Essential Oils to Get Started

I love essential oils. Lavender is my favourite and I use it on my temples, a few drops in water for a foot spa, to scent linen and even for sweet smelling play dough.  Sara, illustrator and mum of four, is sharing simple ways to get started with 3 of her favourite essential oils. Feel free to leave any questions below and Sara will come by later and answer them.

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I’ve got my hands on magical fairy dust; at least it feels like I do! It’s called essential oils and I want to share simple ways to incorporate them into family life.  I’m by no means an expert. I learn as I go and share my family’s own personal experiences.

Essential oils aren’t a new thing. They are ancient and they are around everywhere! For example have you ever peeled an orange and gotten a burst of sweet orange smell? That’s the essential oil! They are aromatic compounds of plants – flower, leaf, stem, root, peel or bark. They do not treat, prevent or cure diseases but they do offer a support to your body.

I am going to share three of my favorite essential oils with you.  These three are great way to get your essential oil collection started: Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint.

Note: I only have knowledge of the doTERRA oils I use and this list is based on the oils I use. I don’t recommend other oils in this way (you would have to check their own descriptions for safety etc).

1. Lemon

Lemon essential oil is refreshing, uplifting and makes you happy.

• Inhale to help lighten your mood and lower stress.

• Can assist to relieve seasonal respiratory discomfort. My kids love a drop of lemon in a spoon of honey for soothing a scratchy throat.

• Lemon is a go-to for cleaning up all things greasy and sticky: just add a few drops to a spray bottle with water.

• Add a drop of lemon essential oil into your water bottle. It detoxes and cleanses the body.

• Lemon essential oil is also delicious when added in cooking and baking! Add a few drops to your favorite bread or muffins. My kids love when I add it to chicken dinners.

2. Lavender

Lavender essential oil is a must to keep nearby. It’s soothing and relaxing.

• Smooth a drop of lavender oil on your pillow to promote restful sleep.

• Add a few drops to bathwater for a calm and peaceful experience.

• Keep it handy when you are out and about because lavender soothes bug bites, cuts and burns.  Just apply directly to the affected area.

• Lavender oil is also helpful on temples and neck for muscle tension. Simply rub it into the area.

• Use Lavender internally to help relieve occasional allergic reaction and allergies. Either place a drop under your tongue, a drop in a shot glass of water or put in a veggie capsule.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint essential oils is a favorite, and it has been used for thousands of years. It’s the first oil I use each day.

• Inhale for mental alertness and focus.

• To open up the airways put a drop in your hand, rub together and inhale as many times as you need (close your eyes).

• Rub directly on the neck to relieve stress.

• When peppermint oil is used topically, it has a cooling effect; it also helps relieve sore muscles and tension.

• Put a drop of peppermint in water and drink to soothe an upset stomach and indigestion.

Besides using the oils, there are other foundational things that we do in our family. Most importantly, we eat a well-balanced organic diet, exercise regularly and do our best to manage stress. I also reduce our toxic load as much as possible – this is why I love natural cleaners and beauty products. The oils are there to support our lifestyle.

Even though it may not be a fit for everyone, I know this was the right route for our family and I feel empowered to care for those in my care in the comfort of my own home.

Have you had experience using essential oils? What are some of the ways you use them?

If you want more information or need more information to get started, leave a comment below and I’ll will come by and answer you. Or feel free to visit my website or join my Facebook page support group where you can ask any questions.