accumulate in human tissues.” Examples include diethyl phthalate, a chemical found in 97 percent of Americans and linked to sperm damage in human epidemiological studies, and musk ketone, which concentrates in human fat tissue and breast milk.10

• Environmental Working Group’s article, Not So Sexy, reported, “When sprayed or applied on the skin, many chemicals from perfumes, cosmetics and personal care products are inhaled. Others are absorbed through the skin. Either way, many of these chemicals can accumulate in the body. As a result, the bodies of most Americans are polluted with multiple cosmetics ingredients. This pollution begins in the womb and continues through life.” “Numerous other products used daily, such as shampoos, lotions, bath products, cleaning sprays, air fresheners and laundry and dishwashing detergents, also contain strongly scented, volatile ingredients that are hidden behind the word “fragrance.” Some of these ingredients react with ozone in the indoor air, generating many potentially harmful secondary air pollutants such as formaldehyde and ultrafine particles” (Nazaroff 2004).11

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Those with multiple chemical sensitivities know the harm all too well.

When someone sprays their body with toxic commercial perfume or cologne, they affect not only their own health but also the health of others they come into contact with.

Folks who struggle with these sensitivities have reported to us that, unlike toxic scents, essential oils are well tolerated and, in some cases, help them avoid sensitivity issues in public around people wearing toxic perfumes, colognes, or body sprays.

My friend Annie, who introduced me to using essential oils, struggled with chemical sensitivities. Lemon and Peppermint helped her cope in public situations where she was frequently exposed to synthetic fragrances worn by people around her.

Many therapeutic essential oils have beautiful aromas that are suitable as perfumes and body sprays. We polled some of our customers on Facebook asking for their favorite essential oil “perfumes.” These essential oils and blends ranked from most to least voted, top to bottom and left to right.

Glass Perfume Bottles are a handy way to use essential oils for cologne and perfume.

Testimonies

Brandi wrote: “I am sensitive to chemical fragrances; they give me migraines: car fumes, air fresheners, cleaners, colognes and perfumes. But not a single essential oil has ever bothered me.”

Katie wrote: “I have pretty bad sensitivities to synthetic scents, not migraines or anything, but they definitely cause me to get mild headaches, lose concentration, and feel a bit sick (respiratory). I've used many different essential oils for about 10 years off and on, and I have never had any issues at all with any oils from Hopewell!”

Returning to God’s Design

The people of the Bible anointed themselves with botanicals that came from their gardens, oils and resins that healed, protected, and honored the body. Today’s fragrance industry largely replaces natural botanicals with laboratory chemicals linked to real harm.

For believers seeking to steward their health as an act of worship, take heed and return to what Ruth and David used, what Mary poured out in devotion. Infused13 botanicals, pure essential oils, and cold-pressed carrier oils offer anointing and fragrance the way our Creator intended — a blessing to the body rather than a burden to it.

We show respect, deference, and care for others when we avoid using toxic fragrances in public environments.

When we choose God’s natural gifts over man-made chemicals, we honor Him, and we do our part to keep His temple, our body, strong and healthy.

Many fragrant blessings!

Linda and the Hopewell crew

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Footnotes

With summer in full swing, the two most common issues we face as we spend more time outdoors are sun exposure and mosquito bites. This time of the year, we get a number of emails asking for our favorite solutions to both, so I’ll briefly cover these topics and, for those who’d like to dive deeper, I will post the extensive references below the main text.

Why we Avoid Sunscreen …

Our family lives on a farm, and while we love being outdoors working in the garden and tending to life outdoors with a busy family, we want to be wise about sun exposure but have never used commercial sunscreen.

"The Environmental Working Group says 56% of beach and sport sunscreens contain the chemical oxybenzone. The primary function of oxybenzone is to absorb ultraviolet light, but some research shows oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin. The Environmental Working Group and other toxicology experts believe that oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer."1

The EWG also warns consumers to avoid retinyl palminate. "A 2012 study by U.S. government scientists suggests that retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight (NTP 2012)."2

We boost our skin’s “internal sunscreen” with antioxidants from whole fresh vegetables and fruits, such as goji berries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. The relationship between solar UVB exposure, subsequent vitamin D synthesis, and the reduction of cancer incidence and mortality is substantially supported by epidemiological and clinical research.3

Regular exposure to UVB from sunlight, which in turn increases our vitamin D levels, actually reduces our risk of breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. Joseph Mercola, MD wrote, “For all of these benefits, the only risks of UVB come from overexposure. This can be greatly minimized by avoiding sunburn, not staying out in the sun too long, and eating a healthy diet (full of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables). What you may not realize is that the amount of antioxidants that you have in your skin plays a major role in your development of sunburn. The more antioxidants you take in, the lower your risk of sunburn. Additionally, omega-3 fat deficiencies are a far more significant risk factor for deadly skin cancers than sun exposure. There is a good deal of evidence that sun exposure without sunburns actually decreases your risk of melanoma.”456

Our Sunshiny Day Spray is formulated with high-quality components and has been effective protection against burning when out in the sun for long periods. Included in this blend is our unrefined Tamanu (Foraha) oil, which has a rich nutty scent. It has antibacterial properties, is soothing for burns, insect bites/stings, eczema, wounds, and is safe internally (although we don’t suggest that you ingest it!). Natives have used Tamanu topically for hundreds of years to promote smooth, healthy skin. In addition to Tamanu oil, Sunshiny Day has Calendula infused in organic olive oil, Pomegranate Seed oil, Hemp Seed oil, and Avocado oil. While not a sun “screen,” the oils in the blend have potent antioxidant properties and help us tan rather than burn. The essential oils of Lavender, Manuka, Marigold, and Patchouli are noted to be beneficial to the skin, including burns.

Carrier Oils in Sunshiny Day Spray with Antioxidant Properties (listed most to least)

1. Calendula-infused Olive Oil (Highest phenolic and carotenoid content)

2. Pomegranate Seed Oil (Exceptionally high specialized polyphenol and punicic acid activity)

3. Hemp Seed Oil (Good tocopherol content, though limited by polyunsaturated stability)

4. Avocado Fruit Oil (Nourishing and protective, but lower total free-radical scavenging capacity relative to the others)

We suggest that Sunshiny Day Spray be applied frequently or at least every couple of hours, including before and after swimming. It is not waterproof or a sun “screen.” It is a skin-nourishing and safe alternative to toxic sunscreens. The mother of a young baby sums up the testimonies of many: “My baby has red hair and is very fair-skinned, and we are very happy with how well this blend works for us. No worries; no burns!”

WHAT ABOUT THOSE PESKY MOSQUITOES?

Everyone agrees that mosquitoes can be troublesome unless you use something to deter them. Many of the commercial insect repellents contain DEET¹ (which has been shown to be toxic and even caused deaths of children) and/or other undesirable components. The undesirable smell of commercial repellents is another reason to dislike them. Not only do the insects stay away, but we don’t even care to be around ourselves!

If you’d like to enjoy the outdoors and not smell like citronella, our No Bites! blend of 100% high-quality essential oils in a coconut oil base may be a welcome addition to your summer. It has a pleasant, mild vanilla scent, and yet it is the most effective anti-mosquito blend we’ve ever used. We offer No Bites! and No Bites+Geranium, which has an extra punch to deter ticks, in a 1-oz or 2-oz spray.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe summer!

Linda

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Deep-Dive Footnotes …

The Guardian recently reported: "Despite fire activity that has largely stayed below Canada's record 2023 levels, this summer's smoke drift has been unforgiving. Billows of thick gray haze and hazardous air have blanketed more than 20 states, from Minnesota, Michigan and the Great Lakes to New York City and the mid-Atlantic."

Our hearts go out to all of those affected by these fires and the smoke that has blanketed this large area. We received the following testimonies and thought they might be helpful and encouraging for anyone struggling with air quality, not only with smoke from fires, but with similar issues as well.

Tina wrote: Recently we were heavily covered over with suffocating smoke from forest fires here in the NW. It has been around for weeks. For four days our air quality was deemed “hazardous.” No one went outside, and it was painful to breathe. Even though we had the house shut up tightly and didn’t go outside, my husband and I both acquired a cough, burning eyes, and throats. Finally, I realized that I should diffuse Lung Support all day long, and then we both felt so much relief. It helped the indoor air quality immensely, but mostly the way we felt improved. We could breathe more easily, our eyes and throats were better, and the cough went away. It was just what we needed to feel better.

Kari wrote: We also had horrible air quality last week, and Lung Support saw me through (I have asthma). I am so thankful because I did not have my inhalers.

Rebecca wrote: We have been diffusing as well! Thankfully the wind shift has given us some relief (hoping and praying the fires are out soon for the sake of the firefighters and those poor people affected), but on the days where it was so incredibly bad, the essential oils definitely helped. We are so grateful for our Hopewell Oils!!!

Christa: The wildfire smoke has badly affected the air quality. We’ve found that diffusing Plague Defense is very helpful.

Susie wrote: We love Lung Support! We don’t live near the wildfires, but we have used Lung Support and Purify for issues with smoke. One time when the fireplace backed up and filled the house with smoke, it was amazing how quickly diffusing helped with air quality! Also, where we live now, people can burn leaves, which makes it hard for me to breathe. I have kept a sample size of Purify with me when I’ve taken a walk and encountered someone burning. A dab on my collar makes a world of difference! Same thing if I encounter someone with perfume.

If you are in the midst of this smoky location, there are a number of oils/blends that may help. Diffuse something you have on hand, and let us know how it works for you.

Take care, everyone - our prayers are with you!

Linda and the Hopewell crew

Our website: HopewellOils.com

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In the southwestern wetlands of Australia, a unique wetland ecosystem is home to a botanical treasure. Native Agonis fragrans plants yield one of the most remarkable essential oils known to aromatherapy. This versatile plant thrives in a region largely untouched by industrial agriculture. Here, these delicate white flowers and aromatic leaves thrive.

Fragonia® essential oil gets its name from the scent of both its leaves and the oil itself. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, along with familiar plants like tea tree and eucalyptus. It is steam-distilled during the short, hot summer, when its concentration is highest in the leaves and branches.

John and Julie Law introduced Fragonia in the early 2000s, inspired by their interest in the healing potential of Australian plants. Their research and development led to its commercial availability. It quickly attracted attention for its unique aromatic profile and potential health benefits. Dr. Daniel Pénoël described Fragonia’s structure as the “Golden Triangle,” a beautiful, gentle, versatile balance of chemistry that supports numerous therapeutic applications, and its pleasant aroma and potential health benefits make it a popular choice among aromatherapists.1

Studies show that Fragonia has properties similar to those of tea tree oil, but its lighter, more pleasant, floral, citrus scent makes it a popular alternative. Its gentle properties make it suitable for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, those with sensitive skin, and children over 3 years when appropriately diluted.

Respiratory Health

As a gentle expectorant and decongestant, it helps clear mucus. It soothes irritated airways, making it great for steam inhalation and chest rubs without the harshness of eucalyptus or strong cineole-rich oils.

Inflammation, Pain, Muscles, Joints

It has powerful anti‑inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and its balanced composition helps reduce inflammation and soothe muscle and joint discomfort, as well as minor skin irritation and swelling.

Immune Function

Fragonia is widely recognized for helping support immune function. It can be used more frequently than stronger oils and is especially effective when used for gentle lymphatic massage.

Stress and Anxiety

Its calming and uplifting light, floral and citrus aroma, helps lift your mood, supports emotional balance, and can ease feelings of mental fatigue or overwhelm. Many users report that Fragonia helps reduce jet‑lag symptoms and supports shift workers in resetting their body clocks, making it a unique travel and circadian regulator in aromatherapy.

Skin Care

Fragonia excels as a gentle choice for skin care and can soothe acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives, diaper rash, and more. It also makes an invigorating tonic for the scalp and hair.

Fragonia Inhaler

We offer a Fragonia nasal inhaler to introduce this wonderful essential oil to anyone who wants to give it a try for very little investment.

We hope you will enjoy this beautiful essential oil as much as we do!

Linda and the Hopewell crew

Since 2016, Ellen has reported 100% success keeping ticks at bay. The little bloodsuckers wait for her like an army at the door... until she steps out with No Bites! on. The ONLY time she found a tick? When she forgot to apply it.

Her secret: 2mL Geranium essential oil mixed into 1oz No Bites!. She calls it the best product she’s ever used and highly recommends it!

… a couple of chigger testimonies

I have a large yard that is full of chiggers every summer. I also have a pond nearby that attracts mosquitoes and is an ideal breeding ground for them. I have had very good success using No Bites! When I’m out feeding the chickens or the other animals and forget to apply the No Bites!, within a day, I am covered with chigger and mosquito bites. This is the best mosquito/chigger spray I have ever used, and the aroma is wonderful (not the typical bug-repellent aroma). I am very thankful that I can use a natural product that works, rather than a toxic one.

My family went to a neighbor's place to help build a chicken run, and I applied No Bites! to myself and our youngest child (age 10). None of the others felt the need to apply it, as there didn't seem to be a mosquito issue. What we didn't realize was that the place was loaded with chiggers! The only ones who didn't have chigger bites were our youngest child and I. I didn't expect No Bites! to be effective against chiggers, but after seeing how bad the chigger bites were on the others, I'm convinced it protected the two of us. Whew!

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer!

Linda and the Hopewell crew

Our family lives on a farm, and we love to be outdoors working in the garden or taking a walk as the sun sets, but pesky mosquitoes can be troublesome without using an insect deterrent. Many commercial insect repellents contain undesirable ingredients, such as DEET.1 And, many, if not most, insect repellents smell so undesirable that not only do the insects stay away, but we don’t even care to be around ourselves!

If you’d like to enjoy the outdoors and not smell like citronella bug repellent, our No Bites! blend of more than thirty 100% high-quality essential oils in a coconut oil base may be a welcome addition to your summer. It has a pleasant, mild lemon-vanilla aroma and is the most effective anti-mosquito blend we’ve ever used. As a bonus, it also deters the dreaded chigger.

Anecdotal testimonies report that No Bites! is useful for avoiding biting gnats, biting flies, mosquitoes, and chiggers. Some report this is an effective tick deterrent when they add 2mL Geranium to 1oz No Bites! It has become very popular, for which we are very thankful.

As with any product, what works well for many will not work well for everyone. We have posted every testimony - the good and the bad - so you can decide if you’d like to give it a try.

No Bites! - read more details and testimonies (For the best user experience, log in to your Hopewell account before viewing the page.)

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer.

Linda and the Hopewell crew

Have you ever noticed a distinct musty, greasy scent often referred to as “old person smell” and wondered what causes it? This odor is due to a compound called 2-nonenal, which forms when omega-7 fatty acid oxidation increases on the skin. It typically develops around age 40 and is compounded by reduced sweating, changes in sebum production, diet, and medications; it is unrelated to hygiene. The good news is that you can reduce the smell naturally with simple changes to your daily routine.

Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like mushrooms and berries into your diet is a good place to start. These foods combat oxidation at its source and help keep your body fresh from the inside out. Keep reading for effective tips to neutralize aging odors through diet, hygiene, and lifestyle adjustments that really work.

Natural Ways to Neutralize Aging Odor

Dietary Changes

• Mushrooms: Incorporate shiitake and oyster mushrooms into your diet. They contain antioxidants like ergothioneine that help reduce lipid peroxidation, which contributes to aging odor.

• Polyphenol-Rich Foods: Berries, green tea, and dark chocolate can help combat oxidative stress and improve skin health.

• Chlorophyll-Rich Foods: Include greens like spinach and parsley, which have deodorizing properties.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and maintain skin health.

Hygiene Practices

• Specialized Soaps: Antidotal testimonies suggest using soaps with persimmon extract, believing that these soaps target the root cause of the odor rather than just masking it.

• Exfoliation: Use exfoliating washcloths or loofahs to remove dead skin cells that can trap odors.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Breathable Fabrics: Choose natural fibers like cotton and linen for clothing, as they promote better airflow and minimize odor retention.

• Regular Exercise: Physical activity can stimulate sweat glands and improve skin health, helping to reduce odor.

• Home Care: Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated to prevent musty smells from accumulating.

By combining these dietary, hygiene, and lifestyle changes, you can effectively neutralize aging odor naturally.

Essential Oils with Deodorizing Properties

Essential oils with deodorizing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties may help mask or reduce 2-nonenal-based aging odor by combating skin bacteria and oxidation, though direct clinical evidence is limited.​

• Lavender: Neutralize odors without lingering; its antimicrobial action reduces bacteria that amplify the nonenal smell.​

• Geranium: Floral scent with deodorizing effects; supports skin balance and fights odor-causing microbes.​

• Palmarosa: Strong deodorizer similar to rose; effective against bacterial breakdown of nonenal precursors.​

• Rose Otto: Premium floral oil that deodorizes aging odors while promoting skin health.​

• Petitgrain: Citrus-woody aroma with fast evaporation and antimicrobial benefits for body odor control.​

• Eucalyptus: Combined with other extracts, shows potential to remove 2-nonenal in formulations.1

Essential Oil Body Moisturizing Sprays

Given that there are numerous essential oils that neutralize body odors, choose a pleasant aroma and consider making a moisturizing body spray, or choose one of our popular ready-to-use formulas. (The * indicates how many of the above essential oils are in each spray.)

Balance Moisturizing Spray *****
Briar Rose Moisturizing Spray ***
Citrus Quench Moisturizing Spray ****
Flower Garden Moisturizing Spray
Heaven’s Scent Moisturizing Spray ****
Little Flowers Moisturizing Spray **
Sleepy Time Moisturizing Spray
Strength Moisturizing Spray *
Sunshine Moisturizing Spray ****

DIY Body Moisturizing Spray

1 oz spray bottle
30 drops of essential oil of choice for a 3% dilution
Choose a carrier oil that you enjoy on the skin and fill to the ‘shoulder’ of the bottle

Room & Linen Sprays

Choose a pleasant aroma and make a room and linen spray, or choose one of our ready-to-use formulas:
Bright Mint Room & Linen Spray
Winter Cheer Room & Linen Spray

DIY Room/Linen Spray

190 Proof grain alcohol, such as Everclear, is the best solvent for the essential oil. If you use Vodka, it will separate and will need to be shaken with each use.
1 oz spray bottle
120 drops essential oil of choice
190 Proof Alcohol, such as Everclear: fill close to the ‘shoulder’ of the bottle

Growing older brings gifts of wisdom, perspective, and deeper relationships. As we accept the natural changes that come with age, a few simple shifts in food choices, daily hygiene, clothing, and home care can have a positive effect on how we feel.

Think of these ideas as gentle tools you can experiment with at your own pace. Small, consistent steps—adding more mushrooms and berries to your diet, staying hydrated, wearing breathable fabrics, trying a new soap or essential oil sprays—can add up to a noticeable difference over time. Our bodies are wonderfully responsive to care.

Credit for photos: Canva Pro

Fever? What should we do? The prevailing reaction to fever is to view it as the enemy and suppress it, but fever is evidence that your body is fighting. Let’s support His design.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” - Psalm 139:14 NKJV

Sniffles, sneezes, coughs, and fever are beneficial defenses. Recognizing their roles helps us avoid unnecessary suppression. Sneezing and coughing clear the airways of harmful irritants, while fevers help the body fight viruses and bacteria.

Fever is not a symptom to suppress; instead, it plays a beneficial, protective role in defending us against infection. Mucus is the body’s natural way to clear infection. We blow our noses, cough, and run a fever. Each of these reactions to infection is our friend, not our enemy! Coughing, though a nuisance, is the body’s natural way to clear infection from the lungs, while fever is designed to heat the body and kill the infection.

When we interfere with these natural, protective mechanisms, we remove the very defenses the Lord intended to help us heal and recover. We want to support the immune response, not shoot ourselves in the foot by dismissing our defenses simply as nuisances to mask, reduce, or suppress. Reducing fever and suppressing coughs may actually allow the infection to move deeper and become more serious, hindering recovery rather than facilitating it.

Susan Markel, MD, wrote: “The pervasive belief that fever is dangerous and must be suppressed disregards the scientific evidence demonstrating its beneficial role in inflammatory diseases. The immune system relies on fever to accomplish myriad tasks as it gears up to fight infections. Numerous studies have shown that fever enhances the immune response by disabling bacteria and viruses. Also, with a temperature rise, iron is removed from the blood and stored in the liver, further disabling the rate at which bacteria can multiply.” 1

Dr. Robert Mendelsohn wrote: “Fevers produced by viral or bacterial infections will not cause brain damage or permanent physical harm. Fevers are a common symptom in children and are not an indication of serious illness unless associated with major changes in appearance and behavior or other additional symptoms such as respiratory difficulty, extreme listlessness, or loss of consciousness. The height of fever is not a measure of the severity of the illness.” Scientific evidence does not support the practice of reducing fever. 2

Practical advice to work with your defenses …

• Stay hydrated

• Eat protein and micronutrients (zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, selenium)
  Eat real, nutrient-dense foods that supply immune-critical minerals and vitamins — especially with adequate protein.

  • Protein sources: eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, salmon, sardines, bone broth, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, lentils

  • Zinc sources: beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, eggs
    Low zinc results in a weaker immune response and slower healing.

  • Vitamin C sources: citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers (especially red), broccoli, Brussels sprouts

  • Vitamin A sources: liver (small amounts - it’s very potent, egg yolks, butter, whole dairy
    Vitamin A is especially important for respiratory and gut immunity.

  • Selenium sources: Brazil nuts (1-2 per day meets most needs), sardines, tuna, eggs, sunflower seeds, turkey
    Low selenium has been linked to worse viral outcomes with some infections.

• Limit refined sugar, especially soda, candy and fruit juice

• Don’t restrict calories aggressively when sick — Your immune system needs fuel to work.

• Vitamin C supplement to bowel tolerance. White blood cells can effectively absorb Vitamin C, provided there is not too much glucose in the bloodstream. It is essential for white blood cells to destroy pathogens.

Avoid “Comfort” Foods that Stress Digestion or Immunity

Children

• Sugary drinks and treats (soda, juice boxes, candy, sweet cereals): These are poor choices and spike blood sugar, may worsen inflammation and diarrhea, and displace nourishing foods.

• Fried and greasy foods (fries, nuggets, chips): These are difficult to digest and can increase nausea or stomach pain.

• Rich dairy treats (ice cream, cheesy casseroles) when congested or queasy: These can feel heavy and may worsen mucus or digestive upset in some children.

Adults

• Alcohol and caffeine (wine, cocktails, energy drinks, strong coffee): These promote dehydration and can interfere with sleep and immune recovery.

• Highly processed “easy” meals (frozen dinners, instant noodles, fast food): These are low in micronutrients and often high in sodium, sugar, and poor‑quality fats.

• Heavy, spicy, or greasy comfort foods (pizza, burgers, creamy take‑out): These foods increase gut irritation and inflammation when the body needs energy for healing, not digestion.

Hydration

While the body is fighting, be sure the patient rests and drinks enough filtered water and other liquids to stay hydrated. Our favorite is homemade bone broth (lightly salted), and we avoid drinks with sugar, including fruit juice. Recovery time is shortened when the body is adequately hydrated and allowed to put all its energy into fighting. Good hydration options:

• Filtered Water

• Bone broth (homemade or low-sodium, organic store-bought brands like Pacific or Imagine)

• Coconut water is a good option. It is rich in potassium and naturally sweet.

• Herbal teas (for a child, choose appropriate teas such as chamomile or weak ginger)

• Electrolyte mixes in filtered water, such as LMNT

• If a child refuses other fluids and you must give juice, dilute it by mixing ½ juice with ½ filtered water and administering small amounts.

High blood sugar can weaken the immune response, making infections easier to develop and more likely to persist.

Calcium Lactate Supplement for Fever

Dr. Ronald A. Saltman, D.C., wrote, “… fever is a built-in mechanism of repair. The muscles around the bones become warm in order to leach what is called IONIZED CALCIUM from the bones … The ionized calcium is needed by the body to activate white blood cells. Our white blood cells are our defensive cells that attack invaders of our blood, such as bacteria and viruses. The best source of ionizable calcium is [Standard Process] Calcium lactate. It has been shown to be very beneficial in overcoming and/or preventing calcium deficits.”

By providing a calcium lactate supplement when a fever presents, we assist the body by providing the ‘fuel’ it needs, greatly reducing or eliminating the need to leach calcium from the bones. We feel less achy and facilitate healing. In our experience with family and friends, taking Calcium lactate ‘amazingly’ eases the discomfort of fever, providing gentle relief that encourages your loved ones to rest and recover. The goal is not to reduce an effective fever, but to ease discomfort while allowing the fever to serve its role in the body’s healing process.

Dose for Children
Dr. Saltman wrote: “For children who are still on a bottle, two to four tablets (10 grains) can be dissolved in non-fluoridated, non-chlorinated water. The fluorine or chlorine in the water will bind with the calcium and make it not free. If you give your child soy milk, it will dissolve in it very easily. For older children or adults, taking it with juice or water on an empty stomach is preferable. These dosages can be taken every hour or two until the temperature returns to normal.”3

Tylenol / Acetaminophen - Exacerbates illness

This research is critical to understand. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) lowers glutathione, and “glutathione is essential for the immune system’s proper functioning and is vital in building and repairing tissue.”4 When people take Tylenol to reduce fever, aches, and pains, they may inadvertently hinder the body’s natural ability to fight infection by depleting it of a critical component (glutathione) that the Lord provides for healing.

American Chemical Society Glutathione Research Study
“When the antiviral activity of GSH [glutathione] is taken into account, individuals with glutathione deficiency seem to have a higher susceptibility for uncontrolled replication of SARS-CoV-2 virus and thereby suffer from an increasing viral load.” More studies are linked in the footnotes below.5

When Fever is an ‘Emergency’

While it is rare that a fever is truly an emergency, here are some warning signs that should be discussed with your health care provider immediately:

• difficulty breathing or breathing rapidly

• repetitive vomiting

• signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears, very little urine

• lethargy, hard to wake or loss of consciousness

• stiff neck

• severe headache

• twitching

• heatstroke-induced fever

• poisoning-induced fever

• fever over 102–103°F (38.9–39.4°C) that doesn’t respond to fluids/rest and lasts longer than 48-72 hours

• fever higher than 105°F

Hydration helps, but it does not replace medical evaluation when the above signs are present.

Children with fevers need special consideration, and it’s always best to discuss your concerns with your health care provider when you feel uncertain (such as a baby under 3 months with a rectal temperature over 100°F, or a 3-12 month old with an oral temperature over 102°F, or a child under 2 years with a fever lasting longer than 24-48 hours.) Robert Mendelson, MD, wrote: “High fevers do not cause convulsions. [Convulsions] result when the temperature rises at an extremely rapid rate and are relatively uncommon.” Research shows that febrile seizures are usually benign and do not cause brain damage. “Fever phobia, an exaggerated fear of fever in their children, is common among parents, who have a poor understanding of fever and little or no information about its beneficial role in diseases … Fever per se is self-limiting and rarely serious provided that the cause is known and fluid loss is replaced.”6

Essential Oils to Ease Fever Discomforts

These essential oils are known to have febrifuge (fever-reducing) properties and may also ease discomfort: Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Blue Yarrow.

Cool Compress

Pour 2 cups of cool water into a non-reactive bowl.* Combine 2-3 drops Roman Chamomile, Ginger, Lavender or Lemon (age-appropriate for a child) with a few drops of a carrier oil, then add this combination to the cool water. For an adult, consider also using Cajeput, Hyssop var decumbens, Peppermint and Spearmint. Stir well to disperse the essential oil. Soak a cloth and wring out enough water so the cloth doesn’t drip. Place on forehead, repeating as often as desired.7

Bath

Fill the tub with cool to lukewarm water, deep enough to cover as much of the body as possible. In a non-reactive bowl,* combine 1 tsp liquid castile soap and 1-2 drops Roman Chamomile, Ginger, Lavender or Lemon (age-appropriate for a child). Add to the tub along with a few slices of lemon and agitate to disperse. Bathe/Soak for 20-30 minutes, if possible. For an adult, you may want to consider using Cajeput mixed with 2 tsp raw honey.8
*By “non-reactive,” the authors refer to a bowl that will not react to essential oils, as plastics tend to. Choose glass, stainless or ceramic.

Homeopathy

These are the top three remedies our family uses to address an illness with a fever. We are not treating the fever; rather, we use the body’s symptoms to determine what it needs to facilitate healing.9
Aconite 30c - First sign of illness; sudden onset with high fever, pale, chilly, worse from cold, dry wind
Belladonna 30c - Sudden onset with high fever, bright red
Chamomilla 30c - the teething-fever remedy; child is inconsolable and irritable

Conclusion

Fever can be alarming, especially when it occurs in a child, but it most often indicates that the body is functioning as it should. Instead of focusing on reducing the fever, a supportive approach can help the immune system function as designed while ensuring comfort and safety. With proper hydration, gentle nourishment, and careful monitoring, most fevers can be managed comfortably at home, where you can support the Master’s design. We are truly “wonderfully made.”

*Photo credits: Canva Pro

Several simple citrus-based mixes work well as natural produce washes when paired with vinegar or mild soap. After using any of these washes, we always rinse the produce thoroughly.

Citrus + Vinegar Spray

• 1 ½ cups water

• ½ cup white or apple cider vinegar

• 10 drops Lemon essential oil (or 5 drops Lemon + 5 drops Grapefruit or citrus combo such as Tropical Trio)

• Mix in a 16 oz. glass spray bottle, shake, spray produce, let sit 5–10 minutes, then rinse very well and pat dry.​

Lemon + Castile Soap Spray

• 1 3/4 cups water (14 oz.)

• 20-24 drops unscented liquid Castile soap

• 10 drops Lemon essential oil (or 5 drops Lemon + 5 drops Grapefruit or citrus combo such as Tropical Trio)

• Stir, put in a 16 oz. spray bottle, spray produce, wait ~30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly to remove the soap residue (until the produce no longer feels ‘slippery’).​

Soak-Style Produce Wash

• 3 cups water

• 1 cup white or apple cider vinegar

• 10 drops Lemon essential oil (or 5 drops Lemon + 5 drops Grapefruit or citrus combo such as Tropical Trio)

• Add to a bowl, submerge produce, soak 10–15 minutes, agitate occasionally, then rinse thoroughly and dry before storing.​

Stubborn Dirt?

Baking soda serves as a gentle abrasive that can effectively scrub away stubborn dirt from tough produce like potatoes and root vegetables. Before applying your vegetable wash, sprinkle a little baking soda directly onto the surface of rinsed produce, gently scrub it clean, and then rinse again before using one of the recipes above.

What works well for you? I’d love to hear your comments and suggestions.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS!

What Oils Should I Take?
Kelley wrote: My husband and daughter do mission work in a remote village in Honduras. Their First Aid Kit contains the following essential oils and products from Hopewell Essential Oils:

Lavender (kills tetanus, stops nosebleeds, and a zillion other things)
Peppermint
Digestion Support (works FAST on stomach upset)
Tummy Soothe is a good alternative to Digestion Support and is suitable for children and pregnancy.
Lemon drop in water (not in a plastic bottle or styrofoam cup)
Pain-X (Ouch! is a good alternative suitable for children)
Plague Defense (on feet each night to prevent jungle rot)
Plague Defense Spray
Warrior (potent antibiotic replacement)
Immune Support is a good alternative for Plague Defense and Warrior for children and during breastfeeding and pregnancy.
No Bites! bug spray (AWESOME)
Peaceful ( anxiety/help sleeping)
DeepEase (sprains, etc.)
Itchy Rash Spray
Comfrey/Calendula Salve

Other products to consider:
Colloidal Silver
Pascalite (bentonite) clay
Diatomaceous earth (send in capsules to take daily - kills parasites)
Green pastures fermented cod liver oil/butter oils capsules (take daily for the immune system and internal sunscreen)
Astaxanthin (with every meal - internal sunscreen, protection from plane radiation, among other things)
Malaria Risk? To prevent mosquito bites, besides using a bug spray like No Bites!, take B1 (thiamin) and garlic oil supplements every day for at least 2 weeks before the trip and throughout the trip, as both B1 and garlic oil deter mosquitoes.

Some customers have mentioned using EarPlanes. These might be worth looking into.

Travel Sickness

Travel sickness may be caused by conflicting messages reaching the brain from the eyes, the balancing mechanism of the ears, and the stomach. It helps to look at an unmoving object on the horizon or, if you’re in a plane or on a ship, close your eyes. Peppermint oil has a soothing and calming effect on the stomach. Ginger is also well known for alleviating motion sickness. These can be used as single oils or combined. Use in a personal inhaler or on a handkerchief. Dilute and apply topically to the abdomen.
Homeopathy
Cocculus 30c
Nat Mur 200c

Travel Buddy

9 drops Lavender essential oil
6 drops Grapefruit essential oil
3 drops Peppermint essential oil
3 drops Ginger essential oil
Place the 21 drops of the Travel Buddy Blend on the inhaler wick. The inhaler is most effective when used for 2 days prior to travel and throughout the trip. In particular, use on descent during air travel.
The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele, page 323.

Travel Nervousness

Lavender and Geranium are used successfully by nervous travelers. For a list of more oils noted to help ease anxiety, see our Anxiety detail page.

Pre-Flying Nerves Tamer

5 mL Lavender
2 mL Bergamot
2 mL Geranium
40 drops Sandalwood or Cedarwood
10 drops Roman Chamomile
Combine into a 15 mL essential oil dropper bottle.
Roll-on Applicator: Dilute into a roll-on applicator at 5% (15 drops) and apply on temples, wrists or other pulse points.
Personal Inhaler: Add about 15 drops to the cotton wick. Use as desired.
The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele, page 320.

Jet Lag

• Jet lag occurs when your internal clock is out of sync with the new local time after crossing time zones, affecting sleep, hormones, digestion, and alertness.​

• Because the core issue is circadian disruption, strategies such as adjusting sleep times before travel, getting daylight at your destination, taking short daytime naps, and possibly using timed melatonin are central to reducing jet lag.

When you arrive at your destination, force yourself to stay awake and go to bed at the local bedtime. Before you sleep, have a bath or shower and add 1 drop of each Lavender and Geranium essential oil (or try Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage or Neroli) to a soapy washcloth. Alternatively, put a small amount of carrier oil in the palm of your hand, add 1 drop each of Lavender and Geranium, and apply the oil to your lower back and hips to relieve aching and tension from sitting for long periods. This may alleviate symptoms, but for the best results, continue using the oil over a couple of days.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood, page 122.

Stay Hydrated

• Long flights are very dehydrating due to dry cabin air, and dehydration can worsen fatigue, headaches, and poor sleep quality, making jet lag feel more intense.​

• Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after flights should lessen travel fatigue and help your body cope better with time-zone changes.
  

Bedbug Deterrent

• When we enter the hotel room, we don’t place anything on the floor. I quickly clean the luggage rack and counters available with my DIY Linen Spray, Plague Defense Spray or Klean Hands Spray if it seems appropriate. I don’t want to risk harming the furnishings, so when in doubt, I’ll go to plan B and use a damp rag with a little soap. Then, we set our belongings on these cleaned surfaces.

• I use Plague Defense Spray or Klean Hands Spray on door knobs, clean the bathroom, and so on.

• I pull back the sheets and spray the bottom sheet with Plague Defense Spray. Then I pull the top sheet back up to remake the bed and flip it over the bedspread so we don’t have to touch it while sleeping. If we don’t bring our own pillows, I spray the pillows.

• I usually take a diffuser and run Plague Defense through it. I set it close to the AC so that the EO molecules are blown into the room.

• If possible, we do all of this and then leave the diffuser running on high output while we go to dinner or run errands for an hour or so. I set the diffuser to normal use once we return.

• We never walk on the floor barefoot! We pack sandals or crocks.
  

DIY Linen Spray

To create your own spray, this is a basic formula. For spraying beds, you might want to increase the amount of essential oil used. I think alcohol may be a positive factor in deterring bedbugs.
1oz spray bottle
120 drops of essential oil of choice
Everclear to the ‘shoulder’ of the bottle
There are likely many essential oils with ‘insecticidal’ properties—Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender and Peppermint are good choices. I like Spearmint, Lavender, Peppermint and Cinnamon Bark as a combo.

Valerie Worwood, in The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (page 132), wrote:
“ To deter bedbugs and fleas, when you arrive at your destination, pull back the bedclothes and add Lavender oil to a tissue and wipe it over the mattress. You might also want to drop Lavender oil onto the bedding. If bitten, the important factor is to avoid infection. Bathe the bitten areas and apply neat Lavender. Alternatively, dilute 3 drops of thyme linalol in cider vinegar and apply over the bitten area. Eucalyptus radiata is another option - use as you would Lavender.”

Paula wrote: Our family uses Plague Defense Spray for everything - an all-purpose sanitizer, throat spray, room freshener, etc. I keep one spray bottle in my purse and have other bottles around the house. This stuff is amazing! I must share that my favorite use for Plague Defense Spray is to kill bugs. We unknowingly brought home bed bugs after a vacation, and this spray eliminated them with one thorough application on and around the bed! So much safer than toxic pesticides, and it smells wonderful. It is also great for killing wasps and other unwanted creepy crawlies.

Sleep Easy

30 drops Lavender essential oil
30 drops Geranium essential oil
30 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
In a 5 mL glass dropper bottle, combine Lavender, Geranium and Roman Chamomile essential oils. Shake to blend. Dilute with carrier and apply as desired.
The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele, page 324.

Travel Wipes

2 drops Lavender essential oil
2 drops Ginger essential oil
2 drops Thyme linalool essential oil
2 drops Tea Tree essential oil
4 drops Lemongrass essential oil
Use 2-3 drops of the blend on about 10 damp paper towels, then seal them in a resealable bag [such as a ziplock baggie]. You may not need all the tissues for a single journey, but they’re useful to have ready for buses, taxis, and trains too. The wipes smell good and have antimicrobial properties. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood, page 121.
(HEO note: Consider using reusable cotton fabric squares)

Citrus Quench Hand Cleanser for hands, etc.

Children

On long flights, children can get fidgety and irritable - which can make your journey as uncomfortable as theirs. Prepare a bottle containing 5 drops of Roman Chamomile in 1 tablespoon of a light carrier oil. If things start to get out of control, massage the child’s feet and legs with a little of the oil, tuck a blanket around them, and hopefully they’ll soon settle down. Only use a tiny portion of the oil - it may also come in handy for other vacation problems.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood, page 121.

Toddler Tamer

Children can get very over-excited, tired, and cranky when traveling. Diluted at 0.5%, this blend is suitable for 3-month-old babies and older.
4 tsp Grapeseed or Sweet Almond oil
3 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
2 drops Lavender essential oil
In a 1-oz glass bottle, combine Grapeseed oil and Roman Chamomile and Lavender essential oils.
Inhalation: Apply a small amount of Toddler Tamer to a tissue and encourage the child to inhale. This should have a calming effect.
Massage: Gently massage the child’s feet and legs to soothe.
The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele, page 322.

Swollen Ankles

There are two methods for dealing with swollen ankles, which can become particularly troublesome on long flights. Both work equally well and need preparation in advance. First, you will need a piece of cotton - a small handkerchief is perfect - for making a compress. Put 2-3 drops of Lavender on the material, then wet it so it’s just damp. Fold it and put it in a small resealable bag to carry with you on the journey. When your ankles swell during the flight, apply the compress to your feet and ankles, then gently massage them upward to the bottom of the calf, both back and front, for a few minutes. For the second method, massage your feet and ankles upward, as above, using a Lavender and/or Eucalyptus radiata formula diluted with Aloe Vera.
The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele, page 324.

Testimonies

1. My husband and daughter traveled to Honduras, and my daughter traveled to Israel last summer, and they didn’t have any issues with taking essential oils on the airplane. Just make sure your liquids follow the size rule and are in quart-size ziplock bags (each bottle must be under 3.4 oz). They pack refills in their checked luggage if they think they will need more. - Kelley

2. I have not heard of any problems from people traveling via airlines with essential oils. Consider making a hand sanitizer with Aloe Vera and essential oils. There’s a recipe at the end of this article: Is the Obsession with Antibacterial Products Harmful? Natural Alternatives to Triclosan and Other Toxic Chemicals ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!

3. I would like to assure you, as a physicist, that it is unnecessary to be concerned about essential oils being X-rayed at the airport because of the time that the oil is exposed to ionizing radiation. If the oil is irradiated for a long time, say a few hours, there could be some degradation. The most vulnerable molecules to radiation will be the top notes, the smallest molecules in your oil, which usually leave our bodies in the quickest time and have less therapeutic value.

May all your travels be blessed,
Linda and the HEO crew!

🎁 USPS Delivery 🎁

Packages sent by December 16th: This is the last day USPS “expects” to deliver a Ground Advantage package before Dec 25th. There are no guarantees, and at this time of year, the USPS may struggle with the extra volume and make more mistakes.

🎁 Gift Certificates will be available during our closed time.

🕊️ We wish you a very blessed celebration of the greatest Gift!

Many blessings!

Linda and the Hopewell Crew

Hopewell Gift Certificate

Hopewell Essential Oils Website

We are especially thankful for you and your encouragement throughout the year!

May this season of gratitude, love, and joy be very blessed, and may your celebration of the greatest Gift be very special!

Linda & Crew

We will be closed from December 17th through the New Year. To ensure we can meet your oil needs before we close, please place your order by Monday, 15th. Thank you for understanding!

May this season of thankfulness and joy be very blessed,

Linda & Crew

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~ A Few Festive Ideas ~