The Basics
What are essential oils?
They are the aromatic properties of a plant. When you smell a plant, you are actually experiencing the essential oil. Essential oils are steam distilled from the roots, stems, leaves, needles, flowers or cold pressed from the rind of a citrus fruit. The essential oil is a fatty sack that sits on the plant and it is what the plant uses to ward of predators or illness. This is basically the immune system of the plant. So in essence, we are using the immune system of a plant to support our immune systems.
Why do they work so well?
Essential oils are carbon based, as are humans. When you use an essential oil on or in your body, your body recognizes it and instinctively knows where to utilize the oil in order to support your body. This means there are no side effects when you are using essential oils, just side benefits. For example, if you are using a drop of Frankincense under your tongue for the anti-inflammatory properties, you will also get the emotionally calming and balancing benefits of this oil (pretty amazing right?!)
How much? How often?
This really depends on how and what you are using it for. A little goes a long way with essential oils, and a drop of oil is very concentrated. Since we all like to know amounts here is a useful chart to reference. If you have specific questions regarding this, contact me.
Why doTERRA
For me purity is absolutely vital since were using these oils and products with our son as well. I didn't know this before, but now I can confidently say not all essential oils are created equal.
There are two major factors that play a role in the effectiveness and quality of essential oils:
1. PLANT POTENCY:
When selecting which plants are to be used for essential oil production, it is important that the plant is grown in the correct soil, temperature, and climate. When these factors are optimal, the plant will be able to reach its highest potency.
One of the defining differences between dōTERRA and any other company is the fact that dōTERRA sources their oils from all over the world, wherever that plant grows best. This is actually a big reason why I chose to get started with dōTERRA.
2. OIL PURITY:
When oils contain fillers or other elements that dilute and alter their purity, their ability to function at their highest capacity is compromised. In order to enjoy all of the benefits of essential oils,they must be used in their purest form.
Every single batch of dōTERRA essential oil is put through a seven step, third party testing, to ensure every single bottle of oil that is purchased is 100% pure essential oil.
Did you know there is no governing agency over essential oils? Many of these bottles that claim to be “100% pure oil” are actually very poor quality and/or highly diluted/adulterated. This is why dōTERRA has set the bar for essential oil purity and potency. dōTERRA’s quality standard for essential oils is called Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. Our CPTG exceeds industry standards.
For complete transparency on doTERRA essential oils and our purity, please visit sourcetoyou.com.
How to Use Essential Oils
Aromatic Uses:This is the easiest way to use your dōTERRA essential oils. Here are a few ways to use your oils aromatically:
Topical Uses:There are so many benefits to using your oils topically. Due to the molecular composition of essential oils, they are easily absorbed by the skin and can enter the bloodstream in less than a minute. Since essential oils are lipophilic, meaning they are attracted to and dissolve in fatty substances, it is recommended to use a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) to help spread the oil further and drive the oils deeper. Using a carrier oil also helps with any skin sensitivity, which is especially important when applying oils to little ones or sensitive skin, it also prolong the life of your oils.
One of the most common places to apply your oils is on the bottoms of the feet. Our feet have the largest pores and the thickest skin, which makes it an ideal place to apply oils. If you are familiar with a reflexology chart, you know that the bottoms of our feet correlate to different spots in our body, so when in doubt, this is a great place to apply your oils. For our little ones, the feet are an extremely convenient place to apply your oils. After applying oils to their feet, make sure to put socks on them so they don’t grab their feet and rub their eyes.
You can also apply your oils to any specific place on your body that is needing concentrated support (i.e. temples and neck for head tension, joints or muscles for extra support, or over the heart and down the neck and spine for emotional support.)
Please note: you do not want to drip oils into the eyes, up the nose or into the ear canal. Also, if you ever get an oil somewhere that is uncomfortable, use a carrier oil to dilute it out. Pour the carrier oil on, wipe it off and continue until skin sensitivity stops. Do not use water and soap as water actually will drive the oil deeper.
Internal Uses:Now, this is something new to me and a reason why I went with and trust dōTERRA. Any of our bottles that have a “supplement” label on it can be taken internally while bottles that just say “ingredients” should only be used topically or aromatically. Essential oils can be used as a daily dietary supplement to support a healthy functioning body. Some essential oils have powerful antioxidant properties, while others help to support a healthy inflammatory response to support your cells.
You can put a drop of Lemon essential oil in your water daily for gentle detox benefits. Grapefruit, Peppermint and Slim and Sassy are also great in water. When drinking your oils, please make sure that you are using a glass or stainless steel water bottle. Do not use plastic water bottles with essential oils. You can also purchase veggie caps from dōTERRA and take your oils internally like a pill. This method is necessary when taking warmer oils, like Oregano or when you do not like the taste.
Disclaimer: I only recommend the ingestion of dōTERRA oils as each bottle is 100% pure essential oil. Please do not transfer this information to any other brand as the quality of essential oil is unknown.
As you are getting started on your essential oil journey, I want you to be comfortable with HOW you are using your oils. If topical or internal use is not in your comfort zone right away, that’s okay! There are numerous ways to get the benefits of your oils, so find what works best for you and your family. I personally love diffusing and using the oils in rollerballs and applying topically.
What are essential oils?
They are the aromatic properties of a plant. When you smell a plant, you are actually experiencing the essential oil. Essential oils are steam distilled from the roots, stems, leaves, needles, flowers or cold pressed from the rind of a citrus fruit. The essential oil is a fatty sack that sits on the plant and it is what the plant uses to ward of predators or illness. This is basically the immune system of the plant. So in essence, we are using the immune system of a plant to support our immune systems.
Why do they work so well?
Essential oils are carbon based, as are humans. When you use an essential oil on or in your body, your body recognizes it and instinctively knows where to utilize the oil in order to support your body. This means there are no side effects when you are using essential oils, just side benefits. For example, if you are using a drop of Frankincense under your tongue for the anti-inflammatory properties, you will also get the emotionally calming and balancing benefits of this oil (pretty amazing right?!)
How much? How often?
This really depends on how and what you are using it for. A little goes a long way with essential oils, and a drop of oil is very concentrated. Since we all like to know amounts here is a useful chart to reference. If you have specific questions regarding this, contact me.
Why doTERRA
For me purity is absolutely vital since were using these oils and products with our son as well. I didn't know this before, but now I can confidently say not all essential oils are created equal.
There are two major factors that play a role in the effectiveness and quality of essential oils:
1. PLANT POTENCY:
When selecting which plants are to be used for essential oil production, it is important that the plant is grown in the correct soil, temperature, and climate. When these factors are optimal, the plant will be able to reach its highest potency.
One of the defining differences between dōTERRA and any other company is the fact that dōTERRA sources their oils from all over the world, wherever that plant grows best. This is actually a big reason why I chose to get started with dōTERRA.
2. OIL PURITY:
When oils contain fillers or other elements that dilute and alter their purity, their ability to function at their highest capacity is compromised. In order to enjoy all of the benefits of essential oils,they must be used in their purest form.
Every single batch of dōTERRA essential oil is put through a seven step, third party testing, to ensure every single bottle of oil that is purchased is 100% pure essential oil.
Did you know there is no governing agency over essential oils? Many of these bottles that claim to be “100% pure oil” are actually very poor quality and/or highly diluted/adulterated. This is why dōTERRA has set the bar for essential oil purity and potency. dōTERRA’s quality standard for essential oils is called Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. Our CPTG exceeds industry standards.
For complete transparency on doTERRA essential oils and our purity, please visit sourcetoyou.com.
How to Use Essential Oils
Aromatic Uses:This is the easiest way to use your dōTERRA essential oils. Here are a few ways to use your oils aromatically:
- You can use an essential oil diffuser. With your diffuser, fill it with water, add in 3-6 drops of your favorite essential oil and turn it on. All dōTERRA diffusers have an auto turn off, which means it will turn off when the water is low or when the time is up, depending on which happens first.
- You can put a drop or two of essential oil in your palms, rub your hands together and cup them over your face, inhaling deeply a few times.
Topical Uses:There are so many benefits to using your oils topically. Due to the molecular composition of essential oils, they are easily absorbed by the skin and can enter the bloodstream in less than a minute. Since essential oils are lipophilic, meaning they are attracted to and dissolve in fatty substances, it is recommended to use a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) to help spread the oil further and drive the oils deeper. Using a carrier oil also helps with any skin sensitivity, which is especially important when applying oils to little ones or sensitive skin, it also prolong the life of your oils.
One of the most common places to apply your oils is on the bottoms of the feet. Our feet have the largest pores and the thickest skin, which makes it an ideal place to apply oils. If you are familiar with a reflexology chart, you know that the bottoms of our feet correlate to different spots in our body, so when in doubt, this is a great place to apply your oils. For our little ones, the feet are an extremely convenient place to apply your oils. After applying oils to their feet, make sure to put socks on them so they don’t grab their feet and rub their eyes.
You can also apply your oils to any specific place on your body that is needing concentrated support (i.e. temples and neck for head tension, joints or muscles for extra support, or over the heart and down the neck and spine for emotional support.)
Please note: you do not want to drip oils into the eyes, up the nose or into the ear canal. Also, if you ever get an oil somewhere that is uncomfortable, use a carrier oil to dilute it out. Pour the carrier oil on, wipe it off and continue until skin sensitivity stops. Do not use water and soap as water actually will drive the oil deeper.
Internal Uses:Now, this is something new to me and a reason why I went with and trust dōTERRA. Any of our bottles that have a “supplement” label on it can be taken internally while bottles that just say “ingredients” should only be used topically or aromatically. Essential oils can be used as a daily dietary supplement to support a healthy functioning body. Some essential oils have powerful antioxidant properties, while others help to support a healthy inflammatory response to support your cells.
You can put a drop of Lemon essential oil in your water daily for gentle detox benefits. Grapefruit, Peppermint and Slim and Sassy are also great in water. When drinking your oils, please make sure that you are using a glass or stainless steel water bottle. Do not use plastic water bottles with essential oils. You can also purchase veggie caps from dōTERRA and take your oils internally like a pill. This method is necessary when taking warmer oils, like Oregano or when you do not like the taste.
Disclaimer: I only recommend the ingestion of dōTERRA oils as each bottle is 100% pure essential oil. Please do not transfer this information to any other brand as the quality of essential oil is unknown.
As you are getting started on your essential oil journey, I want you to be comfortable with HOW you are using your oils. If topical or internal use is not in your comfort zone right away, that’s okay! There are numerous ways to get the benefits of your oils, so find what works best for you and your family. I personally love diffusing and using the oils in rollerballs and applying topically.
