Essential oils have been part of my toolbox for almost 10 years now! Aroma is memory-evoking….Emotionally, it can instantly take you back to your childhood memories…good and not so good…Grandma’s mothballs are a not so good memory…but the aroma of oranges bring me right back to sitting on my Grandpa’s kitchen counter as a two year old watching him sprinkle sugar on our wedges and anticipating the sweet citrus exploding in my mouth! To this day, Wild Orange essential oil is one of my favorites, and I add a couple drops to my water, champagne, smoothies, and yogurt.

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic compounds found in the leaves, stems, bark, and flowers of plants. When planted properly, harvested at the right time, cared for and distilled accordingly to get the most potent and purest of chemical constituents, you not only get the aromatic properties for emotional benefits, but you also get the properties to support the physical well being of the body. Because they are so concentrated, 1 to 2 drops will usually get the job done, making essential oils  an extremely cost effective choice for natural cleaning as well.

With all the essential oils on the market, how do you know which way to go? Health food store? Department store? Amazon?  Instagram or Facebook ad? A company that offers science, support and education?

Great question! While essential oils are 100% natural (depending on the source), that doesn’t make them completely safe. There are some essential oils that should never be taken internally. Oils that support a healthy and clear respiratory system, for example, should be aromatically breathed in, not taken internally. Seems like common sense, but sometimes mistakes happen when guidance, education and clear communication are not part of the process. Before I studied essential oils, I bought a large bottle of frankincense from a local health food store and was so excited because it was “so cheap”  I realized later that it was mixed with some kind of carrier oil and was not suitable for internal usage at all. The reason it was “so cheap” was because there was very little authentic frankincense in the bottle. It was cut with mostly carrier oil. No one in the store told me that when they directed me to the essential oil section. My advice on purchasing essential oils is to work with someone you are comfortable with and can trust. Ask questions, try samples to see if it works for you, only purchase when it feels right, not because someone says “this is what you need, trust me”. Be part of the educated decision. Create a 60 day plan. Some results are immediate, but understand that some results require time. Anyone who truly wants to help you on your journey will respect you AND your budget.