Apply this oil neat. HUH? I always try to be neat.
This oil is photosensitive? WHAT? It doesn’t like it’s picture taken?
Apply with caution as this oil is HOT? Should I refrigerate it?
If you start researching essential oils online and come up with some weird lingo, you’re not alone. There can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using oils on our bodies and in our homes, but have no fear! Here’s some basic tips and tricks to help you ease into this natural lifestyle.
Terminology
EO – Essential oil.
EODR – Essential oil desk reference.
Aromatic – an experience of essential oils through the olfactory senses (you breathe it in) because of its mild chemistry.
Topical – the oil is absorbed through the skin.
Internal – the oil is consumed by means of eating/drinking/encapsulating it.
Diffuse – a tool used to disburse essential oils into micro-molecules for aromatic absorption. This could be an ultrasonic diffuser, a necklace or bracelet, a cotton ball attached to the air vent in your car, a clothespin attached to a fan in your home, your scarf on a chilly day…you get the idea.
Layering – some oils work better in combination with each other. Don’t apply too fast. Give an adequate amount of time (I like 30 minutes or so) to let the body absorb the oils.
Proprietary Blend – a blend of essential oils (which may include a carrier oil) made exclusively by Young Living or other manufacturer.
Distillation – the process in which the essential oils are drawn out of the plant. Steam distillation uses heat and pressure while cold pressed oils use mechanical forces.
Roller – a fitting that attached to the top of a bottle to allow for easy application. I highly recommend purchasing the Young Living roller fitments. They are top notch!
Vita-flex Points – special locations on the ears, hands, feet that coordinate with another parts of the body.
Sensitivity
Neat – this refers to the essential oil straight out of the bottle.
Carrier Oil – this is an oil (such as coconut oil, grape seed oil, almond oil) to help dilute the concentration of the essential oil easing absorption into the skin. Using a carrier oil does not make the essential oil less effective and dilution requirements may be different for each person.
Photosensitive – essential oils that are highly reactive under the sun. This almost always refers to citrus oils and citrus oil blends, but always check the safety of oil in the sun if you will be spending some time outside.
Tips + Tricks
Store essential oils in glass containers in a cool, dry place. Some oils are powerful enough to extract chemicals from plastic products.
Less is more. Oils can be very powerful and a little goes a long way. Work your way up to larger doses of plant juice.
Hot oils – be super careful with application. Hot oils often require dilution and can burn the skin. Think oregano, cinnamon bark, clove, wintergreen, sometimes frankincense, black pepper, some conifer oils depending on how sensitive the skin is.
Cooling oils – amazing for muscle relief, chill out spray on a hot summer day, cool down post workout, nice in a massage. Think basil, peppermint, cardamom, spearmint, eucalyptus and tea tree…
Be sure oils are properly diluted with pregnant women and children.
NEVER put oils directly in your eyes, ears, nose or mucus membrane areas. Accidents do happen though. Use a carrier oil to dilute, dilute, dilute. Never use water! Seek medical attention if required.
Avoid using a candle to diffuse essential oils. It changes and/or destroys the natural healing constituents of the oil.
Always recycle your empty bottles. They are great for making new custom blends for your family.
The droppers on top of the essential oil bottles have two holes. The larger hole lets in air, and the smaller hole is where the oil comes out. Turning the position of the small hole from top to bottom will help control how fast the oil comes out of the bottle.
Essential oils are not monitored by any agency or safety commission. The terms “pure” or ” therapeutic grade” can mean different things to each supplier. ALWAYS KNOW WHERE YOUR OILS ARE COMING FROM. This is why I choose Young Living. Seed to Seal, baby!! All oils are not created the same. Research your brand. Visit their farms. Ask the questions. Do your homework.
Don’t forget to talk to your doctor about the essential oils and natural products you use and consume!
Have other ideas not listed here? Please share below! 🙂
Happy Oiling!
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