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FINALLY! A Fact-Based Guide to Essential Oils: Expert Jennifer Pansa Shares Everything You Need to Know

Why are so many people obsessed with essential oils? And, honestly, what are essential oils anyway? And what are some essential oil uses?

Essential oils are becoming more and more popular as people discover their effectiveness. They are cheaper, safer, and work way better than most other solutions out there.

Whether you’re looking to solve a problem in your life or are just interested in living a healthier and more natural lifestyle, the essential oil movement is for you.

Essential oils are extremely versatile. You can use them in so many different ways: to make your house smell amazing, to support your body’s various systems, to clean your home, or to change your mood in an instant.
 

Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils

Watch this informational video for the low-down on essential oils from wellness expert Jennifer Pansa, and then keep reading for all the info you need to get started on your essential oils journey!


 
 

What Are Essential Oils Anyway?

An essential oil is an aromatic compound which is either steam distilled or cold-pressed from the leaves, stems, bark, roots, or rind of a plant.

Each plant has a unique nurturing property that can be used for health benefits. Essential oils are potent and highly effective.

Essentially (pun intended!), when we choose essential oils, we return back to nature. It is our modern-day application of getting back to “grandma’s garden.”
 
 

Here Are 3 Main Uses for Essential Oils:

Now that “what are essential oils” has been answered, another question arises: How do I use essential oils, anyway? Aren’t they just for smelling?

You can use essential oils in three main ways:

  1. Aromatically
  2. Topically
  3. *Internally (please be sure to read the info first – not all essential oils are safe to ingest)

 

1. Boost Your Mood and Purify the Air

Aromatically, essential oils can boost your mood and purify the air. Certain oils will actually kill germs and bacteria in the air!

The most common way to use essential oils is as aromatherapy. You can use oils aromatically by smelling them straight from the bottle, adding them to a spray bottle, or placing a few drops into a diffuser. (A diffuser is a small machine designed specifically to put essential oils into the air therapeutically.)

Did you know the air inside your home is often considered “more polluted” than the air outside?! Running a diffuser is great to help purify the air in your home, all while boosting your mood with powerful aromatic effects.
 

2. Soak Them Into Your Skin

Another way to use essentials oils is topically. It is always a good idea to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) when you apply them topically to reduce possible skin sensitivities and to help the essential oil to slowly penetrate your skin for health benefits.

One of the most common places to apply essential oils is the bottom of your feet – to correlate with reflex points and quickly absorb into your bloodstream. Be sure to use special dilution ratios when topically applying essential oils on children.

Each essential oil has varied and versatile uses based on that specific oils’ unique chemical properties. Certain individual oils may have antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, or antioxidant properties.
 

Each essential oil has varied and versatile uses based on that specific oils’ unique chemical properties.

 
In general, recent studies have shown that specific essential oils can shift mood and mental clarity, support healthy cellular function and a healthy immune system and a healthy respiratory system, and/or stimulate healthy skin.

They can be used in the home to reduce overall toxicity, purify air, remove pests naturally, and even to clean the house. You can read more about the most recent specific scientific studies on individual essential oils on pubmed.gov or aromaticscence.com.
 

3. Ingest Them

Remember! Not all essential oils are safe to be ingested so be sure to read all the information first. A great way to use Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) oils that are labeled “safe for ingestion” is to do just that – ingest them!

In order to determine if an essential oil is safe to be taken internally, you should read the label on the bottle and make sure it contains “supplement facts” and directions for internal use.

Typically when taking oils internally, one drop of oil is recommended in four ounces of water or per the directions on the back of the bottle.

If you don’t like the taste of an oil, you can still take it internally by putting one drop inside an empty veggie cap, which is an empty pill casing.

You can get these empty veggie caps at any health food store. It is really simple to open them up and add one or two drops of oil to the capsule and swallow with water just like you would any other pill.

Does your “what are essential oils” question still feel unclear? Check out: A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils – What You Need to Know to Get Started (Video)
 

 
 

Essential Oil Uses: Why Should You Use Essential Oils to Support Your Health?

Plant medicine and essential oils have been around for thousands of years and are fantastic for supporting many health issues and, in general, reducing toxicity. Frankincense preserved in the finest alabaster and jade containers have been found thousands of years later by archeologists.
 

If you’re interested in living a healthier and more natural lifestyle, the essential oil movement is for you.

 
Recent studies on pub.med.gov have shown how oils such as lavender can help reduce the effects of PMS, how peppermint improves anti-diabetic effects, and how Frankincense may be an effective tool in healthy cellular formation in breast cancer tumors.

Scientists and researchers are just now discovering the tangible proof of what holistic healers have known for centuries. Ancient Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, and Greek societies commonly used essential oils in daily life for massage as well as for medicinal purposes.

Western medicine is fantastic for many things and particularly when it comes to emergency medicine. But when it comes to navigating the day-to-day challenges of a busy lifestyle (think bloating, insomnia, fatigue, allergies, and pain), essential oils are an absolutely tremendous and effective resource to have at your fingertips.
 
 

Who Can Benefit From Essential Oil Uses?

Toxic load is the root cause of many health issues we face today. Our bodies do not know what to do with so many foreign substances entering our skin, lungs, and stomach.

This toxic overload leaves us feeling sluggish, heavy (both physically and mentally), foggy, unhappy, tired, craving unhealthy foods, anxious, and restless. Anyone who doesn’t feel optimal vitality at any given moment can benefit from essential oils uses.

Need some stress relief? Even more great essential oil uses: Yoga For Stress Management With Essential Oils (Free Class)
 
 

Does It Matter Which Brand of Essential Oils I Use?

Yes! Essential oils are not regulated by any governing agency. They still fall under the category of “beauty product” in supermarkets.

According to beauty product standards, the item on the label only has to be 10% of the ingredient list to be marked as “100% pure” – and other ingredients are not even required to be listed on the label at all! This is concerning as there is no way to know what is actually inside these bottles.

So, be sure to do your research and source your oils from legitimate manufacturers. Ask for proof of chemical testing of each oil that you purchase.
 
 

Here’s How to Choose an Essential Oil Brand You Can Trust

There are many essential oil brands on the market. Some are higher quality and more pure than others. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Has this oil been tested by an objective unbiased third party? Can the company publicly show the reports to prove it?
  • Where is the oil sourced? Is the brand able to track the oil back to a global location where that particular plant species grows easily to ensure potency and effectiveness? Is the plant being harvested in a sustainable way?
  • What is the social impact of the company? Does the company work directly with farmers and growers in a sustainable way? Do they skip the farmer and work with middlemen?
  •  
     

    dōTERRA Is One Such Brand

    dōTERRA is the most tested and most trusted essential oil company in the world because of the strict sourcing policies/partnerships and third-party testing processes.

    Each essential oil is sourced from the region of the world where the plant grows naturally, and is harvested in an ethical and sustainable way. See more on sourcetoyou.com.
     
     

    What Are the Top 3 Essential Oils Everyone Should Have?

    Now that you know what essential oils are along with essential oil uses, the next question is: which oils should you have?
     

    1. Frankincense, “The King of All Oils”

    Frankincense has been used in a therapeutic setting for thousands of years. It is known as the “king of all oils” because it is one of the most versatile oils out there. Frankincense has incredible anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties that make it the go-to oil for just about everything.

    It is also known in yoga to bridge the gap between the Root Chakra and the Crown Chakra. In other words, to link your “physical experience” with your “spiritual energy.”

    These are some of the most popular ways to use it:

    • Aromatically: to boost your mood and help cultivate focus and awareness
    • Topically: to soothe your skin and support the reduction of skin imperfections
    • *Internally: to help support healthy cellular function (if marked safe for internal use)

     

    2. Breathe, “The Respiratory Blend”

    Breathe is a signature dōTERRA blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, and laurel leaf specifically made to support deep breathing. In this day and age we can use as many deep breaths as we can get!

    This minty blend is amazing before a workout, when stressed, or anytime you could use a deep breath.

    These are some of the most popular ways to use it:

    • Aromatically: before bed, if there are seasonal threats in the air, or if you have a stuffy nose
    • Topically: before a yoga class, workout, or walk or anytime you want to breathe deeper

     

    3. Lavender, “All Things Calming”

    Lavender is the go-to oil for soothing. It has been used for centuries for its incredible calming abilities. Lavender is most popular for relaxation, stress reduction, sleep, cooking, and skin irritations. It is also an antihistamine so it can help reduce itching.

    These are some of the most popular ways to use it:

    • Aromatically: before bedtime or anytime to help reduce feelings of stress or anxiety
    • Topically: on the bottoms of your feet before bedtime, on minor skin irritations, or in a relaxing bath
    • *Internally: in desserts, cakes, coffee, or one drop in water to support healthy rest and/or combat seasonal threats (if marked safe for internal use)

     

     
     

    Important Things to Know for Essential Oils Uses

    • Do not put essential oils inside your eyes, ears, nose, or any other sensitive areas
    • It is best to dilute essential oils for topical application with a carrier oil and test the oil on your hand to ensure there is no skin irritation. Dilute based on the age of the person using the oil
    • Citrus oils are photosensitive. Give yourself at least 24 hours after topical use before going into direct sunlight
    • Hot oils such as clove or oregano are best taken with a veggie cap or diluted when applied topically – as they are spicy!
    • Make sure to store your essential oils in a cool, dark place
    • Consult a doctor if you are on any medication to make sure there aren’t any contraindications with essential oils
    • Consult a doctor if any of your symptoms worsen
    • If you are pregnant or nursing, read about specific essential oils for pregnancy and birth before using

     
    Please note that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
     
     

    What Is the Best Way to Purchase dōTERRA Essential Oils?

    The best way to incorporate dōTERRA essential oils into your home is to purchase an annual wholesale membership (think Costco) so that you can build up your collection of essential oils at 25% off pricing and replace your medicine cabinet.

    You can pay an annual membership fee of $35 and order oils individually or get an enrollment kit to get an even deeper discount (most popular is the home essentials kit or the natural solutions kit).
     

    Essential oils are an absolutely tremendous and effective resource to have at your fingertips.

     
    Make sure to purchase your oils through an expert Wellness Advocate like myself, Jennifer Pansa (ID 2623839) so that you can get personalized education and support along with your oils.

    When you get your membership, you receive a complementary one-on-one consultation to go over your personal health goals and are provided with additional ongoing resources to educate you further on essential oils.

    All included information is not intended to treat or diagnose. The views expressed are those of the author and should be attributed solely to the author. For medical questions, please consult your healthcare provider.

    This article has been read 3K+ times. Feelin’ the love!

    Comments

    wonderful comments!

Jennifer Pansa Rohr

Expert yoga and wellness guide Jennifer Pansa brings a decade worth of experience to her teachings. Jennifer was featured on the cover of Yoga Journal, and her articles have been featured in THRIVE Magazine, Disfunksion Magazine and Sonima.com.

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