How to Use Essential Oils
There are 3 ways to use Young Living essential oils: aromatically, topically and internally.
Young Living’s large product line includes items that you can use in nearly any aspect of your life. These products are generally labeled for topical/aromatic, dietary, or cleaning usage. When wondering how to use an essential oil, start with the primary usage that you find on the label and then go from there. Also note that what may work for one member of your family may not work for another. You may need to try a different oil or application method. When you don’t know what to use, simply grab an oil and use it. You will find that each oil has multiple purposes and may provide you with the support that you are needing. There are LOTS of different options and plenty of resources available to help you learn about the many uses and applications of essential oils.
Inhalation
This method is extremely effective in reaching the pituitary gland, which regulates feel good hormones. Scent stimulates nerves to fire in the emotional center of the brain, but it also stimulates the master gland to release hormones. Essential oils can affect us in many ways all at once, just through their fragrance. Research shows that when inhaling the pure constituents in essential oils, it can stimulate the olfactory receptors and activate regions in the brain’s limbic system associated with memory, emotion and state of mind. The problem is, 75% of American homes use synthetic air fresheners. A leading cancer causing chemical formaldehyde is often found in air fresheners and candles. Read your labels. The word “Fragrance” is a red flag. This term means it can contain up to 300 toxic chemicals and still be labeled as one thing. You can inhale the oils in a few different methods. You can inhale directly from the bottle, place a drop or two of oil in your hands and cup them over your face as you breathe in, or use a diffuser. Diffusers are made specifically to put oils into air without heating them. Diffusing can help purify the air, elevate moods, support the immune system and more! Young Living has several different diffuser options for you to choose from. You could also use the “tenting” method to help get the oils into the respiratory system or to help with emotions. You can put a towel over your head and place your head right over the diffuser while taking slow deep breaths for 5-10 minutes or as long as you are comfortable.
Topical
Essential oils are rapidly absorbed by the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body so this is why it is that much more important we are aware of what we are putting on it. The easiest safest place to put essential oils when you are new to an oil is on the bottoms of your feet. The skin on the soles of your feet is thick and less sensitive so you are less likely to react to the oil. Some oils can be “hot” to the skin. It is important to use a carrier oil when applying these oils, especially to sensitive areas or on children and pregnant women. A carrier oil is a fatty vegetable oil like coconut, olive or almond. Use good quality carrier oil so not to interfere with the quality of the essential oil. Young Living also sells a carrier oil called V6 oil. Diluting does not mean you are losing the essential oil’s effectiveness, it’s just absorbing into your body more slowly. The other most common places of application for the oils are the head, neck, spine, wrists, stomach and lymph glands. You may also add essential oils into your bath. Since oil and water don’t mix, place about 5-10 drops in a cup of Epsom salt and it will help to disperse the oil into the bath
Ingestion
Young Living has an entire Vitality line of oils with easy to identify labels for dietary use. Essential oils can be added to water, tea, a spoonful of honey or taken in a veggie capsule. You can also drop essential oils right under your tongue. When placing oils in a veggie capsule, add a little bit of carrier oil to aid in digestion. Citrus oils can eat away at petrochemicals so make sure to use glass or stainless steel only when consuming them. Young Living also has a whole line of oil infused supplements. Gary Young has done extensive research on how adding specific essential oils to various supplements can make them more effective and more easily absorbed by the body. If you already take supplements on a regular basis, you should definitely check out Young Living’s supplements and Essential Rewards program. You could actually be earning money back on things you already purchase regularly and the quality of our supplements is hard to beat.
ARE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFE?
Our culture is new to the idea of using natural methods and essential oils for supporting our bodies. However, essential oils have been used for thousands of years all around the world! That being said, thousands of years of use means thousands of years of research! When doing your own research, finding credible sources is KEY. Make sure that they are trustworthy and from a person, or book you know and trust!
But to make it easier on you, there are some awesome resources you can find online at PubMed.gov or Life Science Publishers! You can find articles/books written by doctors and scientists that talk about the safety, science, chemistry and usage of essential oils. Young Living also has TONS of safety and usage information on their website.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! It is also why we talk about the impact joining a community has! We walk with you side by side on your oily journey! Okay, I’m sure you’ll want more information than that so stick with us and keep reading!
Disclaimer: Suggestions made on this website are specific to Young Living and should not be used with any other essential oils. Statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information does not take the place of your health care professional. Seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in essential oil usage.