There are different types of oils on the market and not all of them are pure so if you are going to use it on your body be sure that it is certified pure if possible. I use only Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential oil and I feel confident that they are the best on the market. Not all essential oils need to be diluted to be used therapeutically but some will such as Oregano and Cinnamon so please refer to any product information you receive from either myself or the company you purchase your products from. Scroll down to find the Safety section to find more information on how to use and dilution ratios.
Essential Oil Safety
There are a lot of factors to consider when we talk about the safety or using essential oils safely. All essential oils have the possibility of skin sensitivity. Always keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Also, avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid direct exposure in the sun or UV rays for 24-48 hours after using topically any citrus oil or oil blend that has citrus in it such as Wild Orange, Lemon, Lime, etc.
Dilution
Dilution has been ignored by so many and then they wonder why they are breaking out in a rash or have red marks on their skin. To be on the safe side you may wish to always dilute your oils with a carrier oil 10-50%. The oils will not be less effective and will actually work better as they will not evaporate as quickly. For damaged skin you will always want to dilute. Here is a handy dilution chart to use. Also, always dilute “hot” oils such as Cinnamon, Cassia, Oregano, Thyme and any other blends the manufacturer recommends such as the Protective Blend.
10 ml bottle
1% = 3 drops
2% = 6 drops
3% = 9 drops
4% = 12 drops
5% = 15 drops
10% = 30 drops
I personally like the 10% dilution but have found that 5% works well for some oils. For babies and small children, I recommend starting at a 1% dilution and if you find you need more then you can add a few more drops.
Therapeutic use: 28 drops to 1/2 ounce of carrier oil or lotion
Massage or Lotion use: 50 drops to 4 ounces of carrier oil or lotion
Measurements
25-30 drops 1/4 tsp 1-2 ml 5/8 dram
45-50 drops 1/2 tsp 2-3 ml 1 dram
75-80 drops 3/4 tsp 3-4 ml 1/8 oz
100-120 drops 1 tsp 5 ml 1/6 oz
160 drops 1 1/2 tsp 6-8 ml 1/4 oz
320-400 drops 3 tsp 13-15 ml 1/2 oz
600-650 drops 6 tsp 25-30 ml 1 oz
All essential oils and liquid blends should be stored in dark colored glass bottles in a dark cool place. Some oils such as citrus oils may need to be refrigerated for optimal freshness.
Quality
Make sure you are purchasing from a quality supplier. By that I mean one that you trust and have confidence in their ability to provide you with the best essential oil available that is not adulterated, diluted or contaminated in some way. So, do your research. I trust the company the company I'm with and its founders and I know that they are providing all their users with the best quality of essential oils. They do have a certification process which is proprietary as there is no standard for essential oils in the United States. It entails 3rd party labs testing all their oils to ensure they are potent, free from contaminants and undiluted. Okay, that will be my one and only speech on the company but please do your research prior to purchasing.
Ways to Use
Topically: If you are applying topically (see my second point about hot oils) then you will want to dilute. If you are unsure as to your sensitivity, then do a small test on your inner elbow of just a drop of essential oil. If after a couple hours you have no redness then that oil is safe to use without dilution for you.
Aromatically: You can also inhale them. I like to use a diffuser or small fan based unit. You can also just open the bottle and smell. Placing a drop in the palm of your hand, rubbing your hands together and then inhaling is also a wonderful option. There is a low safety concern when using this method and for some issues this is the best method.
Internally: Please do not assume you can just use any essential oil and take it internally. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant material that is either steam distilled or cold pressed and can be 75 times more potent than the herb or plant. Please read all the material that is provided with the oils when you purchased them. Read the bottles and look for a nutritional supplement label, quality is everything.
Age or Health of Person
Age or physical condition of the person using the oils can be a deciding factor such as someone with chronic health issues, an older person, child or baby you may want to consult a professional who can recommend oils that would benefit them the most. People with chronic health issues or an older person may be on pharmaceuticals that may be contraindicated by some oils. There are also some wonderful resource books that covers these situations.
Carrier oils
I added this as I do get a lot of questions as to what should I use to dilute my oils or what is a carrier oil. For more information on carrier oils and the different types, please check out that Educational page at the top. A carrier oil is just a base oil used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. They are named carrier as they “carry” the essential oil onto the skin. They normally do not have a smell and can have differing moisturizing effects depending upon what you use. You will most likely want an oil that is fast to average to absorb.
Fast to Average Absorbing Oils
Typically if it is safe to consume then it would be safe to use on your skin. All essential oils and liquid blends should be stored in dark colored glass bottles or in a dark cool place. I like mixing in dropper bottles but others prefer roller ball bottles or spray bottles depending upon the application method. You can find various carrier oils at health food stores or online as well as the mixing bottles.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils
So far we have covered some safety issues and ways we can use the oils now we need to discuss what we can use them for. Let's look at the benefits of having oils in our home, office, car or traveling to use in those little emergencies.
I classify an emergency is when we are traveling and can’t get to a drug store or doctor immediately, maybe a weekend and doctors office isn’t open, you are on the road in your car and need something fast, this could be a first line defense when there is a natural disaster. You will have to determine what your emergency is. Essential Oils do not treat or cure medical conditions. Let me make that clear. If you have a serious medical problem, call your local emergency number or see a doctor right away if at all possible.
In general, what can we use the oils for?
Must Have Essential Oils
I'm not going to go through all the essential oils and why you must have this one or that one as you need to do your own research to find out which ones would benefit your family the most; however, these are my must have for around the house and travel.
There are a lot of factors to consider when we talk about the safety or using essential oils safely. All essential oils have the possibility of skin sensitivity. Always keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Also, avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid direct exposure in the sun or UV rays for 24-48 hours after using topically any citrus oil or oil blend that has citrus in it such as Wild Orange, Lemon, Lime, etc.
Dilution
Dilution has been ignored by so many and then they wonder why they are breaking out in a rash or have red marks on their skin. To be on the safe side you may wish to always dilute your oils with a carrier oil 10-50%. The oils will not be less effective and will actually work better as they will not evaporate as quickly. For damaged skin you will always want to dilute. Here is a handy dilution chart to use. Also, always dilute “hot” oils such as Cinnamon, Cassia, Oregano, Thyme and any other blends the manufacturer recommends such as the Protective Blend.
10 ml bottle
1% = 3 drops
2% = 6 drops
3% = 9 drops
4% = 12 drops
5% = 15 drops
10% = 30 drops
I personally like the 10% dilution but have found that 5% works well for some oils. For babies and small children, I recommend starting at a 1% dilution and if you find you need more then you can add a few more drops.
Therapeutic use: 28 drops to 1/2 ounce of carrier oil or lotion
Massage or Lotion use: 50 drops to 4 ounces of carrier oil or lotion
Measurements
25-30 drops 1/4 tsp 1-2 ml 5/8 dram
45-50 drops 1/2 tsp 2-3 ml 1 dram
75-80 drops 3/4 tsp 3-4 ml 1/8 oz
100-120 drops 1 tsp 5 ml 1/6 oz
160 drops 1 1/2 tsp 6-8 ml 1/4 oz
320-400 drops 3 tsp 13-15 ml 1/2 oz
600-650 drops 6 tsp 25-30 ml 1 oz
All essential oils and liquid blends should be stored in dark colored glass bottles in a dark cool place. Some oils such as citrus oils may need to be refrigerated for optimal freshness.
Quality
Make sure you are purchasing from a quality supplier. By that I mean one that you trust and have confidence in their ability to provide you with the best essential oil available that is not adulterated, diluted or contaminated in some way. So, do your research. I trust the company the company I'm with and its founders and I know that they are providing all their users with the best quality of essential oils. They do have a certification process which is proprietary as there is no standard for essential oils in the United States. It entails 3rd party labs testing all their oils to ensure they are potent, free from contaminants and undiluted. Okay, that will be my one and only speech on the company but please do your research prior to purchasing.
Ways to Use
Topically: If you are applying topically (see my second point about hot oils) then you will want to dilute. If you are unsure as to your sensitivity, then do a small test on your inner elbow of just a drop of essential oil. If after a couple hours you have no redness then that oil is safe to use without dilution for you.
Aromatically: You can also inhale them. I like to use a diffuser or small fan based unit. You can also just open the bottle and smell. Placing a drop in the palm of your hand, rubbing your hands together and then inhaling is also a wonderful option. There is a low safety concern when using this method and for some issues this is the best method.
Internally: Please do not assume you can just use any essential oil and take it internally. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant material that is either steam distilled or cold pressed and can be 75 times more potent than the herb or plant. Please read all the material that is provided with the oils when you purchased them. Read the bottles and look for a nutritional supplement label, quality is everything.
Age or Health of Person
Age or physical condition of the person using the oils can be a deciding factor such as someone with chronic health issues, an older person, child or baby you may want to consult a professional who can recommend oils that would benefit them the most. People with chronic health issues or an older person may be on pharmaceuticals that may be contraindicated by some oils. There are also some wonderful resource books that covers these situations.
Carrier oils
I added this as I do get a lot of questions as to what should I use to dilute my oils or what is a carrier oil. For more information on carrier oils and the different types, please check out that Educational page at the top. A carrier oil is just a base oil used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. They are named carrier as they “carry” the essential oil onto the skin. They normally do not have a smell and can have differing moisturizing effects depending upon what you use. You will most likely want an oil that is fast to average to absorb.
Fast to Average Absorbing Oils
- Sunflower Seed Oil
- Virgin Coconut Oil
- Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Hazelnut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Canola Oil
Typically if it is safe to consume then it would be safe to use on your skin. All essential oils and liquid blends should be stored in dark colored glass bottles or in a dark cool place. I like mixing in dropper bottles but others prefer roller ball bottles or spray bottles depending upon the application method. You can find various carrier oils at health food stores or online as well as the mixing bottles.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils
So far we have covered some safety issues and ways we can use the oils now we need to discuss what we can use them for. Let's look at the benefits of having oils in our home, office, car or traveling to use in those little emergencies.
I classify an emergency is when we are traveling and can’t get to a drug store or doctor immediately, maybe a weekend and doctors office isn’t open, you are on the road in your car and need something fast, this could be a first line defense when there is a natural disaster. You will have to determine what your emergency is. Essential Oils do not treat or cure medical conditions. Let me make that clear. If you have a serious medical problem, call your local emergency number or see a doctor right away if at all possible.
In general, what can we use the oils for?
- Boost your immune system
- Support your respiratory system
- Maintain a health gastrointestinal tract
- Promote cellular health
- Promote a positive mood
- Cleanse and purify the air
- Ease muscle tension
- Use for calming and relaxing
- Support healthy circulation
- Sooth sore muscles and achy joints
- Helps manage hunger cravings
- Lessen tension
Must Have Essential Oils
I'm not going to go through all the essential oils and why you must have this one or that one as you need to do your own research to find out which ones would benefit your family the most; however, these are my must have for around the house and travel.
- Peppermint - For all things stomach and head soothing
- Lavender - For restless nights, calming and skin irritations
- Lemon - For cleaning and purifying around the house
- Digestive Blend - For occasional bloating and stomach upset
- Respiratory Blend - To support open airways
- Frankincense - To use in almost any situation when I don't know what else to use (see the video) also for skin irritations
- Oregano - Strong immune booster
- Melaleuca - Helps the itches and other owies
- Tension Blend - Ease neck tension that can cause head pain
- Soothing Blend - Soothes sore muscles and joints especially after working in the yard or straining muscles
- Lemongrass - Promote healthy circulation
- Protective Blend - Support a healthy immune system (I never leave home without this blend and we never get sick when traveling)
I hope you have enjoyed this little Intro to Essential Oils 101. If you have questions, please feel free to email me by clicking the button.
If you are ready to get started you may keep on reading. |
Getting Started
You've read the information, watched the videos and done your research and are ready to join my team. There are a couple of options available for purchasing essential oils and products.
You may purchase retail or wholesale. The wholesale discount is 25% off retail.
Not only are there benefits to purchasing with your own wholesale account but there are optional programs that you can enroll in that can earn you free products. Please note that you DO NOT have to have a minimum monthly order to maintain your wholesale account status. The annual fee is $35 the first year and $25 the second year with a free bottle of Peppermint.
You've read the information, watched the videos and done your research and are ready to join my team. There are a couple of options available for purchasing essential oils and products.
You may purchase retail or wholesale. The wholesale discount is 25% off retail.
Not only are there benefits to purchasing with your own wholesale account but there are optional programs that you can enroll in that can earn you free products. Please note that you DO NOT have to have a minimum monthly order to maintain your wholesale account status. The annual fee is $35 the first year and $25 the second year with a free bottle of Peppermint.
You also have the option of enrolling with a Kit which can save you money.
However you decide to purchase oils is a step in improved health for you and your family and I am here to help you, be by your side no matter how far away from each other we live and make sure you are getting the education and training you need to meet your goals whether it is health or financial.
My many blessings to you and your continued good health. |