doTERRA 101: Guide to Using Essential Oils
“I believe that there is a healing potential locked inside plants which is integral with their evolution, just as it is part of human evolution to learn to tap this wonderful gift of nature.”
What are Essential Oils?
Plants are the most ancient form of medicine. Essential Oils are the aromatic constituents found within plants. They are the life force of the plant, containing the most active physiological properties. In the living plant, these essential oil components are used:
with hormones for growth and reproduction
plant pheromones for smells which attract pollinating insects
defense mechanisms for protecting the plant from predators (herbivores and insects)
protection against bacterial, viral or fungal invasion
Some plants have very high concentrations of essential oils, which they have developed for protection (herbs)
Essential oils can be derived from all parts of the plants.
The flowers produce essential oils often have sedating, narcotic or relaxing effects on the body (lavender)
The resins, woods and barks produce heating essential oils that actively move fluids in the body (clove, cypress)
The leaves often having healing and cooling properties coming from the green chlorophyll (peppermint)
The roots contain many of the earth properties of the plants and can be very grounding (sandalwood, vetiver)
The fruits produce essential oils that are very expanding, opening and stimulating (citrus)
How do I use my oils?
There are three ways you can use your oils: Aromatically, Topically and Internally. There are guidelines to using each of these safely and to understanding why you would choose to use an oil in one method or another. I break this down for you below.
A R O M A T I C
Methods:
Inhale directly from the bottle or hands
Diffusing in the room: 2-4 drops in the diffuser
Steam Inhalation: hot water or shower
Dry Evaporation: apply to fabric or cotton ball
Benefits:
Smell is the quickest way to boost your mood.
Triggers a response in your limbic system of your brain - the area that houses your memories and emotions — and this sends messages through your body to relax and find balance.
Cleanses the air in your environment
Oils:
Serenity — Sedating, relaxing, meditative
Balance — grounding, security
Adaptiv — peace, calm, clarity
T O P I C A L
Locations:
temples | chest | back of neck | inside wrists |along the spine | bottom of feet
Benefits:
Localized benefits
Enters the bloodstream, dispersing benefits into the whole body within minutes
Oils:
Deep Blue — sore muscles, discomfort, pain
Clary Calm — moon cycles, PMS, balance hormones
Peppermint — headaches, boost energy, cooling
Carrier Oils:
Apply before using oils to dilute potency and to allow beneficial effects of the oils to last longer
Suggestions: jojoba, coconut, sesame, rosehip
I N T E R N A L
Methods:
1-2 drops in water or food
1-2 drops under tongue
In veggie capsule
Benefits:
Supports gastrointestinal health
Maintain healthy immune function
Internal cleansing benefits (citrus)
Oils:
DigestZen — upset tummy, ease indigestion
Lemon — cleanse and detox the body
Frankincense — helps cells perform and function
Safety:
Look for “supplement facts” box on the outside of bottle to ensure it is safe for internal use
always dilute hot oils
How to get oils in your home
You can read about oils all day, but the best way to learn is by using your oils in your daily life. The only way to do that is to have oils in your home! If you are curious about essential oils but need a personal experience, I am happy to send you samples. Just click the button below to fill out a sample request form. If you are ready to start using essential oils, I have a link for you to start your order with me as your doTERRA advocate
