Essential oils have surged in popularity, and for good reason. For centuries, these potent plant extracts have been used across cultures for everything from enhancing beauty routines to supporting spiritual practices and as natural remedies. Today, as more people seek natural and holistic approaches to wellness, essential oils are experiencing a major revival. In our home, we’ve embraced essential oils for a variety of uses, from boosting our immune systems and promoting restful sleep to creating a clean and chemical-free home environment. You’ve probably heard of some of the most popular essential oils like Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Rosemary, and Lemon – but what exactly are they and how can you use them? Let’s dive into the world of essential oils and unlock their potential for your life.
What Exactly Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are essentially concentrated plant power. They are potent compounds extracted from various parts of plants and natural sources, capturing the plant’s scent and beneficial properties. The extraction process is crucial and often involves distillation, where steam or water is used to separate the oil from the plant material. Cold pressing, another method, is particularly used for citrus peels. Resin tapping is used for resins. These techniques carefully extract the plant’s “essence,” resulting in a highly concentrated oil packed with natural benefits.
These powerful oils can be used individually for targeted benefits or expertly blended to create synergistic effects. The versatility of essential oils makes them a valuable addition to any natural wellness toolkit.
Unlocking the Potential: How to Use Essential Oils
There are three primary methods for incorporating essential oils into your daily routine: topical application, aromatic diffusion, and ingestion. Each method offers unique ways to experience the benefits of these natural wonders.
#1 Topical Application: Nourishing Your Body Directly
Topical application involves applying essential oils directly to your skin. However, due to their potency, it’s generally recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. This dilution helps to prevent skin sensitivity and ensures comfortable application. A popular method for topical use is creating roller bottles. Simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a roller bottle and fill the rest with a carrier oil for easy and direct application to the skin.
Expert Tips for Topical Essential Oil Use:
- Dilution is Key: Some essential oils, like Peppermint, Thieves, or PanAway, are considered “hot oils” and should always be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
- Child-Safe Application: Always dilute essential oils when applying them topically to children, as their skin is more sensitive.
- Pulse Point Application: For perfume-like application, apply diluted oils to pulse points such as behind the ears, on the chest, and on the wrists.
- Spine and Feet Application: Applying diluted oils along the spine or on the bottoms of the feet, especially before bed, can promote relaxation and absorption.
- Fast Absorption: For quicker absorption, apply diluted oils to the stomach area, near the belly button.
- Calming Scalp Massage: For a calming effect, gently massage a drop of diluted oil into your scalp.
#2 Aromatic Diffusion: Breathing in Wellness
Aromatic use involves inhaling essential oils, allowing their scent to fill your space and interact with your senses. Diffusing essential oils is a popular and effective method. An essential oil diffuser disperses the oils into the air as a fine mist, creating a fragrant and therapeutic atmosphere.
Many enthusiasts, like myself, keep diffusers running almost constantly throughout the day, especially in common living areas. For bedrooms, particularly overnight, intermittent diffusers are often preferred, releasing oil mist at intervals. In smaller, enclosed spaces, using less oil and an intermittent setting is advisable to prevent the aroma from becoming overpowering.
For a quick aromatic experience without a diffuser, simply place a drop or two of essential oil in your palms, gently rub them together, cup your hands over your nose and mouth, and inhale deeply. This direct inhalation method provides a concentrated burst of aroma and benefits.
#3 Ingestion: Internal Support (With Caution)
Ingesting essential oils involves taking them internally, usually by adding them to food or drinks, or by encapsulating them in vegetable capsules. Adding a drop of Lemon Vitality essential oil to your morning water is a refreshing and invigorating way to start the day. Peppermint Vitality oil can add a minty twist to brownies, while Cilantro essential oil can elevate your summer salsa recipes. The culinary possibilities are vast and exciting!
Important Safety Note: It’s crucial to understand that not all essential oils are safe for ingestion. Always carefully check the label of each oil for specific usage instructions and warnings before ingesting. Only ingest oils specifically labeled for dietary use and ensure you are using them safely and in recommended dilutions. When in doubt, consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional.
The Science Behind the Scents: How Essential Oils Work
Have you ever noticed how a particular scent can instantly transport you back to a cherished memory? The powerful connection between smell and memory is a fascinating aspect of how essential oils interact with our bodies. For me, the smell of the ocean immediately evokes vivid memories of growing up near the sea in Southern England.
This phenomenon occurs because our sense of smell is directly linked to the brain’s memory center, the limbic system.
Essential Oils and the Limbic System
Inhaling essential oil aromas has a direct impact on the limbic system, the area of the brain responsible for emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, and long-term memory. As research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicates, aromatherapy and essential oils can influence emotional and physiological states through this pathway.
“Interestingly the limbic system also plays a role in controlling several unconscious physiological functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Therefore, some people claim that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body” – Healthline
Personal experiences further highlight these effects. For instance, when feeling stressed or down, applying a calming essential oil blend like “Unicorn” (a personal blend) to the palms and inhaling, or applying it topically, can bring about a sense of peace, calm, and security within moments.
The remarkable ability of these natural compounds to positively influence both mind and body is truly captivating.
Choosing Quality: Where to Buy Essential Oils
To experience the true benefits of essential oils, quality is paramount. Opting for natural and 100% pure oils is essential for effectiveness. It’s important to be aware that not all essential oils are created equal. Some oils available in health food stores, grocery stores, and online marketplaces may contain chemicals, fillers, or be diluted, compromising their therapeutic properties.
Young Living Essential Oils: A Seed to Seal Promise
For consistently high-quality essential oils, many turn to brands with stringent quality controls. Young Living Essential Oils is a popular choice, known for their “Seed to Seal” promise. This commitment signifies a rigorous production process, from sourcing and cultivating plants on their own farms and partner farms to meticulous testing and bottling. Young Living emphasizes ethical, sustainable, and transparent practices, even inviting customers to visit their farms and witness the process firsthand. As a long-standing company in the essential oil industry, with over 25 years of experience, Young Living has established itself as a leader in the field.
My Essential Oil Journey: From Skeptic to Enthusiast
My personal journey with essential oils began with skepticism. Initially, I tried a brand purchased from the mall, but honestly, I didn’t understand the hype. While the oils smelled pleasant, they didn’t seem to have any noticeable impact on my physical or emotional well-being.
Then, when my eldest daughter was struggling with sleep issues a few years ago, I researched natural sleep aids and discovered lavender oil. I came across Young Living online and decided to order their Lavender essential oil. To my surprise, the very first night we diffused Young Living Lavender, my daughter slept through the night – a first in a long time!
Hooked on the Benefits
That night changed everything. I was immediately hooked on the power of quality essential oils. Since then, our family has integrated essential oils into countless aspects of our lives, and I am deeply grateful for the positive impact they’ve had on our home and overall well-being.
Essential Oils in Everyday Life: How We Use Them at Home
For those new to essential oils, it’s easy to think of them simply as air fresheners. However, essential oils and oil-infused products are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into numerous aspects of daily life. Here are some of the ways my family utilizes essential oils every day:
#1 Wellness Support: Naturally Enhancing Health
Essential oils are excellent tools for supporting overall wellness and a healthy immune system. They can be used to address a wide range of concerns, from seasonal discomforts to hormonal imbalances. Here are some of my go-to essential oil practices for supporting my family’s health and happiness:
Wellness Roller Blends: Personalized Support
Each member of our family has their own personalized wellness roller blend that we keep by our beds and apply nightly. This is the recipe we use for our children, and we double the essential oil quantities for adult versions:
Kid-Friendly Wellness Roller Recipe:
- 5 drops Purification essential oil blend
- 5 drops Thieves essential oil blend
- 3 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops Lemon essential oil
- 1 drop Oregano essential oil
- Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil (carrier oil)
Instructions: Add the essential oils to a 10ml glass roller bottle and fill the remaining space with fractionated coconut oil. Roll the blend along the spine, on the bottoms of the feet, or around the belly button.
Sleep-Promoting Diffuser Blends: Creating a Bedtime Ritual
Creating a calming bedtime atmosphere is a nightly ritual in our home. We tidy up bedrooms, prepare beds, and add a sleep-enhancing blend to our diffusers. The girls each have a diffuser in their rooms, and we have one in our master bedroom as well. They enjoy choosing their nightly blends, and we’ve observed that they fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly throughout the night.
Here are a few of our favorite diffuser blends for promoting restful sleep:
Goodnight Blend
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops Tangerine essential oil
Sleep Tight Blend
- 3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oil
- 3 drops White Angelica essential oil blend
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
Bedtime Stories Blend
- 4 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Vetiver essential oil
- 2 drops Bergamot essential oil
Sweet Dreams Blend
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Cedarwood essential oil
- 2 drops Tangerine essential oil
Hormonal Balance Support: Natural Harmony
Personally, I’ve navigated hormonal challenges for years, from mood fluctuations and hormonal acne to food sensitivities. Essential oils have been a significant game-changer in supporting hormonal balance for me.
#1 Diffuse Clary Sage at Night: A Balancing Aroma
Clary Sage essential oil has a long history of use for supporting women’s health. It can help promote a positive mood during PMS and offers emotional support for women experiencing menopause due to its balancing properties. Diffusing Clary Sage at night has noticeably improved my sleep quality and reduced hormonal night sweats.
In addition to diffusing, you can also apply a drop or two of diluted Clary Sage to the back of your neck.
#2 Targeted Support Blends: Progessence Plus, EndoFlex, and Dragon Time
I apply Progessence Plus blend daily to my wrists, ankles, or thighs. This blend contains progesterone and a combination of balancing essential oils, which I’ve found helpful in regulating the emotional and physical effects of PMS.
EndoFlex blend is applied over my thyroid daily to support balance within my endocrine system and hormone production.
During my menstrual cycle, I find Dragon Time blend particularly helpful. Applied topically to the abdomen, it can provide soothing relief from cramps.
Seasonal Support Roller: Soothing Seasonal Discomfort
This roller blend has been incredibly helpful during spring allergy season. The combination of poplar and birch tree pollen creates a challenging environment each year! However, this blend, rolled behind the ears and on the chest, has provided significant relief from itchy eyes and runny noses.
Seasonal Roller Recipe:
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Lemon essential oil
- 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
- Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil (carrier oil)
Instructions: Add the essential oils to a 10ml glass roller bottle and fill with fractionated coconut oil. Roll onto wrists, neck, or chest as needed.
#2 Natural Cleaning: A Safe and Toxin-Free Home
One of the unexpected benefits of incorporating essential oils into our lives was realizing the extent of toxic substances present in our home. If you’ve seen the documentary “Stink” on Netflix, you understand the concerning lack of regulation regarding harmful chemicals in everyday products.
I began scrutinizing labels on cleaning products, makeup, and even food, and was shocked by what I discovered. I encourage you to download the “Think Dirty” app and scan just one cupboard of products in your bathroom or pantry to see what may be lurking in your “safe” or “green” labeled items.
Safe and Effective Cleaning with Essential Oils
The good news is that transitioning away from harsh chemical cleaners is surprisingly easy. Young Living offers a comprehensive line of cleaning products formulated with natural ingredients that are safe for your family and home.
The Thieves Household Cleaning Concentrate is a standout product. One bottle of this concentrate can make approximately 30 bottles of all-purpose cleaner, making it both effective and cost-efficient.
Here are three of my favorite DIY cleaning recipes using essential oils. They are simple to make, incredibly effective, and naturally scented.
#1 Thieves Household All-Purpose Cleaner
Recipe: Add 1 capful of Thieves Cleaning Concentrate to a 16oz glass spray bottle and fill to the top with water. For extra cleaning power and a fresh scent, add a few drops of Lemon or Citrus Fresh essential oil blend.
I use this all-purpose cleaner for virtually everything in our home. I even make smaller bottles for the kids to keep in their bathrooms for quick cleanups. It’s completely safe for them to use and inhale, eliminating the harsh fumes associated with conventional cleaners.
#2 Thieves Streak-Free Glass Cleaner
Recipe: Add 1 capful of Thieves Cleaning Concentrate and a splash of vinegar to a 16oz glass spray bottle, then fill with water. Enhance cleaning power and scent with a few drops of Purification or Lime essential oil.
This glass cleaner leaves mirrors, windows, and glass shower doors sparkling and streak-free.
#3 Thieves Soft Scrub Cleaner
Recipe: In a glass jar, combine 1 cup baking soda, 5 capfuls Thieves Cleaning Concentrate, and 10 drops Lemon essential oil. Mix thoroughly.
This soft scrub is a game-changer for tough cleaning tasks. It’s gentle on skin and surfaces, and perfect for removing soap scum in bathrooms, cleaning stainless steel stovetops without scratching, and even removing stubborn marks like permanent marker from quartz countertops. It’s truly a favorite cleaning staple.
#3 Supplementation: Nutritional Support from Nature
When I first started using essential oils, I was unaware of the extensive range of products Young Living offered beyond just oils. They have a comprehensive line of supplements, from multivitamins and joint support to protein powders and sports nutrition.
Here are some of my current favorite Young Living supplements:
Life 9 Master Formula: Daily Multivitamin Powerhouse
This multivitamin pack is my daily foundation for nutritional support. Taking a high-quality multivitamin is crucial for overall health, but many over-the-counter options are filled with synthetic chemicals and ineffective ingredients. I can genuinely feel the positive impact of these vitamins on my daily vitality.
NingXia Red: Antioxidant-Rich Superdrink
NingXia Red is a powerful antioxidant beverage made from nutrient-rich wolfberries. It has been a transformative addition to my daily routine.
As a shift worker with a demanding job, a mother of two, and an entrepreneur with multiple side businesses, sufficient sleep is often a challenge. I used to rely on coffee to get through the day, drinking one or two cups each morning. However, my body reacted poorly to caffeine, causing jitters and anxiety, followed by afternoon energy crashes and sometimes feelings of anxiety and low mood. I realized the connection between these symptoms and caffeine when I eliminated it for a month last year, but I felt incredibly fatigued.
NingXia Red: Natural Energy Boost
Discovering NingXia Red through my essential oil community was a turning point. I replaced my morning coffee with 2 ounces of NingXia Red, and the difference has been remarkable. It provides a sustained energy boost without the jitters and crashes associated with caffeine. It has truly been life-changing for maintaining consistent energy levels throughout the day.
I’ve also become more attuned to my body’s responses to alcohol, embracing intuitive eating principles. Instead of sugary coolers during warmer months, I now enjoy sparkling NingXia Zyng. Made with NingXia Red, black raspberries, and a touch of natural caffeine, it’s a delicious and revitalizing pick-me-up on a hot day.
#4 Personal Care: Clean Beauty, Naturally
Examining product labels in my home revealed that my bathroom was a significant source of toxins, particularly in makeup and personal care items. Many of these products, laden with chemicals, were applied to my skin daily. I overhauled my entire personal care routine, simplifying it and prioritizing safe, natural products. Now, I use fewer products overall, and I have confidence in their safety and effectiveness. Currently, I use the Savvy Minerals makeup line, natural deodorant, body wash, whitening toothpaste, hair oil, and numerous other natural personal care products.
I also use Young Living shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for my children. My eldest daughter, who has slightly oily skin, has adopted a simple nightly facial cleansing routine using orange-infused charcoal bar soap and rose ointment. She loves it, her skin is healthy and clear, and I appreciate providing her with safe and beneficial beauty options.
#5 Essential Oils for Kids and Pets: Gentle and Safe
Essential oils can be safely and effectively used for children and pets when used correctly. Young Living offers specialized lines of essential oils designed specifically for children (KidScents) and pets. It is essential to always read product labels and follow safety guidelines when using essential oils with vulnerable family members. I appreciate that Young Living provides clear instructions and resources for safe usage, giving me confidence in using oils for my entire family.
Our beagle, Ollie, even has his own essential oil collection! We use oils to make a dog-freshening spray, soothe rough or sore paws, and relieve bug bites. The uses are numerous!
When diffusing around pets, we ensure it’s in an open area where they can leave if they choose, prioritizing their safety and comfort.
KidScents: Essential Oil Blends for Children
Our daughters have diffusers in their rooms and enjoy using special essential oil blends daily, such as “Mermaid Hair Spray,” “Bug Off Spray,” and “Owie Rollers.”
We especially love the KidScents oil line. These blends are pre-diluted and formulated for safe use with young children. KidScents T-Gize is probably our most frequently used oil from this line. We simply attach a roller top directly to the bottle and apply it to tummy aches for immediate comfort.
As a mother, having essential oils in our home has been empowering. When my children come to me with minor injuries or emotional upsets, I have natural tools to help them feel better. I truly realized how much I rely on essential oils when we all had a stomach flu last winter. Essential oils were invaluable in making that experience more manageable, as detailed in my blog post: 7 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Stomach Flu.
Ready to Begin? Getting Started with Essential Oils
Young Living simplifies the process of starting your essential oil journey. They offer Premium Starter Kits that provide exceptional value, offering products at over 50% off their regular retail cost. These kits include a selection of popular essential oils, a diffuser, and valuable educational materials and samples.
In addition to the Oils Premium Starter Kit, there are also NingXia Red, Thieves, and CBD starter kits available, catering to various wellness interests. However, the Oils Premium Starter Kit remains my top recommendation as it provides a comprehensive introduction to essential oils and their diverse applications.
The Value of Community: Why Sign Up with a Sponsor?
When joining Young Living, you have the option to purchase products as a retail customer at full price. However, signing up as a wholesale member by purchasing a starter kit unlocks a 24% discount on all future purchases and grants you access to the support of a “sponsor” to guide you on your essential oil journey.
Benefits of an Essential Oil Sponsor and Community
Choosing the right sponsor is crucial for a positive and enriching experience. Ideally, you’ll want a sponsor who is actively engaged with essential oils and can provide ongoing support and guidance. Our Nesting Well community offers active Facebook groups where you can expand your essential oil knowledge, discover recipes, get your questions answered, and even participate in prize giveaways! We also provide welcome packages with helpful recipe cards and tips. When you join with me as your sponsor, I offer personalized assistance with understanding your oils, navigating ordering processes, and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
I’m excited for you to experience the transformative benefits of essential oils in your daily life! To purchase a starter kit and begin your journey, click the link below. If you need any assistance or have questions, please don’t hesitate to message me on Facebook, Instagram, or through my blog The Ginger Home..
SIGN UP HERE <<
…AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL FREE GIFT FROM ME (AMANDA) WITH YOUR STARTER KIT PURCHASE!
For a more detailed walkthrough of the signup process, you can refer to this helpful blog post:
How to Get Started With Young Living Essential Oils – How To Sign Up
Thank you for taking the time to read this beginner’s guide to essential oils! I hope this information has been insightful and empowering as you explore the world of natural wellness. Starting with essential oils is easier than you might think, and the potential benefits are truly remarkable! Wishing you well on your journey to natural living!
XO,
AMANDA
Meet Amanda | The Ginger Home:
Amanda launched The Ginger Home in 2018 as a creative outlet to share her passion for all things home and family. Together with her husband Mark, they have been lovingly renovating their country home in Alberta, Canada for the past decade. They’ve become adept at creating budget-friendly DIY home decor projects that achieve a designer aesthetic. Amanda is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming, and well-loved home for her family and enjoys helping others cultivate the same in their own spaces. Visit her blog at www.thegingerhome.com.
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