We each have the innate ability to heal ourselves. To empower ourselves with natural solutions, instead of succumbing to life-altering chemicals. There’s a time and place for pharmaceuticals, but it shouldn’t be the first answer, nor the only form of treatment. – Dana Arcuri, Author, Speaker and Wellness Advocate
A little over a year ago I was introduced to essentials oils. Heard of them? I’ve fallen in love with their scents, but mostly their health benefits. Lavender in my oil diffuser at night is such a relaxing treat! I add it to my homemade bath bombs too. So many options, so many benefits… There are so many oils and so much information that I decided to ask my good friend Carol Ann James to share some important info about oils that could be helpful for everyone. I am so excited to have had her collaborate with this post!
Carol Ann is a Wellness Advocate with doTERRA Essential Oils. She is a Registered Nurse, with experience in ER, Critical Care and Outpost Nursing in a remote northern hamlet (Canada). A Graduate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching Program, and presently enrolled in a Certified Aromatherapy online course, Carol Ann is full of knowledge about essential oils as well as health. She had always had an interest in Natural Health and Wellness and believes that essential oils can help support people in their quest for a natural, healthier lifestyle.
She got involved in oils when her youngest son developed seizures at the age of 7. In her research, Carol Ann discovered essential oils and diet could help minimize the episodes and her family have been using them ever since. She tells me how she uses the oils daily on her son, and it has decreased the episodes from one a week to one or two a year! Her family can treat most minor health care issues at home. It is empowering to take a proactive approach in our families’ health!
If you are not familiar with essential oils or what they are, let us start with some history about oils that Carol Ann so kindly provided.
Essential oils have a long history, and were first recorded in the bible, and with the Gift of the Maji where they gave Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The oils are extracted from plants by processes of steam-distillation or cold-pressing, using leaves, bark, stems and roots of plants and trees. They are highly concentrated, for example, one drop of peppermint is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea! So less is more, more often, in the oil world!
Quality of oils is especially important, and knowing where your oils are sourced, is paramount. doTERRA source their oils from over 45 countries in the world, where the best growing conditions and environments for each of the plants and trees is available. By going directly to the source, doTERRA purchase from farmers and distillers, and aid in poorer countries by building homes, schools, medical facilities and educating the farmers in sustainable farming practices. In other words, they give back to the communities they purchase from. doTERRA products are also Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oils. The oils go through rigorous testing in their labs, and also third-party testing, to ensure the levels of the different components of the oils are within a specific range. This ensures the quality of the oil will also have a therapeutic benefit. At present, there is no standardization for essential oils, which means many companies are only required to have 10 percent of the essential oil in a bottle to call it pure, even organic. The rest are usually fillers, or synthetic oils, easily isolated and made in a laboratory, but lacking all of the synergistic compounds needed to have a therapeutic effect in our bodies. Sadly, this has given rise of people with sensitivities to what they think are essential oils but are in fact not the real thing.
Enjoy this interesting information that Carol Ann provided in the following interview.
*What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learn about oils?
-Their effectiveness still tends to amaze me. I have witnessed many people’s reactions and amazement when their headaches disappear, their breathing is better, or their sinuses clear when they use the oils. As a Nurse, I consider the science of oils interesting. The pharmaceutical industry evolved from the plant world in the 1920s, with the introduction and creation of vaccines. Isolation and replication of plant components synthetically in laboratories has produced our medications of today. These isolated synthetic molecules are larger, and can aid in treating ailments, but lack the synergistic parts of the plant working together, much of which is still not fully understood. Many medications have side effects that require another medication to treat. Sadly, the number of deaths from side effects of medications is increasing, and yet entirely preventable. Essential oil molecules are so small, they can cross the Blood/Brain Barrier and get into the cells to do the work they need to do.
*How should oils be used? Do you believe that oils should be ingested? Which ones and why?
-Like medications, there are safety considerations with oils. Essential oils can be used aromatically/diffused, topically/on your skin, or ingested. Before ingesting, ensure the bottle has Supplemental Fact information visible. This is an FDA Regulation that ensures the products are GRAS, Generally Recognized As Safe. While all essential oils are meant to be used aromatically, and mostly topically, only verified pure therapeutic oils are intended for internal use. Always dilute oils on children, elderly, immunosuppressed and pets. The standard ratio is recommended 5-6 drops of essential oil per 30ml of a carrier oil. You can double or triple the amount of essential oils to the 30ml for more acute situations, such as an injury. A carrier oil, such as Fractionated Coconut oil, absorbs readily into the skin and doesn’t stain clothing. Almond and jojoba are also good choices but know your sourcing of carrier oils as well! Citrus oils are known to be photosensitive, apply to topical areas that will not be exposed to the sun, as it can cause skin to burn. Some oils can be applied Neat, which means directly from the bottle, but other oils such as Oregano, known as a Hot oil, should always be diluted, as it can cause skin irritations.
Essential oils are Volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly, and exposure to the air can change their composition. Always store them in a cool space, and dark bottles. Citrus oils should be used within 2 years.
*I personally love Lavender oil and Frankincense. I have found so many uses for them. When I asked my friend about her favorites, it was no surprise that she had a hard time picking one over the other. There are so many! So, when asked, this is what she had to say-
–Hmmm, a favorite.. There are so many! Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint are the biggest sellers in doTERRA, as their uses are quite varied. Bergamot is my personal favorite, as it uplifts ones’ mood, while have a grounding effect as well.
Carol Ann kindly shared this list of three oils that she loves and are also the biggest sellers in doTERRA, as their uses are quite varied. Here is some info on them as well as tips on their uses.
- Lemon – Citrus, clean smell with a variety of uses, from detoxing our body to cleaning our house and furniture. Use to energize and uplift your mood, aid with lymphatic cleansing by adding one drop to your water or rub over your chest to help with congestion.
- Lavender – Calming smell, aids in sleep issues by diffusing at night, but also can be applied neat to a bug bite, sunburn or wound to aid in healing.
- Peppermint – Aids in relieving tension headaches, fevers, hot flashes and clearing nasal passages. It is also a great pick me up for those mid afternoon slumps.
*What is your least favorite oil and why?
-The oils can work separately or together for increased effectiveness. For example, the combination of Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint has been an effective support for people plagued with allergies. Oil preferences are also very individual. Our olfactory senses can bring about a memory from a smell, both positive and negative, so if one ate too much pizza as a child, Oregano may not be on the favorite list!
*What are three oils that everyone should have around their house? Which ones would they be and why? Name one that every mom should carry.
-Three oils that everyone should have around their house- Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint!
OnGuard and Breathe, Proprietary blends of doTERRA, are constantly in use in our home with our young sons. With all the exposure to different viruses and bacteria in our everyday life, we aid our immune systems with the OnGuard, and Breathe supports our respiratory issues, such as asthma. doTERRA also supports busy moms on the go, by having roller blends premixed and ready to use!
*I attest to the efficiency of these blends too. I keep a small roller of Breathe in my bag and a spray of the OnGuard. By now my young daughters are so familiar with oils that even when they get hurt or when they are congested, first thing they ask is for the oil.
*How about animal lovers? Are there pet friendly oils?
-doTERRA oils are pet friendly. There are some safety considerations, as we must remember our fur babies are usually smaller than us, so will require less of the essential oil. Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil), is one to be used with care on dogs. Avoid applying it directly from the bottle. Always starts with the lowest amount of drops and add more if needed. Cats do not generally like the citrus smells, but as long as they can come and go in the room as they please, they can tolerate them. I haven’t found an oil I don’t like yet!
I love it when someone loves what they do and believes in it. It makes such a difference. Her passion makes her knowledge gained ten times more valuable.
So there you go. So much valuable information about another way to improve our health! But here is the best part. Carol Ann has shared a brief and useful list of oils and its uses based on specific needs. I called it the Essential Oils 101 list. Feel free to download! I truly hope you give essential oils a try and experience for yourself their wonderful benefits. I have also added my recipe for bath bombs where I add oils (usually lavender and citrus) I’ve created unforgettable memories with my daughters making them. It also gives them a sense of pride getting to use the bombs they made themselves while unknowingly receiving all the benefits they have.
If you have any further questions, my friend Carol Ann would be happy to contact you personally to discuss your wellness goals for you or your family and support you in your quest for health. You can find her at carolann.james.ga@gmail.com
Or at the following link- my.doterra.com/CarolAnnJames2
If you are interested in joining doTERRA or finding more information about their amazing essential oils enter HERE for more info.
Essential Oils Bath Bomb
These affordable, easy way to make your own Scented Oil Bath bombs will take just 15 minutes to make and are great for a well-deserved relaxing bath, for a fun kids’ bath time or as a unique gift for someone special.
- 4 oz Baking Soda
- 2 oz Corn Starch or Arrowroot
- 2 oz Citric Acid Powder
- 1-1.5 tsp Water
- 10-15 drops Essential Oil (When making them for kids I add only 5-10 to be safe and I usually use lavender due to its calming properties)
- 1 1/4 tsp Coconut or Olive Oil (I prefer coconut oil)
- 1 Bath Bomb molds set or cupcake tin pans (You can find many options at crafts stores or at online retailers)
- 1-2 drops Food coloring or Mica Powder colors (I personally do not add them because I have seen tubs stained by the coloring depending of which one you use. I also prefer to keep it to the essential and safer ingredients.)
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In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients and whisk to remove clumps.
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In another bowl stir the wet ingredients.
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Then slowly pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture. Be sure to add it slowly and mix while adding the liquid.
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Once the liquid has been added mix it well. Use your hands. Wear gloves if skin is too sensitive. Kids enjoy this part. For good consistency, it should stick together easily.
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Quickly add mix to your molds. I prefer to overfill the molds a little to be sure the molds are filled.
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Press together and make sure it's packed down.
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Let them set overnight or 24 hours.
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After they are dry, store them in a dry-airtight container or place them in a bag.
Have fun and don’t forget to add your essential oils!
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