How to Use Essential Oils

I originally posted this guide as a file on my essential oil Facebook group, Let's Talk Essential Oils! Click the link to join in the conversation!

There are three main ways in which essential oils are used: Aromatically, Topically, and Internally.

Aromatically

Oils have long been treasured in aromatherapy practices. Using oils aromatically can cleanse the air, remove odors, and promote better moods. Plus, they smell good and are a healthier, safer way to scent your home than chemical fragrances.

There are several ways to reap the benefits of oils aromatically:

∙ Diffuse either by using an electric cold-air mist diffuser (this is the best kind) or by steam in either a candle-powered diffuser or pot of steaming water. A cold mist diffuser is the better choice, because the heat in a candle diffuser degrades the oils the a certain extent and makes them evaporate more quickly. However, I have used a candle diffuser, and it's not a bad option if you can't purchase a mist diffuser right away. Use 2-4 drops.

∙ Oils can also be diffused in your car, by using either a terracotta diffuser or a felt or leather pad placed in a locket of some sort. One simple and easy way to do this is to purchase a stainless steel tea strainer and place a felt pad inside. You can also purchase car diffusers that plug into your cigarette lighter, but personally I find that the aroma diffuses quickly using the tea strainer method. Use 1-3 drops, and start on the smaller side. In such a tight space the aroma can become overpowering if you use too much (ask me how I know!).

∙ Similarly, you can purchase or make diffusing jewelry made with terracotta or with a filigree locket in which a pad of felt or leather can be placed. Put 1-2 drops in your necklace and wear to diffuse about you for several hours to all day, depending on the oil and your sensitivity to smell.  

When diffusing using felt, leather, or terracotta, allow your oil to completely evaporate before applying a different oil unless you want to mix the fragrances. This usually at least 24 hours and often longer. 

Topically

Essential oils can be used topically for many reasons, including but not limited to using in massage, applying to minor skin abrasions, soothing sore muscles, minimizing scars or blemishes, or simply using as a perfume. Some essential oils are even useful for minimizing the effects of aging!

Most essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, before applying directly to the skin. Some milder oils can be applied "neat" (with no carrier oil).  Follow doTERRA guidelines for each oil to determine whether or not to dilute.

You should also test a small area of skin on your forearm to check for sensitivity before using a new oil. Always dilute essential oils when applying to children.

Oils can be applied topically using your hands or by adding the EO to fracionated coconut oil in a roller bottle. You can also add essential oils to lotions, balms, toothpastes, and salves.

If you apply an oil and begin to have a negative reaction, such as a burning sensation, apply a carrier oil like coconut to dilute and remove the oil. Water will not dilute or remove an essential oil from your skin.

Internally

Certain essential oils can be taken internally for various benefits. However, you should always research an oil before ingesting it as certain oils, like wintergreen, are toxic when ingested. Always follow doTERRA's guidelines and only ingest an oil approved for internal use. Any doTERRA oil considered generally safe for ingesting will have nutritional information and instructions for ingesting on its bottle and in the product information guides.

When taking oils internally, the most common ways are to place the correct amount of oils in an empty vegetable capsule or to mix with liquid. Oils should always be taken with plenty of water, and don't forget that less is more with oils!

Other Uses 

Essential oils are used in various other ways as well. They can be used in homemade cleaning products (lemon is a very popular cleaning oil), as perfumes, in cooking, and in homemade items such as lip balms or lotions. The uses of essential oils are really almost endless!

One thing that I love about doTERRA is that they list the appropriate uses for each and every oil they sell, so if I am unfamiliar with a particular oil and its uses I am not left to figure it out on my own. As a Wellness Advocate with a wholesale account, I also have access to my "upline," which consists of the people on my team who have been with doTERRA longer than I and have more experience whenever I need or want some first hand advice. Although EOs are generally safe, it is important to use them appropriately and according to the recommended usage. It's also important to use them in a way you feel comfortable. Each person is different, so if you are not comfortable using an oil in a certain way -- even if other people are doing it without any problems -- follow your own preferences.

As always, you can contact me with any questions, or click the images below to join doTERRA or purchase oils!

         

Cheers!

Essential Oil Safety 101

If you've been following along with previous blog post or on my Facebook page, you know that I am a doTERRA Wellness Advocate and completely head over heels in love with their products. I seriously cannot get enough of doTERRA. I use their essential oils and other products every single day, and I really love sharing doTERRA with others. I even created a Facebook group for people to join and ask questions, share ideas, and generally discuss essential oils!

In order to better share my passion, I am also going to be posting blogs pertaining to essential oils and their uses. This post is the first one of that nature!

One major concern for people new to essential oils is their safety. Essential oils, though growing in popularity for very good reasons, are not mainstream. People aren't automatically familiar with how to use them, and that makes trying them a bit scary for some. Imagine if you had never heard of over the counter pain medicine, and someone out of the blue told you to swallow a strange pill to alleviate your headache. Having no idea what it was, you'd be a little cautious before taking it! 

Most people are in that position when it comes to essential oils. In fact, it takes on average at least four interactions before a person new to essential oils decides to finally try them. Although EOs are effective and natural wellness aids, they are a little bit foreign to most people. 

If you are in that place where you are new to essential oils and aren't sure how to use them safely, hopefully this blog post will shed some light on how you can incorporate oils into your life and the life of your family safely. 

The good news is this: Essential oils are generally safe. However, like with any health supplement, there are some guidelines to be followed and things to keep in mind when using essential oils.

Here a Few Basic Do's and Don't's of Essential Oils:

Do buy from a reputable company such as doTERRA. DoTERRA has rigid standards of sourcing, collecting, and testing their oils at an independent laboratory to ensure that each oil is 100% pure, free from pesticides or other impurities, and consists of the correct properties. This means that doTERRA essential oils are beyond organic and the safest and most effective EOs on the market. 

Whatever brand you buy, make sure that you can trust their quality. An impure or contaminated essential oil will be less effective at best and may even be harmful at worst.

Do follow the appropriate use guidelines for each specific oil or oil blend. Each oil has specific intended and safe uses. Oils can be used aromatically, topically, or internally, and many can be used in more than one way. However, some oils like wintergreen are toxic when ingested. DoTERRA provides guidelines for each oil and oil blend they sell, and all of their oils which are safe for consumption have nutritional information and internal use instructions on the bottle. Never disregard this safety information! DoTERRA's team of experts have determined the best and safest ways to use their oils; always follow their guidelines and warnings.

If you purchase oils from a different company, be sure to research how each particular oil can be used safely.

Do test new oils on a small patch of skin before using. If you've never used an essential oil, it's a good idea to test it on your forearm for a few hours before applying to larger area of your body. Each body is different, and some people may have sensitivities to certain oils. 

Don't continue use of an oil if you have an allergic reaction. If you test an oil and experience a negative effect, discontinue use. 

If you place an oil on your skin and experience a negative reactions, such as burning, dilute the oil with a fatty carrier oil, not water. Water and essential oils do not mix, and adding water to the oil on your skin may actually make your reaction worsen.

Do dilute oils with a carrier oil. While some oils can be used neat (without a carrier oil), most will need to be diluted with a fatty carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. When using EOs on sensitive skin or children, they should be diluted even further. As with almost everything, children need a smaller dose than adults. 

Again, doTERRA is super helpful and provides guidelines for whether or not an oil can be used neat or must be diluted before use.

Don't use oils on cats or small pets like hamsters. While essential oils can be used safely on some pets, cats and small animals are a different story. Always research carefully before using an EO on any pet.

Do research each oil or blend carefully before use. This goes back to knowing the appropriate use of each oil before using it. You also need to be sure that the oil you want to use is safe during pregnancy, or if it can cause sun sensitivity, and the general safety protocols for that particular oil.

It's also important to know what an oil supports or promotes before using it. For example, if you were on a long drive and wanted to diffuse an oil to promote alertness, you certainly wouldn't want to reach for a relaxing oil such as lavender! (You might, however, want to diffuse some peppermint in that situation!)

Don't use oils in a way that makes you uncomfortable, even if someone else does so without any problems. If you are not comfortable with a certain usage of an oil, don't let the fact that others use it that way make you go against your own personal feelings. Each body is different, and each person should use their oils not only in the appropriate way for the oil, but also in the appropriate way for the person. 

Do remember that essential oils are health supplements, not medicines. The basic difference between a health supplement and a medicine is this: supplements promote wellness while medicines treat illness or disease. There is a reason that we are called doTERRA Wellness Advocates! Essential oils are not approved to prevent, treat, or cure any illness, ailment, or disease. Essential oils work with your body to promote its proper functions and help it maintain health. 

Don't support Wellness Advocates who do not follow doTERRA's guidelines. This goes along with previous point. DoTERRA (and FDA) guidelines prohibit Wellness Advocates from diagnosing illness or prescribing essential oils to treat, prevent, or cure an ailment. Again, EOs are supplements, not drugs. We are Wellness Advocates, not doctors. If a Wellness Advocate says something to you like, "this oil will cure your asthma!" you should discontinue your support of that person and find a Wellness Advocate who follows doTERRA's rules and speaks about essential oils in an appropriate manner.

Do keep essential oils in a safe place away from children, pets, flames, and sunlight. They should also be stored in dark bottles like the ones they are originally packaged in. Keeping your oils in a safe place keeps your children and pets safe and prevents the EOs (which last a minimum of 5-10 years if stored correctly) safe from damage caused by directly sunlight or extreme heat. 

Don't forget that essential oils are highly concentrated. A drop goes a long way! You literally only need a drop or two at a time for most essential oils. Using them in larger amounts is unnecessary and may increase the chance of a negative reaction.

Do be careful about buying essential oils (particularly online) from anywhere other than the actual source. A legitimate Wellness Advocate's site will contain "mydoterra.com" in the web address (it will look like this: http://www.mydoterra.com/tiramarfarms). Alternatively, you can also purchase through a Wellness Advocate in person or by contacting them directly to place your order.

Sometimes individuals who sell EOs on places like Amazon or Ebay tamper with the EOs and dilute them with fillers before replacing the cap to make it appear that the bottle is unopened. DoTERRA also requires that any Wellness Advocates selling through a site like Amazon must sell their products at a minimum retail price, so if you see someone selling doTERRA oils for an unusually cheap price online, that is a red flag. To be safe, always buy directly from a reputable Wellness Advocate rather than through sites like Amazon.

Don't use essentials oils in your eyes or ear canal. These areas of your body are especially sensitive. EOs can be used around the outside of your ear, however, just not inside your ear.

Do use caution and consult your physician before using essential oil if you are pregnant or otherwise under a doctor's care. Some oils are not safe to use during pregnancy.

And finally....

Do remember that each body is different. I have pointed this out a couple of times already, but it bears repeating. Your body may respond differently to certain essential oils than mine does. Always keep this in mind when someone tells you about how a particular oil works for them, because it may not work in the exact same way for you. 

I hope this helps you better understand how you can incorporate essential oils into your daily life in a way that is safe and comfortable for you. If you have any questions, want to purchase essential oils, or want to join my doTERRA essential oil team, contact me or click the images below! 

          

Cheers!

Why I Became a doTERRA Wellness Advocate (And Why I Love Their Products)

If you follow me over on my Facebook page (and you should!), then you know that I recently joined doTERRA as a Wellness Advocate, which is simply their term for Independent Consultant and Wholesale Account member. What seems out of the blue has really been building over quite some time. Today I want to share with you my own journey with essential oils (EOs), why I chose doTERRA, how I use oils in my day to day life, and why I ultimately decided to become a consultant.

How I Got Started with Essential Oils and Why I Chose doTERRA

The first purchase I ever made of essential oils was lavender essential oil to fragrance my goat milk soap. I immediately fell in love with lavender. This is not surprising, considering that lavender is the overall favorite of EO consumers. It is a beautiful, soothing, and calming scent, and one that I use every single day. Since then, I have used several other EOs in my soapmaking, purely for their divine scents. Although I still use fragrance oils (FO) in my soap for certain scents, when choosing between a lavender EO or a lavender FO, the EO wins hands down every time...and that's not even a therapeutic grade EO.

This use of EOs for fragrance purposes sparked an interest in me for their other uses, primarily as aromatherapy and for topical application. So I experimented with store-bought oils. I used peppermint to repel spiders and for headaches and lavender for its peaceful aroma. And, most importantly, I began to research EOs and their uses. Boy, did that open up a whole new world for me!

Why did I chose doTERRA?

I found out that store brand EOs are not as high a grade as the oils made by doTERRA. At first I assumed these brand-wars were just a marketing ploy by companies. I can now attest from further research and personal use that nothing could be farther from the truth. When my first doTERRA order finally arrived, the first oil I opened was my beloved lavender. And you know what? I could smell the difference.

So, why is there such a big difference in potency and quality?

It all has to do with the high standards that doTERRA sets for itself. They carefully test their oils at independent laboratories for purity and quality to assure that each bottle is 100% pure essential oil. They also source their oils from the highest quality sources available. They make sure that their oils are harvested from the right plants at the right time, extracted correctly, and proven to be free from contaminants such as pesticides or fillers that would water-down the oils. Read more about this HERE.

The higher quality of doTERRA oils means that they are purer, safer, and more effective. Because they are more effective, I need to use less of them than I would a lower quality oil. Using less means that I can save money in the long run.

In short, I use doTERRA oils because I believe them to be the highest quality essential oils on the market. 

Why and How I Use Oils

Essential oils work. And they smell good doing it, too. The more that I use them, the more I grow to love them. And the more that I read about them, the more I want to use them in new and different ways that I haven't tried yet! For just one example, check out THIS STUDY that found that doTERRA's blend, On Guard, effectively attenuated influenza virus in vitro.

So, why I use oils is pretty simple. They smell great, they are completely plant-based and natural, and most importantly, they are effective. Investing in oils is investing in health.

But how do I use them in my daily life?

I am personally a big fan of diffusing oils into the air for aromatherapy, delicious scents, and air purification. Diffusing in my home also provides the added benefit of adding moisture to the air, which is especially important during winter.

Diffusing is super easy. DoTERRA offers a wide range of diffusers which can be purchased HERE. You can also use a simple tealight candle-based diffuser like the one pictured below. Simply put a few drops of your favorite oil in the top and fill with hot water. Light the tea candle below and enjoy! (The oil pictured is doTERRA's blend, Balance.)

I diffuse in my car using felt pads in a stainless steel tea strainer. The oils make my car smell heavenly, and depending on which oil I'm using, they can promote calm or alertness for long drives.

I also use the oils topically. Most oils need to be mixed into a carrier oil such as coconut oil (water does not dilute EOs), before being applied topically, but some -- such as my old favorite, lavender -- can be applied neat. DoTERRA provides instructions with each oil they sell to let you know how they can be used: by diffusing, topically with oil, topically neat, or internally. (If you have not used a specific oil topically before, it is recommended to apply a small amount to your forearm and wait 24 hours to test for sensitivity.)

One of my long-time favorite oily routines is to put a few drops of lavender on my pillow each night before going to sleep.

To learn more about essential oils and how to use them, go HERE.

Slim and Sassy Weight Loss Shakes 

Oils aren't the only doTERRA products I use! DoTERRA offers a wide range of health and wellness products from supplements to skincare to weight loss support products. One such product is their Slim and Sassy Trim Shakes.

Those who know me personally know that I am on a weight loss journey, and like any journey, it has had its ups and downs. I have been on a shake plan once before with minimal success, so I was skeptical when I saw the Trim Shake. However, reading further, I was really impressed. These doTERRA shakes are unlike any I've tried before.

First and foremost, these shakes contain no soy, no sugar, and no artificial flavors or colors. I can speak from first hand experience that it is really hard to find a shake mix without soy proteins. The ones I have found have been highly unpalatable. But these Trim Shakes not only have no soy, they taste great, too!

The Trim Shakes are sweetened with Stevia and come in both chocolate and vanilla. They blend smoothly, contain a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, and have 8 grams of protein in one scoop (just the powder). But what I really love about these shakes is doTERRA's two special ingredients: EssentraTrim and Solathin.

EssentraTrim is a extract from ashwagandha leaves and roots and has been shown to support weight loss by controlling the release of the stress hormone cortisol. It has also shown to help curb carbohydrate cravings (a huge struggle of mine), stress-induced appetite, and overeating while supporting healthy blood sugar levels and energy.

Solathin is a special protein derived from potatoes that supports increased feelings of satiety. It has demonstrated an ability to help control snacking and overeating and to make you feel full longer. I can personally attest to the fact that I can go hours after drinking a Trim Shake and not feel hungry -- something that never happened with previous shakes I have tried. I don't get hungry two hours after finishing a Trim Shake. On one busy day, I drank a shake between 9 and 10:00 am, but wasn't able to drink my next shake until about 3:00 pm. Although I was certainly hungry by the time I got to lunch, it was a manageable hunger -- I wasn't starving.

I love that doTERRA didn't just make a meal-replacement shake...they made a meal-replacement shake that helps promote appropriate eating habits and weight loss even after it has been consumed. I have never personally had a shake that I felt was actually benefiting me in ways other than limiting my caloric intake until Trim Shake.

I understand that weight loss shakes, no matter how awesome, are not a long-term solution or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. However, I feel that using these shakes in conjunction with developing overall healthier habits will be a huge help in my weight loss journey. They could also be useful for maintaining a healthy weight by providing a quick and easy breakfast or lunch on the run as an alternative to fast food. And at just $1 per serving,* you can't find a cheaper meal! (*Price calculated using the wholesale account price for the shakes and not including the cost of your liquid of choice.)

I personally mix my shakes using raw pastured cow's milk, which I feel nicely rounds out my "meal" by adding additional vitamins and minerals and sufficient calories for meal-replacement (if mixed with water, the Trim Shakes would only contain 70 calories per serving, which is not sufficient for meal replacement). I'm drinking a chocolate raw milk Trim Shake for lunch as I type right now!

Learn more about these awesome shakes HERE and purchase HERE.

The Loyalty Rewards Program

The Loyalty Rewards Program (LRP)  may be my favorite thing about this company. When I joined as a Wellness Advocate, I set up my monthly order of Trim Shakes to ship automatically. By joining the LRP, I automatically receive points toward free products every time my order ships! This means that simply by making a purchase I would be making anyway, I get to earn free doTERRA products (with the added convenience that I don't have to worry about forgetting to re-order my shakes on time and running out!) I can also earn the free product of the month if my order totals 125 pv and is placed prior to the 15th!

The LRP also does not require a minimum purchase order! Although there is a minimum order to receive product points -- 50 pv -- there is not a minimum order to stay in the program. If at any time I need or want to make a smaller purchase I can simply go into my doTERRA online office and edit my monthly order. No stress! Learn more HERE.

Why I Became a Wellness Advocate 

Finally, the million dollar question!

Setting up a wholesale account just makes sense. It is the wisest and most affordable way to purchase from doTERRA. It allows me access to the awesome Loyalty Rewards Program and provides a hefty discount on all products. For just $35 a year, I get to earn free products and get a 25% discount off of the retail price! To give you a real-life example of how much this benefits me, and can benefit YOU, Trim Shakes (which I am using daily and ordering monthly) retail for $52.67. With a wholesale account, they are only $39.50! That means that if I were to buy just one shake mix a month for only three months, I would save $39.51 and more than pay for my yearly membership fee.

Being a Wellness Advocate also allows me to share doTERRA with others and earn bonus products and even commission in the process..but without any pressure. I have been a consultant for another company in the past, and although I loved their products, I didn't love the minimum sales requirement in order to stay in the program. With doTERRA, I don't have to sell anything, buy anything, or sign anyone else on in order to continue being a Wellness Advocate and reaping the benefits of the wholesale account. This program is truly all rewards and no pressure.

Hey Wait! I Want In On This!

I thought you might!

                               

Any Questions?

If you are unsure how to purchase or sign on for a Wholesale Account or the Loyalty Rewards Program, or if you have any questions at all, CONTACT ME. I am here to answer any questions you have!

Cheers!

Rachel