What are Essential Oils?
Essential Oils are the essence of the plant found in roots, seeds, flowers, bark and fruit. They give a plant its scent, protect it from hazardous environmental conditions, and even assist it with pollination, among other things.
Are Essential Oils and Aroma Oils the Same Thing?
No. Essential oils are derived from plants. doTERRA essential oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) to ensure that they are free from contaminants and synthetic fillers. As part of this process, every batch and bottle is tested by a 3rd party to guarantee transparency. You can even get a report on your specific bottle of essential oil by going here and entering the number from the bottom of the bottle in the Quality ID box on the top right of the page.
Aroma oils, on the other hand, are synthetic oils made of chemicals and are rarely more than 2% essential oil.
Are Essential Oils Rooted in Science or are They Snake Oil?
The earliest essential oil usage evidence occurs in the period of 3000-2500 B.C. It’s common for Egyptians to be given credit as the first culture to use aromatic extracts for beauty care, culinary uses, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Aromatic essence and resins were also used in the embalming process. It is thought that most essential oils were produced in Egypt by a type of solvent extraction method (enfleurage) using animal fat – however, distillation “pots” have also been found dating back about 3,500 BC.
We know that baby Jesus was given Frankincense and Myrrh when he was visited by the Three Wise Men. Other oils mentioned in the Bible are Cinnamon, Cedarwood, Spikenard, Hyssop, Cassia, Sandalwood, Cypress, Galbanum, Rose of Sharon, and Calamus. For more detailed information on how these oils were used in the Bible you can visit Bible Oils: 12 Most Revered Oils and Their Histories Uses.
The term “aromatherapy” as it is known today was first coined in 1937 by the French chemist and perfumer Rene Maurice Gattefosse. He was not a believer in the natural health movement but was interested in the properties essential oils exhibited.
In 1910 he burnt his hand badly in his laboratory, and being the first compound available, he treated his hand with pure undiluted lavender oil. This not only immediately eased the pain, but helped heal the hand without any sign of infection or scarring. I can attest to this. I always have lavender oil in my kitchen for those “mom-brain” moments when I grab a hot out of the oven handle bare handed. It has happened more times than I care to admit…
During the second World War, as a result of Gattefosses’ experiments, doctors went on to successfully treat many injured soldiers with essential oils.
Essential oils have been around for many centuries and are still used as the go-to remedy of choice in many countries, especially in eastern medicine. In fact, the dawn of “westerm medicine” came about when chemists attempted to recreate plant compounds synthetically so they could create them in bulk and make them cheap. Modern day pharmaceuticals are basically essential oil knock-offs, with side-effects.
Like Modern Day medicine, essential oils are not a one-size fits all solution. Not all medications work the same way for every person and not all essential oils work the same way for every person. If you have tried them before and you gave up because “they didn’t work for you”, let’s chat because I am confident that I can help find something that will work.
How do Essential Oils Work?
Essential Oils enter our bodies by being absorbed through the skin, inhaled through the nose or ingested via the mouth. When they are applied topically, they enter the bloodstream and deliver a range of benefits to the body’s systems and organs. When essential Oils are inhaled, they are actually able to penetrate the blood brain barrier. The blood brain barrier is the most secure tissue barrier in the body. It is highly selective in order to protect the fragile tissues of the central nervous system. This barrier only allows passage of certain compounds that are crucial to brain function, including CPTG essential oils.
How Can I Experience the Benefits of Essential Oils?
AROMATICALLY
One of the most popular ways to use essential oils is to breathe them in. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.
- Diffuse: When you hear someone refer to diffusing oils, they normally mean adding a few drops to a diffuser; either water or stone based. However, there are also diffuser necklaces and bracelets that you can purchase that help you access essential oil benefits throughout the day no matter where you are.
- Inhale: This involves either inhaling oil straight from the bottle or putting a drop of oil in your palm, rubbing your hands together and cupping your hands over your nose and mouth.
- Aromatherapy: generally refers to using essential oils during massage or in the bath. Essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the skin during a massage. If you have sore muscles or joints I highly recommend getting a massage with Deep Blue essential oil. Deep Blue is a favorite of many Professional Sports teams. Enjoy a nice relaxing bath by adding some Epsom Salt and 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.
TOPICALLY
The skin is the body’s largest organ and anything we apply to our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. When essential oils are applied to the skin, their healing components are absorbed into the bloodstream by the pores and hair follicles. Once inside the bloodstream, they disperse to the specific organs and systems on which they work. I always recommend that new clients dilute essential oil with a carrier oil before use until they are comfortable using essential oils and learn more about how their skin reacts to a particular essential oil.
No matter what we always dilute oils when used on infants, children and the elderly. As well as when using “hot oils” such as Oregano, Lemongrass, Thyme, Cassia, Clove and Peppermint.
INTERNALLY (only recommended with doTERRA brand oils)
High quality essential oils with supplement facts on the bottle can be taken internally. Using oils internally is a method that is best used only when you have a specific area of concern that can only be met by ingesting the essential oil. Keep in mind that you only need a drop or two at a time to reap the benefits of the oil. (it is recommended that no more than 25 drops of essential oils be taken daily- including oils found in supplements)
Using essential oils internally can be useful for the following issues; support your immune system, assist respiratory health, to boost antioxidants, aid digestive process, help indigestion or upset stomach, help cleanse organs of toxins, calm the nervous system and support good heart health.
On any given day, I use oils internally for various reasons. I wake up in the morning and get a glass of water. I add 1-2 drops of Lemon essential oil to assist with cleansing my kidneys and liver. From September to March, during peak icky season, I will ingest 1-2 drops of On Guard essential oil in a veggie cap to support a strong immune system. I have had upper GI issues for the past 15 years. I use DigestZen oil under my tongue as needed daily to help relieve upper GI pressure and discomfort. If I get a stomach ache during the day, I will use 1 drop of Ginger to help ease the pain. When I experience hiccups or head tension, I will apply 1 drop of Peppermint oil to my thumb and press it to the roof of my mouth.
I have been using oils internally for 3 years and have friends who have been using doTERRA oils internally since the company was founded in 2008. They are amazing and the best part, they have no side-effects.
Three ways to consume oils internally:
- Veggie Cap
- Water
- Roof of mouth/Under Tongue
If you are interested in learning more about empowering yourself with essential oils and using them as a first line of defense, feel free to email me and we can schedule an appointment via Zoom. If you prefer exploring the products on your own you can go here. My husband has had 5 hip replacements as a result of a car accident he was in at age 17. Doctors have been a big part of his journey and there is definitely a place for them. However, some issues can be resolved faster and much cheaper by using natural remedies such as essential oils, without ever having to leave your house. I’d love to teach you all about it!