Essential Oils 101

Happy almost New Year!! Lets get busy dieting, exercising, starting our capsule wardrobes, paying off our credit cards, keeping a clean house & organizing our 2018 calenders!!!! At least until February rolls around and all my will power is gone. These are just a few of my goals over the past few years that still tend to come & go. The one that has been consistent for almost 3 years now? My love and daily usage of essential oils.

I have 4 kiddos six and under, two of them school age. So you know my house is creeping with all the germs. Pink eye, croup, coughing, cold, flu, you name it! We also have our share of night terrors, allergies and STRESS (more so the adults on that one). I was treating myself and the kiddos with the usual rounds of antibiotics, ibuprofen, cough syrup, Zyrtec, whenever we needed it. Then in May 2016 I had a very rare reaction to antibiotics that left me in the hospital for 5 days when my twins were only 2 months old. Once I recovered I became very wary of taking anything. I was using oils already but this incident really kick started me into  using them everyday, to kill germs, prevent illness & even occasionally treat symptoms.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or any sort of health practitioner. Consult your doctor before you change your health routine in any way!!! These practices are simply things that have helped my family be a little healthier and a little happier. I still seek medical care for myself and my family as needed!!!

Before we start with some everyday ways I incorporate oils here are a few basics.

1. Oils vary in quality and potency.  The oils you buy from Target may be less potent then ones from companies like Doterra or Young Living. Find a trusted guide to help you become knowledgeable in the differences.

2. Good quality oils are EXTREMELY potent and should never be put directly on the skin with out a carrier oil to dilute them. NEVER put oils up your nose or in your eyes!!

3.  Dilution ratios are higher for children than adults.

4. Some oils are considered hot (Ex. oregano) and should be handled with care (again always use a carrier oil). While others can cause sun sensitivity (Ex. grapefruit.).

5. I guess my point is ALWAYS use caution when incorporating oils into your routine!  Feel free to find me on Instagram @lizbon_j and ask any questions you might have!!

Head Ache
Lavender, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Frankincense,

Cold/Flu Bomb
Melaleuca (aka Tea Tree oil), Lemon, Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense

Tummy Troubles
Ginger, Fennel, Coriander, Anise

Stress & Anxiety
YlangYlang, Vetiver, Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Bergamot

Allergies
Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint

Energy Booster
Peppermint, Wild Orange, Thyme, Grapefruit, Cinnamon

Metabolism Assistance
Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Lemon, Ginger