There is a lot of buzz about essential oils and because there are more than 90 different essential oils, it can be a bit overwhelming. No stress, in this post I’ll break down what essential oils are and how to choose the oils that are right for you.
Essential oils have been an important piece of the puzzle in my journey to take back my health. They have not only helped me support my thyroid and replace toxic products but I am enjoying using them more and more every day.
Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds extracted from the bark, stems, leaves, seeds, roots, flowers, and other parts of the plants. They can change from liquid to gas easily. Over 3000 individual chemical constituents have been identified so far in essential oils which gives them their individual properties. Essential oils are 30% more potent than their herbal counterparts. So far instance, 1 drop of peppermint oil = 30 glasses of peppermint tea. I can’t stress enough how very potent they are so it is important to learn how to use them safely.
What can they do for you
Essential oils work on a cellular level to create balance in the body and are a tool to help with minor health issues. The chemical, aromatic constituents can enhance our physical and emotional health. Few natural products are available for helping our mood and emotions so this is very promising. If you want the medicinal benefits of essential oils, you will want to use oils that have been sourced from indigenous locations so that the more desired chemicals will be in the oils. Many over the counter oils are heavily adulterated, containing additives, solvents and fragrances making them more inexpensive but also less effective.
How to pick a Company
If you are using oils only for the scent, buying a lower quality is ok as long as they are pure oils with ZERO fillers, synthetics, dyes, pesticides, or contaminants of any kind.
If using oils for medicinal purposes you will want a higher quality, sourced so that each oil is derived from its indigenous environment. When they are grown and harvested in the proper altitude, climate, seasons, and soil, you end up with a far superior product. There are several really good essential oil companies.
After much research, I choose dōTERRA® because of their sourcing and rigorous testing for purity. dōTERRA® sources its oils from all over the world so that each oil is derived from its indigenous environment. Their oils are CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic-Grade® (CPTG) guaranteeing that every oil is free of fillers, synthetics, dyes, pesticides, or contaminants of any kind. Every batch is third party tested so I am confident in not just their purity, but potency as well.
What to buy
Essential oils should be packaged in amber, cobalt, or dark glass bottles. Their scientific name should be on the bottle and the price should not be the same for all oils. Bottles should be stored away from heat and direct sunlight, in tightly capped glass bottles with an orifice reducer. They should also be kept upright since oils can break down the plastic reducer.
You will want to dilute some of your oils so purchase a few glass roller balls as well other glass bottles to store DIY essential oil recipes.
Identify your needs
Essential oils are a tool to help with our physical and emotional health. Make a list of your health concerns-physical and emotional-or ways you want to try the oils. Since there are 90 different oils, you will want to individualize your plan and decide which oils will meet your needs. Use a book or mobile app to help you pick the oils that will meet those needs. Slowly buy and enjoy the adventure of trying these amazing oils!
Resources
Unless you already have a good understanding of essential oils you will need to educate yourself about the oils that you are using. Modern Essentials or The Essential Life are great books to use as references. Modern Essentials also has a phone app that is very user friendly. Some of the companies that sell oils have courses that can help you learn more about essential oils.
In Essential Oils Part 2, I’ll explain how to safely use essential oils for your home and family.
Contact me with any questions that you have. Happy Oiling!