1. It’s important to use high quality essential oils. Some companies add fillers to the oils while still advertising them as "Pure". I have done a great deal of research about the qualities of different brands of essential oils. It took a while to convince me that the inexpensive brand sold at the health food store was not as good as the pricier brands, because we did have some success with it. I can recommend a number of good books that I have read and refer back to, but for a quick study, I am linking a blog article that I read and found helpful. While I don't use the brand that she recommends, (I think they are great, but I found another company that I prefer) her articles are helpful. I trust Spark Naturals to be a great source for high quality essential oils.
2. Many oils can be harmful if not used properly. Some will burn your skin if you put them directly onto your skin (commonly referred to as HOT oils). Some oils can cause photo sensitivity. Others should be used with caution or avoided if you have certain health conditions (epileptic, pregnant, etc.) It is important to do your research and know how to use an oil before you start experimenting.
3. There are some oils that should be used with caution around children and some avoided. Other oils should be diluted more with a carrier oil than you would for an adult. It is important to always do your research!
4. It is important to use a carrier oil or a salve when you apply oils to your skin. A carrier oil is typically a vegetable based oil that helps the oils absorb into your skin better. The essential oil is diluted in a carrier oil, then applied to the skin. I usually use fractionated coconut oil (FCO). Other good options are sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil. Just as certain essential oils work better for some people, certain carrier oils will work better for some people than others will. Some are better for dry skin, some for oily. Experiment with different oils and see which ones you like the best. I really like to use Camp Wander's salve base for many oil applications. There are rare occasions when essential oils should be used without being diluted in a carrier or salve. Applying essential oil straight (undiluted) is called a NEAT application. It is usually recommended to treat a burn with one or two drops of Lavender applied NEAT. It is important to remember that some oils can burn or irritate skin (HOT oils) and always use with caution.
5. Diffusing essential oils into the air has many benefits. I use an essential oil diffuser in the house almost daily, sometimes two, one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. A well made diffuser emits minute particles of essential oils into the air allowing us to breathe them in and absorb them through the skin. Pure essential oils diffused through your home can kill airborne pathogens, help to ease breathing difficulties, and lift moods. I use many different oils and oil blends in the diffuser, depending on the results I want.
6. Oils are VERY versatile. One oil can have many, many different uses. This is one of my favorite things about oils. Lavender can be used to treat burns, reduce fever, help with sleep, calm anxiety, lower blood-pressure, and much more. I’m not saying that it will do every one of those things or that it will cure all of those problems, but it can help each of those ailments.
7. Everybody reacts differently to oils. One oil or blend of oils that works wonders for one person might not work at all for another. Sometimes more or less oils, or a different blend is needed to be effective. This is similar to the way acetaminophen works great for some people and ibuprofen works better for others. Bodies react differently to different oils. If one oil or blend doesn’t work, keep trying until one does!
8. Oils should be applied only a drop or two at a time, and the protocol can be repeated every hour. It is always better to use less oil, more frequently, than to use a lot and never reapply.
9. Essential oils work to promote our body's natural systems. While some medicines kill off the good with the bad, essential oils help our body work the way God intended.
10. Essential oils aren’t the answer for everything. They are not a magic potion. God has provided us with many natural sources for healing and He has also made modern medicine possible. While I believe that oils can help to lessen the need my family has for over-the-counter medicine and doctor visits, I still believe there is a time to turn to the doctors and medications.
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