Aromatherapy 101
Getting Started with Essential Oils

There is a huge amount of information about essential oils and it may be overwhelming if you are just getting started. So let's just look at three important oils - Lavender, Peppermint and Thieves oils and the many ways you can use them. Remember to use only essential oils that are Therapeutic (the highest quality with no additives or fillers).  

All Essential Oils Are Not The Same
Essential oils vary in purity and quality depending on many factors. This means that all bottles of Lavender Essential Oil are not the same. For information about the grades and qualities of essential oils see Tips for Buying Essential Oils.

The oils used in the food and perfume industry for flavor and fragrance do not have any therapeutic benefits. Therapeutic grade Essential Oils, which are the highest quality available are being studied for their ability to kill viruses, bacteria and fungus especially those that have become drug-resistant. Essential oils are natural substances derived form plants and have slight variations in each batch. Therefore, bacteria, viruses and fungi cannot build up tolerance or resistance like they can with manufactured prescription drugs. 

Most oils sold in stores the  United States are perfume or food grade and NOT suitable for therapeutic purposes.See Tips for helpful information. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil has been called "The Swiss Army Knife" of essential oils because it is so useful in so may ways. Lavender Essential Oil is safe to use directly on the skin. When used with care it is gentle and safe for children as well as beneficial for sensitive and mature skin.Lavender Essential Oil is calming and sedative. It helps with relaxation and sleep. Lavender has been used since ancient times to treat headaches. Since it is very soothing and calming it is good for anxiety, nervousness and stress and assists in relaxing the nervous system.

·         Inhale  directly from the bottle. You can inhale this oil many times a day, no drugs, and no side effects. 

·    Rub a drop of Lavender oil on chapped or sunburned lips.    

·    Rub 2 - 4 drops of Lavender oil over the armpit area to act as a deodorant.   

·    Skin Problems – place 1-2 drops directly on the burn, rash, bug bite or irritation. Therapeutic Lavender can be used safely directly on the skin.   

·    Scar Tissue - To reduce or minimize the formation of scar tissue, massage Lavender oil on and around the affected area. (Don't use on open wounds).   

·    Headaches -inhale directly from the bottle or rub 1 drop on your temples – be sure not to get it into your eyes.   

·    Anxiety, Stress - inhale Lavender directly from the bottle or make some homemade bath salts to use in a warm bath or footbath. See easy recipe in For 

·    Place a drop of Lavender oil in your water fountain to scent the air, kill bacteria and prolong the time between cleanings. Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a wet cloth and throw into the dryer, which will deodorize and freshen your laundry.   

·   Better sleep - use in a diffuser in the bedroom. Spray a few drops drop on your pillowcase. Rub a drop of Lavender oil on your palms and smooth on your pillow to help you sleep or add a few drops to a cotton ball and put in your pillowcase.   

·    Take a warm bath with your lavender bath salts before bed.   

·    Massage the bottoms of feet with Lavender Essential Oil. Works well for children.   

Peppermint Essential Oil - Has been used for centuries for the stomach and digestive issues. It helps aid digestion, relieve nausea and headaches, indigestion, heartburn, gas and motion sickness. Peppermint Oil also contains compounds that help relieve pain when applied to the skin and is a common ingredient in mentholated muscle rubs. 

Peppermint oil is energizing and has also been shown to increase memory, learning and concentration. Ways to use Peppermint Oil: 

·    Inhale directly from the bottle. You can do this many times a day, no drugs, and no side effects. 

·    For Headaches – inhale directly from the bottle. 
 

·    For Indigestion, Heartburn, Nausea, Sour Stomach – inhale directly. Because this is a pure essential oil, Peppermint Oil CAN be used internally if you wish a stronger effect than just smelling it. 

·    Caution – this is a POWERFUL essential oil so try a tiny bit on a toothpick first, then try ONE DROP on the tongue. Then try drinking a cup of water after taking the oil since it seems to help coat the stomach. Don’t put the oil directly into water – it will cling to the glass. 
 

·    You can rub ONE drop on your stomach and follow with 5-6 drops of lotion or carrier oil. 
 

·    Don’t apply to children or pets. 

·    If you become sleepy while driving, inhale directly from the bottle, or put a drop on the tongue for a good pick-me-up. 
 

·    Muscle Pain - Mix 1-2 drops of Peppermint oil with a 1 tsp of drops of carrier oil. Apply to sore muscles and massage the area with more carrier oil. 
 

·    For Hot or Tired Feet – Add 5-6 drops of oil to ½ cup water in a small spray bottle. Use at room temp. or refrigerate. Spray feet as needed - refreshing! 
 

·    When you get Peppermint oil on your hands, don’t try to wash off with water - use a few drops of olive or cooking oil to dilute, then wash. Be very careful not to get in your eyes or on contact lenses. Keep away from children. 

 
Thieves®Essential Oil
Thieves® Essential Oil was developed after Young Living® did research about the spices, herbs and essential oils used in the 14th century to protect against plague. Thieves® Oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and helps support the immune system.

Thieves® Oil has a proven 99% kill rate against some bacteria & viruses. This oil is good for staying healthy during cold & flu season. For an interesting story about how Thieves® Oil got its name go to www.callmary.net & click on “Aromatherapy.

CAUTION - Thieves® Oil contains oils of cinnamon and clove and is considered a very “hot” oil so DON’T use on the skin. Use with caution.
DO NOT USE on children.  

Ways to use Thieves Oil: 

·        Inhale Thieves® Oil directly from the bottle. You can inhale this several times a day, no drugs, and no side effects. 
 

·     Put a drop of Thieves® on a cotton ball, place in a small plastic bag to maintain the scent & protect everything that touches it. Carry in pocket or purse. Inhale as needed. 
 

·     Because this is a pure essential oil, Young Living Thieves® Oil CAN be used internally if you wish a stronger effect than just smelling it. Caution – this is a very strong, spicy and powerful oil so try a tiny bit on a toothpick to see if you can tolerate it. Then use ONE DROP on the tongue. Drink a cup of water, milk or soymilk, etc.. after if it is too spicy. 
 

·     Use Thieves® Oil if you have sinus congestion, feel a cold or scratchy throat coming on – inhale or use with caution on the tongue or in the throat to clear sinuses and help sore throat. 
 

·     You can use Thieves® in a diffuser in the sickroom to protect the other family members from illness. 
 

·    For night time coughing -place 1 drop in a tsp of carrier oil and rub the soles of your feet. Add more carrier oil if it becomes too tingly. 
 

·    You can purchase Thieves® hand sanitizer and Thieves® hand spray - very good for carrying in pocket or purse. 
 

·    When it gets on your hands, do not try to wash off - use a few drops of any cooking oil to dilute, then wash. 
 

·    Be very careful not to get in your eyes or contact lenses. 
 

·    K eep away from children & pets. 
 

About Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils
All essential oils are not the same. Most are chemically created in a laboratory for food use or perfume use. Use ONLY Therapeutic Grade which is much higher than perfume grade or food grade and has many positive benefits for the body.

Check the label carefully – for example if peppermint oil says “external use only” then you know it is not pure oil but may contain fillers, chemicals and artificial ingredients. Peppermint, the Citrus Oils and Thieves blend from Young Living and other therapeutic sources CAN be used internally with care.

Young Living and other therapeutic grade essential oils cost more but you are getting 100% pure therapeutic grade oils, no synthetics, artificial chemicals and fillers.

Therapeutic Essential Oils for Health
Only therapeutic grade essential oils have been clinically proven to be effective in the body, to penetrate the cell walls, to influence brain and body chemistry. Oils that have additives or are chemically created, like fragrance, food or perfume oils cannot enter the cells and do not provide any benefit.

Essential oils are powerful and a little goes a long way. They are very concentrated and therefore much more powerful than using fresh or dried herbs. Please use with caution, keep out of reach of children, and never use in eyes or in ears. 

How to Care for Your Oils.

These therapeutic grade essential oils are living and delicate and must be stored properly to maintain their freshness and quality.

·    Store your oil bottles in a cool place - never in heat or direct sunlight (not in your car or on a windowsill).   

·    Keep away from dampness and magnetic frequencies (never near the TV, computer, radio, etc.   

·    DON'T touch the dropper or lip of the bottle - or bacteria from your hands or mouth may contaminate your entire bottle of oil.    

·    Be sure to replace the cap immediately after use. Keep the bottle tightly closed so it doesn’t evaporate.   

·    Keep your oils in the original bottle. Never transfer to a bottle with a rubber dropper – vapors from the oils will soon degrade the rubber dropper and ruin your entire bottle.    

·    Be aware that, just like herbal remedies, essential oils can interact with certain medications.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is obtained from current information sources and research. All the information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or as a substitute for proper medical care. See your doctor for any medical condition. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified medical professional before using any essential oil on young children, if you are pregnant, or have a serious illness.

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