Essential Oils: Their Benefits & Uses

Our use of essential oils began about 6 years ago, and mostly for aromatic purposes. We wanted a minimal waste, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic alternative to candles and began using essential oil diffusers instead! Candles are difficult to clean out after use, so they often just get tossed in the trash. They're also commonly made from paraffin wax (derived from petroleum or coal), which releases toxins into the air upon burning. Essential oils are much cleaner and better for the environment, but if you're going to use candles, soy wax is definitely the way to go! Soy produces less soot/ash when it burns, about 90% less than paraffin wax.

Over the years, we became aware of the additional health benefits that essential oils can have and started to increase our use of them during cold & flu seasons, as well as incorporate them into our household cleaning routine.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oil is defined as a natural oil, usually obtained through distillation which allows the oil to have the fragrance of the plant from which it was extracted. They can be extracted from various different plant parts, and they each possess their own unique properties and health benefits. They are extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways.

How Are Essential Oils Used?

Essential oils have been used by many cultures for centuries, since the start of recorded history. In the beginning, they were used as healing agents, ointments, and herbal preparations for medicine by ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian cultures. The three main ways to use essential oils are 1) oral ingestion 2) diffusion (aromatherapy) and 3) topical skin treatment. They're also commonly used in household cleaning products for providing a fresh scent, and for the purpose of eliminating dirt & germs.

Where Can I Find Them?

Essential oils can be purchased from many different distributors, but you'll want to find one that you trust and know to be sustainably sourced, as well as therapeutic-grade for the best quality. We purchase our oils from doTERRA, because of the manner in which they are sourced: fair trade & from the region in which the plant grows natively. Along with promising therapeutic-grade oils, doTERRA as a company has a strong mission of giving back to the community through their philanthropic work. When searching for the brand that's right for you and your family, do some research and find a company with integrity that produces a high quality, pure essential oil.

Our Favorite Oils & Their Uses

Different essential oils have different properties depending on their source/origin. Here are a few of our favorites! **Be sure to do your own research and consult your doctor about which oils are safe for you personally to ingest, inhale, and apply to your skin...each oil is different and it cannot be assumed that they are safe for every application...this is especially important if you have sensitive skin, live with pets, or have children in the home**

1. Oregano - contains compounds called phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids which have powerful antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Can be ingested or used in homemade cleaning products.

Aroma profile: Herbaceous, sharp, green

2. Rosemary - promotes hair growth, has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces stress, and improves blood circulation. Apply some directly to your scalp for a hair treatment, or diffuse a few drops for a calming effect. Can be ingested to support healthy internal organ function as well.

Aroma profile: Herbaceous, woodsy, peppery

3. Cilantro - has been studied for its possible cancer-fighting properties. It is rich in antioxidants, aids in digestion, detoxifies when ingested internally, and can be used topically to soothe the skin and reduce muscle tension.

Aroma profile: Fresh, herbal, sweet, pungent

4. Frankincense - can be used topically to help with relaxation and mood balancing, reducing blemishes, and rejuvenating the skin. Can be taken internally to help support cell function and healthy inflammatory responses, as well as support the liver and digestive system. Frankincense is known as the king of oils because of its wide variety of uses.

Aroma profile: Warm, spicy, clean

5. Lemon - an all-around clean, bright, fresh, and uplifting oil. Can be used in many ways besides the obvious aromatic and internal uses. You can even cook with lemon oil and use it in many homemade cleaning products. Lemon oil is high in limonene, a monoterpene that is found in citrus peels and used in many medicines. This oil can be photosensitive, so if you are using it topically, wait until the evening hours.

Aroma profile: Clean, fresh, citrus, bright

6. Lavender - has been highly regarded for its calming & peaceful aroma along with its therapeutic benefits. The most common way to use lavender is to diffuse a few drops to calm and soothe the mind or spritz a little on your pillow to promote a restful night's sleep. Topically, it can be applied to the soles of your feet before bed or added to your facial moisturizer for a calming effect.

Aroma profile: Powdery, floral, light

7. Peppermint - great for supporting healthy respiratory function by clearing the airways and making it easier to breathe. Also helpful for tired and sore muscles and can be taken internally to soothe the occasional upset stomach.

Aroma profile: Minty. fresh, herbaceous

8. Melaleuca - contains compounds like terpinen-4-ol which has been found to kill certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses. it also appears to increase white blood cell activity which aids in fighting germs and other foreign invaders. This oil can be used topically to treat bacterial and fungal skin conditions and promote healing.

Aroma profile: Green, leathery

9. Eucalyptus - shown to have strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which may explain its traditional use to treat respiratory ailments. It also has a strong scent that can quickly freshen up a room and make the air feel clean.

Aroma profile: Airy, sweet, pine

10. Wild orange - uplifting, balancing, and refreshing oil that is used in a variety of body and home care products. It is high in antioxidants, so it protects against seasonal and environmental threats. Overall, it is a powerful cleanser and purifying agent while also uplifting for the mind & body. Diffuse a few drops to promote focus & motivation.

Aroma profile: Sweet, fresh, citrus