What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the aromatic compounds extracted from plants through a distillation process in which the oil provides an all natural health option to benefit our bodies.
Aromatically
Your sense of smell can elicit powerful physiologic, mental, and emotional responses. Essential oils, when diffused or inhaled, can be very stimulating, calming, or soothing.
Putting 4-8 drops of essential oils in a diffuser is one of the simplest ways to enjoy essential oils.
If you do not have a diffuser you can achieve the same health benefits by simply placing a few drops of essential oils in the palm of your hands and then cupping them around your nose and breathing in deeply.
Internally
When ingested, essential oils directly enter the bloodstream via the gastrointestinal tract, where they are transported throughout the rest of the body.
Not all essential oils can be taken internally so always check the back of your bottle, if it has “Supplement facts” label then you know its safe to take internally.
The easiest way is to take internally is to place a few drops in a veggie cap and swallow with water.
Topically
Applying essential oils topically is a very effective and one of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits.
Although essential oils are readily absorbed, there are many ways to increase absorption. Using a light massage will increase the blood flow to the area of application, in turn improving distribution throughout the body. Use of a carrier oil can also increase absorption, and slow evaporation of the oil.
I always recommend that you use a carrier oil to dilute your oils, to avoid any type of skin sensitivity.
Not all Essential Oils are created equal!
Do your research when buying essential oils. A lot of store bought oils while they are cheaper they are not 100% pure and only contain a tiny amount of essential oil and the rest is filled with a lot of synthetics and fillers. Most of these require you to use significantly more drops to feel any benefits if any. So when you are comparing price per drop doTERRA is not more expensive. With doTERRA only a few drops go a long way. Did you know that 1 drop of doTERRA peppermint oil is the same as 28 cups of peppermint tea? Just one drop can be very powerful!
What Is A Carrier Oil?
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils prior to topical application. The term carrier oil is derived from their purpose in carrying the essential oil onto the skin. Some of my favorite carrier oils are Fractionated coconut oil, Jojoba oil, and almond oil.
What in the heck is fractionated coconut oil?
Fractionated coconut oil is basically a form of the oil that has had the long-chain fatty acids removed via hydrolysis and steam distillation. In basic terms it is coconut oil that always stays as a liquid and never hardens.
What oils should I watch out for?
The National Alliance of Holistic Aromatherapy lists these oils as irritating to the skin: cinnamon bark ,clove bud, citronella, cumin, lemongrass, thyme, oregano, cassia.
All of these oils can still be used with confidence, just make sure that you are diluting them with a carrier oil as well as testing them on a small area of your skin before using in larger areas of your body.
Are they safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Essential oils can be a very important part of your pregnancy, however you must use them with proper care. I would avoid using all essential oils during the 1st trimester, unless you are a seasoned user. If you have never used essential oils before or have questions make sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner before using them.
Here is a list of oils that are generally safe for pregnancy: Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Sandalwood, Wild Orange, Ylang Ylang.
I would avoid using the below oils without consulting with your healthcare practitioner: Basil, Cassia, Cinnamon bark, Clary Sage, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Thyme, Vetiver, Wintergreen, White Fir.
* Oils to avoid during pregnancy: Use peppermint essential oil sparingly near the end of your pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Mint is known to decrease milk production.
