The #1 thing I’ve been getting e-mails and questions about recently is Essential Oils. It has taken me a while to figure out how I wanted to approach this topic, because for me, it’s very personal. Ever since I started using essential oils every day, it’s changed my life in such a positive way.

The first thing you need to know is that not all essential oils are created equally. Most brands on your shelves at Whole Foods contain preservatives and fillers, EVEN IF the bottle says “100% pure”. The FDA allows them to write that as long as the bottle contains at least 10% essential oil. What this means is that they lack the potency you need to be able to treat ailments & have good results. The ONLY brand of oils I use is DoTerra

DoTerra’s oils are miraculous. For instance, ONE drop of their peppermint oil is equal to 24 cups of peppermint tea. You cannot find this potency anywhere else. Unfortunately, they only sell their product online. The oils are more expensive than most sold in stores, but they are SO worth it. I’ve gotten rid of 75% of my moisturizers, medications, and cleaning supplies and now use oils exclusively in their place.

I’ve gotten my whole family, including my mother-in-law addicted to the oils. Sharon’s favorite oil is peppermint, and she uses one drop on the tongue as a breath freshener instead of gum or a mint! You cannot do this with most oils. DoTerra’s oils are SO pure, they can be, and are recommended to be ingested( (most of them, but some plants ya just can’t eat). This is why I had to put the disclaimer up before I start telling you what to do with these oils. Don’t go swallowing up something from the store unless it specifically says on the bottle that it’s suitable for ingestion (dietary use).

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are non water-based phytochemicals made up of volatile aromatic compounds. They are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants.

Facts about essential oils:

• They do not include fatty acids or lipids found in animal or vegetable oils
• Essential oils are IMMEDIATELY absorbed by the skin
• They have been used throughout ancient history, and have recently been recognized as medicine by cutting edge physicians
• You cannot overdose on essential oils because your body recognizes it as a food source, not a foreign substance
• You can mix as many oils as you want, meaning they won’t interact with each other
• You can benefit spiritually, emotionally & physically from oils
• Essential oils can be used aromatically, topically, or dietarily
• When inhaled, essentials oils trigger the limbic system, connected to your heart rate, hormone balance, stress level, breathing, memory, & blood pressure
• The use of essential oils can have profound effects physically and psychologically
• Oils can be used on babies and children, the stronger ones should be used with a carrier oil such as coconut oil

Here are my top 10 oils and what they can be used for, as well as a personal healing experience I’ve had with each:

1. Lemon

Lemon oil can be used aromatically, topically, or ingested. I put several drops in my water throughout the day. It tastes and smells incredible. It can be used to treat heartburn, depression, anxiety, blood pressure, cold sores, colds, concentration, bug bites, dry throat, diarrhea, fever, stress, varicose veins, and literally 100 other things. When I start to feel a sore throat coming on, I drink tons of lemon oil in warm water, and I also rub lemon oil all over my neck. I also put it in my aroma diffuser & the scent calms my anxiety.

2. Serenity

Serenity is a special relaxing blend sold exclusively by DoTerra. The beauty about their blends is that they contain several different oils which costs you less money because you don’t have to buy them all! It can be used topically or aromatically. Serenity is like natural Xanax for me. I smell it and rub it on my temples before I sleep at night and it knocks me out. I also rub some on Pearl’s chest every night. When I fly on an airplane, I keep it in my pocket & give it a sniff when I feel nervous. Serenity contains: Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang & Sandalwood. I can’t live without this stuff! Hands down, a must-have for me.

3. On Guard

Another blend from DoTerra. This oil is as legit as it gets. Can be used topically, aromatically, or internally. Forget about using clorox, because this stuff is the ultimate germ killer. You can use it to make mouthwash, toothpaste, household cleaners, and to fight off that nasty cold. This blend contains: Wild Orange, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, & Rosemary…all powerful anti-bacterial & antiviral containing oils. When I feel the slightest bit like I’m getting sick, I put 3 drops of On Guard in a shot glass of water & toss it back. I also rub it all over the bottoms of my feet ( it’s absorbed quickly into the blood stream that way). I make my own hand soap with this stuff as well as a germ killing spray I use on airplane surfaces. This oil comes with high recommendations from yours truly.

4. Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil)

If I had to marry one oil it’d probably be Melaleuca. We spend a lot of time together. I have cured so many things with this stuff. From my friend’s dog’s yeast problem in her ears to my own daughter’s ear infection….the list is endless. It is a highly antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory miracle oil. I use this stuff almost every day. Can be used topically, aromatically, or internally. Here are some common uses: wounds, ear infection, earache, canker sores, bronchitis, acne, allergies, staph infection, warts, etc.

5. Oregano

Oregano Oil is one of the main things drug companies DON’T want anyone to find out about. It is one of the best antibiotics out there. Forget about your Z-Pack, this stuff is the tits when it comes to killing any type of sinus infection, sore throat, or whatever type of crud you have going on. It is so strong and potent I cannot bare to ingest it in pure form. Since I am a wuss, at the first sign of a cold or infection, I put 3 drops in an empty gel capsule and take it 3 times a day. You have to be really aggressive with the oils when you’re sick. Also, don’t take the oregano oil in high doses for longer than about a week. It is SUCH a strong anti-biotic you want to stay on it about as long as you would a prescription. It’s so cool because oregano oil seeks out the BAD in your system and kills it whereas a prescription antibiotic just kills everything good and bad thus making you feel crappier than before while lowering your resistance. Funny how that works, huh?

6. Digest-Zen

This oil blend is awesome for all things stomach related. It contains: Ginger, Peppermint, Tarragon, Fennel, Caraway, Coriander, & Anise. If I ever have heartburn or feel a little off in the tummy area, I put 3 drops of this in a shot glass of water & down the hatch. Can also be rubbed on the stomach in the bothersome area. I have yet to run into a situation where digest-zen hasn’t stopped a stomach ache within 5 minutes.

7. Peppermint

Such a great, natural way to clear out those nasal passages. ONE drop of this in your mouth makes your eyes water. It’s amazing for freshening the breath. You will never want to use a breath mint again. It’s like the equivalent of 10 Altoids in your mouth at once. One drop of this oil is equal to 24 cups of peppermint tea. It’s wonderful for clearing out your sinuses, allergies, stomach ache, asthma, autism, bacterial infections, cold sores, flu, gastritis, bug bites, itching, & aids in alertness. My favorite thing to do with peppermint oil is to mix it with Frankincense & inhale it. It is like an instant cup of coffee!

8. Frankincense

One of the most ancient and widely used oils in the world. I love this oil because when mixed with any other oil, it enhances the healing properties. It’s great for anti-aging, arthritis, asthma, MS, depression, vision, and preventing diseases. Frankincense was one of the oil used in “grave robbers’ oil”. In ancient times, the grave robbers would rub the oil  on themselves before they robbed graves of victims of the plague as not to get sick. Not to sound like a hippie, but something about this oil makes me feel really connected to history and the Earth.

9. Helichrysum

I remember getting this oil thinking, “I’ll never use this one.” Funny, I ended up finishing this bottle first out of all of my oils! This stuff is so bomb I get all worked up when I think about it. I’ve used it to treat eczema, cuts, bruises, ear infections, etc. It’s one of those oils where If I don’t know what to do, I just throw a lil’ helichrysum on it. I had this weird rash on the back of my neck once, and it kept getting worse over a week’s time. So, I said, “ok here goes nothing…” I applied helichrysum a few times a day for 2 days. That’s all it took, it was completely gone after that.

10. Balance

Balance is a beautiful blend of Spruce, Rosewood, Blue Tansy, and Frankincense. This oil has really aided in calming me down if I’m anxious as well as making me feel more balanced, overall. I just inhale it or put a few drops in my bath water. It makes me feel so clear headed, I swear, it turns me into a monk. It’s great for ADHD, back pain, depression, anxiety, mood swings, seizures, jet lag, energy, etc. I really love the smell of this one as well!

So by now you’re probably thinking, “Damn, this shit is expensive and she’s crazy for even suggesting I buy this stuff.”  Yeah, this shit is expensive, at first. But so are pharmaceuticals. It’s a great investment if you’re serious about making the change. My friend just recently got off of Nexium for a stomach ulcer that was costing her $450 dollars a month. She switched to a wheat free, processed food free diet & is now on an oil regimen. She is doing absolutely amazing & loving the oils.

You don’t have to get all the oils at once. Find out what is most important to you, and build your oil collection from there. I’m to the point now where I use practically zero over the counter medicines. I have found replacements for pretty much everything I had in my medicine cabinet & more. Your initial investment will be costly, but the oils last FOREVERRRRR unless you’re like me and you like to drink them a lot….

One last thing…The handbook I use for the oils is the most immaculate Bible for essential oils. You can buy it on amazon. It has almost every single ailment in the book, and it is also a glossary for every oil and oil blend. It is crucial to get this book when you get the oils. Buy it HERE

I hope this was an informative lesson for you all. Please feel free to e-mail or comment with any questions! Good luck in your oil endeavors!

Xo

Lisa O