Essential Oils 101 by Good Oil Days

Ever since I decided to embark on the essential oils journey, I’ve been hungry to learn about essential oils.  So as soon as I saw that there’d be a seminar on essential oils in our community, I immediately signed up!

As I entered the room, I realized that the event was organized by one of the Young Living advocate group named Good Oil Days.  I felt a bit guilty as I’m already a doTERRA member but I guess I shouldn’t feel bad as I can opt to sign up on YL too. I know several people who are members of both groups.  Besides, it’s not about the brand, it’s about our common belief that essential oils can help us on our overall wellness.

I learned a lot from the session and I get to smell the essential oils/blends and get to understand each one in detail.  This is probably the most comprehensive beginner seminar I have attended on essential oils. In fact, I changed one of my habits. I’m now diffusing only lavender EO before I sleep.

Here are my notes from the session:

What are essential oils and how to use them?

Aromatic natural chemical compounds extracted from various parts of a plant: leaves, flowers, stems, root, bark. They are in such a potent form that a single drop of essential oil can equal multiple teaspoons of the dried herb
E.g., 10 squeezed lemons = 1 drop of lemon EO

Getting essential oils from plants is done with a process called distillation, most common distillation is by steam or water. After distillation, the outcome is a highly concentrated portion of essential oil.

Do essential oil have therapeutic benefits? YES

EOs have been used hundreds of years ago.

Damage done by conventional means:

• Diabetic drugs can lead to vitamin b12 deficiency and permanent damage
• Some of the most common prescribed drugs for depression are resulting to widespread dependencies and the consequences of withdrawal often include seizures or even death
• Drugs for high blood pressure can lead to impotence among men and heart disease due to the vitamin and mineral deficiencies they came
• Drugs for lowering cholesterol can result in organ damage, memory loss and sexual dysfunction.

What do you get from using essential oils

• Essential oil have a healing effect mentally, physically and emotionally
• Depending on the oil, some also have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects
• Others can affect function, mood and memory

How to use essential oils

• Aromatically
  • Rub 2-3 drops of essential oils between your palms and inhale
  • Inhale from the bottle
  • Place 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and place in air vent or under car seat
  • Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head and bowl with a towel and breath deeply and slowly
  • Use your EO in an ultrasonic diffuser
• Topically
  • Place 2-3 drops of EO directly on the desired area and massage (always follow dilution instructions)
    Caution:
    EOs are very potent and may irritate skin. If irritation occurs apply any pure vegetable oil to the area to dilute.
  • Citrus-based oils may cause temporary photosensitivity
• Internally
  • Place several drops of oil into a vegetable or gelatin capsule and swallow with water
  • Add 1-2 drops to a glass of water, juice, yogurt and plant-based milk
  • Add 1-2 drops (to taste) to meals or recipes when cooking.
    Note:
    Consult the vitality product labels for usage directions when taking oils as a dietary supplement
    you can ingest vitality YL products

The Young Living Story

• YL has been producing the finest quality oils for over 20 years and is now the world leader in essential oils
• YL is the only EO company that owns their farms or partners with farms that are willing to live up to their standards for growing, harvesting and distilling
• YL is the only EO company in the world with a Seed to SEal process since they control every aspect of production
• Most EOs have expiration dates, YL oils do not. 100% pure EOs (excluding citrus) will last indefinitely if properly stored away from heat and sunlight.
• Anyone can visit the YL farms around the globe and participate in the harvest & distillation process
• YL oils meet all industry standards are subjected to a required analysis.

11 premium essential oils and how they can aid in your family’s health and wellness journey

1. Lemon (e.g, mix lemon EO, baking soda then vinegar and put into shower sink to help fix ‘barado’ – just like liquid Sosa), lemon and lemon EO are also used to decrease cholesterol deposition in the blood vessels and prevent heart disease, (e.g, 1 drop lemon EO per 8 ounce, always use glass/stainless steel not plastic)
   • Cleansing and purification
   • Remedy for abdominal colic pain
   • Cough relief
   • Calms stomach and relieves nausea
   • Improves digestion
   • Nourishes the skin
   • Promotes weight loss
2. Lavender (e.g., 5-6 drops for 4 hours diffusing), most versatile and most used EO in the world today
   • Calming and anti-depressive
   • Help to heal burns and wounds
   • Sedative (improve sleep)
   • Restore skin complexion and reduce acne
   • Slow aging with powerful antioxidants
   • Antimicrobial and antioxidant
3. Peppermint – inhaling peppermint essential oil can stave off the munchies and help you feel full faster. (e.g., lemon, peppermint and grapefuit usual combo for diet)
   • Reduces stomach aches
   • Anti-nausea
   • Relieves headaches
   • Antimicrobial properties
   • Improves mental focus
   • Clears respiratory tract
   • Boosts energy
   • Release tight muscles
4. Digize – instantaneous effect, combination of Tarragon, ginger, peppermint, juniper, lemongrass, anise and patchouli oil
   • Treats gastrointestinal problems
   • Relieves anxiety
   • Promotes good sleep
   • Boosts immune system
   • Relieves menstrual symptoms
   • Treats indigestion
5. Thieves – (e.g., 10ml roller 1 drop thieves 1 drop frankincense, rub on bottoms of feet), this propriety blend was university tested and found to be highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health
   • Addresses weak immune system
   • Neutralize bacterial and viral pathogens
   • Improve digestion
   • Strengthen bones and reduce lowering fevers
   • Heal skin conditions
   • Aid in weight loss
   • Strengthening the respiratory system
6. Frankincense – has cellular regeneration, gas removal, cellular protection, menstruation balancing, uterine and wound healing capabilities, (e.g., 1 drop in head for clarity)
   • Anti-inflammatory
   • Astringent
   • Antiseptic
   • Disinfectant
   • Digestive
   • Expectorant
7. R.C. (Respiratory Congestion) – 3 types of eucalyptus (one of them expels phlegm), after diffusing the oil, it can help to break up mucus and phlegm and expel it from the body, which others speeds the healing of respiratory infections, as bacteria and viruses often hide and thrive within these bodily fluids
   • Fights respiratory infections
   • Boost the immune system
   • Eliminate inflammation and pain
   • Lower stress levels
   • Increase energy levels
   • Detox
8. Purification – has citronella in it, diffuse with thieves will hit 2 birds in one stone, can be used directly in the skin to cleanse and soothe insect bites, cuts and scrapes.
   • Neutralizes odors
   • Relieves stings
   • Kills germs
   • Deters insects
   • Purifies air
9. Panaway – only one that comes with child medical grade bottle, NOT ingestible, created by Gary Young following a severe injury to the ligaments in his leg. It supports the circulatory system, along with muscles and joints, and also aids in maintaining normal cellular function
   • Soothe muscle discomfort
   • Support healthy skin
   • Invigorating and cooling
   • Promotes well-being
10. Copaiba – will magnify results of the blended oils, acts as binder, most prominent application is reducing pain.
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Protects against infections
    • Prevents fungal growth
    • Disinfectant
    • Speeds up healing
    • Tightens the skin
    • Lowers blood pressure
11. Stress-away
    • Reduce mental rigidity
    • Restore mental balance
    • Calming and soothing
    • Aids occasional anxiety

Essential Oils Safety Guide
Can be seen in YL website

• No difference between YL traditional EOs and Vitality EOs.
• Carrier oil is used to dilute the potency of the EOs.
• Types of carrrier oils – sweet almond oil used for kids, grapeseed oil is very light and recommended for massage coz it’s not greasy, sunflower oil, olive oil, virgin coconut oil, jojoba oil used mostly for hair, avocado oil good alternative to VCO
• When skin discomfort happens, get a carrier oil and apply to affected area. Don’t wash hands with water.
• EOs are not recommended to apply to sensitive areas.
• Go slow and go low and always do patch test.
• Yes, some EOs can be used during pregnancy or while nursing.
• EOs can be used on children but with low ratio (1 drop on roller bottles, maximum 2 types of single oils)
• YL has a kids line (oils for kids) called Kids scents (but blended with coconut oil)
• Citrus oils are photosensitive (Do not go under the sun when applying)
• Always consult with doctor when using EOs with prescription medication.

Tips

• Mix blended oil and single oil
• Not usual to mix 2 blended oils
• Mantra – go slow, go low
• Trust your oils
• Ask, ask, ask
• Do your own research
• Take before and after pics
• Share the love
• Enjoy being an oilbularyo!

To Good Oil Days, thank you so much for a very organized and informative essential oils 101 session!  I truly appreciate it and will bring the lessons with me to practice!