You have just received your kit from Young Living. Excitement and intrigue has taken over. You tear open the box with wide eyed wonder … you open each bottle to smell them. You may even open a Ningxia Red to taste how great it is. But then it hits you; the uncertainty of the what, where, when, why, and HOW!
I am here to help you get through this temporary stunned inaction. You see, taking that first step always seems the hardest. Don't beat yourself up over uncertainty or even a delayed response in actually using these terrific essential oils. It's never too late to begin. So whether you received your kit months and months ago or just received your kit today, we're here during these uncertain steps into this Young Living journey.
Let's this introduction with applications. Depending upon who you talk to, what you research, and where you live, these may vary ever so slightly. Aromatic - directly and indirectly, topical application, and ingestion are the three types of methods in which your essential oils will get into your system. For this blog, we will focus mainly on smelling and topical and only slightly touch on ingestion as it is by far one of the most personal-choice options.
First and foremost, you need to know the quality of your essential oils that you are using. I only discuss, reference, and recommend Young Living products as this is the company that I use for myself and whole family - two and four legged. I trust the quality, the source, the Seed to Seal(R) process. Also be aware of these criteria when using essential oils: Quality (
), Quantity (user dependent), Frequency (user dependent). Young Living has the quality checked off, the rest is determined by the user. This is where research, asking someone who is knowledgeable, or with experience can help you navigate quantity and frequency. Check out Life Science Publishing for an amazing selection of books and reading material.
The concept of Less IS More is a great way to begin using your essential oil no matter who it's designated for or which method you are using. It is always easier to add more than take away. So let me begin...
Aromatic - done through the olfactory system, this is deemed to be an excellent source for acquiring the possible benefits from essential oils due to the fact that it is directly connected to the limbic system which also affects other areas of the brain that are closely connected to it. Remember that animals have a much keener sense of smell than humans. (Previous blog made solely about olfaction). Research is important as species and breeds differ.
Scents can be distributed by diffusing or direct inhalation.
- Never burn an essential oil
- Your body is a natural diffuser due to body heat
- Use collars, bandanas, bedding, clothing, jewelry
- Apply to hands and directly inhale
- Use aromatherapy inhaler - can purchase or DIY
Types of diffusers that you can purchase are:
- Nebulizing
- uses the essential oil bottle directly
- uses greater quantities as there is no addition of water or other media
- greater concentration into air
- Ultrasonic
- smaller quantities needed
- uses water
- little noise
- diffuser dependent for space size
- Heat (burning)- WE DO NOT RECOMMEND!
- alters the chemical constituents of oils
- Evaporation
- uses an air flow for dispersing
- blown around space quickly
- not evenly dispersed
From using greater quantities such as the nebulizing system to much less with the ultrasonic method, the quality of the oil will make a difference in the longevity (how long it stays) and results. Have fun with the many DIY options by making an ornament or jewelry to diffuse oils. This is a personal touch to sharing the awesomeness that is Young Living.
Topical application is another way to get essential oils into your body. Remember that what is in your air space will also be on your skin at some point just at a lesser quantity. This method can be great for direct focus on an area of the body.
Types of topical application can be:
- mix with a carrier oil of your choice
- neat
- mix with ointment, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, creams, soaps, salves, salts for scrubs/soaks
As we are individuals and subsequently react differently to things that we are around, please be aware of what you may be sensitive to or have an allergy to. If you have questions or concerns, contact your pcp.
Using neat can be a used for those spots of focus. If you are sensitive to neat, add a carrier oil. This assists in diluting and dispersing the oil to a larger area making it less concentrated. This is why many people opt for a carrier oil. You have the opportunity to still have benefits and it spreads easy. Adding to ointments, lotions, shampoos, etc is another way to get your oils onto the skin. Add a drop onto your finger tip and rub onto the nape of your neck, at the collar bone, wrists, bottoms of your feet, crown of your head, temples (with caution of eyes), behind ears, on jawline, etc.
There are many DIY options to make with your essential oils. Try a foot scrub, bath soak, or even a lip balm! One year I made sugar scrubs for everyone on my Christmas list. They smelled wonderful and were made from the heart.
Ingestion, some are comfortable and some are not. This is a personal choice. I like to share this method with others because it is an option. This approach is definitely a LESS IS MORE rule of thumb. Trust me as I made Thanksgiving dinner last year with essential oils and I added too much to my apple pie. Let's just say that I was the only one who ate it and it was not my favorite.
Dip a toothpick into the bottle and mix into your liquid, food, etc. Use a clean toothpick with each insertion into the bottle. Use A DROP into what you are putting it into. This is not the diffuser where too many drops is still fine. Common ingested essential oils are peppermint, lemon, lime, DiGize, just to name a few. If you have questions or concerns, I highly suggest not only research but discussing with a professional such as an herbalist - lucky that we have our knowledge base in Dr. John, Dr. Deb, and Dr. Susan.
Remember that health and wellness modalities are integrative and essential oils have the ability to work great in conjunction with them. It does not have to be an "all or nothing" and if you choose to use one method over another or only particular essential oils, we support you! Our goals are to educate, assist, and support you in your personal and/or professional journey. When in doubt, reach out because as a member of our team, we are focused on your goals.
Enjoy the chart below for a few oils and a focused use. Some oils are great multitaskers!
If you would like to know how you can apply, send me a message at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or join us at BeginMakingWaves on Facebook
