Using Essential OIls

Due to continual research being done on essential oils, more application methods are being developed. The three methods dōTERRA recommends for using essential oils is aromatically, topically, and internally. Essential oils have a powerful effect on the limbic system when used aromatically. Topical application is commonly used on specific target areas for quick absorption. When used internally, essential oils enter the bloodstream and are distributed throughout the body.

You can click here and learn more about the different ways you use oils - or, you can get some yourself and try it out!

I diffuse every day . . . I take internally every day . . . and we apply topically every day.  (Not all at once, mind you - everything in moderation.)

Vetiver

Vetiver is one of the first oils I fell in love with - right after my passionate affair with Balance and Serenity.  This unique oil comes from the roots of the vetiver plant - which in the ground tangle up into an awesome medusa-like structure that produces a strong earthy fragrance.  Some wear it for purfume, with it's very musky odor, and others drink it as part of a daily immune boosting regemin.  I like to diffuse it at night with serenity amplifying the possibility for sweet, blissful, restful sleep.

According to the scientists at doTERRA - and lots of anecdotal research on my own - I can tell you that vetiver aids in calming anxious feelings, aids the immune system when taken internally, relaxes after a long stressful day, and promotes deep sleep.  Vetiver blends well with Serenity, Lavender, Balance, Sandalwood, and Lemongrass - diffused and topically.

Vetiver was instrumental in helping one of my kiddos past his school jitters and anxiety, and also his testing.  With a blend of vetiver and wild orange, he was able to calm and focus on tests and in school in general.  In fact, he's gone from failing to a straigh A Student - and in honors classes.  With parental support and this oil combination, the sky has literally become the limit for this awesome boy (who's now taller than me and very grown up - but we won't discuss that.)

If you are interested in more about doTERRA vetiver - check out the post here from doTERRA, or to purchase you can always go here.

Phyto Remedi ... What now?

Phyto-remediation, the process of using plants to clean toxins such as lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals out of soil and water has been extensively studied as a positive way to remove pollution.   It's quite effective, with plants up-taking up to 90 percent (in some studies) of lead and other heavy metals from the surrounding soil and water and absorbing it into the plant itself.  If you watched the video, I promised links to the studies - here they are:

Resiliance.org

ResearchGate

It would stand to reason then, that any plant matter eaten or used for therapeutic benefit would need to be produced in areas where these impurities are not present as the resulting oil would most definitely have impurities passed on through the plant itself (Essential oils, after all, are part of the plant).    It's why doTERRA is so specific about where their plants are sourced, and the seven layers of testing they go through before they even hit the bottles for sale.

What does this mean to me?  Well, I've often heard people say "It doesn't matter what oils you buy, you're just buying for scent anyway" or my personal favorite "you're only putting it on your lotion/soap/bath bombs...you don't need to worry too much about what's in them, as long as they smell good!"

That scares me when people say that.

Why?

The skin is the largest organ in the human body.  That's right - ORGAN - like your heart and lungs...vital in all body functions!  You absorb things through your skin.  When something is applied to your skin topically it become systemic (or part of your body systems) almost immediately.  Ever touched poison ivy and gotten a rash immediately?  What about cutting up jalapenos and burning your skin?  The truth is, our skin is very sensitive, and it should matter what you put on it - or in reality, IN  it.

I'm very careful about the things I eat, the things I clean with, and especially the things I apply to my skin - for scent or for therapeutic benefit.  It's that simple.  Because, science.  That's right, I just used a Bill Nye reference. I'm not going to apologize for that.