Exploring the use of Essential Oils: What you need to know before you buy

The use of Essential Oils has taken off in the past few years.  Proponents of their use claim they can be used for a variety of ailments and conditions, from reducing anxiety, soothing tummy troubles and relieving headaches. I love my oils and use them for every thing from skin care to house cleaning. I no longer use perfume.  Instead, I use some of my favorite oils.  I use them as part of my yoga and meditation practice.  I use them in diffusers to help me sleep and to make my house smell good. The oils are produced from flowers, herbs and trees and each has unique characteristics that provide different benefits. Used in different combinations, you can create blends that can reduce muscle stiffness (no more smelling like BenGay), give you a mental boost when you are feeling sluggish and help calm you when you are feeling unsettled.
The most recent movement towards the use of essential oils probably started with the onset of "aromatherapy" - the  use of the scents of these oils to enhance physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. The most common use of aromatherapy is in the massage industry, where clients can pay an up-charge to have their massage oil smell better.  The scents smell good, so you take deep breaths.  Deep breathing slows the nervous system and helps to relax and calm you down.  The more relaxed you are, the more beneficial your massage will be.  If it smells good, you will take nice deep breaths and if you take nice deep breaths, you will relax.  Seems simple enough, but there is so much to learn as you begin your journey with essential oils.
As an essential oil consumer, you have to do your homework!  Not all essential oils are created equal.  The manufacturing of these oils is not regulated by any governing body.  This leaves the consumer to fend for themselves when purchasing essential oils. How do you know you are getting a high quality, pure oil, that isn't diluted with lower quality oils or artificial ingredients?  Always look for the word "essential".  This indicates that you aren't just buying "perfumed oil" that contains no plant material.  Other indicators that you are buying true "essential oils" are the use of amber or blue glass bottles (to protect against sunlight) and price.  Real essential oils are not inexpensive.  Do your homework. My friend, Melissa Osborn, is a doTerra Oil Wellness Advocate.  When I asked her about choosing the right oil she says "it's crucial to know where your oils are sourced from, and that they are tested for purity.  doTerra has a stellar reputation" in this area.*  Read the labels and be very careful of the words being use to describe the product.  
Marketing can be very deceiving.  Like any product that comes to  the market claiming health benefits, be cautious of words like "cures", "prevents" and "treats".  These words are big red flags.  Some manufacturers are using the term "therapeutic grade" to make you think their oil is pure.  This term is purely for marketing purposes. 
Essential oils can be delivered in a variety of ways.  Room diffusers distribute the scent of the oil through a fine mist. Ultra sonic models cost a bit more, but will distribute the scent over a larger area. You can inhale some oils directly from your hand or a cotton ball.  They can be also be applied topically (directly to the skin), in a bath or in a carrier oil (olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil are common).  The use of oils directly to the skin, requires some research as some oils (citrus oils especially) can irritate the skin, especially with prolonged exposure to sunlight after application. 
Always inform your medical professionals before using essential oils.  They may affect how your body reacts to some medications.  You should also consult your pediatrician before using essential oils with children under the age of 5 years old. And never apply essential oils directly on pets.
While there is no governing body or regulations regarding the manufacturing and marketing of essential oils, there is an organization called The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (naha.org) that can help you with questions about the safe use of essential oils. I have gained a lot of my knowledge about essential oils from Melissa. When I asked her to share her thoughts on the growing use of essential oils she shared with me that the use of oils can "improve physical and emotional health without the harmful side effects that many medications offer".  Let me stress, essential oils should not be used as a substitute for prescription medication.  It is worth repeating again.  Always consult your health care professional  before  using any essential oil.
My experience with essential oils started with a yoga class with Melissa. She uses essential oils to enhance her yoga classes. She includes essential oils because of their "emotional and physical benefits".  As she explains to her students, "As we mindfully use our bodies, we can also use the oils to mindfully assist in shifting our emotional state. We can move from stressed to calm, sluggish to uplifted.  It's a natural compliment to the yoga practice." As a regular at her Saturday Morning Aromayoga class, I can tell you we all enjoy the addition of the oils to our practice.   
I asked her a lot of questions and she guided me through the process of choosing my first oils.  She asked about my lifestyle and areas in my body where I felt I was holding tension.  I started with lavender (my favorite flower), lemon (I love citrus scents and peppermint (another favorite scent).  That was a little over a year ago.  Since then, my oil collection has grown.  I have educated myself about how different oils work together to create uplifting, calming and soothing blends and now I use essential oils with my yoga students.  
The use of essential oils is a safe, natural way to support your physical and mental health.  I have included a quick reference chart at the end of this post.   If you are interested in learning more about the use of essential oils, please contact me at sadaley81@gmail.com.    



*While this post is not intended to be an advertisement for doTerra oils, they are the ones I use.  The company has a trusted reputation in the way they source and produce their oils. 

**DO NOT USE ESSENTIAL OILS AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ANY PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

***DISCUSS THE USE OF ANY ESSENTIAL OIL WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USE

Problem/Concern	Suggested Oil	Method of Delivery
Sleeping Problems	Lavender Frankincense Marjoram	Diffuse Inhale Mist on pillow
Stress/Anxiety	Lavender Frankincense Marjoram Geranium Cedar wood Any citrus oil	Diffuse Inhale Rub on temples Rub on back of neck Rub on pulse points
Boosting Immune	Eucalyptus Rosemary Melaleuca Any citrus oil Any mint oil	Diffuse Inhale
Nausea/Digestive Issues	Peppermint Ginger Wild Orange Chamomile	Diffuse Inhale Rub in/around belly button
Headaches	Peppermint Lavender	Diffuse Inhale Apply to temples
Uplifting Mood/Alertness	Eucalyptus Cedarwood Any citrus oil Any mint oil	Inhale Diffuse Apply to pulse points