HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BEGINNERS: A COMPLETE GUIDE

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HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BEGINNERS: HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BEGINNERS: A COMPLETE GUIDE

This is the complete guide to essential oils for beginners!

Here you will find all the info you need in order to get started today.

This is the guide for you if you are thinking about switching to a more natural lifestyle, or if you are an essential oils beginner user!

The following post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll get a small commission if you decide to buy using the links provided. This will add NO EXTRA COST to you but it helps me to keep this blog up and running. Thank you. You can get more info by reading my Disclaimer page.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

First of all, congratulations! You are on the right path to a more empowered life for you and your family. In fact, essential oils will be a great addition to your daily routine.

However, I know that making “the switch” is a BIG CHANGE no doubt, and it can be overwhelming and intimidating.

In this beginner’s guide post you will find all the info you need to get started safely.

IMPORTANT

The content of this blog post is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

I am not a doctor and I’m only sharing my personal experience here.

If you are unwell or sick, always ask your trusted doctor or medical practitioner for advice. Pay particular attention if you are allergic or intolerant to any food and/or medication, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Children and elderly people should also seek medical attention quickly if unwell or experiencing any symptom.

Even if you don’t experience any symptom, always contact your trusted health provider if in doubt. If you feel unwell and are worried, it is safer to ask for medical advice from a professional than to wait.

Always keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Never risk it!

Why should I use doTERRA oils?

I love using essential oils in my home and I use them every single day for myself and my family.

However, I only buy Doterra essential oils, because Doterra is the only company I trust to use around my family. Therefore, the recommendations I make in this post only apply to Doterra products.

important

Only use 100% unadulterated and pure essential oils, from a reputable company. 

Never use essential oils topically unless properly diluted, and only use them after a patch test.

Pay particular attention if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or on older people and young children.

Some people might develop skin irritations or adverse reactions.

Never ingest essential oils without reading the label first, as not all oils can be consumed internally.

Always talk to your trusted medical practitioner and/or certified aromatherapist before using essential oils, especially if you suffer from any allergy, intolerance, are ill or are already taking any medication.

What makes doTERRA oils different?

There are many famous essential oils brands out there. You might be familiar with Young Living or Plant Therapy for example.

Doterra, though, is different.

Doterra is CPTG certified, which means it exclusively sells products that are of high quality, Certified Pure and of Tested Grade. In other words, those products are 100% pure, natural and safe to use, and recommended for internal use due to their properties and health benefits.

For more info, see Doterra website. 

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

From Healthline.com: “Essential Oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavour, or “essence,” of their source. They are obtained through steam distillation (and/or water), or mechanical methods (such as cold pressing)”.

WHAT PARTS OF A PLANT DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM?

Essential oils are extracted from different parts of a plant.

1) Flowers:

Blue tansy, Clary Sage, Clove, Geranium, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Magnolia, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang.

2) Citrus And Berries:

Bergamot, Grapefruit, Green Mandarin, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Wild Orange, Black Pepper, Pink Pepper, Juniper Berry.

3) Leaves:

Basil, Cilantro, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Melissa, Oregano, Patchouli, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme, Wintergreen.

4) Twigs:

Douglas fir, Petigrain, Siberian fir.

5) Bark And Wood:

Arborvitae, Birch, Cassia, Cedarwood, Cinnamon bark, Sandalwood.

6) Resin:

Copaiba, Frankincense, Myrrh.

7) Seeds:

Cardamom, Coriander, Fennel.

8) Roots:

Ginger, Turmeric, Spikenard, Vetiver.

WHERE Where does doTERRA source their oils from?

Doterra is committed to provide only natural oils of the highest quality. In order to achieve that, the oils are sourced in different parts of the world, depending on where they are native.

Sourcing essential oils where the plants are indigenous will guarantee the best products in terms of quality, strength and benefits.

For instance, Bergamot and Lemon oil are sourced in Italy, while Juniper Berry essential oils comes from Bulgaria. Lavender essential oil comes from France, and Ylang Ylang essential oils from Madagascar.

WHAT IS The Doterra Co-Impact Sourcing?

Doterra guarantees that the oils are produced in an ethical and responsible way (read more on how Doterra works with farmers around the world).

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS USED FOR?

Essential oils have been used since ancient times, and in many different ways. We use them every day, even without realising it.

For instance, every time you add a herb to a dish (like rosemary or thyme), or every time you squeeze a lemon or an orange, you are using essential oils.

If you use Lavender flowers in a little sachet to deodorise cupboards, or under the pillow to aid sleep, you are benefiting from the aromatic power of oils.

ESSENTIAL OILS BENEFITS

Essential oils have many therapeutic benefits. You can use them to aid recovery from an illness and to support your immune system.

In addition to that, you can use them in cooking and baking; to make your own cleaning products; or to prepare beauty and self care products.

I have an entire LIBRARY OF FREEBIES to teach you how to use them in your every day life!

DO ESSENTIAL OILS ACTUALLY WORK?

Yes, they do. If you use them correctly and safely and if you choose a trusted brand like Doterra.

Essential Oils do work, and there are centuries of experience to prove that.

Millions of people use EO daily and with excellent results. I’m one of them, and I’ve seen first hand how they have helped my family (you can check my BIO to see how and why I got started with Doterra).

WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS ARE BEST FOR WHAT?

As a beginner, you might not know what essential oil to reach for in order to get support for a specific ailment or problem.

However, I put together the following classification to help you choose:

• CITRUS FRUITS: Uplifting, detoxifying;
• FLORALS: Balancing, calming;
• HERBS: Cleansing, stimulating;
• SPICES: Protecting, warming;
• LEAVES: Soothing, refreshing;
• WOODS: Grounding, revitalising.

Where Do You Need Support?

• SKIN ISSUES: reach for FLORALS like Lavender and Geranium.
• GENERAL AILMENTS/HEALTH: reach for HERBS AND SPICES like Oregano, Clove.
• PAIN: reach for TREES (LEAVES, WOODS, RESINS AND ROOTS) like Frankincense and Eucalyptus.
• MOOD: reach for CITRUS FRUITS like Lemon, Wild Orange.

DO YOU NEED TO AVOID CERTAIN ESSENTIAL OILS?

Doterra oils are 100% natural and pure, and anyone can use them.

However, it is important to learn how to use them safely.

These oils are 100% pure and unadulterated.

Therefore, they are very strong and powerful, and should be used with care.

Particular attention is needed around very young children and the elderly, and people with known health conditions.

Most importantly, if you have specific health needs, you should ALWAYS consult with a specialist before using ANY PRODUCT.

For safe use, PLEASE DO REFER TO THE ESSENTIAL OILS LABELS AT ALL TIMES, as Doterra clearly marks the safe use of each Oil or blend on every bottle.

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Safe Dilution Chart By Age

Essential oils are very powerful and concentrated. Therefore, only a few drops of essential oil will go a long way.

To make up recipes that use essential oils, please refer to the dilution chart by age. Pay particular attention for children or older people.

If you have sensitive skin, the use of essential oils can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Therefore, always make sure to dilute oils safely and properly before use.

Safe dilution chart by age (per 10ml rollers):

• Newborn-6 months: 1-2 drops of essential oils max
• 6 months- 2 years: 1-3 drops of essential oils max
• 2-5 years: 2-5 drops of essential oils max
• 5-12 years: 5-10 drops of essential oils max
• 12 years and up: 15-20 drops of essential oils max
• Adults: up to 40-50 drops of essential oils max

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS?

There are three main ways of using essential oils:

1) Aromatic Use

This is a very easy way to enjoy the power of essential oils. You can enjoy the aromatic benefits of essential oils by smelling them straight from the bottle, or by putting a drop on your hands and inhale.

However, the most common way to use oils aromatically is by using an essential oil diffuser, a device that will spread the aroma of an oil throughout the environment where it is placed.

Diffusers are readily available to buy, and they are also inexpensive.

Can All Doterra Essential Oils Be Diffused?

Pretty much any Doterra essential oils can be diffused, with the only exception of HD CLEAR and IMMORTELLE (called SALUBELLE in Europe). The only limit is your preference.

Safety Note

When using oils aromatically, only use a few drops of them in the diffuser.

Start with no more than 4-5 drops in total, because small children or pets might find the smell too strong. You can always add more drops at a later stage.

When diffusing around animals, make sure to leave the door of the room open, so that they can leave if they wish.

2) Topical Use

If you apply an essential oil or blend on your skin, you are using it topically.

Remember that, regardless of how you use essential oils, always avoid getting them in your eyes and ears.

When using essential oils topically, bear in mind that only some oils can be used NEAT. Some are too strong and need to be diluted first.

Always dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut oil (or avocado il, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, etc.) if you are in doubt. Never use water to dilute Essential Oils.

DO YOU HAVE TO DILUTE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Diluting essential oils will not diminish their power. On the contrary, it will allow you to cover a larger area of your body using only a few drops of products.

For example, Fractionated coconut oil is a very good carrier oil as it is non staining and not greasy. It is completely natural and it absorbs quickly and easily. Most importantly, it is completely soluble with essential oils.

You can download my “carrier oils cheat sheet” here.

Do you know that I have an entire blog post about Carrier Oils?

And you can grab a FREE CHEAT SHEET that will help you choose the best Carrier Oil for your skin.

What Are “Hot Oils”?

Some essential oils are called “hot oils” because they are very strong. Consequently, these oils should never be used topically without proper dilution.

In this category of hot oils we have: Oregano, Cinnamon, Clove, Thyme, Cassia.

People with sensitive skin, children and the elderly, should pay particular attention if using hot oils topically. The safest area to apply them is under the feet.

What Are “Photosensitive Oils”?

Essential oils that come from Citrus fruits and Berries are photosensitive.

Therefore, after applying them to your skin, you should avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least 12 hours.

Here is a list of some of the most common essential oils that are photosensitive. Bear in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. Always reads labels carefully before using any oil!

• SINGLE OILS: Citrus oils, such as Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Wild Orange, Tangerin, Cumin.
• OIL BLENDS: Aromatouch, Breathe (Air), Cheer, Motivate, Forgive, Citrus Bliss, Elevation, In Tune, On Guard, Purify, Smart and Sassy, Zendocrine, Adaptiv.
• Lemongrass EO is NOT photosensitive.

If you are planning on making any DIY product using essential oils, make sure you know what containers are safe for use. Read my post here to learn how to choose safely.

WHAT TYPE OF PLASTIC IS SAFE FOR ESSENTIAL OILS?

3) Internal Use

Some essential oils are suitable for internal use, which means you can ingest them.

For instance, you can add an oil to your food and drink, or you could simply ingest a drop straight into your mouth.

However, some oils have very strong or unpleasant taste. Therefore, you might find it difficult to ingest them.

In those cases, you can use a veggie cap, which is an empty capsule that can be opened and filled with any oil.

You can purchase veggie caps from Doterra, online or from your local health store.

IMPORTANT

There are many sources that advice against ingesting essential oils.

Remember that my post is not in any way meant to replace professional medical advice. Here I’m only sharing my own personal experience. 

Therefore, before using any oil, whether internally or topically or aromatically, ALWAYS consult with your trusted medical practitioner and/or with a certified aromatherapist.

WHICH ESSENTIAL OILS ARE SAFE TO INGEST? 

Not all essential oils can be ingested, and this is why Doterra puts the “Supplements Facts” on the labels of the oils that are safe for internal use.

To clarify, if you are unsure whether an oil could be ingested or not, ALWAYS read the labels!

If using hot oils internally (only in a veggie cap), take them on a 10 days on/10 days off basis. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS BOOKS / RESOURCES FOR BEGINNERS?

You can find all the info in this blog post:

DO YOU HAVE THESE ESSENTIAL RESOURCES?

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HOW DO I START USING ESSENTIAL OILS?

Bringing essential oils in your home is very easy, and I’m here to help and to support you in your journey.

I can assist you in placing your first order and I will provide all the education needed to get you started.

In addition to that, I have plenty of FREE resources for you, in the form of blog posts, FREE EBOOKS and CHARTS. Make sure you check my FREEBIES PAGE!

If you want to learn more about Doterra Essential Oils for beginners, you can also check this post:

I’ve got Oils…. now what?

What products can you make with essential oils?

You could make so many DIY products using EO!

Think of beauty products, homemade cleaners and self care products.

I have an entire library of FREE EBOOKS with DIY Recipes, so make sure to check it!

WHAT KIND OF CONTAINER OR BOTTLE IS SAFE TO USE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS?

If possible, always use dark glass bottles when making DIY products that contain essential oils.

Indeed, sunlight and heat can damage the oils stored in clear containers. 

In addition to that, oils can leak into plastic. Therefore, avoid clear containers and plastic for DIY products as much as you can.

If glass is not an option, make sure to stick to safe plastic when making DIY products with essential oils.

Also, make sure to wash and dry the containers thoroughly before using them.

Remember to always avoid getting DIY products in your eyes, ears and mouth.

What’s The Shelf Life Of Diy Products with essential oils?

Due to the possibility of contamination, shelf life of DIY products containing water is very short, and limited to just 2 weeks maximum. Discard any left over product after 2 weeks.

Always use distilled or cooled, boiled water when making DIY products.

If the DIY products don’t contain water, you can discard them after 6 months max.

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BEGINNERS: A COMPLETE GUIDE. CONCLUSIONS

We are surrounded by toxins and bad chemicals in our daily life, and it is almost impossible to avoid them completely.

However, you can start reducing toxic exposure, if you swap every day products for natural alternatives.

To avoid overwhelm, start by replacing one or two products, and slowly add more.

Learning how to use Essential Oils is definitively the BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MY FAMILY, and so I hope you will be starting your journey to a natural way of life soon.

Please feel free to leave a comment below, and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you.

If you are still thinking about entering the world of essential oils, you can refer to my post “15 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE USING ESSENTIAL OILS”.

IMPORTANT

When using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones, like Doterra Essential Oils. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.