I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs over the years. Who hasn’t? Moments of extreme joy and happiness, peppered with moments of stress, despair, anxiety, depression and lack of motivation. I truly believe life is geared that way, ebbing and flowing like a river, and teaching us valuable lessons along the way. One day, I stumbled upon Essential Oils at a Wellness Event in Long Island, NY. The woman had a full spread of essential oils perfectly arranged in neat rows on a table. When I first approached the table, each bottle looked like a precious gem waiting to be unlocked. I told her I had been stressed out from work lately, experiencing extreme anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Nothing had been working. She handed me the bottle of lavender and asked me to close my eyes and take three deep breaths. Almost instantly, it felt like I was transported to a beautiful lavender field in the South of France, and a feeling of relaxation and euphoria rushed over me. After a few breaths, I opened my eyes and my stress and anxiety levels dissolved by almost by 80% (yes they're that effective). She educated me that there were essential oils not only for stress and sleep, but for mood elevation, energy, balance, digestion, immune support, hormonal balance, respiratory support and more. Instantly I was hooked and bought 8 oils on the spot that day and couldn’t wait to tell my friends and family about these gifts from the earth.
So you may be asking.... What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They act as the plant’s natural defense system, and simulate a similar response when we interact with them. Scientifically, they trigger our olfactory nerve which is connected to our “emotional brain” and limbic system which controls heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, mood, stress, hormonal balance and more. Over time, essential oils can have powerful a healing effect on us emotionally, mentally, and physically.
So what are a few of my favorite oils that I can’t live without?
Here are my 5 favorite essential oils and their benefits to health and well-being:
Lavender
As I mentioned above, this is one of the most well-known, versatile scents, and is known for stress and insomnia relief. I carry a bottle around with me at all times to help combat the occasional stress we experience in everyday life. I either inhale aromatically, massage into my temples, or add a few drops to my drinking water to reduce anxious feelings. Lavender always helps to balance my mood, nerves, and anxiety. It's seriously a life-saver! At night, I add a few drops to my diffuser, my pillow, and to the bottom of my feet to help me relax before bed and battle insomnia. Lavender is also great to add to baths and is soothing and calming to skin.
Peppermint
Peppermint is also a very popular oil with a lot of everyday uses. I use this as a “tummy tamer” or to help quell digestive upset after a meal or if I feel queasy in the car. I either ingest a few drops in purified water, or rub a few drops onto my stomach. I also diffuse peppermint in my office when I’m studying or writing – this is a great oil for energy and focus. Peppermint is also great to use topically for tired muscles or to massage into temples and neck after a long time concentrating on the computer. Lastly, this is refreshing tasting oil, and sometimes I’ll add to my LIV Superfood Power Protein Drink © | Healthy Smoothie to add a subtle minty flavor.
Lemon
Lemon is a cleansing and uplifting oil. I often rub lemon onto my wrists early in the morning so that I can refer to it all day long. Especially during the colder winter months when seasonal depression disorder can set in, this fresh scent is sure to uplift you. Lemon is also known to be a powerful cleaning agent. When I’m cleaning my kitchen, I add 10 drops of Lemon to a glass spray bottle with 8 ounces of purified water to create an all natural cleansing tonic. This oil cuts grease and grime, and is great for cabinets, stove, and countertops... and smells delightful (and its chemical free!). Lastly, during the winter months, I combine lemon oil and fractionated coconut oil and massage into my nails and cuticles for a daily fingernail conditioning.
Wild Orange
I call this oil “happiness in a bottle.” The minute I spin the top off and take a whif, I am in heaven. Wild orange is an invigorating scent, helping to uplift our mind and body and battle depression. For an energy boost, I mix 2 drops of Wild Orange with 2 drops of Peppermint. First I add the mixture to my hands and inhale deeply for three breaths. Then I massage the oil mixture into the back of my neck to help invigorate my nervous system. In addition, wild orange is a powerful cleanser and purifying agent. Try diffusing it the morning for an uplifting fragrance to help purify the air. I also love diffusing this scent when I'm doing chores around the house, or as a welcoming scent when guests are visiting.
Frankincense
Wow I can’t say enough good things about Frankincense. This is coined the "king of oils" and is a powerfully uplifting scent. I love using Frankincense in the morning to kick off the day on the right thought pattern, and is also extremely beneficial during times of meditation or prayer. This is an oil I can’t live without when I’m battling the morning blues or afternoon slump. When my mind isn’t right or I'm experiencing a negative thought pattern, I’ll rub this oil into my temples, the bottom of my feet, or wrists and instantly feel the negativity melt away. Frankincense is also great for skin and can heal cuts and sores. Combine it with your favorite facial moisturizer for beautiful, radiant skin.
Wanna know where you can get the highest quality, purest and most potent oils?
dōTERRA (CPTG)® essential oils represent the safest, purest, and most beneficial essential oils available today. They are gently and skillfully distilled from plants that have been patiently harvested at the perfect moment by experienced growers from around the world for ideal extract composition and efficacy. As a wholesale distributor and Wellness Advocate of doTERRA Essential Oils, ask me how I can help save you 25-55%. Ask me how
Or, ready to shop? Visit my store!
