If you’ve been following me on social media for a while, you’ll notice my newest obsession: Essential Oils. I think my favorite thing about these things is how versatile they are.

You don’t just use them for the smell they put off, but you can put them in your food, rub them on your face, or substitute your cleaning supplies.. The benefits of essential oils are endless! (As long as you have the high quality oils.)

The Oily Difference

Before you read this and hit up your local grocery store, I want you to keep something in mind. Not all oils are created equal. Let me say it louder for the ones in the back: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. My mom asked why I was paying so much more for my oils compared to her Walmart brand. “Well..” I assured her, “Your oils are cheaper for a reason.”

Over the Counter Essential Oils

True therapeutic grade oils MUST be derived from organically grown or wildcrafted plants. These oils MUST be steam distilled at certain pressures or pressed and stored in the correct manner. Furthermore, things can not be added or taken away for you to receive the true therapeutic qualities.

If plants are grown commercially with pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals to cut down on the agricultural cost, or distilled at too high of a pressure, this changes the chemistry of what you are purchasing for your body.

Over the counter essential oils are produced in a way that cuts down on processing time, they can be extracted with chemical solvents to squeeze out more product, and most are not approved to ingest. There is also no guarantee of where the original plants are sourced from.

Don’t Let the Label Fool You

Did you know you can find oils with labels that say they are “100% pure, organic, natural and/or therapeutic” without there being ANY kind of truth behind it? Yep, the FDA has determined that a product need contain only 5% essential oil in order for it to be labeled as a 100% pure oil. Shut the front door– right?! Over 90% of the oils that are sold as “essential” in America are food or fragrance grades and are NOT suitable for wellness applications.

Now to the good stuff..

My Top 5 Go-To Essential Oils and How I Use Them

1. Thieves

Thieves essential oil is a special blend of therapeutic-grade essential oils, including clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary. Thieves oil smells AMAZING! I love the scent – it’s my favorite of all the essential oils in the premium starter kit.

• Natural Cleanser and Disinfectant: Just add 5-10 drops of Thieves to a small spray bottle and fill with water. Great for cleaning toys and baby gear without the harsh chemicals.
• Support the immune system: Add a few drops of Thieves with a carrier oil and rub on feet (great for kids). Or put a few drops in a capsule and take with water. You can also diffuse Thieves to get rid of the yuckies in your room or whole house.
• Natural bug repellent: Do you know how BAD bug spray is for you? Like legit chemicals and toxins we place on our body. Thieves oil acts as a great natural bug repellant.

 

2. Frankincense

Frankincense oil is typically sourced from the resin of the Boswellia carterii or Boswellia sacratree. Also called olibanum, frankincense oil has a sweet, woody scent and is sometimes used to ease stress.

This is one of my most favorite oils to add to my nightly moisturizer is Frankincense. Frankincense can be used to lift, tone and tighten your skin, prevent wrinkles, reduce dark spots and pore size, heal and prevent acne and slow the signs of aging. In aromatherapy, frankincense oil is typically used for the following conditions:

• Acne
• Anxiety
• Colds
• Coughs
• Indigestion
• Ulcers

 

3. Raven

Raven is a cleansing blend of Ravintsara, Peppermint, Eucalyptus Radiata, and other essential oils. Raven creates a cooling sensation when applied topically for relief. Did somebody say sore throat? I have the worst allergies- the worst and sometimes it causes coughing or messes with my throat. I can literally rub raven directly to the throat area (diluted with a little bit of carrier oil) and immediately, the pain is gone. I’m not kidding you.

 

4. Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil has so many uses, it’s no wonder this oil is a staple in many people’s medicine cabinets. It’s used to soothe nausea and other stomach issues, perk the senses up, clear your sinuses, and cool overworked muscles. It can also be used to quiet headaches and tackle symptoms from PMS.

 

5. Purification

With Purification, you can ditch overpowering and harsh chemical-based sprays and keep your home smelling fresh and clean with Young Living’s Purification® essential oil. This blend is made up of six essential oils for the ultimate weapon against odors. Citronella, Lavandin, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Myrtle, and Tea Tree work together to create a refreshing, bright scent that keeps you and your family happy and comfortable.

Say goodbye to bad odors from the dog, laundry, dirty diapers, or anything else life throws your way. Diffuse it throughout your house or use a more targeted approach so you always feel confident. Other ways to use Purification:

1. Skin blemishes: Put a drop of Purification oil on a pimple to help it clear up faster.
2. Sterilize: Cuts and Wounds.
3. Insect repellent: Make your own insect spray with Purification oil to repel pests. Mix with water or alcohol and spray!
4. Freshen dishes: Add  drop to your rinse agent

How Do I Get My Hands On These Oils?

The coolest thing about all of these oils is that most of them (besides Purification) come in Young Living’s Premium Starter Kit. When I first got into oils I had no idea which ones to purchase so I got the starter kit that came with a beautiful diffuser and 12 full size oils! If you’d like to purchase one you’ll need to sign up by referral which you can do so here.

Click here for a full explanation of what’s inside the starter kit and how to use each oil.

Not ready to jump into the kit but still would like to purchase oils? Let me know- I may be able to give you samples, or order an oil for you to test out.

If you have any questions let me know–Happy Oiling!