Essential Oils Makeover

Did you know that oils were used long before modern medicine to take care of various aches and pains? Ancient Egyptians used them when embalming the dead. In biblical times, frankincense and myrrh were given to Jesus when He was a baby. Sacred oils were used in religious rituals. Kings were anointed with oil when crowned. Arabic countries used oils at marriage for their aphrodisiacal effects.

With the changing times, it's becoming more evident to look to the land and what the earth offers for health and wellness. Organic and hormone free foods are on the rise. Getting rid of synthetic products in the household that pose dangers to pets and children is becoming the norm.  More organic and natural brands are popping up which cater to the needs of American households.

I first got involved with Young Living essential oils when a friend suggested that I try a diffuser with a select group of oils. I fell in love. It made my home smell amazing and was very different from the typical smells from store products that have multiple harmful ingredients. It wasn't until I began to attend make'n'takes with friends to learn about the other benefits of the oils.

Diffusing Oils

Diffusing is only one way of reaping the benefits of essential oils. Inhaling the oils surpasses the barriers of the skin or the digestion process. The scent reaches the limbic system of the brain immediately and can elicit emotional responses similar to when you smell something that reminds you of a certain person or your grandmother's house on Christmas day. Physiological and psychological affects occur when the oils reach the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is responsible for heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance. Essentially, one inhalation of lavender oil can change your entire day.

Ways to make the most of breathing them in:

car diffusers, diffuser necklaces, leather bracelets, home diffusers, essential oil candles

Topically Speaking

You can add the oils straight to your wrists or neck like perfume or cologne. Adding a carrier oil (fractionated coconut, olive, avocado, almond, jojoba, etc) can be used to extend the life of the essential oil. Some oils such as Panaway (wintergreen mix) can create a reaction to sensitive skin. With the carrier oil, the dilution helps even the most sensitive skin types wear your favorite blend.

Ways to wear your oils:

perfume, cologne, lotion, face moisturizer, body butter, beard balm, shampoo, conditioner, hair detangler, bug spray, after sun spray, sunscreen, lip balm

To Eat or Not to Eat

One concerning factor for some is the use of oils as a dietary supplement. The beauty of Young Living is that they offer no other ingredients within each bottle. This means that only the purest form of the substance is in each glass container. A single drop of oil can make all the difference when making guacamole or a homemade salad dressing. The best part is that they don't go bad!

Ways to ingest:

citrus (lemon, lime, citrus fresh, orange, grapefruit) in water, stress away (vanilla/lime/lavender blend) in water, use herb oils in your favorite dishes (oregano, basil, taste of italy, marjoram), make a chai blend to add pizazz to your tea, smoothies, or baked items (clove, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon bark), replace gum with peppermint, use Thieves with distilled water as a breath spritzer and to beat a sore throat, veggie capsules (add longevity, frankincense, oregano)

Time is of the Essence

Healing naturally takes time. To switch to essential oils and see a major difference took a while for me to see. Once I began to exchange my products for oil based and homemade items, I could tell a difference in energy, clearer thinking, better health, less fatigue, improved complexion, softer skin,  and overall joy. There's something special about using things that God provided on the earth long before we were even thought of. Let's get back to the basics. One step at a time. One oil at a time.

Yours in health,

Dr. D