Essential Oils, in it’s simplest definition, are the natural essence, or life force, of a plant.
Nature has provided this miraculous method of ensuring the health and wellbeing of a plant through the essential oils found within. They can help a plant attract beneficial pollinators and also defend against it’s enemies, including pests and diseases like fungus, bacteria, and other microbes.
Essential Oils have been used throughout history to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. There are over 200 references to essential oils in the Bible and they are also found in Egyptian tombs, hieroglyphics, and other historical records. Our bodies were made to utilize and process the constituents found in plants. We feel our best and are most healthy when we consume whole foods like vegetables and fruits, right? They are PLANTS! In our modern world, however, our bodies are struggling with the daily onslaught of chemicals in our personal, beauty, and cleaning products, foods, and even medicines. Did you know that, most often, our modern-day pharmaceuticals are synthetic chemicals based on the naturally-occurring compounds found in plants (a.k.a. their essential oils)? The problem is, we were not made to process synthetic chemicals and our bodies do not know what to do with them. They get stored in our cells and result in toxic build up. UGH!
How do we get essential oils?
First and foremost, Essential Oils begin with the Seed, which is carefully planted and cultivated until it becomes a mature plant or tree. Think about this: the most diligent essential oil producers will care so strongly about the resulting oil that they will choose only the strongest, most vigorous plants from which to choose seeds, and then plant them carefully in soil which is free from pesticides and other chemicals. They will use natural methods for caring for the plants and be considerate of the Earth when cultivating and harvesting the plants.
Essential oils are generally extracted for use by either steam distillation or cold pressing and they come from a specific part of a plant. There are many factors which affect the quality, therapeutic value, and safety of an essential oil and it’s extremely important to use only essential oils from a trusted source. An essential oil may smell differently and have different properties based on factors such as where it is grown, the time of day it is harvested, and how it is harvested and extracted.
How do we use Essential Oils?
Essential Oils may be used by inhalation, topical application, and internal consumption. If you have ever smelled a scent and felt your body respond by becoming relaxed or energized, you have experienced the essential oil via inhalation. Many people choose to use a diffuser for enjoying their oils though inhalation but you can also just open the cap and sniff the aroma. You may add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water, a personal diffuser necklace, or a tissue and inhale. Topical application involves applying the essential oil to the skin. Many oils may be diluted in a carrier oil like Young Living’s V-6 vegetable oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil and rubbed onto the skin. Some may choose to apply the oils “neat”, without a carrier oil. One of the best places to apply essential oils is to the bottom of your feet because there are many larger pores and reflex points on your feet and the feet are a little tougher for those who may have more sensitive skin. Many people choose to take essential oils internally, either by placing the oils directly into a liquid, like tea or water, or adding to a spoonful of agave syrup or honey. You may also purchase and fill gelatin capsules with your chosen oil(s).
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Think about it: What do you FEEL like when you smell a citrus fruit (lemon, orange, grapefruit)? Most people feel happy, energized, awakened yet calm and at peace. Scent is the most powerful of all our senses.
Whatever method of use you choose, it is IMPERATIVE to choose a quality essential oil by a trusted source. Increasingly, people are trying to ditch the chemicals and looking for more natural methods to support their health, clean their homes, and improve their moods. Essential oils are becoming more and more popular and there are new companies cropping up all the time. However, in the US, there are not strict standards and many companies are offering adulterated (chemicals like pesticides are added!), diluted, or cheaply processed oils and labeling them as “Pure” or “organic”. It’s actually quite ironic that I am a true lover of essential oils because I have had a lifelong aversion to scents. I get horrible headaches with cleaning supplies, soaps, candles, perfumes, “other” essential oils, and fragrances. In truth, I’ve finally realized that I get horrible headaches from synthetic fragrance. NOT from true, pure essential oils from nature! It’s liberating!
I was, fortunately, introduced to Young Living by my Mom (my most trusted source!), and felt the difference in my life immediately. Young Living only uses essential oils from the first-distillation. This means that the essential oil in my bottle has the most therapeutic qualities because it is the most potent. It is not watered down or diluted. Think about this: when you make a cup of tea, you get a nice, strong flavor from your first cup. However, if you make a second or third cup using the same tea bag, what happens? Your cup of tea becomes watered down, diluted. Many essential oil companies use watered down and diluted oil from the 2nd, 3rd, and even more distillations because it is less expensive.
Why Choose Young Living?
Since I began my oily journey, I have spent countless hours researching essential oils and standards and what sets Young Living apart. I have been most impressed by Young Living’s Seed to Seal Guarantee, commitment to purity, and uncompromising sense of ethics. This is a company whose founder cares about the Earth, Nature, Plants and the miraculous gifts it provides. This is a company who invites members in to become family, to share in planting and harvesting, to learn about the process, and to grow in wellness, purpose, and abundance together. This is a company who embodies the true ideals of Stewardship towards the Earth and it’s people. This is a company that would rather lose money by having an oil go out of stock for an entire growing season than offer an inferior product to its members. This is a company with OVER 20 YEARS of experience, steady growth, and lifelong members.
Please do your own research. Check out Young Living’s Seed to Seal Guarantee and you’ll understand why I only use Young Living products.
www.YoungLiving.com/en_US/discover/guide/about
www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-are-essential-oils
Please contact me if you have any questions about Young Living or if you are ready to experience the difference with Essential Oils. Please do not ask me for medical advice because I am not a physician. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
I’m looking forward to chatting with you!
(((HUGS)))
Jenny
Painted Mine Essentials 