What are Essential Oils? How do You Use Them? and SAFETY

I sometimes wonder what people did during the thousands of years on earth before the development of the modern conveniences we have today. I don't know what all they did for entertainment, for example, but I do know that they used plants to help keep themselves healthy. Essential Oils are an awesome part of that! They are the concentration of the essence of a plant and come from a variety of sources: leaves, flowers, bark, wood, seeds, fruit... Think of them as a symphony. They are a group of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of chemical components, working together harmoniously. And you can put them to work for you! Each oil has a unique composition, a unique frequency, and unique effect on the body. Their tiny molecules can infiltrate every cell in your body to support every system in your body and your overall wellness. Since that is the case, you can see how important it is to get the good stuff! Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils, like the ones you can get HERE, have not only carefully preserved each and every component of the oil, but are also free of contaminants so they can do their best work for you!

There are 3 ways to use truly pure therapeutic grade Essential Oils: 

1. Aromatic use is probably the most well known. Since Essential Oils are highly concentrated, they have a very strong smell. Those tiny molecules get into your limbic system through your nose and affect your mood almost immediately. An ultrasonic diffuser, like the one that comes with your Starter Kit, is a great way to do this. You can also use a drop on cotton ball or a piece of cork, put a drop on your hands and cup over your face, or simply sniff straight from the bottle!

2. Topical use is any way where the oils come in contact with your skin.

The oils are absorbed through the pores and in to your bloodstream within seconds (just like everything else you put on your body!) Your skin is your biggest organ and gives you a very easy way to use oils. You can apply them directly to the spot that needs them, or use vita-flex points on your feet (like reflexology) to target areas within the body. Some oils are gentle and can be used directly on the skin, or neat, but many require at least some dilution. You will want to add a "carrier oil" (a natural fat, like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba, or one of many others, ideally cold-pressed and organic) to dilute according to the labeled instructions, at a minimum. This can be done as needed, buy the drop, or you can use carrier oils to make small jars or roller bottles for easy application of regularly used oils. If you want to stretch a dollar or if you an using oils with children, always dilute more than recommended! If you feel any irritation with Essential Oils, dilute further with a carrier oil.

3. Internal use is the least known and some consider controversial. Remember that on this site we are talking exclusively about Young Living's top quality, pure, therapeutic grade Essential Oils. In compliance with FDA regulations, they have a line of oils called Vitality.  They are the same top notch Essential Oils Young Living has always made and are labeled with instructions for internal use.  Essential Oils make a great addition to food and drinks, or you can simply add some, with a carrier oil, to an empty capsule and swallow like any pill. They retain their therapeutic value through ingestion (unless they are cooked at high temperatures first, like baked into brownies, for example...) and this is a great method to support your overall health and wellness deliciously!

SAFETY  
Please keep in mind that these oils are strong and powerful! Never put Essential Oils into your ears or eyes. If you get Essential Oils into your eyes, rinse with a carrier oil! Water will not help you! The same goes for topical irritation. Some oils are considered "hot" and will cause a burning sensation if not properly diluted. And everyone is different! Each of us has unique skin and tolerance. Listen to your body!

Some oils, mostly citrus oils and blends containing citrus oils, can cause sensitivity to sunlight. Dilute them well for topical applications, and avoid immediate exposure to the sun after application.

You want to be sure to use glass and stainless containers as much as possible.  Silicone is a viable option for diluted oils, as certain grades of plastic. These things are powerful and can degrade plastic materials. They will be absorbed by porous surfaces, too, like wood or cork. Take precautions when mixing, prepping, and storing oils and homemade products including Essential Oils. Also be sure to store away from direct sunlight, ideally, in a dark, temperate place. Dark amber or cobalt are popular containers for a reason!