Incorporating Essential Oils into Our Everyday Life
These wonderful Gifts of the Earth have been used for thousands of years by civilizations dating as far back as the beginning of recorded history, for their medicinal and healing properties. As modern medicine and pharmaceuticals evolved, the use of Essential Oils began to wane. However, as more and more people today are seeking more natural, non-chemical alternatives for their personal care and household products, the use of Essential Oils is becoming increasingly more popular. In fact, it has become a multi-billion dollar industry!
What exactly are Essential Oils (Eos)?
Most plants have tiny little molecules found on their flowers, fruits, leaves, stems, seeds, and/or roots which give the plant its distinct aroma, flavor, secretions, etc. These qualities are what help the plant to survive, whether it be to attract pollinators, repel disease or predators, protect the plant during drought, or mend an area that is cut or broken. Likewise, these same qualities that protect the plant are also of great benefit to humans!
There is lots of science and years of research behind the how and why of EOs which I will post in a blog. For now, suffice it to say that these volatile aromatic compounds are changing the way people approach healthcare, and I believe it won’t be long before the majority of people will use them as a part of their everyday regime.
How do I use Essential Oils?
There are lots of ways to incorporate EOs into your life. Traditionally, we smell them! Hence, “aroma” therapy. But this is just the beginning! They can be applied topically, ingested (as long as they are pure, medicinal grade), and used as household products.
Not all oils are created equal! Know your oil brand. Many companies are jumping on the EO bandwagon, adding synthetics and fillers into the bottle to increase profits! Some companies source plants that are sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals, and some use artificial fragrances!!! UGH! If your oil bottle is marked “flammable” or “do not use internally” or “do not apply directly to skin” buyer beware! (And would you even want to breathe in a product if you don’t know what’s in the bottle?)
Let’s look at each of the usage methods in a bit more depth:
Aromatically: In a diffuser– 1-2 drops/hour of diffuser time (e.g. use 4-8 drops in a diffuser that runs for 4 hours); always use a “micro-mist” or “ultra-mist” diffuser (not a vaporizer or any method that would heat up the EO).
From your hands or body– apply to and smell from cupped hands, apply a drop under your nose or on the back of your neck (become a human diffuser!)
Diffuser jewelry-lots of fun bracelets, necklaces, rings, and key chains are available using lava stones, cork, or felt to hold the EOs. Check out our diffuser NeCollages!
Smell right out of the bottle!!!
Topically: Rub it on!- apply a drop or two directly to skin (we call this ‘neat’) or by diluting with a small amount of carrier oil (such as coconut, almond, jojoba) or an unscented lotion*.
EOs can be applied directly to areas of concern (joints, tummy, forehead) or to pulse points or the bottoms of your feet for more rapid absorption.
Internally: Add to water: add a couple drops to 4 ounces of water and drink
Veggie Capsules: add 1-2 drops to an empty veggie capsule* and swallow
Add to water bottle, smoothies, juices, foods, salad dressings, etc. When adding to a water bottle or cup, always use a glass or metal bottle or cup because some oils will etch into or break down plastics. Remember, these essential oils are very concentrated. . . a little goes a long way! (For example, 1 drop of Peppermint oil = 28 cups of peppermint tea!!) So use sparingly at first, especially in recipes. You can always add more!
Cleaning and household: Replace household cleaning products with Essential Oils! For pennies, you can make your own window, floor, and counter cleaners, toilet bowl bombs, vegetable spray, furniture polish, dryer balls, hand sanitizer, bug repellant, and the list goes on and on!
WOW!!
I know first-hand that Essential Oils can seem a bit overwhelming . . . even intimidating! – there are so many oils and sooo much information!! But that’s where we come in! My goal, and the goal of all the knowledgeable folks at doTerra, is to teach you everything you need to know about these amazing Gifts of the Earth. We offer workshops, Oil Camps, webinars, 1 on 1 training, Facebook groups, ZoomChats, books and brochures and lots more to help you every step of the way on your journey to better health through Essential Oils!
DoTerra guarantees only the purest, most potent Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils on the market. We are the only company allowed to put the Supplement label on our bottles of oils that may be taken internally (some doTerra oils cannot be taken internally due to the molecular structure of the EO, not because of chemical additives). Click here to read more about this amazing company!