What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in plants from the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, etc.  Try this: Squeeze an orange peel. The fragrant residue on your hand is full of essential oils. In addition to giving plants their unique smell, essential oils provide plants with protection against disease and play a role in plant pollination.

Essential oils have been used throughout history for their therapeutic benefits. From the ancient Greeks to the Egyptians to modern French, essential oils have been regarded as an effective holistic approach to wellness. Modern scientific research and interest in more natural health care are fueling a revival and discovery of how essential oils can benefit our health.

Essential oils are extracted from plants through steam distillation for most plants and cold-press extraction for citrus peels. Essential oils are used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used a single oil at a time or in complex blends depending on user experience and desired benefit.

 

AROMATIC USES

Our sense of smell influences many physiological pathways through the olfactory system.  Essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy applications. Diffusing certain essential oils can be very stimulating while others can calm and sooth. Beyond emotional benefits, diffusing essential oils can purify air of unwanted odors and some airborne pathogens. Low or no-heat essential oil diffusers are recommended as they do not change the chemical structure of the oil being diffused.

TOPICAL USES

Essential oils can have immediate, localized benefit to the area of application. They have restorative and calming properties and can be used effectively with massage and beauty therapy. The chemical structure of essential oils also allows them to be absorbed into the bloodstream via the skin for internal benefit throughout the body.They are also natural disinfectants and can be used for laundry additives and surface cleaners throughout the home.

INTERNAL USES

While most brands of essential oils are not certified to be taken internally, many dōTERRA Essential oils can be used internally supporting a variety of healthy conditions. Some essential oils have powerful antioxidant properties while others help support healthy inflammatory response in cells. Many dōTERRA essential oils are generally regarded as being safe for dietary use from the FDA, and are labeled as a supplement on the label. Make sure the appropriate dietary supplement facts label is on the outside of the bottle before taking internally. Using essential oils can be both profoundly simple and life changing at the same time. Working with someone who has used essential oils before will help first-time users have a more beneficial and enjoyable experience. A large amount of information is readily available for those desiring to increase their knowledge of essential oil applications.(Be sure to use only 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils and consult your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing).