Category Archives: Essential Oils

People strive for wellness in life.  “Wellness” can be characterized by not only the absence of disease, but by feeling generally healthy and being able to enjoy life.  How you feel physically and emotionally, determines the state of your overall health and well-being.

Poor lifestyle habits put people at high risk for many physical and mental diseases.  In addition, stress-related ailments, combined with a genetic predisposition, can trigger a health crisis.  Our culture encourages a dependence on doctors and drugs to heal these physical and emotional issues.

It is clear that negative behaviors and lifestyle choices such as poor stress management, inadequate nutrition, lack of exercise and sleep, smoking and drinking are major contributors to illness.

Modern medicine focuses on diagnosis and treatment, whereas a wellness lifestyle focuses on education, self-awareness and prevention.

Instead of merely treating the disease, the wellness lifestyle addresses its causes of the “dis-ease” in the body and assists the body in healing itself.

The wave of the future is to nurture the mind, body and spirit for optimal health. Ultimately, the key to wellness is to simply learn what serves the body, then restoring to the body what it needs for lasting wellness.

Besides a healthy diet, and proper rest, we must pay attention to what we put on our bodies as well.  In today’s world, we are bombarded with products for everything. Between skin care, makeup and personal care products, our bathrooms are packed with products for everything imaginable.

Unfortunately, many of these products are harmful to our health.  It may surprise you to know that the federal law on cosmetics and other personal care products have not been updated for nearly 80 years.

Some chemicals contained in cosmetics have been linked to many health problems, including allergies, asthma, headaches, skin issues, and even cancer.  The good news is that there are natural and safe options to all of these products through the use of essential oils.

Plant remedies, known as essential oils,  have been used throughout the world for thousands of years.  It is one of nature’s most powerful tools available to help the body heal itself.

We can use essential oils can be used every aspect of our daily lives.  Typical uses include cleaning, cooking, skin care, immune support, animal care, purifying the air and supporting emotional and physical needs of the body.

The overall quality of essential oils is extremely important when using them therapeutically.  The most important factor in selecting essential oils, is that are thoroughly tested and certified for purity and potency.

There are some essential oils that are popular for their many uses and are considered daily use oils.  Below I have listed my most used oils in our home and some ways you can use them.

Lavender

• Gentle enough to be applied directly to skin.
• Universal oil (can be used for almost anything).
• Add a few drops to a diffuser or to pulse points and over heart area for calming.
• Use as a natural perfume.
• Add a few drops to your body lotion to beautify skin.
• Make a natural room spray by adding a few drops of lavender and wild orange to a glass bottle with a tablespoon of witch hazel.  
• Add a couple drops to coconut oil or aloe vera to soothe a sunburn.
• Diffuse lavender in bedroom 30 minutes before sleep. Rub 3-5 drops on your neck , chest and temples.  
• Add a few drops to bath.  
• Improve skin complexion. Mix 3-4 drops with ½ tsp of coconut oil. You can also add lavender to  face wash or body wash. Mix with frankincense oil and apply to your skin in morning and night and after shower. 

Peppermint
Invigorating, cooling and refreshing properties

• Freshens breath.  Add a few drops to 8 oz of water for a homemade mouthwash.
• Soothe digestive issues.  Apply a few drops to abdomen diluted with coconut oil.
• Improves mental focus and alertness
• Diffuse 4 drops each of peppermint and wild orange for a focus blend.
• Opens respiratory airways. Diffuse 4-6 drops of peppermint and lemon. Inhale directly from the bottle or your hands.
• Boosts energy. Apply to temples and back of neck.
• Reduce hunger cravings.  Apply to temples and abdomen.
• Apply to area of concern with coconut oil for tight muscles or head tension. Make a homemade muscle rub with a small amount of coconut oil mixed with 2 drops each of peppermint, lavender and frankincense.  
• Invigorating shampoo.  Add 2 drops to shampoo.  
• For any rash, mix with lavender to cool and sooth any itch

Lemon

• Natural cleanser.  
• Oral health and remedy for bad breath.  Gargle with one drop of lemon in water. 
• Digestion.  Add 1-2 drops of lemon to your water. 
• Thirst quencher
• Detox and lymphatic cleanser – take internally or apply topically to ears and bottoms of feet.
• Stress – diffuse 4-6 drops with lavender to ease stress and improve mood.
• Concentration – diffuse 4-6 drops with 4 drops rosemary essential oil. 
• Degreaser and furniture polish – 10-15 drops mixed with water in spray bottle.
• Natural disinfectant cleaner – 20 drops lemon 20 drops tea tree, 1/2 cup vinegar   16 0z water for an all purpose cleaning spray
• Natural teeth whitener – 2-3 drops lemon oil, 1tbs baking soda and 1 tbs coconut oil. Rub on teeth for 2 min and rinse thoroughly. 

Tea Tree

• Acne face wash.  Add 2 drops melaleuca and lavender to your face cleanser. 
• Foot odor.  Add a few drops to insoles of shoes. 
• Household cleaner (see above lemon uses).
• Removes mold.  Spray on shower after use. 
• Spray on shower or in laundry, toilet or any area that has mold. 
• Mouthwash.  Add 1-2 drops to water and rinse.  

Frankincense

• Provides many health benefits. Enhances the power of any essential oil. 
• Add 4 drops frankincense and 4 drops lavender to the diffuser for calming. 
• Boost immunity.  Apply 2 drops to bottoms of feet morning and night/
• Aids in wound healing and scar repair. Apply 2-3 drops to the wound 2 times per day. 
• For youthful skin,  apply 2-3 drops diluted with coconut oil. 

Visit my doterra store to purchase these amazing oils and get your own wholesale membership account. 

If you have any sort of digestion issues, or just want to continue to support a healthy digestive system, essential oils are important to add to your routine. When using essential oils for digestion, they can be consumed or used topically on the abdomen or lower back. Let’s take a more in depth look at some of the best essential oils for digestion.

Ginger

Ginger is probably the most effective herb when dealing with minor digestive issues. It can ease nausea, soothe indigestion and help break down heavy meals. Ginger essential oil has a warm spicy fragrance and can be added to hot tea or diluted with a carrier oil and massaged onto the abdomen or lower back.

Peppermint

Peppermint has been used for centuries in many different cultures to aid with digestive issues. Peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect on the skin and feels very soothing when massaged onto the abdomen or lower back to help ease minor stomach pains or nausea. It also is delicious when added to hot tea after meals. Peppermint can also relieve minor headaches, so it’s a great oil to use to help ease the symptoms of menstruation.

Clove

Clove has a deep spicy fragrance and because of its soothing properties is known as one of the best essential oils for digestion. Clove essential oil can reduce inflammation in the intestinal lining, so it’s a great oil to use if you suffer from gas, bloating or frequent stomach cramps.

Oregano

Oregano oil has very powerful properties that work well on digestive issues. Because it is extremely antibiotic and anti-fungal, it can help maintain a healthy digestive tract when used regularly. Oregano essential oil can be placed in a vegetable capsule and taken daily. It should never be placed directly on the skin or in the mouth because of the burning sensation it can cause.

All these essential oils for digestion can be used together or separately to support a healthy digestive system.

Emotional health is a topic that has become more openly discussed in recent years.  It seems that many people today are dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed, anxiousness,, stress, and depression.  Often, these same feelings trigger anger, frustration, fear and grief. When these emotions begin to interfere with a person’s ability to enjoy daily life, damage relationships or affect their job, it is something that needs to be addressed.  

Therapy can be very helpful and just talking about these feelings with someone can help greatly.  Unfortunately, many people resort to medications first to help them feel better. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications come with side effects and are linked to long term health issues. Studies indicate that there is improvement for patients in the short term, but long-term benefit is not as effective.  

Essential oils can provide safe and natural support without negative effects.  First and foremost, a healthy diet can great impact mental health. Avoiding processed foods and focusing on whole, plant-based foods will have a positive effect on the mind and body.  Getting quality sleep and daily exercise are additionally important to restore and rejuvenate the body.

So how does aromatherapy affect your mental health?  As you inhale an essential oil, it triggers a response in the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for our emotions.  Certain oils can trigger different responses.

How do you use essential oils for improving mental health?  Simply inhale a drop or two of the essential oil right from the palm of your hand.  Rub a couple of drops together in your hand, cup your hands over your mouth and inhale deeply.  You can also use a diffuser. Keep it next to your bed or in the main room of your home. Add 6-8 drops of the essential oil of your choice to the diffuser and enjoy the aroma for the desired effect.  Another popular way to use your oils is to add a few drops to a small spray bottle with water and make a mist. Spray on to your pillow before bed or in the car on your way to work.

Lastly, you can apply the oils to your skin.  Rub a few drops over your heart, back of neck or bottoms of your feet.  Add a few drops of a “carrier oil” such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil to prevent any skin sensitivity.  

So which oils are best for mental health?  Here are my top picks:

1. 1. Lavender.  As one of the most popular oils, lavender is known to ease sadness, soothe anxiety, and promote relaxation and sleep.  Diffuse a few drops in your bedroom before going to sleep. Add a drop or two to your body lotion after a shower. Apply 2 drops with a carrier oil over your heart area and to your wrists to help with anxiety.
   2. Bergamot. Bergamot is a citrus oil that is known as a powerful mood booster.  Citrus oils are generally known for their uplifting properties. Bergamot especially can help reduce anxious feelings, ease depression and sadness and increase energy.  Add a few drops to your diffuser along with lavender or alone. Apply to bottoms of your feet morning and night. Be careful of citrus oils and going out into sun. Citrus oils are photosensitive, so avoid the sun for at least 12 hours after applying these oils.
   3. Frankincense.  Frankincense is known as the king of essential oils for all of its many healing properties.  It is also known as a spiritual oil and helps to calm the mind, promote relaxation, ease depression.  It is also considered a grounding oil which helps to promote peace and clarity. You an use frankincense during prayer or meditation.  Apply a drop or two to your pulse points. Add a few drops to your body lotion or anywhere you have pain or inflammation. Apply over your heart area when you are feeling sad or depressed.
   4. Wild Orange.  Citrus oils are mood boosting and help to relieve depression.  Wild orange is particularly energizing and helpful for anxiousness, fear, stress and nervousness.  Mix a few drops of lavender and wild orange to your diffuser for a “stress free” blend. Add frankincense and wild orange your massage oil.  
   5. Clary Sage. Clary Sage is best known for its mood balancing and uplifting effects.  Used often in women’s blend, it can help balance mood due to PMS and menopause, postpartum depression and anxiety and insomnia.  Add a few drops to your bath or at the base of the shower. Apply to ovary area during or before your monthly cycle. Add a few drops to your diffuser with wild orange and lavender for a beautiful, relaxing aroma.

Regular coconut oil has been popular for a few years now, but you may not have heard about fractionated coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil contains caprylic acid and capric acid, which are used in cosmetics. While you can consume fractionated coconut oil, it’s best used for a variety of cosmetic purposes because it’s odorless and colorless.

1. Moisturizer

Fractionated coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and absorbs quickly into your skin, so you won’t have that greasy feeling many traditional lotions leave behind. Frequent use of fractionated coconut oil as a moisturizer will give you the smooth, silky skin we all desire.

2. Carrier Oil

If you are using fractionated coconut oil as a moisturizer, you can add your favorite fragrance to essential oil. Not only does this makes your essential oils last longer, but it also let’s you take advantage of an essential oils benefits. doTerra recommends you use one-part essential oil to at least five parts of their fractionated coconut oil.

3. Hair Conditioner

Fractionated coconut oil can be used as a natural conditioner. By applying a few drops on a daily basis, you can use this oil to hydrate damaged hair for a glossy and silky-smooth appearance. For those with frizzy air or hair that easily tangles, fractionated coconut oil can be used to manage wild hair.

4. Makeup Remover

As busy moms and professional women, we tend to wear a lot of makeup. Instead of using harsh cleansers, you can use fractionated coconut oil to remove your makeup. It even works on waterproof makeup. All you need to do is apply some oil to a clean tissue.

These are just a few of the many uses for fractionated coconut oil. Many people like using it for massages, as a natural alternative to sunscreen, and as part of an exfoliating scrub. It’s a very versatile oil.  Get your bottle today on doTerra’s online store.

Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years. The ancient Greeks called it nardus. The herb was so important that it was even mention in the Song of Soloman as nard. It wasn’t until Ancient Roman times that lavender received a name closer to what we call it today. The Romans named it lavandārius from lavanda, which means things to be washed, because they would put the herb in their baths and on their beds and clothing. We continue to use lavender because it has several culinary uses, helps relieve the symptoms of many skin conditions, and is useful for aromatherapy.

When ingesting lavender, you must make sure you are using an edible essential oil because not all those available on the market are fit for human consumption. One way to make sure you won’t get sick is to go with a trusted brand, such as doTERRA, that will tell you which essential oils you can use internally.

If you love lavender, you may want to experiment with it in cooking. Lavender is very versatile. It can be added to almost anything to add flavor complexity and can be used in place of rosemary in bread and fish dishes. Many people also enjoy adding it to champagne or chocolate dishes. However, a little bit goes a long way. Using too much can make your meal taste bitter or like perfume.

External uses for lavender oil often have the user apply the oil directly to their skin. Lavender oil can be used to promote the growth of healthy skin and hair. It can be used to sooth small cuts, burns, bruises and insect bites because it helps stimulate blood flow. Many people have found success with using lavender to help treat acne.

Lavender essential oil can also be used to improve mood and provide a sense of tranquility. To get the most out of lavender, apply it to your wrists in the morning and rub a little on your pillow before you go to bed.

These are only a few of the uses for Lavender essential oil. For those who are unsure of which essential oil to start with, Lavender is a great place to start because there are so many ways to use it.