You might have just received your essential oils or you have a stash of oils you are not sure how to use. Are you not exactly sure where to start? No worries! Sit back and dive into your box and let's get learning!
Let's get started
Using essential oils is simple. It may feel overwhelming and that is why I am here! I started using essential oils twenty years ago and had no idea at first of the power these little bottles had! I dabbled in different brands and finally found one that I felt most aligned with. Choosing a company to use is important and making sure that the company aligns with your vision and is pure should be a top priority. My brand of choice is doTERRA because of their ethical harvest policies and their co-impact sourcing model, and because I feel like the are the safest option for my family. If you choose a different brand that is okay! Just do your own diligence in understanding if they are safe for internal use and be sure to work closely with someone (me!) to ensure you are using them properly.
If you purchased your essential oils through me, you will have received a really extensive resource book, or maybe you already have one. Go ahead and open up the resource book and you’ll find usage tips so you can effectively start using what you have. You can also find many resources online to help you learn about application methods and safety tips to gain confidence using your oils. I found that when I first started using oils, I chose 2-3 "issues" that I wanted to address holistically and then when I mastered them, I moved on to new ones. I started with wanting to improve my sleep, make something natural for my skin, and find ways to naturally have my house smell nice.
Before we start addressing the things you have identified, why don't we start with the simplest ways to use essential oils. Grab one of your essential oils bottles and open it up. Bring it up to your nose and gently inhale.....ahh, you just experienced the aromatic benefits of aromatherapy. This is just the beginning!
Let's get a closer look at how to use them and why!
First Step
I know this may sound obvious, but opening up each bottle and experiencing them is a great first step. Don't worry, just store them someplace safe in the house, with the lid closed tightly and they will last a very, very long time. It is best to keep them away from direct sunlight or harsh temperature changes, and of course, away from the curious hands of little ones.
Safety First
Please don't put essential oils in your eyes, ears or nose. Always best to start with a small quantity and see how your body and mind responds.. The benefits of essential oils come best through consistency, not quantity. Proper dilution is important and that can be by using a carrier oil or a lotion. Learning how to dilute for sensitive skin, ages and animals is so important so before you use them on others, be sure to learn the how-to. When we get to topical application you will see a handy dilution chart to help, but please remember that less is always more.
Using guides
Without a guide it will be hard to know what oils to use for what. Save yourself a lot of time and have fun with your oils, but also learning about them and realizing that there is so much you can do. Get a guide and have fun discovering. I relate this to learning to cook--many of use started out with the Joy of Cooking to learn even the simplest of things. Don't worry, in time you will know so much! Here are a couple of my favorites!
Plant categories
As I said, using essential oils is like learning to cook--when we start out in the kitchen most of us use a cookbook to help us learn the basics. The same holds true for using essential oils. It can seem overwhelming when we first get started, but soon after some trial and error, we get the hang of it and are on our way to creating remedies and cleaning options for our family. The options are endless!
Learning the four main categories of plants is a great way to be able to reach for oils to use with an intention. In a short time I promise you will soon know exactly what category is typically used and you will find some favorites within those categories. For me, I can't seem to get enough of peppermint, orange and any type of tree!
CITRUS
These light and bright oils often have fruity scents that are characteristic of the rinds from which they are extracted. They can be described as tangy or tart, fresh, clean, vibrant, invigorating, exciting, energizing, and uplifting. Know that citrus oils are photosensitive so using them directly on the skin before being in the sun is not recommended. Be sure to apply citrus oils on the body in a place where the sun won't get to! My favorite way to use citrus oils is in the diffuser, in my water or on my feet.
Benefits:
- Energizing
- Uplifting
- Emotionally balancing to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
- Deodorizing and cleansing
- Cleansing; popular addition to antibacterial oil blends and cleaning solutions
- Refreshing
- Stimulating for mental and spiritual vigor
FLORAL
These scents are often reminiscent of the flowers from which they are extracted and can be described as being feminine, powdery, subtle, modest, romantic, and even poetic. They are often sweet-smelling and can create a feeling of cheerfulness and calm. Floral scents are considered to be classic and timeless. My preferred use of florals is in my skincare routine since they are so soothing and support healthy skin.
Benefits:
- Comforting and calming
- Promotes rest
- Sometimes sleep-inducing
- Mood balancing
- Support healthy skin
HERBACEOUS
Essential Oils that have herbaceous scents can be further described as smelling green or grassy. These oils often have mild floral yet invigorating spring-like scents that are associated with lush, wet foliage. They are reminiscent of the aroma of fresh leaves, moss, mown grass, herbs, and trees. My favorite way to use herbs is in my cooking or if I am feeling under the weather. I love to add oregano, marjoram and thyme to chicken and meat dishes. Herbs are often referred to as nature's antibiotic and can help support a healthy immune system. Also, the mint family is a great choice for any type of tension, fatigue, belly ache or just feeling off.
Benefits:
- Calming
- Promotes positivity
- Encouraging
- Emotionally balancing
- Grounding
- Excellent for supporting wellness
trees
Tree essential oils have deep, warm, lingering scents. Often described as smelling “brown,” these oils are reminiscent of the scents of a forest floor or damp soil. Their fragrances are soft, masculine, musky, and sensual. Their alluring, seductive, and hypnotic qualities create an atmosphere of mystery. Tree oils are very popular in my world and I diffuse them every night. I also love to add them to my body butter for a soothing and grounded feel. These pair fabulously with citrus or florals. Cedarwood, Siberian Fir and arborvitae are the most popular ones in my household.
Benefits:
- Grounding
- Emotionally balancing
- Promote feelings of comfort, security, and well-being
- Often considered to be aphrodisiacs
- Soothes aches and tension
The Three Ways to Use Essential Oils
Aromatically
The sense of smell is a tool that can elicit powerful physiologic, mental, and emotional responses. Place a drop or two of your favorite oils into your hand. Cup, and inhale. Using a diffuser is a great option for every room in your house. You are likely to never use a scented candle again!
Topically
They easily penetrate the skin because it's lipid soluable. Once absorbed, they stay in the applied area for a localized benefit. Increase absorption and improve distribution throughout the body using a carrier oil (i.e. Fractionated Coconut oil). I have many roller bottles made up around my house for a whole bunch of remedies. Rolling them along my spine is my preferred place, or my wrists so that I can smell how good they are!
Internally
Perhaps the most potent method for using essential oils. Internal use is very safe and effective if done mindful fully and with safety in mind.. When ingested, essential oils directly enter the blood stream via the gastrointestinal tract, where they are transported throughout the rest of the body. Taking drop under your tongue of Frankincense every day can provide amazing health benefits.
Let's take a deeper look at each way to use essential oils
AROMATCIALLY
Aromatic use of essential oils is especially powerful for mood and supporting a healthy body.
The sense of smell is a tool that can elicit powerful physiological, mental, and emotional responses. Essential oils are quickly absorbed by smell receptors, which have a direct link to the limbic system, which is the part of your brain that stores memories and emotions. Some essential oils induce uplifting or invigorating effects, while others are more calming.
Diffusing is one of the simplest ways to use essential oils aromatically. You can use an essential oil diffuser if you’d like but using essential oils aromatically does not require any special diffusing devices. You can achieve the same health benefits by simply placing a few drops of essential oil in the palm of your hand, cupping it around your nose, and breathing deeply.
Other Ways to Use Essential Oils Aromatically:
- Apply oil to a cotton ball and place in the air vents of your vehicle
- Mix oils in a spray bottle with water and mist over furniture, carpet, or linens
- Add oil to a batch of laundry or to dryer sheets
- Use in household surface cleaners
TOPICALLY
Essential oils easily penetrate the skin for localized benefits, making topical (on the skin) application a great way to experience the benefits of essential oils. This is why pure essential oils work to create potent plant extracts that are powerful enough to promote healthy-looking skin, yet gentle enough to use on a daily basis.
When used topically, essential oils can improve complexion and skin tone. They can also be used as part of a soothing massage. Before topical application, be sure to follow all label recommendations and dilution instructions.
Beneficial Areas You Can Apply Essential Oils
- Neck
- Forehead and temples (unless the oil is classified as a “hot oil”)
- Chest and abdomen
- Arms, legs, bottoms of feet
Other Ways to Use Essential Oils Topically
- Add a few drops of oil to a warm bath
- Make a hot or cold compress by soaking a cloth in water, adding essential oils, and then applying to the desired area
- Add oil to a lotion or moisturizer and then apply to skin
Sensitive Areas to be Avoided
- Some facial areas, such as the skin around the eyes
- Eyes and inner ears
- Broken, damaged, or otherwise injured skin
- Avoid using citrus oils in the sun
INTERNALLY
When ingested, essential oils directly enter the blood stream via the gastrointestinal tract, where they are transported throughout the rest of the body. Essential oils are readily transported to all organs of the body, including the brain.
*Follow label recommendations and other professional guidelines for dosage when using essential oils internally.
Effective Methods of Internal Application
- Add essential oils to water, smoothies, milk, tea, or other drinks
- Put a drop under the tongue
- Take in a veggie capsule or add to a small amount of applesauce or yogurt
- Use oils in recipes for cooking or baking to replace fresh or dried herbs and spices (Remember, essential oils are much more potent than dried or fresh herbs and spices, so start with a very small amount. Use a toothpick for particularly potent oils.)
Remember to treat the essential oils like medicine, and remembering that each drop is a dose. Oils should be kept away from children and pets and used with respect.
community
Having a like-minded group of people to learn from can make all the difference in the world to feeling successful using something new, like essential oils. Many people have creative ways to implement essential oils into their lives and I love collaborating with them, and since we are all in different seasons of our life, we can learn from others who may be a season ahead of us.
My wellness group online is a private forum where there are many tips and tricks to effectively using essential oils in your home. This group is open to anyone and there is years and years of great content to search through. Feel free to join! If you do choose to join my VIP team (ordering oils through me, you will have access to my VIP group as well).
As you use the oils and fall in love with all the ways they enrich your life, you will end up wanting to help those you care about. It just comes naturally as you find out how easy and effective they are!
Once I had my essential oils transformation and I started swapping them for my usual over the counter options and cleaning supplies, I began to share the oils even more with our extended family and friends with the hopes that they would also enjoy the oils and there was no looking back!
If the time comes that you find yourself sharing more and more feel free to reach out to me personally, it will be my honor to guide and mentor you in building a successful business in the wellness field..
supplies
Bottles, Roller Bottles, Diffusers: Having the right equipment is always important. Whether it is roller bottles, jars, DIY supplies, diffusers, books, or more, you can find many of these supplies online. Remember it is recommended to use glass bottles when using essential oils, however use common sense (I prefer to use a plastic cleaning bottle in my tile shower in the event of an accident). You will find that having more than one diffuser is a must in most households. Mine are located in the kitchen, the common hang out area and bedrooms.
A couple of my favorite online shops for the supplies needed are:
do it yourself
One of the most common ways we use essential oils is making our own products with essential oils. I have learned how to make my own body butters, bath bombs, cleaning tablets, lotions bars, wood furniture polish, make up removers, skin toners, and so much more. Many of the supplies needed can be found in the supplies section of this book under the amazon favorites tab.
My most asked for DIY recipes are body butter and cleaning tablets. Check these out and know that the possibilities are endless when it comes to Do It Yourself. You will soon find out that it is not only EASY to create DIY's but also super affordable! Some of my favorites are these!
Cleaning naturally
Cleaning up our environment by using natural cleaners is a great way to reduce your toxic load. I know that making my own cleaners is not only cost effective, but I am also helping my family’s health today and in the long term.
Cooking
Adding essential oils to come of your favorite recipes is an excellent way to flavor foods and also get the added benefits. My personal favorite is swapping out dried herbs for powerful essential oils in sauces and soups. Of course, peppermint brownies and lavender lemonade are both amazing, too.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to use essential oils in recipes.
Or simply add a drop of peppermint to hot cocoa, warm water, fudge brownies and more. It's really that simple.
*Remember to only use essential oils that are Certified Pure and are proven to be pure through extensive testing. Only doTERRA shares their testing results.
Fun Fact: It takes 35 pounds of Lavender flowers to produce just one 15mL bottle of Lavender essential oil.
If you are inspired to get started using essential oils and want to partner with me using the purest and most ethically harvested essential oils, simply click this button and choose the selection that fits your budget and needs. Plus you'll save 25% off retail just like me! I am also available to meet for an informative free wellness consult to help you choose the essential oils and products your family most needs..
Not sure where to start but want to try something? Just shoot me an email and I will pop some samples in the mail to you for free!
I am so excited for you and for opening up your heart and home to the powerful uses of essential oils. Now that you have them and you are familiar with how to use them, the next step is to do it!. Fill your diffuser, make a roller bottle and start to see how using these natural and effective tools can truly change your life.
Welcome and ENJOY!
ABOUT STACIE
Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat--or the chair--she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.
With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly share doTERRA essential oils.
Stacie brings her personal life experience of raising a daughter with a disability and over 12 years working in special education to her everyday Yoga classes.
In addition to teaching classes at a variety of local centers and health clubs, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.