Choose Essential Oils

Mother Nature’s way of offering everything your body needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle

If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. Essential oils provide plants with protection against environmental threats and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health-care practices.

How to use Essential Oils

Aromatic

Essential oils, when diffused or inhaled, can be very stimulating, calming, or soothing. Diffusing essential oils can also cleanse and purify the air.

Topical

Essential oils can be safely applied for massage or topical therapy. Chemical structure enables them to pass through skin for an immediate systemic response

Internal

Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history and can be used as dietary supplements for targeted wellness.

Essential Oils 101

What is a carrier oil & how do I use it?

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil that can be used to dilute essential oils. Carrier oils ensure that essential oils applied topically are comfortable. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the essential oil but it does prevent waste due to excessive application. Vegetable shortening, butter, margarine or petroleum derivatives (petrolatum jelly) should never be used as carrier oils. Some consumers choose to avoid olive oil as a carrier oil because of its strong aroma and thick viscosity.

What is a hot oil?

“Hot oils” are oils that, when applied to the skin, can cause a hot or burning sensation. I recommend using a patch test procedure prior to first use. To perform a patch test, apply 1-2 drops of essential oil to a small patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1-2 hours for any noticeable reaction; usually reactions occur within 5-10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation, add a carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Examples of “hot” oils include cinnamon, clove & oregano.

How much & how often can I use Essential Oils?

When using essential oils they are very pure & potent. Therefore a little goes a long way. For example 28 cups of peppermint tea is equal to 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil. When starting it’s best to use less (1-2 drops) & gradually build up to 3-4 uses per day. The majority of adverse reactions comes from misuse of the oils.

How do I remove an Essential Oil if discomfort or irritated skin?

If redness or irritation occurs when using essential oils topically, apply a vegetable oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil to the affected area—water will not dilute essential oils. Once applied to the area, gently rub as this will attach to the essential oil & lift from your skin. Then you can wipe off with a towel. If the reaction is severe, contact a medical professional immediately.

Can I use Essential Oils on Children?

Many essential oils are beneficial for children but should be diluted prior to being applied topically. There are products that come pre-diluted that can be used directly. Applying essential oils to the bottom of the feet is recommended for kids & babies. Diffusing is also a great way for children to utilize the benefits of essential oils.

Can I use Essential Oils if Pregnant or Nursing?

We recommend that, prior to use of essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in essential oil usage. It is generally recommended to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage, Sage, Tansy, Hyssop, Fennel, Peppermint and Wintergreen as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils. That being said, there are essential oils that are very beneficial during pregnancy.