What are essential oils?

Experience the timeless wisdom of the plant kingdom and its healing properties. Aromatherapy is the use of botanical essential oils to balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit and to help alleviate symptoms of illness.   Essential oils are the life force and immune system of a plant and have therapeutic and healing properties that help address all kinds of physical issues as well as emotional and spiritual too.  While essential oils have a pleasant aroma, their chemical makeup is complex and their benefits are widespread, the fact that they smell amazing is just an added bonus

These powerful plant extracts are volatile aromatic liquids and natural compounds found in shrubs, flowers, trees, bushes, etc. Essential oils are a simple and natural way to positively affect your overall happiness and wellbeing. They offer natural solutions to empower you to avoid harmful chemicals, enrich your life, and reclaim your natural radiance.

How do I incorporate essential oils into my daily life?

Essential oils are the pure essence of botanicals that can be diffused, inhaled, applied topically, and incorporated into massage.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR WELLNESS

Pure, quality essential oils such as Cedarwood, Clove, Cypress, Lavender, Orange, Peppermint and Tea Tree,  provide natural options to help support everyday ailments, such as: stress, headaches, digestive discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis, strains, sprains, cough and cold, acne, eczema, Burns, Cuts, Bruises, and Other Minor Skin Irritations

ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE HOME

Replace the harsh cleansers in your home with versatile essential oil formulas. Enjoy peace of mind without compromise when you polish countertops, clean sticky messes, and cleanse dirty surfaces with the gentle but effective power of essential oils (Thieves™ line of products.)

Ways to use Essential Oils

Body massage 

  • Do not use essential oils undiluted, (lavender being the exception).
  • Use 3% dilution ratio (no more than 20 drops oil per 1 ounce carrier oil, less for young children and seniors).

Bath 

  • Combine 2 — 8 drops of undiluted essential oil with the same amount of shampoo or liquid soap before adding it to the bath. Mix into the water gently. For maximum benefit, remain in the bath for 10 minutes. Use 2 drops of undiluted essential oil the first time and increase by 1 drop per bath up to a maximum of 8 drops (Tisserand 1977; Price and Price 2007).
  • Add 2 - 8 drops of undiluted essential oil into a cup of epsom salts for a very therapeutic experience.

Direct inhalation

  • Apply 1 — 6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a handkerchief/tissue and inhale occasionally (Price and Price 2007).
  • Up to 3 times per day

Steam inhalation

  • Add 3 — 12 drops of undiluted essential oil to a bowl of steaming water/facial steamer. Inhale slowly and deeply for 5 to 10 minutes (Price and Price 1999; Tisserand and Balacs 1995).
  • Up to 3 times per day

Compresses

  • Add 2 drops of undiluted essential oil to 500 ml of warm water in a bottle. Mix by shaking the bottle and immediately soak the compress. Squeeze lightly, apply the compress to the skin, and cover with clothes and/or towelling. Leave for 2 to 4 hours (Tisserand 1977).
  • Up to 3 times per day.

Essential oil safety

  • Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; if this happens, rinse thoroughly with vegetable oil, or another carrier oil. DO NOT try to remove the oil with water – it will only drive it in deeper as essential oils are not water-soluble.
  • Do not use essential oils on the skin undiluted, Lavender being the only exception.
  • Some oils are photosensitive and should not be used on your skin before exposure to direct sunlight or UV rays. Using a photosensitive oil prior to sunlight or UV exposure could lead to pigmentation changes or rashes or cause your skin to burn. Photosensitive oils include lemon, orange, grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, angelica, etc.  
  • Caution should be used in pregnancy when using oils containing constituents with hormone-like activity such as, but not limited to clary sage, sage, and fennel.
  • Do not use with any serious medical conditions such as but not limited to advanced heart conditions and post operative states.
  • Keep oils away from light and heat (over 90 degrees). They can maintain their maximum potency for many years if stored properly.
  • Dilute or stop applying an oil if it causes discomfort. 
  • Take care when diffusing with pets in the home and make sure there is some ventilation.
  • Avoid using oils near flames or light bulbs.
  • Take care when using stimulating or sedating oils with those with high or low blood pressure.

photo credit: young living essential oils