2 years ago I heard about using essential oils to improve quality of life . Essential oils have been around for millions of years but lately they have become a very popular alternative therapy. Essential oils can be used topically, internally and by inhaling or diffusing.  There are tons of documented uses of essential oils.  Though at the time I was very skeptical. I had seen my friends all over facebook speak of their own personal use with EO and what companies they liked.  I seen two names above all else used the most. Young Living and DoTerra. I decided to research both companies and EO . I began by reading unbiased articles i found on the internet, then reading books , and reaching out to friends and community members who used them.  I joined groups on facebook and I talked to reps from both companies on why they chose their company and how.  i poured through each website and google searched reviews and articles on each company. Looking for law suits, complaints etc.   After a year of researching  and determining they are safe for use with PKU. Speaking to my doctor and my Dietitians of course, and connecting with a local rep whom i now call a good friend i decided to finally try these EO for myself and see how I might benefit from them .  I signed up to be a member with DoTerra and bought a starter kit with EO samples and diffused.

That was one year ago this week. On Monday actually lol Now I have been so impressed and made EO and Doterra a regular part of my routine I have upgraded my membership to Wellness Advocate / consultant so i can share these EO with my friends and families.  After seeing first hand how they have changed my life i feel so strongly that more people need to learn about them and give them a try.  I really feel EO are essential to our personal health.

So after reading about my status change you must think that this post is trying to sell you something, but I am really not. I just wanted to share my knowledge on EO , that they are safe for PKU and about a company i love being a part of . If after reading this article you decided to try , thats great! and if not thats ok to. I just hope to inspire someone to learn more and do your own research. I believe the EO can speak for themselves after all.

So lets start with a little back ground information and some links from the doterra website :

What is an essential oil?

If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. Essential oils give plants their distinctive smells, essential oils protect plants and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and their beautiful fragrance, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health-care practices.  – Taken from the Doterra website .   https://www.doterra.com/US/en/what-is-an-essential-oil

What are the uses of EO?

Essential oils can be used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used as single essential oils or in complex essential oil blends depending on user experience and desired benefit.  –  https://www.doterra.com/US/en/what-is-an-essential-oil

How to use EO safely :

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/using-essential-oils

 

The top 10 most common EO and their uses:

1. Lavender. Diffuse a few drops to ease into sleep, add a drop to your moisturizer for a soothing boost, or add to water and tea to ease tense feelings.
2. Peppermint. Energize your day by adding it to a diffuser, soothe occasional nausea by taking two drops in water*, and rub into areas of tension on your neck, shoulders, and head.
3. Lemon. Drink with water to cleanse your body, give your respiratory system support, and help with digestion.* In addition, add to water in a spray bottle to clean household surfaces.
4. doTERRA On Guard^®. Support and strengthen the immune and respiratory systems from seasonal or environmental threats*, diffuse to purify the air, and to give off an uplifting aroma.
5. Wild Orange. Diffuse in the room to uplift your mood when you’re having a bad day and purify the air, support your immune system and add flavor by adding two drops to your beverages.*
6. Frankincense. Support your cells with two drops in a veggie capsule*, apply to skin to help with razor bumps and other skin imperfections, and diffuse to add peace, relaxation, and satisfaction to your day.
7. doTERRA Breathe^®. Maintain feelings of clear breathing by applying to your chest or diffusing into the air, rub into your feet or put into your palms and cup them around your nose to minimize the effects of seasonal threats.
8. Melaleuca (Tea Tree). Add to face wash for skin cleansing benefits, use it in your diffuser to cleanse and freshen the air, and apply to fingernails and toes to keep them looking healthy.
9. DigestZen^®. Take internally for indigestion and bloating and to ease feelings of queasiness,* or rub on your stomach before a long flight for its calming aroma.
10. doTERRA Serenity^®. Help calm your emotions and soothe your senses by diffusing or applying to your temples or wrists.

So how do I personally use EO in my daily life?

Well I drink lemon or wild orange in my water through out the day. I also use the Smart and Sassy EO to support healthy weight loss and suppress food cravings . Specially since I am doing intermenting fasting , it really helps me not feel so hungry.

I diffuse almost every oil I have in my house. I had a diffuser in every room. I diffuse Easy air quit a bit since my daughter has viral induced childhood asthma and to help us fight off colds , coughs and respiratory threats.  I clean our house with Ongaurd and take 1 drop in my water to boost my immune system when environmental threats like colds and flus are high.

I use peppermint on my tummy when i have cramps or a stomach ache.

I use Deep blue when i have muscle pain or knots in my neck.

I use peppermint and wild orange when I have a headache or sore neck.

I use motivate on my feet when i get up, and diffuse it.

I diffuse balance when i am doing yoga or need help grounding my emotions and anxiety.

I diffuse lavender in our bedrooms for sleep.

I wear a necklace or bracelet with EO beads with Serenity and balance.

I use purify in my car vents to keep away dust and allergens.

I use peppermint on the floor of my shower to energize me in the morning.

I use melaluca on my nails and in eczema cream for my daughter.

I use terrasheild to shield off bugs and mosquitos in the summer.

I use aroma touch in massages, and I use clary sage on my tummy when I have PMS or my period.

I also have the deep blue muscle rub . I want to try the tooth paste and shampoo line next.

At Christmas last year i home made all my Christmas gifts with my EO. I made body butter, lip blam, chocolate bark with peppermint and crushed candy canes. The doterra blog has a ton of great DIY recipes for everything from personal care to cleaners , laundry soap, body soaps and other.

I even made scented candles and play-dough with the EO

So You may be wondering what was it that finally drew me to Doterra.  Well I loved how transparent the company was. That they did not use brokers to cultivate the sales of plants to obtain their oils. They did not traffic endangers species and farm them.

Doterra pays local farmers to cultivate the EO in the native land. So the plants gain the full benefits. They are sustainable and ethical.  They give back to the communities where the farmers live by creating programs, financing education and mentor ship programs. They have programs to help young girls with feminine heigine, they fight back against sex trafficking in 3rd world countries.

The oils are 3rd party tested for pureness and therapeutic effect. They are the most pure on the market, they are not cut or synthesized like 80 % of the public EO companies.  They have been FDA approved for internal use . They are the only EO company that has this .

They have whole research companies dedicated to use of EO in the medical fields and even whole hospitals that treat with EO .  they have doctors on their board who certify their safety and uses.

All sales go right back into the doterra company and brand,. The CEOs share their earnings in shares to all leaders and consultants of a certain level.  They generally care about their staff, their brand, the safety and the pureness of the oils, how they are used and how they are made. They care about their consultants and provide education opportunities and training to make sure we have the same knowledge available to use.

They have a Multi level marketing structure unlike any other MLM pyramid scheme that actually works .

The wellness advocates do not try to push the oils on anyone, we care and want to help. We ourselves use these products and want everyone to enjoy them safely and responsibly.

I cant say enough great things about EO or Doterra. I know I am really glad to have them in my life and I love using my EO every day.

Just last night i had terrible pain in my stomach that woke me up at 2 am. When i got up this morning i dug out my peppermint and put 3 drops in my hands and rubbed it on my belly and i feel so much better.

if you have any questions about EO and their use please feel free to message me or have a look at my website. Remember no pressure.  the point of this post is just to share my knowledge and make people aware.

https://www.mydoterra.com/amandacosburn/#/