How I Feel about Essential Oils

Essential oils have really become a huge deal recently and with all hypes, one is often hesitant to get on board and to believe that it's actually worth it. Reba will probably laugh when she reads this post, because she is one of those people who has had a poor experience with oils. She told me that she attended an oil party thinking that it would be something fun and educational, only to learn that the host was a bit of an extremist. Laughing, she told me that the host told them all to rub the oil into their skin clockwise "because that's the way our DNA spins." What???? No wonder people are so cynical when it comes to essential oils!

I had a much better experience getting into essential oils. A friend of mine is a Young Living consultant and she invited me to join a Facebook party where it's all educational and getting to know how oils work and their benefits. I decided to go ahead and try it out, and I found it to be a really wonderful experience. This is not a promotion for Young Living, and I'm not saying that essential oils will save your life and cure all illnesses in the world, but I do think that they can help out with some common problems in a way that can help you avoid unnecessary medications.

I found these two oil blends at a store in the town where I live, but I found out that the maker has a website where you can take a look at her Blended products here. I struggle with anxiety and acid reflux, which each of those issues could really have their own post, but after trying different things, I decided to give these blends a go. It's not like they could make it worse! The first one I tried was Stress Away. Whenever I feel anxious, stressed, or just have a lot going on, I put this on my wrists and over my heart. I can feel my self calming down within minutes! The first time I tried it, I was honestly shocked. I didn't think anything could help that quickly and noticeably!

With the Anti-nausea, I wasn't sure if it would help with acid reflux or not, but again, what did I have to lose? I tried taking Antacid for a while, but after doing research, turns out there's a correlation between taking acid reducing medications long-term and developing Alzheimer's and Dementia later on in life. Since I'm only in my 20's, I really didn't want to be taking something indefinitely with the odds against me since I have extremely bad luck! Now I take a daily probiotic which made a night and day difference! I went from not being able to drink a cup of coffee to being able to drink one every day and having burgers again without feeling sick. But of course, I still have some issues. Now, instead of popping Tums like candy, my anti-nausea helps me feel better because of its peppermint scent and wonderful blend of other ingredients. I literally take these oils with me everywhere I go, and keep them on my nightstand at night.

There are 3 ways to use essential oils, topically (applying directly to the skin), diffusing (self-explanatory?), and by digesting it. Digesting oils is the trickiest and highest-risk, so I avoid this method. My favorite way to use oils is topically because for me, it's easiest to just roll it on and rub it in. When you apply the oils directly to the skin, it's also the fastest way to get it in your system and to see results.

Diffusing is another great way for using oils though, especially if you're using oils such as thieves for preventative reasons. It can freshen up your room and lift your mood, depending on your oil blend.

You probably think of a large pot or candle-warmer-looking-thing when you hear "diffuser," but there isa wide range of diffusers. The one I really like for personal use is a diffusing necklace. I acutally won the necklace pictured in a giveaway from my first Facebook class I mentioned before and I absolutely love it. I use it whenever I fly. I get extremely anxious whenever I fly, especially in security (weird, I know). I sock each of the three wool balls with my stress-away blend and wait 15 minutes before putting it on. I will also apply some topically if I need to, but with the diffusing necklace, I'm constantly smelling the calming blend of Ylang-Ylang, Patchouli, and Lavender. It makes me feel better knowing in case they have a problem with me bringing a small roller of liquid on, that at least I have my necklace that will cover me for the majority of my travels.

You hear some of these incredible, crazy stories of essential oils healing cancer, and maybe it does, maybe it doesn't, but I do believe that they can help with some problems that are better dealt with naturally than with medicine. Who likes to be pumped with meds if you don't have to be? While I don't have any life-changing results from oils, I have found relief for my anxiety and acid reflux, which I am EXTREMELY thankful for!

Do any of you use essential oils? If so, what ones do you use and why? Let me know in the comments so I can try them out!

#essentialoils