Essential Oils 101

What are essential oils?

If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. Essential oils provide plants with protection against environmental threats and play a role in plant pollination.

In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health-care practices.



What are the benefits?

We all know about the everyday power of scent: how a particular perfume reminds you of your mother, or when the smell of your favorite restaurant brings you back to your first date there. But did you know that some scents can actually improve your health? Essential oils can also help you relax or sleep or improve your skin or digestion — their benefits go well beyond a pleasant smell.

“Essential oils can have a healing effect mentally, physically, and emotionally,” said Brianna Scarpelli, a marketer and expert on essential oils with Young Living Essential Oils. You can apply them directly onto your skin, inhaling, or use through a diffuser.”


Technically, essential oils aren’t oils at all, as they lack fatty acids. Rather, they’re highly concentrated plant components. It can take a huge amount of a plant to get out even a small portion of essential oil — 4,000 pounds of Bulgarian roses are needed to get just one pound of oil, for example. This is why some essential oils are particularly expensive.

There are some general tips for using essential oils that apply regardless of the type. Scarpelli advised looking for signs of a high-quality therapeutic-grade oil: pure, medicinal, and steam distilled. Never apply most oils directly to your skin, as their high concentration can cause a reaction or irritation. Instead, essential oils should be diluted with water or a carrier oil like jojoba or almond. And with a few exceptions, as noted below, do not ingest essential oils. And always talk to your doctor about health concerns, especially if they represent sudden changes in your well-being.

How do i use Essential oils?

Essential oils are used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used a single oil at a time or in complex blends in one of three methods:

Aromatic

Certain essential oils, when diffused, can be very stimulating, while others can be calming and soothing. Diffusing essential oils can also cleanse and purify the air of unwanted odors. 


Topical

Certain essential oils, when diffused, can be very stimulating, while others can be calming and soothing. Diffusing essential oils can also cleanse and purify the air of unwanted odors.


Internal

Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history and can be used as dietary supplements for targeted wellness.



Essential oils are both exciting and promising when it comes to taking care of your own and your family’s health. Whether you’re applying essential oils topically, enjoying the aromatic benefits through diffusing, or taking essential oils internally, the positive effects of essential oils are boundless.

That’s why you’ll want to ensure that the essential oils you are using are capable of delivering on their promise. You’ll want to make sure that you are choosing essential oils for their potency and their purity.

Check out these most popular selections of Essential Oils

According to preclinical research, Frankincense essential oil may promote healthy cellular function when taken internally. Experimental research suggests it may provide soothing internal effects, thanks to its high levels of α-pinene.* Frankincense also helps maintain healthy skin structure, and its warm, spicy aroma creates a relaxing yet uplifting atmosphere.

Buy Now

Lavender is widely considered a must-have essential oil because of its versatility. It’s been used and cherished for centuries because of its unmistakable aroma and myriad of benefits. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used lavender for bathing and cooking and as a perfume. Its calming, relaxing aroma promotes a peaceful environment. When taken internally, Lavender can help soothe and relax the mind.

Buy Now

Lemon offers multiple benefits and uses as a bestselling doTERRA essential oil. Lemon is a powerful cleansing agent, purifying the air and serving as a nontoxic cleaner throughout the home. When added to water, Lemon provides a refreshing boost to your day.* It’s also frequently added to desserts and main dishes to enhance flavor. When taken internally, Lemon provides cleansing and digestive benefits.

Buy Now

Known as a popular cooking spice, Oregano oil also acts as a powerful cleansing agent, and offers powerful antioxidants extending its uses far beyond the kitchen.  

Buy Now

doTERRA Breathe is a remarkable blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara. doTERRA Breathe maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. doTERRA Breathe can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep.  

Buy Now

DigestZen is a wonderful companion to aid in the digestion of food, soothe occasional upset stomachs, and reduce uncomfortable gas when used internally.

Buy Now

doTERRA On Guard naturally and effectively provides immune support when used internally.* One of the bestselling essential oil blends, it protects against environmental and seasonal threats when ingested.* It can also serve as a nontoxic surface cleaner. doTERRA On Guard helps freshen the air when diffused, providing an energizing and uplifting aroma.

Buy Now

Formulated to soothe and cool, doTERRA Deep Blue is an enriched blend of oils perfect for a massage after a long day or an intense workout.

Buy Now
My Instagram