An Introduction to Essential Oils

Essential oils (EO) are a huge part of my life. I have spent hundreds of hours over the past 7 years studying the science, benefits, and uses of one of nature’s purest gifts. There is so much to say about EO that I plan to break down each topic by single articles. This way you can dive as deep with me into this botanical world that you want. By no means am I suggesting that the way I recommend and personally use oils is the only way. Nor is the brand I prefer the only great brand. I simply want to share with you a huge passion of mine. You can expect to find trusted resources, recipes, and a bit of botany in my articles. I also want to mention that I am not an aromatherapist – yet.

How it all began

My mother introduced me to EO first. A huge part of our relationship is sharing new health-focused products or things we have learned. She was raving about how these oils were amazing and helping her in so many ways. I was skeptical. My mind couldn’t wrap itself around what she was saying. How could these little vials with plant material be so beneficial? She gave me a small bottle of DiGize essential oil by Young Living. I was thankful for her gift but I thought she was being scammed. The bottle sat untouched for months. I now know that I had a mental block to the idea that EO contained such power.

During this time in my life, I was partaking in a two-month-long Yoga Teacher Certification training. It was so much fun to learn about my body’s abilities, anatomy, and much more. The course was pretty rigorous, especially since I still was working full-time. I was close to graduating when my teacher challenged me to do a specific pose during the lab. Initially, I told her that I was not ready but everyone in the class encouraged me to try. Sadly, my attempt ended in me falling and hurting my neck. The next day, I could barely turn my neck without stabbing pains. Desperate for relief my mind raced for solutions. I remembered my mom talking about Raindrop Massage using EO and how it can help with tight and stiff muscles. I called her in tears and begged for her to drive over and give me a Raindrop.

I remember it vividly: the strong scents of the oils, the warming, and cooling sensations. When she finished I remember getting up and feeling surprised that I wasn’t in as much pain. I could actually move my neck more than before. Astonished by what I had just experienced, I went from being a closed-minded skeptic to passionately curious. I began to read anything and everything I could find about EO. I wanted to understand how EO worked and what made them so effective.

I was particularly curious about the historical uses of EO. To my surprise, I learned that essential oils have been around for thousands of years! Prior to the pharmaceutical era, essential oils were widely used medicinally. References to essential oils are found in ancient texts that document even kings and queens partaking in their benefits. Egyptian culture also mentions using essential oils. I look to their regimens for my skincare needs since they perfected the craft of embalming.  Essential Oils have survived the test of time and this is another reason I wanted to learn how to use them in my everyday life.

I dove deep into the world of EO. I began diffusing anytime I was at home. I bought a car diffuser which helped with my sensitivity to petrochemicals. I researched how to make my own products and was surprised by how affordable it was.  Not only could I achieve the goal of cleanliness but also create a safe haven in my home while remaining free of toxic substances. I began to choose differently when shopping, no longer reaching for chemical-based cleaners or personal products. I started grabbing natural ingredients and making my own. Learning about EO and using them in my daily life has been one of the most empowering experiences.

Resources

Below are several books and websites that are a great introduction to essential oils. Each article that I post I will offer up more resources that I use to continue my study of these magnificent gems.

•  LSP: Essential Oils Pocket Reference.
• Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine by Dr. Joshua Axe
•  The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy
• http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/ I love this website because unlike other sites it lists not only the chemical compounds of each oil but also has historical uses and folklore.
• Curious about the history and chemistry of EO’s? Check this website out. https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/aromatherapy

What’s Next?

In the coming posts, I will be writing about:

1. Diffusing: The art of mixing EO’s and how it is different from fragrance based mediums.
2. Topical Application: Using essential oils on the skin and recipes for various skin and wellness products.
3. Cleaning Recipes: Inexpensive, natural cleaning products that will blow your mind!