I feel so connected to this plant medicine. I have used essential oils in times of deep sadness, when I am preparing for a difficult task, when I need some uplifting, when I need deep rest, to gather and connect individuals to the same frequency, during sessions with my therapist, when I need to focus, when I teach and practice energy work, when I wake up first thing in the morning to shift myself from sleeping to waking, when I want to feel sensual, grounded, energized, when I want to dose a room with a vibe (thank you Freedom Ciavarello), when I am hosting a party… The list goes on. I call upon different plants and blends for different things, just like I call on different friends for different things. I might call my best friend who is a therapist for resources to help someone in need of mental health resources, or my life coach friend if I need some coaching, or my psychic friend when I have a really interesting dream or need spiritual guidance. I do the same thing with the plants. I call on lavender when I need something calming and soothing, lemon for cleansing and uplifting, cedarwood for grounding, rose for opening my heart space, etc. I now intuitively make blends for clients, and it’s so much fun!
Aromatics have been used for years, dating back to 4500 BC for religious rituals and medical applications. The Egyptians were masters in using essential oils and other aromatics in the embalming process. Well before the time of Christ, the Egyptians collected essential oils and placed them in alabaster vessels. During WWI, the use of aromatic essences in civilian and military hospitals became widespread. A physician in France used essential oils extensively for their antibacterial and wound-healing properties and developed several kinds of aromatic ointments.[1]
Essential oils are aromatic liquids that are within many plants (shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds) that are usually extracted with steam distillation. They are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs because of the distillation process that makes them more concentrated[1].
Have you ever smelled a plant aroma wafting into the air, and once it hit your nose, you felt an immediate sense of pleasure, relaxation or a nostalgia? When an odor conjures up emotions, it also brings memories to the surface. The sense of smell is the most powerful trigger of childhood memories[2]. Different smells such as flowers, herbs, even an old shirt stored in the garage, hit your olfactory bulb and signal your brain that something smells good/familiar.
When a fragrance is inhaled, the airborne odor molecules travel up the nostrils to the olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity, which signals receptor cells and send an impulse to the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb then transmits impulses to other parts of the brain including the gustatory center (where taste is perceived), the amygdala (where emotional memories are stored) and other parts of the limbic system. The limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance. Essential oils can have profound physiological and psychological effects.[3]
Essential oils are fat-soluble, and the brain is comprised primarily of fat. But one of the key reasons essential oils are so effective in their ability to access and heal the brain is the fact that the compounds of essential oils are extraordinarily small making them uniquely suited to cross the blood brain barrier.
Essential oils are NOT regulated by the FDA, like dietary supplements. This means that essential oil products don’t need to gain FDA approval before they’re brought to the market and sold to consumers and because of this, there are many brands that use adulterated essential oils. Synthetic chemicals disrupt the body’s homeostasis and cause adverse side effects, where essential oils, because of their complexity, do not disturb the body’s natural balance: if one constituent is too strong, another constituent may block or counteract it.[4]
Essential oils are aromatic liquids that are within many plants (shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds) that are usually extracted with steam distillation.
This is why I know, trust, and am a wellness advocate for dōTERRA. dōTERRA ethically sources each and every oil on a global scale. They responsibly partner with families and farms from over 40 countries who are committed to cultivating the best seeds, soil and growing environments. As a result of doTERRA’s sourcing methods, their oils are unmatched in quality.
Every batch of dōTERRA essential oil goes through a battery of rigorous tests to ensure we receive only the highest quality, pure, potent and effective oils. Each bottle of dōTERRA essential oil has a lot number at the bottom that can be entered into sourcetoyou.com to see the quality control test results from an independent, verified, third party lab.
How to Use Pure Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils:
There are many ways for essential oils to have positive effects on our body, mind, and spirit.
1. Diffusion—cold water mist from a diffuser or mister into the air
2. Inhalation—smelling the oil or blend directly from the bottle or as a mist.
3. Topically—application to the skin with the use of a carrier oil or lotion.
4. Internally—used properly, with caution, and with brands that are made specifically for internal use with a veggie capsule or under the tongue.
Safety is of the utmost importance and according to dōTERRA:
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Always read the labels. Pay attention to any specific warnings on your essential oil packaging and adhere to any recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
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Avoid certain areas. Avoid putting oils into your nose, inner ears, eyes, broken skin, or other sensitive areas.
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Dilute oils. To minimize skin sensitivity, dilute essential oils using a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. The suggested dilution ratio is one drop of essential oil to five drops of carrier oil. Always dilute an oil when using it for the first time, applying it to sensitive skin, or when using essential oils with children. When using oils with a particularly strong chemistry, you will want to dilute one drop of essential oil to ten drops of carrier oil.
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Know your strong oils. Some essential oils should always be diluted with fractionated coconut oil before putting them on your skin. Some of these oils include Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Oregano, and Thyme. Keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list, so always pay attention to labels with warnings about strong oils.
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Be careful of sun sensitivity. Some essential oils can pose a risk for sun sensitivity, particularly citrus oils. Some of these oils include Bergamot, Green Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Wild Orange, and any essential oil blends that contain these oils. Again, this is not an exhaustive list. Before applying an essential oil topically, check the label for any sun sensitivity warnings. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours following the use of these oils on the skin (this includes tanning beds).
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Practice safe storage. Make sure to store essential oils out of reach of children. This measure will help prevent accidental ingestion. You’ll also want to keep your oils away from excessive light or heat, as this can alter the chemical properties of an essential oil significantly.
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Supervise young children. Always supervise essential oil application with your children. Because children have more delicate skin, it’s a good idea to dilute oils before applying them topically. Try applying the oil to the bottom of a child’s feet before you try other areas. In addition to safe storage practices, you can also use Child Resistant Caps to ensure that your children don’t accidentally ingest oils on their own.
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Talk to a healthcare professional. If you have specific health concerns, consult with your doctor before using essential oils.
There is so much more to the use of essential oils not mentioned here. I have an entire ebook dedicated to Plant Allyship and Support and companion yin yoga classes coming soon! If you’re curious about diving deeper into the energetics of essential oils, creating sacred space with aromatics, using these tools balance the chakras, and work with the elements, I would love to have a connection call with you.
Reply here!
[1] Essential Oils Desk Reference, 8th Edition, January 2019
[2] Lembo, Margaret Ann, The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing, Llewellyn Worldwide, 2019
[3] Essential Oil Desk Reference
[4] Essential Oils Desk Reference
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