::Disclaimer:: Our beginner’s guide to essential oils is an explanation of our personal use of essential Oils, though we mention companies, we in no way endorse them or their product even though we might use the product or the company. If it isn’t painfully obvious already we aren’t trained health care providers and you should never take our experience over the knowledge of a trained health care provider. We talk about what has worked for us in this post, but we do not assert that these things will work for you or should be used in place of traditional medicine. Nor do we claim any expertise or encourage you to try a certain essential oil. Again, this is just our journey and what works for us, not medical advice or even educated advice from a friend. ::Disclaimer::
Yes. We’ve jumped on the bandwagon. It’s trendy right now, so I usually run the other way… but I’m a believer.
We’ve gotten quite a few questions about it recently, and I wanted to cover a few of the questions you may have if you’re considering trying essential oils for your family. I’m still pretty green, so it’ll be nothing but honest answers, but here’s a few things I’ve learned. And besides who better to talk about a beginner’s guide to essential oils than someone who just went through it all.
The Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils: Why we’ve tried them, what’s worked for us, and a few of our fave uses for each one.
beginner’s guide to essential oils – First things first:
I haven’t ditched modern medicine. We still get our immunizations and I adore our pediatrician. Sometimes you will get things and simply can’t avoid it no matter how preventative you are. Wow. That escalated quickly. But I had to get that out of the way, because I feel like that’s a thing lately. I trust our educated professionals to do what they do, and I’m not a doctor. This is just another arrow in our quiver… but the thing is, it’s turning out to be a pretty powerful arrow.
We usually spend all winter sick. All winter, every winter. It’s become a running joke because we either always pass strep back and forth, have a virus, or snot all over everything all of the time. For these runs of what feel like months when all of us are sick, I’m scrubbing the house, scouring every surface and burning the velveteen rabbit while trying not to lose my ever loving mind.
We eat pretty well, I have a clean home, and we keep them out of trouble spots like indoor playgrounds and the like during flu season. But I believe something is missing, and that there’s a lot to be said for taking a well-rounded approach to health.
I was ready to start taking a few proactive steps for our family. So this fall, I was introduced to DoTerra by our friend Beckie {Infarrantly Creative} at the La-Z-Boy event.
{You can read a great definition of essential oils, here.} And here’s a quick overview as we start our beginner’s guide to essential oils:
Essential oils are an amazing thing. They’ve been used by people for centuries before us for natural healing. Grave robbers would break into the tombs in Egypt, and instead of stealing the gold, they would go for essential oils because they knew the value behind them. They are a multifaceted system that have the ability to kill both bacterial infections and viruses. {I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve always thought nothing could be done about a virus. You were supposed to drink some water, hunker down, and hope for the best.} The reason lots of people are turning to these, is because of the swinging of the pendulum: People are tired of having adverse reactions to synthetic drugs… we put chemicals into our bodies that can treat the symptoms, but sometimes our bodies don’t know what to do with these drugs. Again, they’re not a replacement, but a powerful ally in the medicine cabinet. The beauty of essential oils is that they can help equip the body so that it can do what it was designed to do… heal itself naturally. It’s kind of this awesome thing, natural healthcare.
You can use them aromatically, topically, and internally. And this is essential to understand as as we discuss our beginner’s guide to essential oils.
Aromatically {by simply sniffing the bottle or a diffuser} topically {usually with a carrier oil on the skin or a certain place on the body} or internally {in a veggie cap}. They can be used for health concerns, cleaning, general well being, and cooking. They smell really natural, and some of them are absolutely divine. We’ve actually gotten to where we prefer their scents to the synthetic ones we have in products around our home.
I didn’t know all of this when I started. I just knew I needed something different after having so many reactions to simple things like Z-packs, and staying sick. So we decided to start out by ordering the Family Physician Kit.
I’m about to get a little personal with health stuff. So if that bothers you, I’m not getting detailed or anything but to be honest… typing out the words make me a little squeamish so you’ve been warned. Also, different things work for different people. But I have more tips + tricks for it all below.
The first thing I tried was Breathe, for the kids and for me. It helps with a myriad of things: congestion, cough, and keeping their sickness from becoming worse. I was kind of amazed with how well it worked.
beginner’s guide to essential oils – Next up:
I’ve always had recurring problems with yeast infections. I know. Gross. Every time I took an antibiotic, to the point where I would have to go to the store and after giving that nasty over the counter stuff a go, call the doctor for a pill. This time, I felt one coming on (because after you’ve had about twenty, you know the symptoms and can catch them at the beginning.) I tried a solution:
5 drops of Lemon + 5 drops of Melaleuca + 3 drops on Oregano (all in my kit) in a veggie capsule for about 10 days.
Y’all. It was gone within two days. No gross creams. No miserable waiting. Game. Changer.
I have also, in the past few years, had issues with UTIs. Double gross. Again, I could feel it coming on {And usually the double whammy is that when I’m put on an antibiotic – which usually makes me feel sickly – and then I develop a yeast infection. Vicious cycle.} so I decided to give the oils a try first.
2 drops Frankincense + 6 drops On Guard + 6 drops Oregano in a veggie capsule. 3x’s a day. I also followed up with putting drops of lemon oil and drinking plenty of water with that, to speed up the detox process. Again, it was gone within a few days.
For any of you who have ever struggled with these problems, you know it’s a big deal. No more antibiotics that only made me feel bad. I was literally doing a happy dance because I couldn’t believe it actually worked for me.
I’m starting to sound like I’ve fallen off my rocker, but stay with me.
I’ve always struggled with anxiety. Something I discovered accidentally (and then looked it up when I started to feel different after drinking it in my water) lemon-only one of the many oils that can do this-can help with anxiety. It’s a natural mood + energy booster.
After this, I was a convert. Every time I try something new, I hold my breath thinking, okay… it probably won’t work… and then it does. It actually does. I feel like I’ve been given this amazing tool for our family and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
Jamin calls it my ‘witchdoctor stuff’, and when I’m grumpy, he asks if I’ve had my lemon that day. But the other day I caught him in the corner putting Frankincense on a facial blemish and so there’s that. Mission accomplished.
beginner’s guide to essential oils- Personal favorites:
Peppermint
Still a skeptic? I encourage you guys to read up on all that you can. I’m still learning so much. But here’s a few of our personal faves for each oil, if you’re interested in trying them out. An intro to the basics, if you will.
1. Stay alert.
I will actually put this in the diffuser during home school to keep the kids concentrate. They love the yummy, natural scent and it works. This may sound weird but they request it, and it makes them happy.
2. Clear the sinuses.
This will clear up your sinuses. I’ll put it in the diffuser with a bit of frankincense and water. It works wonders for our stuffiness.
3. Calm the tummy.
Put this on your stomach with a carrier {like coconut oil because it can burn in its pure form} to calm an upset stomach
4. Give yourself a pedi.
If your feet are tired from a long day, this stuff is amazing for the bottoms of your feet to add to your beauty ritual. If you’re like me, aintnobodygottimeforthat but it’s like a sweet treat when I do.
5. Clean Naturally + Repel Spiders.
You can freshen anything up with a bit of peppermint oil. Oh, and if you have issues with spiders in the warmer months, they hate the stuff. Diffuse it into the air and watch them run. {I haven’t tried this one but just had to include it because that’s like magic or something.}
Oregano
1. Wart Removal.
It’s super strong, and honestly I’m not a fan of the smell. But right now we’re using it on a little boy who has a bit of a wart problem on his toe for painless removal. And um… I may or may not have one on my hand. Shhhh. I’ll keep you posted.
2. Immune support. Take several drops in a capsule for basic immune support. I just used it to help fight off a cold. It worked.
3. Acne Help. Dilute it with a little water and apply as a spot treatment for your face.
4. Heal your infection. A key ingredient for healing my uti and yeast infection. It’s one of the most powerful anti fungals out there. Maybe I should spray it on our walls? ;}
On Guard
1. Prevent sickness.
When you’re suspicious something’s in the air, diffuse it around your home to help prevent the spread of germs. It stops pathogens. I use this once a day in a diffuser in our home and it kills stuff in the air. It can literally prevent your family from getting sick.
2. Boost immunity
Take in in a veggie capsule at the onset of weird symptoms.
3. Put it on the bottom of your children’s feet
to help with immunity or your own and to help with a good nights sleep. I do this nightly with them to keep them strong. So far, so good.
4. Spray it on surfaces
like doorknobs and faucets. It’s all natural {and in my opinion, smells better than lysol}
{One of my personal favorites}
1. Razor burn. {Also known as tea tree oil} Apply it to a razor burn for relief. Also another spot treatment for acne. I put one on a zit I had, and it was non existent by the next morning. That stuff felt stronger than Proactiv.
2. Skin soothing. Add a drop to your lotion to help sooth your skin.
3. The laundry Use a couple of drops with your laundry to get rid of that mildewy smell.
4. Clean with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of vinegar. Ah. Ma. Zing.
5. Boost immunity Use it in a capsule with On Guard, or in a diffuser for immune support, or on the bottoms of your feet.
Lemon
1. Put it in your water and drink up.
It has natural detoxification properties.
2. A mood booster
{again, in the water or a veggie capsule} just a few drops can change everything. I’ve used this quite a bit to combat anxiety. I never thought I’d actually write this, but it’s worked wonders for me. While we’re at it, it will also freshen up your mouth.
3. For energy + focus
I’ve replaced my afternoon much-needed cup of coffee, with a bottle of water and a few drops. I love my coffee, but I allow myself a cup in the morning instead, because I have issues with caffeine and always end up crashing anyway. This is a healthier option. Just be sure not to get it on the rim, because it will burn your lips. Also, place a little behind your ears and on your wrists. It’s refreshing and YUM.
4. For a sore throat
Everyone knows a little tea + honey + lemon can do wonders for the throat. Just add a drop of the purest form. Perfection.
5. Scrub up
I used it recently on a face scrub, made from a few drops of lemon, a little water and oatmeal. It was so refreshing on my face, and all natural… I’ll use it again and again.
{This one is probably my all time fave so far.}
Lavender
1. Spritz it on your sheets
It. Smells. So. Good. Just a few drops in a spray bottle will work wonders for your state of mind and a calming nights sleep. Or add it to your bath for a scented de-stressed. I put it on the back of the kids necks at night to help them simmer down. It’s a great relaxer that’s all natural.
2. Get rid of a sore throat.
My throat was hurting the other night, so I dabbed a little on my neck where it was hurting from the outside. It went away immediately.
3. Burn relief
{If you have a serious burn, see the doctor} I burned my finger on the glue gun the other night, and used lavender. The sting went away.
4. Alleviate an ear ache
Mix it with olive oil and rub it around the outside of your ear. Tada!
5. The most divine facial/body scrub
I tried this the other day: 3 drops lavender + 1 drop peppermint + a touch of vanilla extract + sugar (You can also add something like coconut oil but I used it as is-It tingles, so use less oil if you wish) It’s seriously amazing and can sit on the shelf for a while – a great homemade sugar scrub gift!
Frankincense
1. This oil is known as king of the oils.
It basically helps all the other oils do their job better. So add a drop with the other oils, and watch it do even better.
2. Respiratory help
I’ll add a dash of this to our diffuser with peppermint for stuffy noses when we’re around the house
3. Concentration
having trouble focusing? Rub it on your temples and the back of your neck. It’s legit, and at first it kind of freaked me out – it helps get through an off kinda day.
4. Mood calmer
Apply to the bottoms of your feet for a calming effect – it’s been used to help mothers in labor
5. As a steamer
put it in a pot of hot water, and do the traditional towel over your head thing. You can also put it in your bath. Or your lotion (I put it in my lotion and on my face after a hot shower). It will help your skin, lungs + overall feeling of well being.
DigestZen
1. Help with car sickness
We did this on the way to Disney. The kids got a little car sickness so I waved it under their noses and it helped immensely.
2. Bloating
The other night I had a bad case of the bloats. I was a fatty and had too much pizza and then my tummy did a weird bloaty thing and I started freaking out. So I mixed it with some olive oil and put it on my belly. IMMEDIATE relief. And over time, it went down completely. Then I swore off pizza (until the next week) forever because I thought I was going to die.
3. Calm a tummy
Just a dab, but I’ve used this with a carrier oil when my children have upset stomachs. I also used it the other night when I realized we had no medicine in the cabinet. (I still sometimes panic and go for the things I have always used) But this works.
It’s great to have a natural solution, because I often have issues with this. You name it, and it should help. I made the mistake the first time of putting it on without a carrier oil. DON’T. You’ll thank me later.
Deep Blue
1. When you realize you’re old
and maybe you can’t play football like you used to. Put this on any sore spot and you’ll love it.
2. For joints
whether you’ve been for a long run, or just have sore fingers from working on the computer all day. It’s like a natural icy hot for those issue places.
3. Sore backs
I’ve rubbed mine on my back and it definitely helps. It also makes the ultimate massage.
Anything joint or muscle related, this oil is for you.
Breathe
1. Sinus infections and the general gunk
help the symptoms that come along with any cold. Use it in a diffuser to help a stuffy nose.
2. Use it on the bottoms of feet
to help with cough and other symptoms – it’s been great with the kids and their sinus stuff.
3. On the chest
Use it with a carrier oil to help with cough and open up the airways. It’s worked wonders for our babes at night. It’s our new go-to and we love it.
beginner’s guide to essential oils : Tips + tricks + things to remember :
• If you’re interested in signing up to use DoTerra, check it out here. They are a great company, and it’s not one of those weird strings attached kinda things… (We wouldn’t use it or share because that stuff freaks me out – I usually use a cross sign and hiss at people who try to sign me up for something weird.) This is our personal little link… Let me be clear when I say that we are not in this to make money. I’m just sharing so you can have access, and if you sign up, we may get credit towards some more oils because we love them. If you need help, let us know and we can try to help you figure it out. You can read all about the details, opportunities for wholesale prices, and other options for natural healthcare for your family, here. Just a great place to access it all.
• How much? Only a few drops. Anything more, and you’re overdoing it. One drop of peppermint oil = 30 drops of peppermint tea. These things don’t have a shelf life, so it will last for as long as you want. Amazing, right?
• Always test on your own skin, before going all the way.
• Of course, if your children have allergies, be mindful of that in what you use… but you know what’s best for them. Always use a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil with stronger oils. Especially with the spicier ones. I mostly use it aromatically or on the bottoms of their feet for things like breathe or tummy soothers. When in doubt, ask your doctor… but I’ve used it externally and aromatically on our children and had great results Read more safety tips, here.
• Regarding carrier oils: they can be any vegetable oil like olive oil, or coconut oil. You can find these at most stores and in large quantities at places like Costco. I prefer the fractionated coconut oil from DoTerra because it’s scent free. They’re great to have on hand when you want to apply an oil topically so it won’t burn.
• The veggie caps you can get here are great for using them internally for yourself and any combos you want to try.
• GX assist is the pill version of a few of the treatments above that I mentioned. I have also ordered this and been very pleased with the results – currently using it to treat a sinus infection since my body reacts oddly to traditional things like Z-packs and I can end up feeling worse. Two days of using it religiously, and I’m already better. Read more about it here.
• For a great website to look up recipes, ideas, input and cures, go here. And for more resources: Oilsmentor.com, mydopro.com, + Aromatools.com
• And if you like the website, and are a total nerd like me, get this book here.
• If you’d like to try out a quality diffuser, but don’t want to spend a lot of money right away {The DoTerra one is hospital grade and I wasn’t so sure at first so wanted to stretch my money a little further} This one is great, here. We have two. I can use one each in the kids rooms at night. I start them up when they go to bed, and then refill before we go to to bed. They usually last about four hours. This one may be a bit pricey still, so try amazon for more recommendations from users. Make sure they work with essential oils. The great thing to remember, is that any time you diffuse these oils into the air, you’re helping protect your family against pathogens, other air born illness and bad things in general. Not only do they smell good, they’re kind of amazing for protection. I love that.
Whew! This post about our beginner’s guide to essential oils turned out longer than I thought… obviously I’m kind of passionate about this stuff and keeping our family healthy… I’m still new but these are practical, great uses that have slowly been replacing all those chemicals in our cabinet. I thought it would help to share. I’ve been thrilled with these little household cures and I’m in love with all the little results. Let us know if you have any questions – we hope this helped!
Do you use Essential Oils? What’s your fave kind and use? We’d love to hear!
Marie says
Thanks for the info! I’ve been wanting to try essential oils for awhile now, but I needed some information to get me started. So, again, thank you! We have all been sick for the past two months, and I’m over it!
ashley @ the handmade home says
You will be amazed! Hope you can get started with some and that they help! ;}
erin says
I’m extremely interested in using oils (a lot of my friends do) but they seem so expensive and I’m wondering how long a bottle will actually last? We have an extremely limited budget and aren’t sick all that often anyway. Do you find that the bottles are lasting you a while?
Erin says
Erin, Spark Naturals is typically less expensive (but have fewer premade blends) than DoTerra or Young Living. As long as it’s pure, therapeutic grade, you should be good. I use a blend for ADHD daily and the small bottle typically lasts two months.
Michelle Kstro says
I couldn’t spend a lot on oils… But I found that my local farmers market (sprouts, we live in San Diego ca.) has them for a fair price, and I’m doing research to work with blended ones for our specific needs… At the end it’s totally worth the time and money you invest in it…
erin says
Ok… Thanks for the replies! But I seriously cracked up since I was answered by an Erin and a Michelle, which are my first and middle names! lol Too funny!
Thanks again!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Erin! sorry I’m slow- we’ve been a bit out of pocket. These tips are great. You can also sign up on DoTerra to get wholesale prices, and slowly add to your collection. Also, while they can be a little more, I’ve found it is still much cheaper than prescription drugs. ;}
Erin says
Great post! I started using essential oils a few months ago to help with my ADHD (I use Spark Naturals, specifically Jeddys Blend for ADHD). It has made such a huge difference, AND alleviated my anxiety symptoms! Amazing as it is, I really fully bought in when two rounds of heavy duty antibiotics couldn’t knock out an infection, but oregano (orally) and melaleuca and lavender (topically) had it eradicated in a week. There is amazing power in this stuff!
ashley @ the handmade home says
It is, isn’t it? I love this stuff. ;}
Maggie J says
What a comprehensive list of uses for essential oils. I became fan over this last year myself. I’m pregnant, so I’ve tried to keep my use of medicine to a minimum. The essential oils (namely DeepBlue and Lavender) have helped with achy pregnant body issues and I love the peppermint oil behind and around the ears when I feel my sinuses get stuffy.
I haven’t tried cleaning with these products yet. Will have to try out some of your tips!
Tania @ Run To Radiance says
So excited about this post! We got the essentials kit through Young Living since that is what my sister in law has been using. I think they are a pretty similar product/quality, but I’m not an expert! It’s been really fun to play with! My husband and I both had headaches the day it came in, and we used peppermint with some olive oil to rub on our temples, and it was gone within a few minutes!
I also have been using the peace and calming one in the bath and at night to wind down. Lemon has been great in water for us too! I have hypothyroid and have been using a thyroid oil for a week now, and I can feel it- I have more energy, etc.
I would be interested to know if anyone had suggestions for a runny nose? We’ve tried lavender under and in the nose with no luck which is what had been suggested to us.
I can’t wait to make your face scrub Ashley!! 🙂
Lynsey says
Great post! I loved it and learned so much!
Jen says
Thanks for this post!!! I’ve been researching essential oils for a while now (6-9 months-ish) and still haven’t pulled the trigger. More out of fear that I’ll spend the money only to get 1 or 2 oils which really work, while the others in the kit go to waste. Sounds like you’ve found good, everyday uses for a lot of the oils. Glad they’re working for your family. You may have just given me the “push” I needed to place my order……
ashley @ the handmade home says
I hope it helps, Jen. I found that by ordering the family physician kit, it was a great starter kit for trying things out and really giving them a go with trying them all out. I’m slowly replacing my smaller bottles with bigger ones each month, and we just ordered their vitamins. I’ve got a vitamin D/general energy deficiency and I am hoping that this will help! Clearly, I’m addicted. ;}
Michelle Kstro says
Good morning!! I follow you on IG, thank you for all the helpful posts 🙂
I just started using the essential oils so I’m totally new to this but super excited to see the results…
I have a question about “adding it to the water”…sound delicious!! Do you use a special lemon oil to ingest or is it the one we would find anywhere?
Also, for the diffuser, do you use the pure essential oil or do you mix it with a carrier?
Thank you for sharing your experience, I appreciate all the tips, I’m a true believer in natural healing, I’m in the process of making our own soaps, shampoo, body wash, etc…I just can’t deal with all those chemical they add! :/
Thank you!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Michelle! Sorry for the slow response – I’ve been away from the internets today ;}
I drink the certified pure therapeutic grade (what DoTerra carries) in water – just a few drops. With great results for energy and anxiety management. I use their Lemon Oil. I hope that answers your question?
And in a diffuser, I add water to the fill line, and then 2-3 drops of my desired oil to diffuse into the space. That’s it! So easy and wonderful to use in the home! ;}
Phyllis says
Great post! This is so helpful. I have many essential oils already and didn’t know that they did so much. Can’t wait to start using them in new ways. Thanks
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Phyllis, I hope that helps!
Beth M. says
I love our oils! I resisted big time being a nurse and thinking oils were just hokey. I’ve changed my tune completely! I ordered the oils without telling my family bc I knew they would make fun of me. Well, most of them are believers too now! So far, I’ve used Melaleuca to completely erase a patch of molluscum on my 12 month old, OVERNIGHT!!! Vetiver is quite possibly the most amazing sleep aid in the world! I use Breathe for congestion, and OnGuard nightly. My 4.5 year old actually asks for her oil at night. I got the roller ball attachments so she can put it on her feet on her own. I’ve seen the same effects with Lemon in my water! Serenity smells amazing, and I alternate using it with Vetiver at night. Did you know that 2 drops each of Frank and Melaleuca on your face at night is great for clear skin and anti-aging? I’ve been doing it about a week, and my skin is so soft and smooth. The possibilities are endless with these oils, and I’m so glad I changed my mind about them! Keep the oil posts coming bc I love hearing how other people use them!
ashley @ the handmade home says
OOO! Thank you for those tips! Yes, I am with you on everyone thinking I am crazy voodoo woman. It is for real! ;} I’ve converted my family as well. And if I’d known about essential oils when our boys had molluscum I would have been all over that! we had real issues with that stuff! Perfect. Two of my kids have little bumps on their skin because of dry skin, and I may be trying it with lotion for that. Brilliant! Thanks for the tips. ;}
Ruth says
Beth, my daughter has a patch of molluscum on the back of her knee & it is traveling up the back of her leg. SO happy to hear that Melaleuca has helped. I am going to try that!! Did you just dab it on the molluscum or mix it with a carrier oil? Cover it up or leave it uncovered? Thank you so much for sharing!!
Regina says
I’m just beginning to learn about and use essential oils. So far I think they are fantastic. I happen to use Spark but I’m sure any good quality essential oil works equally as well. In October I started putting 5 drops Melalceua, 5 drops Shield, and 3 drops Oregano in a diffuser in our bedroom at night. We started out using it every night for the first month and slowly dropped back to where we use it a couple nights a week now. If we’ve had company with the sniffles or sickness, I’ll put it in the living room and run it through a couple cycles. Here it is almost the middle of February and neither my husband nor I have had so much as a sniffle! I am certainly sold on essential oils. One thing I would recommend is to always use a dropper to dispense the oil from the bottle. I’ve found the orifice reducer included with most bottles of essential oil is wasteful.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Interesting, Regina. All our bottles come with an orifice reducer. And I have wondered about that. Should I remove them? Do they pop out? See? Still green. ;}
Regina says
Ashley, I’m still learning, too. And there seems to be lots to learn! With a little effort, the orifice reducer will come out and then I put the cap back on tight. I store my bottles upright because I’m worried they’ll leak without the orifice reducer in them. I felt like I could never get the right amount of drops to come out, always more than I wanted, so felt like I was wasting the oil. With a dropper I have complete control. If anyone has a better solution I would love to hear it.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awesome, Regina. Thank you.
Lauren Wood says
How did you learn how to use the oils? Does the kit come with suggestions/instructions?
Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Lauren! That’s a great question. No one around me who lives close to me physically uses essential oils. So I was all on my own except a great gal who was introduced to me through Beckie. You will find the links above quite enlightening. I had to slowly ease into them but the everythingessential.me really helped me get my feet wet. I ended up googling a lot, and using that site, and now that I’ve gotten a good idea as to how they worked, I just keep going. I also took a free online course, and I can find out more about that for you guys if you’re interested. it was so enlightening, I want to take another. ;} I hope that helps!
Amanda says
I’d love information about the online course you mentioned!
Amy says
I just went to a DoTerra party last week. HUGE believer already. They have an awesome book “Modern Essentials a contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils”. It is awesome, it lists the oils and their uses and it also has a list of diseases and symptoms and it tells you which oils work for that issue. I have vertigo really bad and use helichrysum and by the end of the party I was not dizzy any more. The only bad thing is that is one of the most expensive ones ($75 a bottle). Good thing a little goes a long way!
Amanda says
I sneeze as I write this lol.
I’ve been curious about trying some other remedies for my allergies so that I can stop taking these over the counter pills that don’t seem to help a lot anyway. Usually, they keep my allergies at an acceptable level, but that’s just not a life I want to live. I’m REALLY interested in the diffuser – thanks for sharing all of this info!
Also, those two “gross” issues you mentioned, I battle those every year. I had NO idea there were alternatives to the icky creams.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Ahhhh Amanda! you are not alone. I almost wonder if the two are linked? I have similar issues with allergies, as well. Let me know if I can help with any more questions! It’s just so lifestyle-atlering, It’s worth sharing with anyone who wants to know! ;}
Amanda says
I may have to take you up on that offer since this is a little overwhelming ha. What did you start off buying? Did you get one of the smaller kits?
Elizabeth Byler Younts says
We are an oily family also. Check out the Mui or might be muj diffuser on Amazon. It’s has amazing output and lasts for about 30 hrs but it’s small. I only refill every 3 nights or so in the girls’ room. It’s about $40-50.
Also, my fav addition to your great list…for a headache, put your thumb with frankincense on the roof of your mouth and headache will cease!!! Over and over over Christmas this past yr frank came to the rescue but this is a little known treatment. 🙂 happy oiling!
ashley @ the handmade home says
That’s awesome, Elizabeth! Thank you! On another note, someone recommended I put frankincense under my tongue in the mornings, and I did it. I almost died. Is this an acquired taste? It’s very… uh… woodsy. ;} And I can drink pretty much anything… I love the scent, but in the mouth and it is STRONG. But I am in love with its benefits. ;}
Elizabeth Byler Younts says
So Frank under the tongue in the a.m….is it for energy or clarity? I could always use more of both of those.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Elizabeth! Both! ;}
Elizabeth Byler Younts says
Putting it on my nightstand right now!
Joanna B says
Oh, I am so glad you wrote about your experience with these oils! Like many other commenters, I have been thinking about these for a few months and have heard multiple people say how much they are liking these… My family are trying to use as natural as possible in ALL aspects of our lives, so this would really be a great addition. How did you know the different combinations to try to address those different issues? That’s what kind of stresses me out, is how do you know which oil or oil combo to try for this, that, or the other? Does the website guide you? Thanks again for writing this, is has been SO helpful!
Melissa@TheChicDream says
What a great post! Thanks for breaking down what you guys have been doing. The only essential oil that I use right now is tea tree oil. I put it my homemade cleaner (white vinegar and water in a spray bottle). I recently started using a product called Branch Basics for cleaning and baby wash as well. It is unscented and I want to get some essential oils to add to it. A kit like yours might be the perfect way to try a few types. If you are trying to go a little more holistic, check out earthclinic.com. I have gotten so many good remedies from them.
Tennille Mykula says
It’s so funny that you are posting this because essential oils are all the rage up here in Canada, especially at our church. In fact, we just had a friend come in and go all mad scientist on us during a 7 day stretch of sickness, just to see if we could get some relief in a more natural way. I’m still such a newbie too but learning lots quickly. I don’t know much about the company that you’re using but we use Young Living, apparently they have the highest/purest grade of oils that exist (?). Here’s a couple of things I’m beginning to understand: Why/How they work. This article explains it better than I can https://www.swiftfire.org/what-is-your-frequency-for-healing/. Also, this book is an amazing resource http://www.amazon.ca/Healing-Oils-Of-The-Bible/dp/0934426988/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=452XAEC6HLJK&coliid=I3S6HKTEINPWSL. Happy Learning. Good for you for going a more natural route to keep your family healthy. I hope you don’t mind but I’m going to copy you.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awesome Tennille. Yes, very few are certified therapeutic grade. DoTerra is, too.
ANN W says
WOW – thank you so much!!! I got some essential oils for Christmas from my sister – to use in my future beehives – and it got me “hooked” – I have been doing a ton of research and have felt a tad lost in it all! This was so easy to understand and now I know where to begin! THANK YOU!!!
Amanda says
So my mom is pretty “crunchy” aka naturalist and she got me started on DoTerra oils as well. I used peppermint and ginger during chemo and never once threw up. Amazing. Those bad boys never left my side in the hospital. Tension blend is wonderful for headaches as well, simply roll on the back of your neck. I can’t even think of the last time i’ve taken tylenol for a headache. Digesten is also phenomenal for cramping!!! I rub it on my lower stomach and back and it’s pretty instant relief. Looking forward to using a few of the other ones mentioned, especially frank for the face, vetiver for sleep (lavender hasn’t helped our sleep much) and oregano. Would love to hear more of which oils to use for over/under active thyroid as I have many friends with this problem. They do seem a bit pricey but when they replace doctor visits and prescription drugs it’s definitely worth it! My husband calls my oils voodoo:)
Rachel says
We started using these last fall also! My favorites are your favs also. My 6 yr old son has still not out grown croup and he gets it about 4 times every winter. He gets such bad strider with the croup that he has been hospitalized several times. We have been able to avoid it this winter except last week when I had forgotten to put Onguard on his feet for a few days. Sure enough he got it, and it was bad. That night I put frankensence with a carrier oil on his feet and it was gone. This was unheard of for him. We were so relieved and we both got sleep! Yay!
Thanks for all of your tips….there is so much to learn and it’s always nice to hear what other people use certain oils for. : )
Lisa @ Practically Perfect Home says
I loved this article so much I’m going to feature it on my blog tomorrow morning. Thank you for sharing! ~Lisa
Heather says
Oh my…you had me at “Repels spiders”. Seriously…there is no amount too large to get rid of those things! I’ve really been struggling with this whole essential oil thing too, for the same reason as you. I don’t like jumping on bandwagons. Also, my family is very rarely sick now that we homeschool. We’ve gone the entire winter with no illness, and it is wonderful! However, my teenage dd does struggle chronic headaches, and has for about 4 years now. We’ve been to so many doctors, I’ve lost count. I want to try essential oils, but am stuck at the researching different brands phase.
Andrea says
I was reading your post about putting essential oils in the vegi caps… Do you swallow these or use them vaginally? Also as I have gotten older my body has gotten so sensitive with everything! I get my PH levels off and get BV systoms and realize my mistake was a new perfumed lotion, shower gel, etc… Any essential oils for that? Thanks so much! Love your posts!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Definitely by mouth. Some can be used in other places, but I would definitely read up first in either the book I mentioned below or the site I linked to. I hope that helps! ;}
Crystal says
How long have you had your diffuser?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hi Crystal! Around 4 months now
Nicole J. says
My Miracle Cure for allergies is 2 drops of lavender under the tongue, 1 drop of peppermint oil on the neck, and a drop of lemon in my mouth. It doesn’t taste great but works awesome. you can use a veggie cap if you want. Awesome brand…worth the money!
Tracey Black says
I’m a huge fan of essential oils. I’ve seen first-hand how they can help to prevent the spread of colds and flu, heal cuts and bruises, and soothe and back pain. Great post!
SUZY says
Hi i believe in theses oils. have been using your peppermint , lavender ect. but my daughter is 6 an she was I.B.S. (irrable bowl symdrom) I;wait to know what would be a good oil for this. I heard alo vera juice is good for this or probiatic is to. but how much would u give a 6 year old. also i have a 10 year old with terrible sinus;s she takes 2 meds from dr an a nasal spray but i would like to go natural if i could. thank u so much ILL WAIT TO HEAR FROM U SO I CAN OLDER YOUR OILS SUZY
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Suzy, I am afraid I am probably the wrong person to ask. I am definitely not an expert and have not dealt with IBS. I do know that Digestzen helps with tummy troubles but I am of no help with specifics. I would definitely look at the websites above that I mentioned using their search engines… they usually list protocols to try, and ask around… someone who is more experienced than we are could probably help with that. Also, have you tried a wholistic doctor? Again… I’m afraid my knowledge is very limited but I hope these put you in the right direction. Best wishes to feeling better!
elizabeth says
I really want to order some of the oils – I”m a little timid though! How do I know for sure what needs a carrier oil, what can be put directly on the skin and what can be ingested? Does each bottle come with an info/usage sheet? Very excited to try the oils! Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Elizabeth! I would start with this post here, to get a good idea of each one… but basically if you look it up on the site, it will tell you what is what… There are more good sites in that post, as well. I hope that helps!
Charmayne says
Elizabeth,
with doTERRA oils you can look right on the bottle. If they can be taken internally there will be a nutritional label with the normal info. If they cannot be taken internally they will say so on the bottle. The best thing would be to go to doTERRA website and click the button to find a Wellness Advocate near you. They will be able to sell oils to you and give you the help you need. Like your own personal “Wellness Advocate”. 🙂
Maher El-Dahouk says
Thank you so much for the information honey. I checked out their website and man they are expensive. I know there is no price for health, but I always wondered why essential oils are so darn expensive.
Anyhow, I will look into other sites and maybe come back here. I cannot share this with my people as we are kinda on the poor side.
Steph @ Grace in the Little Things says
Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you. A million times thank you. I have just started getting into natural remedies as an alternative to icky chemical based ones because as someone with Chronic Fatigue sometimes they work but more often they make me worse because they knock my immune system around.
I’ve struggled a lot with UTIs and anxiety and recently started using lavender in a diffuser and it really helps.
I’ve been desperately wanting to know more and I am truly very thankful and grateful for this post. From the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely, a clearly slightly desperate woman. (Because I have re-occurring strep throat and the UTIs and they’re ew.)
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’re so very welcome, Steph! Bless your heart – I hope it helps! The UTI’s + Yeast infections are enough to drive me BONKERS so I can only imagine how you feel… and these things have been a real game changer for our family. I hope you find something that works for you! ;}
tami mcglothlin says
Just wondering if you are still using the essential oils and getting good results. I have some and am considering the book, and most definitely the diffuser. Thanks! Tami
tami mcglothlin says
So I should have scrolled all the way down as you answered my question just last month from someone else 🙂 Sorry about that.
ashley @ the handmade home says
no problem, Tami! We have been a bit out of pocket but I’m glad you found the answer! ;}
Stacey says
I love this post and refer to it often. I have been using doterra products for a couple of months now and LOVE them. I was thinking about becoming a consultant. Is that what you are? I find that area of their website a little confusing. Can you tell what your experience has been joining the company (if you have). I followed your link in the post but it lead me to a general form to be matched with a consultant in my area. I have already done that but didn’t feel comfortable talking with the person they matched me with. Just wanted to see what your experience has been.
Thanks so much!
Stacey
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Stacey! I am not a consultant because I just don’t have time for it ;} But I do love using them and just wanted to share them with our friends. I have kept in touch with a long distance friend of mine who sells them… and would probably think about asking through word of mouth for the best kinda match up. I hope that helps!
Trish Mathes says
Did you ever sign up for DoTerra? I am a consultant…. love love the oils! I can help if you need and my cousin who signed me up is a fountain of knowledge!
Julia says
I love this! Thank you so much. I have just started with essential oils and this really helped a lot.
erin says
I love using bulkapothecary.com for seriously awesome prices on essential oils, carrier oils, pipettes, etc etc etc. Theough this website, you pay wholesale prices, and they carry an insane assortment of oils.
Jenna Ogilvie says
Hello. Loved reading about your essential oil usage. I bought the physians kit months ago but still haven’t used it. My husband is a skeptic, so i mainly want to use for me, my 2 year old and baby due in December. My main confusin is with carrier oils. So I get to use coconut oil or olive oil. But what is the ratio? Hoe many drops of oil to carrier oil? What do u mix it in? Are there any mixtures you always have on hand? My little boy is starting to get a cough and running nose today so I would love to be able to nip it in bud before it requires a dr trip. Thanks I’m advance.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Jenna – I usually use at least a 3 to 1 ratio – and sometimes more with the really strong oils like peppermint or breathe on my kids, because they can burn. In the winter months I definitely put on guard on their feet at night – and with everything starting up around us, I’m already doing it again! It works wonders. I also put breathe on their chests but with LOTS of carrier oil because its so strong. On guard, breathe or peppermint are GREAT in the diffuser as well with that icky sinus stuff. You can alternate them – and I love that they automatically cleanse your home. I would be careful with what I use on a newborn – definitely check with your doctor first, or if your little one has allergies. I know you know best – but couldn’t go without mentioning it! These oils are a great little arsenal against all those gross viruses and bugs! I hope that helps!
Janelle says
Hi I just got into these and am loving them. I was wondering if there was a page or facebook group where you can ask for advice, get others option. I joined a few groups on facebook and never get a response. thanks.
ashley @ the handmade home says
I’m sorry we’re not much help on this, Janelle – we mostly consult the websites listed above – haven’t really joined a Facebook page. maybe other commenters can be of some assistance!
kaetlyn simmons says
This was so amazing and helpful. I have been OBSESSED with essential oils and this has made my experience so much smoother. I fully understand everything now. I would love to hear more about these. Great Blog. Very helpful:)
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Kaetlyn!
Kelly says
Great website. Thanks for taking the time to provide all of this information. Super helpful!!
Liz Perez says
I’ve had these oils for he past year now. I had a lung infecion last year and when my dance instructor introduced me to the doTerra oils, my mom started buying a ton after that. Try pitting a drop of Breathe onto the palm of one hand, rub it with the other hand(only on the palms) then keep it covering your nose. It really helps to open your sinus. You don’t necessarily needs other cremes with the oils to work. They are perfectly fine to use by themselves. 🙂
Bev Chrsty says
What about Rosemary oil, what are it’s uses? Thanks
jean fedak says
sawthuis at a farmer’s market in Spring hill fla….and am interested… the lady was going to envestigate my problem “geographic tongue” and my niece yesterday told me to go to the natural health store and see about natural oils and she is a nurse.
Chantal says
Great post. I have recently started a blog discussing doTERRA essential oils http://www.paintedteacup.com …..I love chatting with others who have also benefited from doTERRA! I look forward to reading more of your posts!