Essential oils have been woven throughout history for thousands of years. Throughout the ages, essential oils have been used to provide support for the body, mind, and spirit. Many people today, all over the world, find essential oils to support them in wonderful ways. This post is going to cover some of the what, where, and how of essential oils. Additionally, I will include some safety tips and provide an overview of how to get started with your essential oil stash.
Essential oils are aromatic substances that contain the natural unique smell of the plant and are often named after the plant. In other words, essential oils are the essence of plants – it is what gives them their unique scent! But, essential oils are so much more than a pretty smell. When carefully extracted from botanicals such as flowers, herbs, trees, and rinds of fruit they can provide therapeutic benefits. Every aspect of your daily life can benefit from a drop or two of your favorite essential oils! Now that you know what essential oils are, we can cover how to use them.
One of the neat things about essential oils is that they can be used in a variety of ways. There are three main ways to use essential oils: aromatically, topically, and internally. And within these ways, there are multiple ways to use them.
Your sense of smell is powerful. When the scent of essential oils is inhaled, the scent travels from the nerves in your nose to your brain. The information that your brain receives from your nose will determine your response to the scent. This could activate your immune center, change your blood pressure, affect your digestion, trigger your memories, evoke your emotions, and an entire host of responses. Inhaling essential oils can also affect your body temperature, sleep regulation, metabolism, adrenaline, and hormones.
When essential oils are applied topically, they absorb through the skin, into the muscle, and then into the bloodstream. Since blood circulates through the entire body, essential oils can deliver a wide range of benefits throughout the body. Some examples are they can soothe fatigued muscles, support healthy skin, support clear breathing, and help with the feeling of tranquility. Massaging the area of application can increase absorption; because it increases circulation in that area of the body.
When essential oils are ingested, they are rapidly absorbed and able to support the body in targeted ways. Some of the body’s major systems include the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. Essential oils are not stored in the body but excreted through the skin, kidneys, and lungs. They only affect the body’s system and cells that the particular oil or blend supports. It is important to remember that not all essential oils are safe to ingest. Only ingest essential oils that are pure and labeled for ingestion. We use Young Living essential oils because they have taken the guesswork out of this. Young Living has created an entire line of dietary essential oils called the Vitality line. Each bottle is clearly labeled and has directions for internal use.
No matter how you use your essential oils, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way! Less is more– you can always add another drop if you need it.
Each bottle of essential oil should be labeled with usage directions. This is why it’s so important to get your essential oils from a reputable source. We get all of our oils from Young Living because every single bottle of essential oil meets the Seed to Seal promise. They also use exact testing for purity and safety. Their traditional essential oils line is intended for topical/aromatic use, while their Vitality essential oils are intended for internal consumption. This allows you to easily know which essential oils are safe for consumption and which are not.
It is important to remember that some essential oils are photosensitive. If you are going to be outdoors, do not apply these essential oils to areas of your skin that will get direct sunlight. You should avoid sun/UV light for at least 12 hours after application, or cover the area up before going out. You should keep in mind that the amount you use, and whether you dilute, will affect the concentration of photosensitivity. Using photosensitive oils at nighttime helps reduce the risks associated with these oils. All essential oils or blends that are photosensitive should be listed on the usage label. Some examples of photosensitive essential oils are: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot, and Tangerine. The best way to avoid a negative reaction is to follow the label instructions.
When using essential oils, it is important to dilute them. This will decrease any chance of skin irritation. You do this by adding a carrier oil to the oils you are mixing. If any discomfort or irritation occurs, you should discontinue the use of that essential oil, and add a carrier oil to the affected area. Never attempt to flush the essential oil off of the skin with water! Water drives essential oils further into the skin and eyes. If essential oil gets into your eye, flush with a carrier oil to alleviate discomfort. If the discomfort does not subside within 5 minutes, please seek medical attention. It is recommended to avoid contact with essential oils on sensitive areas such as ears, eyes, genitals, and mucus membranes. Remember that essential oils are potent.
When using essential oils with children, it is important to remember that they are more sensitive than adults. Some essential oils are strong; so be cautious or avoid them altogether. Some examples of strong essential oils are wintergreen, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Fortunately for us, Young Living has created an entire line of child-safe essential oils called Kidscents. The Kidscents line is for ages 2 and up. This takes the guesswork out of which essential oils are safe. It is always recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or lotion before topical application. Most of these essential oils are also great to diffuse. To help make things less complicated, here is a chart for 10ml roller bottles with proper dilution by age:
Remember to ALWAYS keep essential oils out of the reach of children!
As you may know, medications can interact with each other. Some essential oils taken internally may also interact with medications you are currently taking. Grapefruit is one of the biggest interactions you may have already heard of. You should always speak with a healthcare professional about potential interactions with any medication or essential oils you are taking.
If you are pregnant, it is important to check with your doctor to help decide what is right for you. Many pregnant women (myself included) have found amazing benefits from essential oil use. Many essential oils can be safe and beneficial to support the body, mind, and spirit during pregnancy. Some essential oils are safe to use aromatically or topically, but should not be used internally. It is important to do your research and do what you feel is best for you and your baby. It may take a little more effort to find what is right for you during this special time. However, it is very much worth it. Here are some essential oils that should not be taken during pregnancy:
For more safety details see here:
Remember that using too much essential oil can have negative results. It is important to always check the label on the essential oil bottle for proper usage. This will help you maximize the safety and benefits of the essential oil while minimizing potential reactions. Many times less is more when using essential oils. Dilution not only reduces the chance of reactions, but also keeps you from wasting these precious essential oils.
One of the challenges of beginning essential oils is knowing which ones to buy first. The best place to start is with a starter Bundle. I only recommend Young Living essential oils because I trust their purity and quality standards. Their starter bundle has some of the best essential oils for beginners in it. The essential oils included in this bundle were carefully chosen to support your body in many areas. AND it comes with a diffuser, so you can enjoy all the benefits of using the essential oils aromatically. It also comes with a few other goodies. Below I share some benefits and uses of each of these essential oils. Click the bottle to view the essential oil in the store.
Frankincense essential oil has long been known for its incredible grounding and healing properties. It also carries huge historical and spiritual significance. It has been known to enhance immunological function, beautify skin, and instill emotional serenity. This essential oil is a must-have for every home because of its versatility.
Frankincense Essential Oil Uses:
Lavender oil has been used extensively for thousands of years as a fragrant addition to baths and laundry. It has also been used as a culinary and medicinal herb that is often added to perfumes, massage oils, and facial care products.
Lavender Essential Oil Uses:
Lemon Vitality essential oil has a fresh, citrusy flavor that can be used to enhance the flavor of food and beverages. In addition, it provides immune support and antioxidant properties when taken internally.*
Lemon Vitality Essential Oil Uses:
You can use Peppermint Vitality essential oil to enhance the flavor of food and beverages. When you take it internally, Peppermint Vitality supports healthy digestive function and gastrointestinal comfort. Peppermint Vitality may help alleviate your motion sickness and calm occasional stomach discomfort.
Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil Uses:
Citrus Fresh Vitality essential oil blend combines; Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Tangerine, Lemon, and Spearmint. These essential oils contain antioxidants and provide cleansing properties when taken internally.
Citrus Fresh Vitality Essential Oil Uses:
DiGize Vitality essential oil blend combines Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Fennel, Lemongrass, Anise, and Patchouli. This Blend contains antioxidants and may support the digestive system when taken internally.
Digize Essential Oil Uses:
Thieves essential oil blend is a powerful combination of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils. This blend was created from research recorded in the archives of the British Museum library about a group of 14th-century European perfumers and spice traders. These perfumers and spice traders rubbed oils on themselves while they robbed the dead and dying. Thieves Vitality offers the key benefits of overall wellness and support for a healthy immune system.
Thieves Vitality Essential Oil Uses:
PanAway essential oil blend is a mix of four powerful essential oils: Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove, and Peppermint! These essential oils help soothe and relieve your tired muscles and tendons whenever they need a little support and TLC. The cooling sensation of PanAway makes it the perfect companion if you have an active lifestyle. Or you can use it to relax after a long day.
PanAway Essential Oil Uses:
Peace and Calming is a unique blend of Tangerine, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, and Blue Tansy. This essential oil blend will surely become a favorite for you and your family! It works so well to relax and calm emotions. Do you have trouble sleeping? This essential oil can signal to your body that it is in a safe space to release stress and calm down.
Peace & Calming Essential Oil Uses:
Raven essentil oil is a blend of five essential oils: Camphor, Lemon, Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus Radiata. Breathe easier and deeper with this cooling minty blend. When you diffuse or apply it topically it provides a conforting and refreshing aroma. This is a favorite blend to use during the fall and winter months when we fight respiratory distress and strain.
Raven Essential Oil Uses:
StressAway essential oil blend combines: Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Ocotea, and Lavender. This blend has an exotic aroma that will do exactly what the name says! It will support your body to help you achieve a happy and positive day. You will love this luxurious blend in your diffuser after a long day.
Stress Away Essential Oil Uses:
Valor essential oil blend features: Frankincese, Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, Camphor Wood, and Geranium. It is an incredible blend that can help instill feelings of courage and confidence. To sum up the benefits of Valor in word it would be: Balance! It is the ultimate diffuser oil with its deep grounding fragrance.
Valor Essential Oil Uses:
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