Essential oils are the wonderfully aromatic, potent and highly concentrated extracts of plants. They are made up of naturally occurring compounds found in plants – in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, resin, flowers and fruit. If you looked at them under a microscope they would look like sacks of oil. This oil is the immune system of the plant and it protects the plant against disease, fungus, weather and insect predators. Essential oils have been used in many cultures throughout the past, often highly prized for their medicinal and sacred benefits.

Because our bodies and plants share many similar building blocks, including cells and DNA, when we take essential oils into our bodies they recognise the environment. The essential oils will start to work in our bodies as they would in the plant – killing bacteria, inhibiting virus reproduction, cleansing toxins, destroying parasites, oxygenating our cells, and boosting our immune system. Essential oils don’t just mask symptoms, they work at the root of the problem at the cellular level. They are extremely potent and 50-70 times stronger than the herbal equivalent. For example, 1 drop of DoTERRA peppermint oil is the same as 28 cups of peppermint tea.

Essential oils are a fantastic way to aid emotional balance too. As we inhale them in, the aromatic particles come into contact with the olfactory bulb at the top of the nose. This is in direct contact (no more than three synapses away) from the limbic system. The limbic system is where we process information and learn from it to help control emotions and how we respond to life (very basically). It also plays a part in motivation and memory – often a smell can bring back a memory from years past! There are many oils which are implicated in helping motivation, consoling grief and releasing the feelings of stress and anxiety as well as many other emotional disturbances.

After working with essential oils for over 20 years, and purchasing from different companies in that time, I now only use DoTERRA oils. For me, I know they are consistent, pure and of highest therapeutic grade. Since I’ve only been using DoTERRA oils I’ve seen a significant improvement in the effectiveness of my treatments. My family now uses them in so many ways for health (and emotional wellbeing too) and we have experienced some incredible successes.

Two of the main ways to use oils at home are by diffusing them into the atmosphere and applying topically (either onto the skin in a lotion or in the bath). When diffusing them, the aroma particles are released into the room and breathed in. Some oils can also be diffused into the atmosphere to kill airborne bacteria and viruses. This is a fantastic way to lighten the mood if someone in the house needs cheering, to stop the spread of illnesses, and to help with respiratory ailments.

Applying topically with a lotion or roller bottle is a way to get the oils onto certain parts of the body where they are needed. This can also be done outside of the house with a small roller bottle that is easy to carry around. Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier that is oil based. This not only prevents sensitisation (when an oil aggravates the skin so that it can’t be used again) but also to ‘slow release’ it into the body and stop it from evaporating before it has been absorbed. There are some exceptions but best to err on the safe side if you are a novice.

They make wonderful cleaning products, bath products, candles and perfumes – where you can combine their healing properties with everyday use! So much better than using synthetic perfumes and chemicals which can disrupt hormones and are generally not good for us.

For my treatments, unless the client wishes not to, I custom blend the essential oils and use them in the cream I use for reflexology and the oils I use for massage and aroma-therapeutic facials. The oils get absorbed through the skin and it is a very effective way of using them. When applied to the soles of the feet they are absorbed and circulated around the whole body in 20 minutes – being transported to where they are needed.

I can also advise on Essential oils if this is something you would like. At present I hold online appointments for aromatherapy and essential oil advice. If this is something that interests you send me an email or call me.