For a few years now I’ve dealt with allergy problems and symptoms related to acid reflux. I’m the kind of person that doesn’t like to take a bunch of pills. Especially when they don’t work. Without delving into my medical history, I’ll just say many times the things I took for my stomach didn’t work. I take an allergy pill every day but I’m often itchy and stuffy anyway. I often joke that I don’t remember what it’s like to breathe anymore. So, clearly, I needed a better solution. I had heard about essential oils for allergy relief years ago and wasn’t interested. Then, I forgot all about it.
Early 2017 a client was telling me that she caved and got a Premium Starter Kit from Young Living and how amazed she was that an oil relieved her headache. As someone who gets headaches most days, I was intrigued. So, when she offered to have her distributor send me some samples I agreed. I tried my first sample and, boom, I was in. I wanted to know everything about them. My manager at the time was also trying oils and we laughed together that we were diving it and joining the bandwagon.
How I Use Essential Oils
This is a post I wanted to write sooner but I didn’t want to write it until I knew a little bit more about my oils. Lots of people use oils and lots of people write about them. So this may be just another post about what seems to be a fad but I’m hoping it’s another post encouraging you to take a step towards your health and wellness. This is not sponsored – I don’t sell oils, either. No one else in my family uses them and my boyfriend is indifferent but I really feel like incorporating essential oils into my daily life has made a big difference. Plus they do smell nice! 🙂
I won’t say I’m an expert. But I do have access to lots of oily education. There’s a lot out there about oils and why they’re good for you. I actually have a whole Pinterest board for them. I save diffuser blends, benefits information, and other DIY sprays or serums I find. There are also tons of Facebook groups. I’m in a few with other people from my area and others in my line (the person that signed me up and all the people she signed up, etc). Last night I attended a class on Facebook about oils for emotions and stress. I learned what oils are best for dealing with stress and emotion, anddd I won an oil blend I’d been wanting to try. Super win!
(I don’t use anything fancy to store my oils. This works for now. )
Every night I diffuse while I sleep. I usually do the Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon allergy blend but I do mix it up a bit. At this point, I could probably do multiple posts on the oils in my collection and all their benefits so I’ll just stick to the ones I make sure to keep stocked and what I use them for.
Current Favorite Essential Oils
Really, it all started with Thieves, and then I learned about Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon for allergy relief and sinus support. Since then, I’ve expanded my collection based on the benefits of oils.
Lavender: a very versatile oil! I was so unsure about this one because I never like lavender-scented candles or lotions. But, the oil is different. It’s calming. It helps with acne, anxiety, and stress, and hair growth to name a few.
Peppermint: Headache or stomach ache – this baby helps! When pain meds aren’t working for me I put a drop of this on my thumb and hold it against the roof of my mouth for about 30 seconds – the headache is gone. I also put 2 or 3 drops in water (in my stainless steel tumbler) when my stomach is bothering me. Peppermint also smells wonderful when diffused.
Lemon: A fresh scent! Lemon can be used for hair, skin, and household cleaning.
Eucalyptus: I like to use this when I’m having bad allergy days. It helps calm inflammation and opens the sinuses.
Thieves: My 1st oily love. Thieves is an immune system booster. This time of year I diffuse this frequently. I like to mix it with orange or lemon. I also have a roller with this purification and lemon that I apply to the bottom of my feet or along my spine before bed.
Cedarwood: I purchased this one because it stimulates hair growth. It also aids in sleep. Along with lavender, it has become a favorite at bedtime.
Purification: I use this one for a DIY, chemical-free “Febreeze”. I don’t use candles or air fresheners anymore because of my allergies. I used to buy the plug-ins and loved having my room smell good. Purification does that for me now. It gives a clean, fresh scent. Adding something like lemon to it gives an extra kick.
Tea Tree: Has antibacterial properties. It also helps with acne. I apply it with a Q-tip to troublesome blemishes.
There are several others I’d love to try, especially blends!
Health and Wellness
The more I’ve learned about oils the more I’ve learned about how different ingredients affect your body. Let me just say – there’s some scary stuff out there that we’re bringing into our homes. And stuff that is so bad for the environment! (Like ammonia.)
When I moved I decided not to have any toxic cleaning products in my apartment. I would love to switch to all less toxic makeup and skincare too, but that just isn’t practical financially for me. I’m not a chemical-free home or lifestyle but I’m doing what I can. Using my oils helps me take a step in that direction.
Why Essential Oils Are Worth It + How To Get Started
Essential oils are an extra expense which is why I don’t buy them very often. I use a few drops at a time so with the number of options I have, a bottle lasts a few months. As a “member” of Young Living, I do get a wholesale price which makes a big difference.
Obviously, I use Young Living but there are other brands. I suggest using essential oils that 100% pure. Just like hair products at Target and TJ Maxx aren’t “pure” product, oils from the drugstore aren’t either. Oils that aren’t completely pure contain fillers and such. Keep that in mind if you’re looking for something with a lower price point. But, as always, do what you’re comfortable with.
Overall, I enjoy my oils and the way they make me feel.
Do you use essential oils?
What are your favorites?
