I've been using Essential Oils religiously for about one year. It all began when I developed a cold, Russell was out of town for a week and between two kids and iGnite, I didn't have time to be sick. So, I called on my neighborhood friend, holistic nutritionist and fellow University of Texas grad Stacey Baganz to give me some quick-healing tips, which included essential oils.
What are Essential Oils
Extracts from plants
Highly concentrated
50-70 times more powerful than herbs
Wide range of uses from cosmetics to foods to natural solutions
100% natural way to support healthy body functions
Effective- plants produce essential oils as a protection against environmental threats
When we use essential oils we receive similar health benefits
Immediately upon receiving her instruction I began using the oils. Not only did they work, but I have continued to use them as a means of prevention. When any of us in our family begin to get a scratchy throat, congestion, or runny nose, I double up on the oils.
Essential Oils are Used 3 Ways:
Aromatic
Inhale or use diffuser
Eases breathing
Purifies the air
Topical
Apply to bottoms of feet to nourish bloodstream within 30 seconds
Dilute for sensitive skin to apply to large areas
Internal
Add to water, drop under tongue or ingest in a capsule
Benefits digestive system, mouth, throat, liver and urogenital tract
Listed in the picture are the following oils from doTerra, along with how I use and have used them:
1. OnGuard- Smells like Christmas
Use with cold, flu, cough, sore throat ,viruses, and weak immune system
Can be used for preventative measures
Supports healthy immune function
Cleanses and purfies
Diffuse oil in the air liberally (throughout the house and at night while sleeping)
Apply to bottoms of feet hourly (Oils are most effective when used less more often vs more less often)
OnGuard soft gels (shown in the picture) are ingested
2. Breathe- Smells like peppermint
Use with cold, flu, allergies, respiratory issues, cough, sore throat, RSV
Can be used for preventative measures
Supports overall respiratory health
Diffuse oil in the air liberally (throughout the house and at night while sleeping)
Rub one drop to front and back of toes
Dilute with fractionated coconut oil and rub on chest and under nose. Inhale into hands.
Breathe Vapor Stick (shown in picture) can be rubbed on chest, neck and throat
3. Oregano
Use with cold, flu and with bacterial conditions
Can be used for preventative measures
Bacteria runs from oregano oil
Diffuse oil in the air liberally (throughout the house and at night while sleeping. WARNING: It does not smell good like OnGuard and Breathe)
For internal use, add 1 drop to 4 oz of water (CAUTION: It tastes horrible but is effective)
4. Peppermint
Use with the cold, flu, stomach and fever
Diffuse oil in the air liberally (throughout the house and at night while sleeping)
Can be used as a fever reducer by diluting with fractionated oil and rubbing on back of neck and on feet
5. Lemon
Use when experiencing respiratory issues, cough, sore throat. Great for digestion and cleansing
Dilute with fractionated coconut oil and rub on chest and feet
Diffuse oil in the air liberally
For internal use, add 1 drop to 4 oz of water
6. Serenity or Lavender
Promotes relaxation, calm and a good nights sleep
Diffuse oil in the air liberally
Add a few drop to Epsom salt bath
Apply to bottom of feet
Rub in hands and inhale
Apply to wrists