How I use Essential Oils

• Peppermint Essential Oil
  Peppermint is one of my favorite oils because it is so versatile. It is uplifting and energizing and has many different applications.
  • I primarily use peppermint oil to improve focus and energy. During mid-to-late afternoon I will occasionally feel a bit tired or experience a lack of focus, this is usually when I’ll take a bottle of peppermint oil and inhale deeply. I take a few deep breaths and instantly feel better. I would also do this during my time in school, if I had an exam or needed to keep studying, I’d take a few whiffs to help push me through.
  • I also like to use diluted peppermint oil in the bath. A few drops of peppermint oil in an Epsom salt bath is great for achy or sore muscles.
  • I use peppermint oil when feeling congested as a vapor rub. Mix a few drops of peppermint and eucalyptus in coconut oil and rub on chest and breathe deeply.
  • Inhaling peppermint oil also works well for me if I’m feeling a bit nauseated.
• Lavender Essential Oil
  Lavender is incredibly soothing. As a person with mild anxious tendencies I use lavender A LOT.
  • I like to pair inhaling lavender oil with saying some sort of positive affirmation or mantra. This is very relaxing and is also a good way to practice mindfulness.
  • Like peppermint oil, a few drops of diluted lavender oil is fragrant and relaxing in a warm bath.
  • I have a roll on of lavender essential oil that I will put on before bed; I just roll some on I have a roller and will use it on my wrists and chest. I don’t diffuse lavender essential oil in my room at night because it isn’t recommended for males, when used excessively lavender can have an effect on hormones.
  • A new study found that inhaling lavender essential oil can help with symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study found that depression; nervousness, bloating, and pain were reduced after using lavender.
    • “It was concluded that inhalation aromatherapycan be used for coping with PMS. It is recommended that the students suffering from PMS problems should be informed on the inhalation therapy by lavender” (Uzuncakmak, et al 2018).
  • Thieves Essential Oil
    Thieves is a powerful essential oil, especially during times of illness.
    • I try to use natural products in my household to reduce my load of toxins and chemicals. I use thieves as a surface cleaner. I mix thieves with water and a few drops of lemon essential oil. This tends to work well on most surfaces but as always test a little bit first on the area.
    • I start diffusing thieves immediately if someone is sick in the household. The immune properties are too great to not diffuse in the case of illness. Cinnamon (a main component of thieves) has been known to work as an expectorant which is great when there is a lot of congestion or coughing. Plus, it makes my house smell like the holidays so it is pleasant to diffuse.
    • This research study is older but I think it shows how powerful thieves is. The study concluded that diffused thieves had a 99.96% kill rate against the airborne bacteria they selected to study.
      • “Diffusion of the oil blend, Thieves, can significantly reduce the number of aerosol-borne bacteria and may have application in treating air for enclosed environments and preventing transmission of aerosol-borne bacterial pathogens.” (Chao, Young, et al 1997).
    • Bergamot Essential Oil
      I find that bergamot is especially uplifting.
      • During times of increased stress or in the mornings when I’m feeling a bit tired, I’ll put a few drops of Bergamot into my shower.
      • Often times I will use bergamot and lavender as a natural perfume. The aroma is so floral and light. Plus it reminds me of Earl Grey tea which personally makes me nostalgic.
      • I love diffusing bergamot and cedar wood in my home. These two pair so well together, the citrus from the bergamot and earthiness of the cedar wood complement each other perfectly!
    • Frankincense Essential Oil
      Frankincense is extremely healing, I believe frankincense should be in everyone’s home.
      • Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used therapeutically to help alleviate symptoms related to many different conditions including but not limited to: osteoarthritis, PMS, and fibromyalgia. Put a few drops in carrier oil like coconut oil and rub over achy joints and muscles.

A few final thoughts on essential oils….
There are many essential oils available; these are just a few of my favorite oils and favorite uses for these oils. While oils have been used for hundreds of years the research, in my opinion, is in the infancy stage. Much of the evidence to date is anecdotal, that being said, the research continues to grow as popularity of using oils grows amongst the public. I think it is important for any consumer to know that although oils may provide benefits there are limitations when it comes to the evidence regarding efficacy and safety. I believe as the popularity of oils has increased there have been health claims of essential oils that I think are a stretch, as always be wary of any unfounded health claims.

Quality matters when it comes to essential oils, stray away from lower quality oils or oils that say “fragrance” or “essence oils.” Whenever using oils topically use a carrier oil and test it on a small area of skin first to make sure no reaction occurs. This guide by Dr. Axe is a good reference when it comes to safety of oils: Essential Oil Safety (and are essential oil diffusers safe?) https://draxe.com/essential-oil-safety/. As always, just because something is natural, doesn’t mean it is safe; research safety of essential oils especially if you are pregnant or nursing. If using essential oil on topically or in a bath be sure to dilute it with carrier oil and use in a small area at first to test tolerance, keep in mind some oils are not ideal for topical or bath use.

We carry essential oils from Nutri-Dyn, a reputable company that has excellent standards and is not multi-level marketing. I know when I recommend oils there is a bit of a sticker shock reaction, and that is okay! I thought this too when I first started using oils, I can confidently say that for me it is well worth the cost. I feel I’ve been able to reduce my exposure to harsh chemicals through using essential oils; now I find that artificial scents and fragrances bother me because there is such a difference between natural and chemical smells. I encourage others to research the importance of using high quality oils so they can feel good about their purchases.  The good thing about oils is that a little goes a long way; these are potent products that are lasting! If you have any questions regarding oils or what oils we have available ask our front desk or your doctor, we are happy to help.

This post is the author’s own anecdotal experience and opinion and not intended to provide medical, diagnostic, or treatment advice.

References:

Cheat Sheet: How To Use Essential Oils Safety

Jillian Babcock – https://draxe.com/essential-oil-safety/

Effect of aromatherapy on coping with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Tuğba Uzunçakmak-Sultan Alkaya – Complementary Therapies in Medicine – 2018

Effect of a Diffused Essential Oil Blend on Bacterial Bioaerosols

Sue Chao-D. Young-Craig Oberg – Journal of Essential Oil Research – 1998

Frankincense – therapeutic properties

Ali Al-Yasiry-Bożena Kiczorowska – Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej – 2016

Image labeled as “free to use, share, modify even commercially.”

The Research Supporting Thieves

http://www.laborforlove.com/the-research-supporting-thieves.html

What Is Frankincense Oil? 8+ Benefits & Uses For Healing
Jillian Babcock – https://draxe.com/what-is-frankincense/