As I embark on a more holistic way of living, I ran across essential oils (EO). Well..what is an essential oil and why should we use it? Essential oils are NATURAL aromatic compounds that are found in the seeds of bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. The term aromatic is the pleasant and distinctive smell you inhale from a plant. An example would be the smell of a rose, or the aroma of freshly cut mint. You’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of the essential oil. 

Why should you use an Essential oil? Essential oils can do A LOT! They can lift moods, calm senses, and provoke powerful emotional responses. EO’s are not new in this fascinating world we live in. Throughout history, they have been used for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. In today’s world, they are widely used more in a holistic approach to self care. Many EO’s have powerful cleansing properties, promote vitality and well-being and are naturally antimicrobial. The chemical structure of an EO allows them to pass directly through the first layer of skin for immediate systemic response. 

WARNING!!!

There are MANY “essential oils” on the market claiming themselves as “pure” essential oils. Many of these products do not use “pure” essential oils at all. They typically use fragrant, synthetic chemical substitutes to dilute or replace more expensive essential oil extracts. Unfortunately, there are no current regulatory guidelines or systems in place to determine if you are purchasing a “pure” essential oil. If you hear the term “therapeutic-grade” this is a descriptive word for products that are truly pure essential oils. How do you know if it’s truly pure? When searching for a 100% pure therapeutic-grade EO, make sure they have been subjected to rigorous mass spectrometry and gas chromatography testing to ensure extract composition and activity. These EO’s represent the safest and most beneficial oils available. 

I am using DoTerra as my distributor for Essential Oils. You can use these oils aromatically, internally, and topically. Essential Oils are naturally safe and have few undesirable side effects when used as directed. They are concentrated and should be used with care. Here are a couple of tips to help you get started using essential oils:

• When using EO’s topically, apply a vegetable oil like coconut oil to the area. If you are allergic to coconut, you can use Jojoba oil, or Olive oil. 
• Do NOT dilute with water as it will intensify the effect.
• Never use them in the eyes or inside of the ear canal.
• Talk to your physician if you are pregnant or under a doctor’s care.