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Essential Oils
Learn about the healing properties and uses of essential oils, the history behind them, what they are, how, and why to use them.
All About Essential Oils
Essential Oil Properties (still working on links)
Learn all about the individual properties and actions of each essential oil listed. Includes application, uses, and cautions.
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Basil
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Blue Tansy
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Blue Spruce
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Carrot Seed
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Cedarwood
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Cinnamon
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Citronella
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Clary Sage
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Copaiba
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Eucalyptus
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Frankincense
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Ginger
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Helichrysum
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Lavender
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Lemon
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Lemongrass
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Lime
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Tea Tree
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Myrrh
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Oregano
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Peppermint
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Pine
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Orange
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Rosemary
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Sage
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Thyme
Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant material extracted through steam distillation. Citrus oils are the exception — while still called essential oils, they're actually cold-pressed from the peel rather than steam distilled.
Because they're so concentrated, it can take several
hundred to several thousand pounds of plant material to produce just one pound of essential oil, depending on the plant. Each drop can represent anywhere from a fraction of an ounce to several ounces of the original plant, depending on the species.
Many essential oils have natural antibacterial, antiviral, or antiseptic properties, though this varies quite a bit from oil to oil.
They are aromatic, meaning that their molecules are so small they can be diffused into the air and absorbed into our bodies right through the nostrils, certain oils may have the ability to remove toxins from the air and destroy noxious odors.
Because of their molecular structure, essential oils are also believed to be absorbed into the body when applied externally, which is part of why topical and aromatic use are both common ways to work with them. Many oils are traditionally considered supportive of healthy circulation, and are described as expectorant, antioxidant, cleansing, or balancing, depending on the oil.
Some essential oils contain sesquiterpenes, compounds known to cross the blood-brain barrier — an area of ongoing interest in aromatherapy research that may point to help with neurological issues. Essential oils affect not just the physical body, but can also support the mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects of our lives.
Single Oils vs. Blends
Each essential oil has its own healing attributes and properties and is referred to as a single. A blended essential oil combines two or more essential oils in such a manner that the blend becomes more effective and less likely to cause a reaction than if those oils were use separately. Blended oils are also able to reach the various layers of that physical, mental, and emotional healing we discussed above. You can purchase essential oil blends that are professionally blended or you can give it a go on your own.
Application Methods
The ways to use essential oils are endless and very fun to experiment with, keeping the safety guidelines in mind. Here is a small list of what you can do with your essential oils. Because the body absorbs oils the fastest through inhalation I like to take a deep breath of the oil before applying topically or using any of the methods listed below.
Direct Application
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Applying essential oils to the wrist, behind the ears and the feet are the quickest ways for the oils to absorb in to the body and blood stream, it is also useful to apply directly to area of concern if dealing with a physical problem. Use 1-3 drops of essential oil, less is best when using essential oils. Too much and your body can trigger a detox which could result in a headache, nausea, rash, etc.
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Apply neat: This means you apply the oil directly to the skin with no carrier. The benefit to applying this way is deeper penetration, which equals more accurate results. Just make sure the essential oil single or blend you are using is safe to be applied neat, don't use any of the "hot" oils without a carrier, these would include; oregano, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to name a few. If you experience skin irritation after applying an oil neat, apply a carrier oil over the top to dilute the essential oil.
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Apply with a carrier: This method includes squirting an oil such as coconut, almond or grapeseed into the palm of the hand and then mixing 1-3 drops of essential oil into it before applying. The benefits of using a carrier is your essential oil will go further, spreading over a larger area and more even absorption. You are also less likely to have skin irritation and risk of body "detox". Other carriers could include salves, lotions, and distilled water.
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Applying to infants or younger children always use a carrier oil and start with just 1 drop of essential oil, using more if needed up to 3 drops.
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Layering: You can use more than one blend or single if you have multiple concerns by layering them. This means you apply one essential oil and rub into the skin, then apply another one on top of that. You can layer several oils in this manner.
Baths and Foot Soaks
These are the best! Water magnifies the properties of the oils and allows them to penetrate every part of your body. You can also place a few drops on the bottom of the shower, absorbing into the pores of the feet and diffusing into the air. 2-5 drops is enough for both and be mindful of what oils you are placing in your bath water, oils containing menthol may not feel too great on those "sensitive" areas.
Aromatherapy/Diffusing
This can be accomplished by an actual diffuser you purchase, placing distilled water in a spray bottle and spritzing the air or simply flicking the oil onto surfaces such as floors, beds, clothing, etc. (oils containing color may stain so patch test first). Heat will destroy the oil molecules pretty quickly so I always use an electric diffuser as opposed to a heated one. You can also place essential oils in wax scented burners, humidifiers, fountains, toilet paper rolls, and even the vacuum bag, get as creative as you want here. Diffusing is a great way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils and fill your home with a pleasant scent that lingers for several hours. Many oils are traditionally valued for their cleansing properties in the air, and diffusing is one of my go-to habits during cold and flu season, right along with rest, good nutrition, and plenty of liquids.
Inhalation
Simply open the bottle and take a deep breath. I have also placed the essential oil directly on my shirt, below my nose, behind my ears or on the pillow case at night. On the go you could place a cotton ball with a few drops of essential oil in a bag, then open and inhale when needed. Again get creative.
Internal
Unless you are very certain you have a 100% genuine, high-quality essential oil, I wouldn't even consider using this method. The FDA classifies some essential oils as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), a food additive (FA), or a flavoring agent (FL) — look for this classification as you research each oil. Keep in mind this classification is meant for small, standardized amounts used in food flavoring, not necessarily for larger "wellness" dosing, so use real caution.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, making them very powerful so I do not recommend internal use beyond flavoring in food, beverages, and smoothies — just a drop or two is usually plenty in the kitchen. Please be mindful and prayerful about using essential oils internally. Personally, I only use my oils for flavoring food, and turn to herbs for internal medicinal use.
First Aid
Oils can serve as your first aid kit if needed, but I prefer to add them to my salves, balms, and washes — they also make an effective compress. One that's a must-have in any first aid kit is helichrysum, which can be used neat (undiluted) and applied directly to cuts and wounds. It's known for its cleansing properties, and many people find it helps skin close and heal.
The oils I keep on hand for first aid are lavender, melaleuca (tea tree), frankincense, and a few blends for pain and infection.
Household Cleaners
I use essential oils in all my cleaning recipes. You can even add it to your dish washing liquid, dishwater, dishwasher and the laundry.
Health and Beauty
Make your own mouthwash and/or gargle, brush your teeth with them, add them to your hand and face creams, shampoo and conditioner. I like to use them in my personal care products.
Vita Flex Therapy
Vita Flex therapy is the act of applying essential oils to contact points on the hands and the feet that correspond with different body parts. This is a superior form of reflexology and is explained in detail in the book Healing for the Age of Enlightenment by Stanley Burroughs.
Auricular Therapy
Auricular therapy is a healthcare modality in which the external surface of the ear, or auricle, is stimulated to alleviate pathological conditions in other parts of the body. Apply the essential oil to the corresponding body part point.
Choosing a Brand to Purchase From
Over the years I've tried many different essential oil brands, and I've settled into mainly using one trusted source, though I don't think there's anything wrong with branching out or trying others along the way. That said, I've learned the hard way that not every oil on the market is what it claims to be — so here's what I look for in a company to help you avoid the same lesson.
The first thing to look at is whether a company's oils are truly pure. Because there aren't set industry rules or regulations around essential oils, this can be tricky — the alternative healthcare space has its share of people cutting corners for the sake of profit. Some products are watered down with carrier oil, and in the worst cases, laced with synthetic fragrance — turning something meant to be whole and healing into something closer to toxic.
Beyond the oil itself, I look at the company as a whole. Do they run their business with honesty and integrity? Do they care about sustainable, organic growing practices? Do they truly understand herbs and natural healing, or are they just riding a trend? In short — is their bottom line profit, or people?
Don't be afraid to ask questions and do a little research of your own — it's okay to try an oil here and there and see how it works for you. And above all, be prayerful about your decision.
The brand I've come to trust and recommend is REVIVE. They meet the criteria above plus offer good pricing and free shipping. They are one of the few that use first distillations when available, which tend to be the most potent and pure batch of an oil and best of all they sell directly to customers rather than through a distributor/recruitment model, keeping the focus on the product itself rather than on building a sales network.