They have been used for centuries across various cultures for their therapeutic properties. As more people are seeking out natural products, solutions and healing strategies, essential oils have emerged as powerful allies in promoting overall health and well-being.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural, aromatic and highly potent chemical compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and parts of plants. When distilled and prepared, essential oils allow us to harness the power of nature and use it in our own lives.
Oils are highly concentrated and are 50 – 70 times more potent than herbs. Peppermint is a great example of the difference between herbs and essential oils (while they both offer benefits, they have different impact. )
Essential oils are incredibly fast acting and powerful for symptom relief.
Essential oils work at the cellular level. They possess a unique chemical structure that allows them to pass directly through the skin, into circulation and into the cell membranes. There are very few things that can get through a cell membrane without harming the cell, but essential oils are one of the few substances that can do that.
Within 30 seconds, blood tests reveal that essential oils are found in every cell in the body. Their bioavailability for the body to use is hard to find anywhere else. That is why you see such fast acting impact with something like an upset tummy or head tension. Essential oils also have the ability to cross the blood/brain barrier which is why they can have a powerful impact on mood, the nervous system and calming.
There are three ways to use essential oils:
Aromatic use is the most simple way to experience your oils. You can diffuse oils into the air, or just put a few drops in your palm, cup your hands over your face and breathe in. The olifactory nerve, located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, has a direct link to your limbic system, the part of your brain that deals with emotions and memories. By simply breathing in the aromatic compounds, you can experience an immediate effect on your nervous system which can help calm anxiety, lift mood, improve focus and more. Aromatic use is particularly beneficial for mood boosting/stress, sleep and respiratory challenges. Hormone testing is important for ALL women at ALL ages – those who are cycling, perimenopausal or post-menopausal and even those on hormone replacement therapy.
Topical use of essential oils allows for absorption through the skin into the bloodstream for targeted benefits. You can apply oils to promote healing of a cut, burn or blemish, or to soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. For more systemic support, applying essential oils to the bottoms of the feet, inside of wrists, pulse points and other areas can be helpful. Keep in mind that applying with a carrier oil is recommended for most oils.
Internal – When you take an essential oil internally (this is specific to dōTERRA essential oils ONLY) They enter the bloodstream via the gastrointestinal tract and are then transported throughout the rest of the body. All of the organs in the body including the brain will be reached. Pretty incredible, right?! A few favorite ways to use oils internally are citrus oils in water to support digestion, Frankincense on the roof of the mouth to help with large hormonal shifts, or On Guard in a shot of water to swish and swallow when your throat is feeling scratchy or you’re run down!
*Safety tip: When ingesting oils, follow label recommendations (if the bottle is labeled with a “Supplement Fact” is recommended for internal use).
Purity matters – Why I use doTERRA essential oils (and you should too)
There are a plethora of different essential oil companies out there, but when you are breathing in, applying or ingesting an oil for therapeutic benefits, quality and purity matter. doTERRA has set a new standard that everyone should expect when using essential oils for their therapeutic qualities.
Pure – doTERRA: Oils are Certified Pure Tested Grade, a strict standard involving third-party and internal testing facilities performing 54 individual test types to ensure quality and purity of each bottle of oil.
Powerful – doTERRA Essental ois are sourced from the best locations around the world to insure their potency and therapeutic value. Climate, soil quality and growing practices determine the efficacy of the oil to meet the CPTG standards of quality.
Exclusive – Ninety-six percent of doTERRA’s single oils and oil blends are exclusive, ensuring that essential oil users receive a product that is truly special and unique.
Nature at its finest!
Want to learn more? visit my.doterra.com/lainigray
