Essential oils and aromatic plants
… have long played an important role in human civilization. They are an integral part of medicine, cosmetics, weddings, religion, courtship, funerals and many other areas of human life. Although the use of essential oils has evolved over the years, the basic principles have remained unchanged. Since the beginning of time, oils from aromatic plants have been recognized as humanity’s most effective medicine.
The body can absorb essential oils through the skin, mucous membranes and the sense of smell. Internal use is the exception and is now recommended for individual symptoms.
Before choosing the form of application, a few questions must be asked and answered:
- What do I want to achieve?
- Which form of application is most effective for me?
- Which symptoms do I want to address?
- What am I ready for?
How do I use essential oils from doTERRA?
Traditionally, certain application methods were preferred or used exclusively for certain essential oils. New research into essential oils brings new knowledge and a better understanding of how to use the oils. If done properly, all application methods are safe. This includesaromatic, external and internal applications. One or more application methods can be used to cover a wide range of emotional and physical aspects. Individual oils or even complex mixtures can be applied using three different methods.
Method 1: Aromatic application
Scent can produce powerful physiological, mental or emotional effects. Essential oils are quickly absorbed by the olfactory receptors. These are directly connected to the limbic system via the olfactory nerve. This, in turn, is a part of the brain that supports many functions: including smell, emotions, behavior and memory. This is why the aromatic use of essential oils is so effective.
Some essential oils have an uplifting, invigorating effect, while others have a calming effect. Diffusion is the easiest way to use essential oils aromatically. Diffusers that use cold air or water are ideal for this. However, you do not need a diffusion device to use essential oils aromatically. You can achieve the same health benefits by rubbing a few drops of oil in your palms, then cupping your hands over your nose and inhaling deeply.
Other aromatic uses of essential oils:
- Put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and place it over the air supply in your car.
- Put some oil in a spray bottle with water and spray furniture, carpets or other textiles with it.
- Add or add a little oil to the washing machine with each wash cycle Dryer sheets.
- Add some oil to your household cleaner (e.g. surface cleaner)
Method 2: External use
The external use of essential oils is very effective. Because essential oils have a low molecular weight and are fat-soluble, they can easily penetrate the skin. After they have penetrated the skin, they remain in the respective region and have a local effect.
Even if essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin, the absorption capacity can still be increased. A gentle massage increases blood circulation in the respective area, so the active ingredients are better distributed throughout the body. Use a carrier oil that can increase absorption. Especially in areas where your skin is dry or flaky. This moisturizes the skin and prevents the oil from evaporating as quickly.
To reduce the likelihood of skin irritation, it is advisable to use a carrier oil (e.g. fractionated coconut oil). This is especially true for young and sensitive skin, when using an oil for the first time or if it is a very strong oil. Normally the recommendation is to mix one drop of essential oil with three drops of carrier oil.
It is better to apply several small doses daily rather than a large amount once daily. Start with the smallest possible dose (1-2 drops). External application can be repeated every 4-6 hours as needed. Since every person is unique, the dose is not always the same. It depends on height, weight and general health.
Areas of the body where the local application of essential oils is particularly effective:
- Neck, neck
- Forehead and temples
- Chest and abdomen
- Arms, legs, soles of the feet
Other effective external methods How to use:
- Add a few drops to a warm bath.
- Add a few drops of oil to a hot or cold compress (wet cloth) and then place on the desired area of the body.
- Add a little oil to your body or moisturizer and then apply to the skin.
Sensitive areas to avoid:
- Some areas on the face, e.g. area around the eyes
- Eyes and ear canal
Open, brittle or otherwise injured skin
Method 3: Internal use (ingestion)
Certain essential oils are traditionally used to prepare food and can be used as dietary supplements. They support a number of functions that have a positive effect on health. When you put a little cinnamon on your oatmeal, drink a cup of peppermint tea, or add fresh basil to your spaghetti, you are ingesting volatile aromatic compounds of essential oils.
Essential oils contribute to your healthThey also add flavor and intensify the aroma of food. In concentrated form, essential oil can be used as a targeted, effective dietary supplement. Due to the highly developed physiological processes that take place in our body, taking it internally is a very safe and effective form of use.
Essential oils that are consumed as food pass through the bloodstream directly into the gastrointestinal tract. From there they are transported to the rest of the body.
Since essential oils are fat-soluble, they are quickly transported to all body organs, including the brain. Essential oils, like everything we consume, are metabolized by the liver and other organs and ultimately excreted.
The composition of essential oils is highly complex. Each ingredient has unique biochemical properties that react with cells and organs in different ways. Even if the mechanisms are not yet fully understood today, the positive results are visible. However, the body can only tolerate a certain amount of essential oils.
To avoid poisoning, recommendations and guidelines must be strictly followed.
Other effective methods of internal use:
- Use essential oil in baking and cooking to replace fresh or dried herbs.
- Remember that essential oil is much more effective than dry or fresh herbs. Therefore, only use a very small amount at the beginning.
- For very strong oils, it is often better to measure them with a toothpick rather than using a whole drop (dip the clean end of a toothpick into the oil and then spread it into the food).
Why you should use essential oils daily
While essential oils can (and should) be used for occasional health problems, perhaps their most useful properties are their supportive properties in maintaining your health. Think of oils like a nutritional supplement; When you use supplements, you do so to give yourbody the nutrientsit needs to function properly. While there are differences in application from person to person, it is generally accepted that using the oils consistently is important to achieve the desired results.
Dr. David K. Hill explains: “Regular use of a variety of essential oils may be more important than focusing on oil selection or specific application methods. Routine and conscious use of essential oils can often increase and even maintain health benefits.”
Some people in the aromatherapy industry may express concerns about regular daily use of essential oils because they are concerned that they are too strong. We believe this belief is unfounded when oils are used safely. While we know there is still more research to be done, the specific health benefits of regular essential oil use have already been proven. Many scientific reviews and studies prove that appropriate doses of essential oils are safe and effective.
Incorporate essential oils into your daily routine and support your body naturally and safely with the following considerations:
Quality:
The oils you use are of great importance. As a global leader in essential oils, doTERRA is committed to ensuring that only the highest quality oil is bottled. doTERRA attaches great importance to the purity and quality of the CPTG certified products so that the use of the oils brings the best benefit to you compared to other modified essential oils, without any side effects. Regular use, even of small amounts, sustainably supports the body and emotions and increases general well-being.
Dosage:
Just as you should not take more than the recommended dose of vitamins or minerals, please also pay attention to the recommended dosage when using essential oils. Even small amounts are highly effective and more than sufficient. Whether used in a diffuser, on the skin, or in a vegetable capsule, no more than a few drops are needed at a time. View our recommended dosage chart to see how it differs for adults and children.
Variety:
Take a look at the many ways to use doTERRA essential oils individually and you will see that many benefits are similar. However, changing the oils you use rather than sticking to one or two can be beneficial, as can a varied diet. Another way to try new oils is so you can figure out which oils work best with your body’s chemistry for the benefits you want.
Dilution:
Some oils are incredibly strong, like the phenols and aldehyde groups (cassia, oregano, thyme, clove oil to name a few). These are called “sharp oils” and should always be diluted.
Age:
Young children and the elderly require special precautions when using essential oils. Your skin is typically more sensitive and in these cases suitable oils should always be used diluted (such as spearmint instead of peppermint).
