Pictured here are some of my personal collection of essential oils. You can never have enough!

Essential oils have been used in healing for thousands of years.  According to the translations of ancient hieroglyphics and biblical scriptures, priests and doctors have been using them as medicine a for centuries.  Pure essential oils can help bring balance back to all of your body’s systems.  True essential oils are cultivated and distilled from plants, flowers, bushes, roots, trees, shrubs, and seeds.  They contain oxygenating molecules that transport nutrients to the cells of the body. Without oxygen nutrients cannot be assimilated, leaving us nutritionally deprived.

Essential oils can be calming, stimulating, soothing, and cleansing.  There are many different uses for the oils. The most common methods for using oils are inhalation and topical application.  Followed by internally, and household uses.

▪️Inhalation Methods

The most simple inhalation method includes inhaling directly.  You can inhale directly from the bottle, inhale from an infused pendant, or use a diffuser.  By using a diffuser, you can disperse oil in a micro-fine vapor throughout the air.  Using this method, the oils are taken in by the lungs.  Diffusers come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and types to fit your needs personally.  Of course there are home diffusers, but you can also find special types for in use in your vehicle, or on the go.  We have diffusers throughout our home.  I love the vibe it gives the house.  I am usually diffusing blends for medicinal purposes, with the bonus of aromatherapy.

Being a former candle hoarder, I can assure you that I get my candle fix by using various oil diffusers.  It truly smells better, it is obviously more healthy for you than burning candles, and it doesn’t leave any soot or discoloration on the walls from diffusing daily.  Falling asleep with the diffuser running is not a worry either.

One thing I will mention is if you run them constantly, watch out for having too much moisture.  This can result in high humidity issues.  Usually not a problem, but something to keep an eye on if you diffuse often and live in a humid climate.  The good thing is, you will only need to diffuse for a few minutes to reap the medicinal effects of the oils.

Another inhalation method includes using a humidifier. You can fill the humidifier with water, then place a piece of cloth that is sprinkled or infused with oil in front of the escaping vapor.  Facial steaming and steam inhalation are also common ways used to relieve congestion, and open pores.

Essential oils can be used for improving and managing moods, and can have immediate results. They can provide calming and soothing results, or be invigorating and uplifting.  This is a great time to replace any toxic air fresheners that you may still have around the house with diffusers.

▪️Topical Methods

There are so many options available topically when it comes to essential oils.  When applied topically, the oils reach the body internally by entering the blood stream through the skin.  The oils can provide localized benefits, and can be applied to reflexology points on the feet where the oils have easier, faster uptake.  As a breast cancer survivor, I choose to apply frankincense and myrrh topically to my chest, the bottom of my feet, and my underarm area.  Essential oils are great in your bath water too.  You can choose different oils based on your personal needs.  From detoxing, relaxation, to therapeutic needs.

For example, eucalyptus is a great addition if you are fighting a cough, cold, or upper respiratory bug or infection.  Try 10 drops of Peppermint Oil, 5 drops of Eucalyptus Oil, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil.

Lavender can be a great addition if you are looking for deep relaxation.  Try 10 drops of Frankencense, 5 drops of Lavender Oil, 5 drops of Bergamont Oil, and even add a cup of milk if you like.

If you are looking to detox, add one or a few of the following essential oils to your bath.  My favorite detox bath includes 2 cups of Epsom salts, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, cannabis infused salts, and whatever oils I feel the need for at the time.   Frankincense, myrrh, a Thieves blend, and peppermint are my favorites.  Other good detox go-to’s include lemon, grapefruit, peppermint, lemongrass,  wild orange, juniper, and tea tree oil.

There are so many oils and combinations. Try different oils to find out what is right for you personally.  Some oils, such as cinnamon, could burn you if applied without being diluted.  Please read directions for each oil individually for safe utilization.

Another simple way to use oils topically is to add them to your favorite lotions, oils, or shampoo.  The infused lotions and oils work great for aromatherapy massage. I prefer to wear oils as my perfume.  Frankincense, Myrrh, and Peppermint smell pleasant, and peppermint is invigorating and can help with headaches as well. Roll ons are an easy way to have your oils available on the go.

When applied topically, oils are absorbed into the bloodstream, as well as giving wonderful aromatherapy benefits.

▪️Internal Uses

Dietary-grade essential oils are perfect for cooking and dietary use.  Only use if you have top grade, ingestable oils.  These can be added at meal time, or used as a dietary supplement.  A popular method to digest oils is by using capsules, or sub-lingual sprays. I personally do not digest oils. I encourage you to research this throughly before attempting to digest oils for your personal use. 

▪️Household Uses

There are so many wonderful uses for essential oils around the house.  You can easily make your own bottle of multi-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, deodorizer, and air freshener at home.  Oils work wonderfully when it comes to covering up pet odors around the house too.

Add a bit of lemon or lime essential oil to a rag to remove stubborn material while cleaning.

Oils like citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, bergamot, pennyroyal, and cedar wood all have insect repelling properties.

▪️Women’s Health

There are many references that show that various essential oils can kill cancer cells.  The big three that interest me most are chamomile, thyme, and frankincense.  In a study last year, researchers found that these oils more consistently destroyed breast cancer cell lines. Frankincense (Boswells Serrata) can also boost the immune system, which is critical for overall health.  In a study by Phytotherapy Research, mice were given 1-10 mg of frankincense orally, stimulating multiple levels of their immune systems. Frankincense not only boosted the immmune system by proliferating white blood cells, but also kept inflammation under control.  As we know, Inflammation is the root of many chronic diseases.  Jasmine and cinnamon were also shown to be significantly potent against breast cancer cell walls.

If you’re suffering from hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, try some clary sage, peppermint, lavender, geranium, citrus, or basil oil.  Roman chamomile oil can assist in reducing stress and anxiety, and thyme oil can help balance your bodies hormones naturally.

If you choose to apply oils directly, be sure to spot test a small area on your forearm to confirm that you are not sensitive to them.  Even better, mix a few drops of oil into a carrier oil like organic coconut oil or grapeseed oil.  Rub this into the skin.  I like to add 1-2 drops if essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.  As I mentioned earlier, as a breast cancer survivor, I use these oils topically across my double mastectomy scars, underarm areas, and on the bottom of my feet on a daily basis.

If you choose to take drops orally, be sure that your essential oils are approved for eternal use.  I recommend consulting a health care professional or essential oils coach before using this method.

I have been cautioned against using some oils due to phytoestrogens.  Some have told me that I could possibly be feeding cancer cells by using certain essential oils, such as lavender.  There are actually many benefits to certain phytoestrogens. Personally I have found overwhelming information about the benefits of these oils when it comes to breast cancer, and other cancers, not detrimental effects.  Please do your own research to make the choice that is right for you.

▪️Pets

I have not had a bad experience with my pets and my essential oil use.  I have heard about tea tree and lavender oils both being toxic to pets. My best advise is to make sure that your dog or cat can leave the room that you’re diffusing in.  Keep your diffusing times down to a minimum until you know how your pet may or may not react.  If you notice your pet acting different, or that it appears to be experiencing dermatitis, stop immediately.  Visit your vet if needed.  To be on the safe side, with a house full of pets, I do not usually diffuse tea tree oil or lavender oil.

If you would like to check out Young Living products, below you will find a link to my distributor site.  I actually usually just purchase items for myself and my family through Young Living, but clicking on the link can get you started on the healthy path of using essential oils.  It’s so easy.  Even if you enjoy other brands, It’s all good. I do as well.  If you’re interested, I would love to be your sponsor as you explore the world of essential oils.  Like I said, it’s as easy as a couple of clicks. I do not work for Young Living, I just enjoy their products.  Click on the link below if you want to explore getting started.

https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=3306665&enrollerid=3306665&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member

I hope this beginner’s guide to essential oils has you feeling better prepared as you set out to improve your health with these amazing products.  As you use oils and gain knowledge by your experiences you will find yourself using an oil for everything.  If you have a use, you can probably google the oil that is right for the job.  Personally, I’ve found that our essential oils far outnumber the over the counter medicines for common ailments and medical needs.  Such a healthy alternative!

Best wishes on your journey with essential oils.

Wishing you health and happiness in all of your days.

Dawn Ann✨

~I am not a doctor, and am in no way diagnosing any disease or ailment. This blog post is partly my personal opinion and tips for use, and research study information.