Essential oils are one of those “I’m-really-interested-but-I’m-not-really-sure-what-they-are” kind of things.

You catch my drift?

I’ve had a distant fascination with them for years which has come into a lot more focus recently.  Peppermint, lemon, frankincense, lavender.  What are they, and what are they used for?  And even more so, which is better –  doTERRA or Young Living?

I’m not here to debate the ethics of either so much as what they actually sell, which is essential oils.  Where you choose to buy them is up to you.

Let’s start with the basics.  What are essential oils?  They are the natural extracts from the seeds, stems, roots, flowers, or bark of plants.  No doubt you’ve already experienced what they are just by eating fruit or smelling a rose.  The oils can’t help but emanate naturally from within every time you come in close contact.

What do they do?  What any well-primed immune system does for people, essential oils do for plants, which is protect them against predators and disease.  They’ve been used throughout history in many cultures for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits which lends credit toward modern medicine’s view of when and how to use them.

One seriously distinct advantage to essential oils over medicines like antibiotics is that if you’re diagnosed with a bacterial infection, antibiotics are highly effective, however, when it’s viral, they’re not. [bctt tweet=”Viruses are found inside the cells where essential oils can penetrate but antibiotics cannot,”] making them effective against both kinds of infections.

Plus, they’re cost effective!  Take an ear infection for example.  Medicine and doctor’s visits will run on average $28.99 and take 7-10 days to take effect, whereas an essential oil costs only $.64 and only one day.

There are 3 ways you can use essential oils too, which are:

1.      Aromatically, with a diffuser to spread the oil particles in the air;

2.      Topically by applying a few drops directly on your skin and rubbing it in;

3.      Internally by placing 1-2 drops under your tongue, or mixing in a glass of water and drinking it.  Or, you can drop the oil into an empty capsule and swallow it just like any other pill. 

Some of the most common essential oils include:

·  Lavender, which reduces or minimizes scar tissue; relieves dry, chapped or irritated skin; and soothes minor cuts and burns.  It can also help induce calming, relaxing sleep!  Just rub a drop on your palm and smooth over your pillow, or diffuse it.

·  Peppermint essential oil can help aid normal digestion, and has been used traditionally to promote healthy respiratory function and ease tension headaches.  It has a fresh minty aroma which helps combat mental and physical fatigue too.  You can rub it on your temples, forehead, over the sinuses, and on the back of the neck to help soothe head pressure.

·  When taken internally, lemon essential oil is a good source of d-limonene – a powerful antioxidant – and is believed to boost the body’s natural defenses.  Its fresh, zesty scent is uplifting to the body and mind.  Place a drop on oily skin or blemishes to help balance oil glands and minimize oil production, or massage lemon into cellulite to help improve circulation and eliminate toxic waste from cells!

There are way too many to list out for the sake of this article, however, some final notes.  With essential oils, it is important to know that a little goes a long way.  For adults, 2-4 drops at a time should be sufficient, and for kids, 1-2. 

How often you take them only you can decide.  For minor issues, you may be able to get away with just using it once, and if the effect wears off, use it again; for more severe or chronic problems, it’s better to use a combination of oils 2 to 4 times daily.

If you’re new to oils, have fun with them!  Or if it’s old hat to you, do the same.  There is always something new you can discover, even if it just means sharing them with someone who’s never tried them before and helping them understand the fascinating world of holistic medicine.       

A great way to get more energy naturally is with my new free report The Top 10 Ways to Stop Feeling So Tired All the Time – Drug-Free and Naturally! Just click below to download it and include as part of a healthy regimen.

Angela Minelli is an author, speaker and founder of Angela Minelli International, a heart-based global business serving purpose-driven everyday women and entrepreneurs whose self-image and weight issues are inhibiting their confidence and blocking them from pursuing their life’s passion. 

Angela's joy is in taking a stand for women who are living less than ideal lives, stopped by fear and doubt, which prevents them from stepping into their innate power and delivering their God-given genius to the world. Her coaching programs and products are designed for women with busy lifestyles yet allow for powerful transformation to take place within a small segment of time.  

As a natural health practitioner and digestive health specialist, Angela specializes in helping people overcome weight and energy issues through holistic, non-invasive protocols that address the root cause of their conditions, including adrenal fatigue, candida, thyroid disorders, and more.  

Explore the ideals that are the cornerstone of her work at angelaminelli.com.