So I could accept that when mixed with simple household items like vinegar and dish soap you had a great natural cleaner, but I couldn't seem to wrap my head around their use for people. Then one day I broke down and bought a headache roller. I don't know what all was in it except peppermint, and it worked enough to make me want to try again. I realized that if I caught my headache at the beginning the roller would work. Then I read about oils helping kids with ADHD. My son was going through a really rough patch and I was desperate. So I ordered a Serenity blend for him. While it didn't help him, I realized that it did help me. I could use it at the beginning of an anxiety attack and it wouldn't become a full blown one! At this point I still had a lot to learn. What was the difference between all the brands, grades and how do you know what to use and when? So I did what I do best and started talking to people.
During my research I found out a few interesting facts, the big one being people are fiercely brand loyal. Most essential oil users have one brand and they stick to it and its hard to get them to budge! I also found out for most people using oils is part of a life style, one that I wanted for my family. I found it hard to find information that wasn't biased toward a specific brand or that made me feel like using oils was the end all be all cure for everything. This bothered me because while I use them and agree they work I still don't think to reach for them first. I'm coming around though and have started making blends and selling them on my etsy shop: browns brownsteading
So what have I learned?
1) Essential oils are like any other medication and they work different for everyone. Like I said earlier I tried the Serenity oil for my son with ADHD. I put it on every day before school and at the beginning of his tantrums and nothing. Now for me, with its help I was able to stop my anxiety and depression meds and only use the oil. So as you play around with them its important to remember not to give up if one doesn't work, try another one and maybe that will and Don't stop any medication with out the ok from your Dr.
2) Each oil has a multitude of uses. Seriously, lists and lists of things each oil can do, it really is amazing. You really need to know what your looking for before you go in. Do you want to just improve your overall health and get a big kit or do you want to start small with something that will help you relax and sleep or take away your headache? It can be costly so knowing what your looking for can help save you money.
3) Not all oils are created equal but there are ways to use them without breaking the bank. So as many of you know you have two main competitors when it comes to oils. Young Living and Doterra, now both of these brands are amazing for different reasons. Young Living is made right here in America, they have an amazing variety of oils. Not just single oils but they have a ton of blends as well. I feel like for the money you get way more options with Young Living. Doterra is great as well. They have tons of options as well but I feel like they are missing some of the basics like Thieves and Tea Tree. Now Doterra isn't made right here in the US but their oils are grown where they naturally grow. Some say this give them a better oil because your growing the plants where they are meant to be grown. To me they are the same and I use both depending on what I need. Edit: I just found a company called Bepurely they are a brand new oil complany just open in the last few years. Their mission is to make oils affordable for everyone. I have used a few of thier oils and personally I think they work just as well as the bigger companies! Just to add to the mix if you google essential oils you will find a bunch more brands that all claim to be 100% therapeutic, skin safe, ect. I don't know much about the other brands, here is what I have found that you need to look for when selecting an oil.
- If your looking to use them in anyway on your person or in a blend that you will be using on your person be sure they are marked as therapeutic quality and skin safe. Oils that are not meant for the skin should not go on the skin and can cause a bad reaction. Never ingest oils unless it specifically says and you know where the oil came from.
- If your looking to use oils in cleaning products and around the house its ok to go with a cheaper brand. I use Now brand and a few others when I'm working with rooms sprays, cleaners and laundry salts. These are not going directly on my skin so I feel its safe. I still make sure they are 100% essential oils, they shouldn't come with anything added. I also try to make sure they say organic and skin safe, but with most of these you have to dilute them to make them skin safe. Since Im using them in room sprays, cleaners and for the laundry this isn't an issue.
- The main thing is to make sure to do your research before ordering any kind of oil.
So while I am not 100% convinced they can cure anything I think the possibilities are endless. I am excited to dive in and try all kinds of oils and see what works! I will keep you updated on where all I find to use them and how and how they work. Until then im going to list a few ways I have found so far.
- You can find my household cleaner recipe here: 3 ingredient DIY cleaner
- To scent your laundry you can use a jar of epsom salt and your favorite smell. Just add a few drops at a time and shake to mix well until you reach the potency you want. I add a scoop right at the beginning of the load when I am adding my laundry soap. My favorite scent is citrus.
- Buying good quality oils you can use them directly on the skin or mix with a carrier oil to treat almost any ailment from heart burn to lice.
- Mixing with a carrier oil you can create everything from bug sprays to room sprays
- If you use dryer balls you can add a few drops to it to further scent your laundry
- Add Lemon, Orange or Thieves to your mop water to add extra cleaning properties and a good smell.
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