I’m sure you’ve heard a few things here and there about essential oils and hopefully you have even used some already! As you know since you are here reading this, I am on a continuous quest to live a more natural, holistic lifestyle and essential oils have fit in perfectly with that goal. I wanted to share a little bit of background information about essential oils and what they do, the different types available out there, my own experience with them, the kind I use and why. So let’s jump in!
What are essential oils?
An essential oil is a volatile substance derived from a plant that contains the natural smell and characteristics of that plant. Essential oils are highly concentrated and more powerful than dried herbs. EOs are distilled from botanicals such as flowers, trees, shrubs, roots, bushes and seeds. They have enhanced lives for thousands of years, offering a variety of benefits from cosmetic and dietary purposes to spiritual and religious use. EOs can offer emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness in a natural way that can be truly life-changing.
How do we use them?
The ways we can use essential oils are truly endless. Most commonly, EOs can be applied topically, directly to the skin neat but more often with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin e oil or olive oil. Certain therapeutic grade EOs can be used internally, mixing 1-2 drops in liquid like water, juice or plant based milk or placed in capsules. They can also be used aromatically and inhaled by diffusing them in your home or office.
What do they do?
What don’t they do is a better question to ask! Depending on the oil you choose, they can be used to help you sleep, to boost your immune system, to purify the air, to give you energy or help you focus, to ease sore muscles, even to cook and clean in your home! I have had a blast discovering new benefits to the oils I currently have on hand. I’ve even incorporated them into my daily skincare and beauty routine! For example, you can add a few drops of Lavender EO to your mascara to help lengthen and strengthen your lashes! I will do another post soon on some other EO hacks like this one.
How did I get started using essential oils?
The studio where I took yoga classes started offering an essential oil yoga class which incorporated different oils throughout the class. I loved the experience and every time I went I learned about a new oil and what it was good for. It was addicting and I truly felt the difference in my body and mind after being exposed to the oils topically and aromatically during class. I was hooked! I had to get my hands on some to use at home. I knew I had seen some at TJ Maxx and they were cheap, but as usual, I wanted to do my research and make sure I was getting quality oils.
Similarly, to what I’ve discovered when searching for natural, non-toxic beauty and skincare products, many essential oils out there, especially the cheap ones on TJ Maxx shelves for example make false claims about their purity, are diluted with synthetic fillers or they are distilled in a way which negatively alters their powerful therapeutic properties. Needless to say I didn’t purchase the cheap TJ Maxx oils and knew I had to keep searching.
What kind do I use?
Young Living! After doing much research, comparisons and reading testimonials and reviews from everyday users, I knew Young Living was the place to get started. Their Seed to Seal promise and process really put my mind at ease. It guarantees the purity and potency of all of their oils because they are involved in the entire process from cultivating the seeds, planting them on their own farms and harvesting, distilling and packaging in house. Extracted through careful steam distillation, resin tapping, and cold pressing, these pure essential oils are far more powerful than the botanicals from which they come.
I started by purchasing their premium starter kit last year and I fell in love. This was such a great way for me to get introduced to the world of oils. I started out slow, as essential oils can be a bit overwhelming at first. I started by diffusing (the kit comes with a diffuser) and then slowly as I learned more about the different benefits of each oil, I began to incorporate them into my daily routine topically and by ingesting them as well. And lately I’ve been discovering new ways to use them around the house and more.
Young Living has an amazing, supportive community and the resources that come with the starter kit as well as the membership are really helpful. When you purchase a starter kit, you automatically become a YL member which allows you to buy more oils at wholesale prices (24% off retail), however there is no obligation to make future purchases and your kit can be a one and done purchase if you choose.
A premium starter kit, which comes with 11 of the most commonly used oils + a diffuser (and more) is the best value & provides you with everything you need to get started. You’ll get over $300 worth of essential oil products for only $160. I thought it was a good deal when I purchased my kit, but now that I have seen all that these oils can do for me, I can tell you with passion that it is an amazing deal.
How can you get started?
If you are interested in ordering and getting started with the very best, highest quality essential oils, you can follow this link to grab your kit. I will get a notification and can send you even more helpful information in addition to what comes with the kit and can even add you to some great Facebook groups that will help you along your oily journey.
Essential oils have been the perfect supplement to my healthy lifestyle and I’m excited and passionate about sharing this information with you! I want everyone to be able to experience the benefits I have. I am happy to share more specifics on my experiences with certain oils you may be interested in indiviidually or answer any questions you may have. Just ask!
Lots of love and good health,
Tasha, The Non-Toxic Newbie
Note: The information in this post is specific to Young Living essential oils and should not be used with oils from another source. Statements made here about Young Living Essential Oils have not been evaluated by the FDA.