In addition to using essential oils to proactively boost your immune and digestive system, they can help balance your hormones. That’s right! This is super important because a state of balance can help keep you from reacting to life or freaking out when you’re under pressure.
Using essential oils in beauty treatments and for cooking is not a new discovery. For over 6,000 years, various civilizations have made use of them. We still use some of those ancient methods today.
There are lots of recipes that combine different oils for specific purposes. But before you go fishing on the Internet, please wait until you learn how to choose high-quality oils. I’ll tell you what to look for, and of course, I’ve also picked out some awesome blends for you. They’re in the back of the book.
My Relationship with Essential Oils
Essential oils are gifts from the earth. Using them has changed my life in so many ways. By learning about their true potential, I discovered my own.
I told you I first discovered the value of essential oils by accident, but I would actually call it serendipity. Once I experienced the changes that came from using essential oils, I felt compelled to share them with others, and so I shifted gears professionally and started teaching people about how to better their quality of life. At the time of this writing, I’m happy to say I’ve built a strong business helping many thousands of people by introducing them to essential oils.
When I first started, I had nothing to invest in my business except me. Well, that’s what happens when you walk away from a six-figure annual income. There I was—no skills, no network, and no budget—nothing but a desire to help other people who, like me, wanted to live toxin-free lives. So, I stepped onto the first wrung of the ladder and began my climb.
Even though money is not first on my list of importance, I believe it’s more than okay to earn money—to prosper doing something you love. So, I worked at building my business. Yeah, it was hard work and took time, but at the same time the essential oils sold themselves.
Today, I have a successful business promoting wellness and the use of essential oils. I believe they can be a critical part of a holistic regimen that among other things includes a healthy diet and exercise.
Anyone who knows me knows essential oils are a big part of my life. I use them to help me relax and also to energize.
Truth? You want to know what I love most about my oils? They allow me to navigate the massive amount of chaos going on around me. I’m a momtrepreneur, which means I have a family as well as a business to run. Both need my attention—sometimes at once.
I take my oils with me wherever I go. I fit as many oils as I can fit in my purse and then pack them when I travel. Everyone in my family, all the way down to my eight-year-old daughter, uses essential oils.
As you read through these chapters, remember that wellness requires maintaining lifestyle practices that support it. Everything works together—attitude, oils, diet, exercise, meditation—all of it. How can you incorporate essential oils into your lifestyle? I have a few ideas for you. Chapter two is on the way.
Open any wellness magazine and you’re likely to see something about essential oils. Articles, ads, or uses—lots of people have something to say. It seems essential oils have been the flavor of the decade for professionals on the wellness circuit. The truth is, as I mentioned in the introduction, people have been using them for thousands of years. Everybody has just upped their games and that’s why you hear so much about essential oils these days.
Let’s review a few key points. Then we’ll dig a little deeper into essential oils and how you use them, okay?
In addition to using essential oils as part of a lifestyle to proactively boost your immune and digestive systems, they can help balance your hormones and keep you from freaking out under pressure. You can also have fun with them. Essential oils can be incorporated in beauty treatments and in cooking. They can be used one at a time, or blended for specific purposes.
How to Use Essential Oils
If you’re just getting started with essential oils, you might not know all the ways you can use them and what you might use them for. It’s easy to feel intimidated when you’re learning something new, but the truth is, once you learn, using essential oils is easy. Some methods are more popular than others, and as you work with your oils you’ll determine your own habits.
One thing to keep in mind, even though essential oils are safe and non-toxic, you’ll want to pay special attention to the guidelines for using certain oils. Some can be taken internally and others only topically. Be sure you don’t mix them up.
Even though the scents of some oils are amazing, others might not appeal to you. They’re not like perfume although you may enjoy some as personal fragrances. But as I’ve mentioned, each essential oil has a purpose.
Where to Apply Oils
A popular way to use essential oils is to apply them directly to the skin. Oils are immediately absorbed into your skin because they are fat-soluble. Remember never to apply full-strength. Using more doesn’t make an oil work better. Always dilute them with something like fractionated coconut oil. It’s wasteful to use more than you need and depending on the oil, that can be expensive.
Dilute with Carrier Oils
Fractionated coconut oil is one of several carrier oils, or base oils, you can use to mix with your essential oils. Dilution is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Carrier oils don’t evaporate like essential oils do. But they can go rancid, so be sure the carrier oil you use is fresh.
Apply essential oils to pulse points, such as your wrists. Place a few drops on your palms, rub together and then breathe deeply. And believe it or not, applying oils to your feet is not only popular, but also effective. Your big toe is an especially good spot because it links directly to your brain. You can also choose to apply essential oils on your temples, at the base of your neck or skull, and behind your ears. Apply a few drops of essential oils, inhale, and enjoy.
Begin with a single drop of any oil you’re trying for the first time. Make sure you don’t have a reaction before you increase to three to four drops. Take any known allergies into consideration before you use the oils.
You’ll soon discover that you enjoy some scents more than others, but remember it’s not just about the fragrance. It’s about the benefits.
Use an Electronic Diffuser
Okay, so THIS is addictive! Plug in your diffuser and a fine mist of essential oils and water sprays, filling the air with the aroma of whatever oil, or combination of oils you use. As the mist circulates, not only will the room smell luscious, but the oils’ benefits will also surround you.
There are several types of diffusers. Choose one or two and put one in every room if you like! They are great as gifts, too. I’ve listed the most popular ones later in the book.
Old-Fashioned Steam
Boil some water and pour into a glass bowl. A few cups will be fine. Add three to four drops of oil to the water and lean in. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and inhale the steam. You won’t have to get too close. Hold your head about eight to twelve inches from the water and breathe in gently and slowly. If you notice any discomfort, stop immediately. You might be allergic.
Aromatherapy Bath
Adding essential oils