Essential oils have become increasingly popular which has lead to increasing confusion. The industry seems overwhelming, therefore many people don’t know where to start. I am here to share with you what I have learned because I am using oils daily to support my body mentally, physically, and emotionally. Medication has a necessary place at times, but we should be supporting our bodies with exercise, healthy food, essential oils, and supplements. As a result of properly supporting our bodies, we can help decrease health issues and medications later in our lives. In this guide to essential oils, I am sharing the basics of oils to give you a foundation of knowledge to help you grow in your journey.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic liquid that is extracted from plants through distillation, cold pressing, or resin tapping. The various parts include flower petals, citrus peels, grasses, tree barks, and resins.
To learn more, check out these books: Essential Oils for Beginners, Essential Oils Pocket Reference, Healing Power of Essential Oils, Essential Oils Natural Remedies
What Are The Benefits of Essential Oils?
Essential oils are used to help support optimal mental, physical and spiritual health. “The benefits of each essential oil are largely determined by the kind of plant it comes from and the chemical properties it contains. An oil might be cleansing, refreshing, or boosting to the immune system—among any number of other benefits—depending on its chemical profile and origin plant” (Source: Doterra). The list of health benefits is long, but some include promoting restful sleep and supporting your immune system.
How Do I Use Essential Oils?
Oils can be used in three ways: topically, aromatically, and internally.
TOPICALLY
– Neat (put straight onto the skin)
– With Carrier Oil (i.e. coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil)
AROMATICALLY
– Diffuser (place several drops in the diffuser)
The key to finding a great diffuser is to ensure that it is ultrasonic because if not the diffuser will be using heat which destabilizes the essential oils. I am attaching a few of my favorites here (1000ml), here (300ml) here (25oml), and here (90ml).
– Whif (open the bottle and smell directly)
INTERNALLY
– Use Vitality Oils (FDA approved for consumption)
– Capsule (place several drops into a vegetable capsule to ingest)
– Directly (place directly on the tongue if you can take the taste)
What Is A Carrier Oil?
Carrier oils are lipid-based substances that can dilute essential oils. A carrier oil aids in preventing skin sensitivities while not lowering the oil’s efficacy. This is good if you’re using essential oils on children, individuals with sensitive skin, or if the oil is strong.
Ideally, a carrier oil should be a pure vegetable oil as to not alter the chemical makeup of the oil. By not altering the chemical makeup, the efficacy of the oil remains intact and you receive all of the benefits the oil has to offer. Good choices are avocado, almond, olive, and coconut oils.
Where Should I Buy Essential Oils?
Firstly, essential oils are becoming increasingly popular which has resulted in them being sold everywhere (even Bath & Body Works, like what?). What many don’t know is that there are no laws governing the essential oil industry. Therefore, companies are legally able to label bottles as 100% pure even if there are fillers, chemical additives, and synthetics in the bottle. Companies do not have to disclose what is in their fragrance or essential oils because it is considered a trade secret. You need to purchase oils from a reputable company. Essentially, a company that can prove precisely where their essential oils are coming from and what is exactly in them.
If you are interested in oils, check out Young Living, Doterra, Plant Therapy (where I currently buy from), Mountain Rose Herbs, Revive, and Blue Labelle.
What Are Some Must-Have Essential Oils For Beginners?
Lavender: calming, grounding, sleep support, soothing to skin cuts and burns
Lemon: cleansing, positive aroma, and natural goo-gone
Peppermint: uplifting aroma, supports normal digestion, fresh breath
Panaway: supports sore muscles
Stress Away: reduce tension and encourage relaxation
Thieves: supports healthy immune function
R.C.: soothing when applied to the chest, support breathing
DiGize Vitality: supports normal digestion
Tea Tree: cleansing and I use a few drops with shampoo for scalp support
Breathe Again: supports the respiratory system
Tranquil: supports a good nights sleep
Deep Relief: supports muscle aches
Purification: cleansing and air purifier
I hope this guide to essential oils was helpful, but let me know if you have any questions below!
xoxo,
Ashley Welborn
Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide To Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
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