Essential oils (EOs) are incredibly complex and highly concentrated. Each EO contains hundreds of different chemical compounds, all derived from plants. In plants, they help aid in regeneration of the cells, and they can work similarly with animals. Essential oils are the lifeblood of the plant (the plant’s immune system) and are aromatic essences of trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, resins, and flowers. EOs carry nutrients and oxygen to the different parts of the plant/organs in our body and can assist the body in cleansing from toxins, impurities, and other harmful substances. They have the ability to be immune-enhancing, mood-elevating, energizing, relaxing, manage stress and frustration, improve mental clarity, stamina-boosting, and help support the body’s natural defenses. Essential oils aid in maintaining normal cellular regeneration, are high in antioxidants, and promote overall health, vitality, and longevity.
Although essential oils are an oil, they are greaseless, volatile (evaporate quickly), potent, concentrated, and NEVER expire.
A neat scientific fact is that EOs are made up of very tiny molecules and have a unique ability to penetrate the cell wall. This enables the EOs to transport oxygen and nutrients inside the cell, thus giving more support to the immune system. Essential oils contain very powerful antioxidants, which create an unfriendly environment for free radicals that our bodies are in contact with daily. Free radicals come from sources outside your body, such as tobacco smoke, toxins, or pollutants, and can damage your body’s cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure. Dive into the properties of the key constituents in an essential oil, and you will learn amazing things about the oils themselves. One place I recommend checking out is PubMed.gov for further research and information.
Essential oils can be used in 3 main ways: topically, aromatically, and as a dietary supplement. Please look at the bottle and the Young Living website (each oil has its own informational page) for the recommended use for each oil. I also recommend diluting most essential oils with a carrier oil in order to make the oil last longer (both from the bottle and on the skin). Carrier oils can be such money-savers. Because essential oils are so concentrated, diluting them doesn’t change the effectiveness! Some examples of carrier oils are V-6 (Young Living’s brand), vegetable, olive, grapeseed, almond, jojoba, and coconut oil.
When using topically: dilute, dilute, dilute especially for children and elderly. Pregnant women, epileptics, and those with high blood pressure should consult their doctors as there are a few oils that should be avoided. Young Living always recommends doing a patch test prior to the first use of a new oil. To perform a patch test, simply apply 1-2 drops to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Watch for noticeable reactions for 1-2 hours, although most reactions will occur in the first 5-10 minutes. A rash or a hot/burning sensation can be counteracted by adding a carrier oil (such as olive, coconut, or Young Living’s V-6 oil).
