Over the last few months I have been benefitting from using the certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils that were introduced to me. At first I just experimented with the three most popular oils (lemon, lavender and peppermint – dubbed the “Swiss army knife of oils”), but from there I began ordering and incorporating other oils into my life. I truly believe that they have played a positive part in how my rare and crazy, 18-month-long (so far) caesarean recovery is coming along now, as well as benefitting my life in many other ways. I have always been inclined to seek out natural solutions for what I needed (my mom was very “crunchy” and it rubbed off on me), and being able to avoid chemicals in favour of the power of herbs and nature’s finest offerings is right up my alley. Herbal teas and tonics are wonderful, but certified pure therapeutic oils have an incredible amount of each plant’s therapeutic essence within them that you get quite a bit more benefit from these nifty little bottles.

Essential oils and the natural sources they draw from have been used for a very long time. If you’re familiar with the story of the baby Jesus from the Bible (as well as “crunchy”, my family was very Christian), you remember that the three wise men brought very special gifts to pay their respects to their “King” – Gold, Myrrh, and Frankincense. I’m sure we all know the importance of gold, but do you know what Myrrh and Frankincense are used for?

Here are the backed-up claims that one of the very successful essential oil empires (who draw their claims from scientific studies) has approved for these essential oil uses:

Frankincense

• Helps build and maintain a healthy immune system.
• Promotes cellular health.
• Reduces the appearance of blemishes and rejuvenates the skin.
• Supports healthy immune system function.
• Promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction and overall wellness.

Myrrh

•  Powerful cleansing properties, especially for the mouth and throat.
• Soothes the skin; promotes a smooth, youthful looking complexion.
• Promotes emotional balance and well-being.

 

Consulting with my naturopathic doctor about my caesarean recovery issues, he actually suggested that I use essential oils to aid with my immune system and reduce the appearance of the nasty scar on my abdomen, where my infection spontaneously drained. Instead of his recommendation to try Myrrh, though, I’ve been sticking with the oils I already have been using. Let’s be honest – I’m certainly not made of money while my family is living off one income and added expenses of a toddler. I already have some that seem to be helpful, so if the less expensive oils can do the trick for me, I’m going to use them first.

So what have I been using? And how? Here’s all the details of how I’m currently putting essential oils into play in my everyday life.

Essential Oil Uses for My doTERRA Collection

 

Lemon

Citrus limon

This citrusy oil has the concentrated power of lemons that you probably already are aware of.

The approved claims are:

• Cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces.
• Naturally cleanses the body and aids in digestion.
• Supports healthy respiratory function.
• Promotes a positive mood and cognitive ability.
• Helps ward off free radicals with it’s antioxidant benefits.
• Soothes an irritated throat.

How I use it:

I’ve been making my own cleaning spray that I absolutely love, love, love. It smells fantastic, is non-toxic and helps me keep my kitchen and eating areas clean. You can find the post for this natural lemon kitchen cleaning spray here. I plan on branching out to make a bathroom cleaner, but haven’t invested enough time to figure out exactly what I’d like to include in that. If anyone is making their own bathroom cleaner with essential oils, please comment with your recipe or link to your recipe at the bottom of this post. I’d love suggestions!

 

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

The approved claims:

• Widely used for it’s calming and relaxing qualities.
• Soothes occasional skin irritations.
• Helps skin recover quickly.
• Eases muscle tension.

How I use it:

There are a few ways I’ve been using my lavender essential oil.

First, I tried diluting a few drops in coconut oil to make a calming massage oil for my little one. Besides smelling great, and relaxing myself and my little one, the coconut oil also helps makes skin very soft and moisturized. Make sure to rub on the soles of the feet for the best calming effect.

I’ve also been diffusing lavender in my toddler’s bedroom at night as an effort to promote sleep and combat the dirty diaper smell (which it does a really good job at, by the way).

Also, add a couple drops to an old piece of cotton material, chuck it in your dryer with your wet load of laundry and you have an instant and natural dryer sheet to make your clothes smell less like must and more like awesomeness.

 

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

The approved claims:

• Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing.
• Alleviates occasional stomach upset.
• Frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral health.

How I use it:

First off, I have to mention that I started using peppermint before I found out that it is known to halt breastmilk production. I experienced this (while I have to admit, there were a few other things going on that likely contributed), and have ceased using peppermint myself for the time being. I look forward to being able to use it again once my little one is officially weaned.

To help with my seasonal allergies, which were terrible this spring, I found applying a bit to the bridge of my nose and at the nape of my neck to be fairly effective. When my allergies were really bad, I tried a drop directly on my tongue. I do not suggest this – this is a hot oil and it burned so strongly in my mouth and throat that I will never do that again.

I was waiting for a headache to hit, seeing as my sister used peppermint oil on the temples as her natural defense for headaches and migraines, but didn’t have the opportunity to see if it would work for me before I found out about the milk-decreasing business.

 

Wild Orange

Citrus sinensis

The approved claims:

•  Powerful cleanser and purifying agent.
• Protects against seasonal and environmental threats.
• High in antioxidants.
• Uplifting to the mind and body.

How I use it:

Like lavender, wild orange makes for really nice DIY dryer sheets.

I have made a sugar-free natural orange “pop” using a couple drops of the wild orange using this recipe, which was delicious, but I’ve since heard that it’s better to consume essential oils in foods, where the fats present help to make sure the intense concentrations don’t pose any threat to the liver. I think I will probably stick to essential oil edibles over beverages, to stay on the safe side. The wellness advocate who introduced me to essential oils (Melissa of Spicy Rooster Essential Oil Forum) brought homemade chocolate with wild orange essential oil to my home party, and it was so delicious. I definitely plan on repeating this (as well as the peppermint chocolate when I’m no longer nursing).

 

OnGuard – Protective Blend

The essential oils combined in this blend are Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Leaf, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower.

The approved claims:

• Supports healthy immune function.
• Protects against environmental threats.
• Cleans surfaces.
• Purifies the skin wile promoting healthy circulation.
• Energizing, uplifting aroma.

How I use it:

I rub a few drops (undiluted, though it is recommended to dilute essential oils) right on my abdomen, over where the scar from my infection drain is. While I don’t know for sure if it is actually helping or not, I feel like it is, and things are getting better (according to my last medical appointment). Either way, I’m still getting all the great benefits from this oil and love the aroma it gives off, so I will keep using it. As I’ve mentioned before in this post on amber necklaces for teething, there are a lot of things in life we can’t know for sure, but if they seem to be helping and aren’t hurting, why not keep using them?

When I was around people who were getting sick, I made a cleaning solution with vinegar, water and a few drops of this oil, and used it to clean all the surfaces that get touched often (doorknobs, counters, drawer handles, table). I also diluted 2 drops in a tablespoon of olive oil and rubbed it on my throat and the soles of my feet in the hopes it would keep me from catching the bug. I did get a bit of a headache the next day (the initial sign of that particular sickness), but it was gone within a couple hours and that was the end of it for me.

I also started using the OnGuard Natural Whitening Toothpaste as my regular toothpaste a few weeks ago, and am loving it. It tastes great (like cinnamon and cloves), leaves my mouth feeling very fresh, doesn’t include any artificial sweeteners or chemicals and is helping to make my coffee-stained smile a little bit brighter.

There are also OnGuard Beadlets that are made to take orally that provide the same immune function benefits of the oil that others I know use regularly, but again, I don’t have a lot to spend right now, so I’m making due with what I have for now.

 

Serenity – Calming Blend

This is a blend of the essential oils of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram Leaf, Roman Chamomile Flower, Ylang Ylang Flower, Hawaiian Sandalwood and Vanilla Absolute Bean Extract.

The approved claims:

• Calming, renewing fragrance.
• Promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
• Diffuses into a subtle aroma, ideal for aromatic benefits.
• Lessens tension and calms emotions.
• Helps reduce worry and stress.

How I use it:

I use the Serenity blend in the same way that I use the straight-up lavender essential oil. Baby massage oil, diffusing for relaxation and sleep, and combatting diaper pail odor.

 

Balance – Grounding Blend

This blend of essential oils includes Spruce Leaf, Ho Wood, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile Flower, in a base of Fractionated Coconut oil.

The approved claims:

• Creates a sense of calm and well-being.
• Promotes whole-body relaxation.
• Brings harmony to the mind and body.
• Soothes sore muscles and joints.
• Evokes feelings of tranquility and balance.
• Promotes circulation.
• Supports cellular health and overall well-being.
• Lessens stress and helps with anxious feelings and nerves.

How I use it:

If I had a cold-air diffuser for the main room of my home (doTERRA makes a fabulous Petal Diffuser that I’ve seen in action and am planning on buying) I would diffuse this oil in there frequently, along with all of the other oils at different times. However, I don’t have one yet.

Instead, I purchased an aromatherapy diffuser pendant necklace from Pixie Glassworks and have put this oil blend in there. I’ve been wearing this diffuser every day and am really enjoying getting the subtle aroma of this earthy blend while I go about my day. If I am in a moment where I feel I could benefit from a more powerful shot of the aroma, I simply lift my pendant to my nose and inhale. Whether it is the oil, or the continual awareness to stay grounded and balanced, I am finding that I am indeed staying more level and focussed on balance throughout my days – wherever I am, whatever I’m doing.

 

Fennel (Sweet)

Foeniculum vulgare

The approved claims:

• Relieves occasional indigestion and digestive troubles.
• Eases monthly menstrual cycle.
• Supports a healthy lymphatic system.
• Calms minor skin irritation.

How I use it:

Here’s the thing – I just ordered this and haven’t used it yet! My intention was to use it for upset tummy and digestive issues I’m prone to, but I haven’t had the chance to put it in action yet. I’m glad to have it on hand, though, and look forward to trying it out. Since fennel is something I used to add to my food dishes to aid with digestion, I’m interested in finding some recipes that use fennel essential oil. I’m a big fan of the smell and taste of black licorice that it resembles, so I’m sure there must be some tasty treat out there just waiting for me to try. If you have a recipe to share, please post it or a link to it in the comments below!

*Disclosure* While this is not a sponsored post, I feel I should tell you that Melissa, whose essential oil forum I linked to earlier, passed on a gift of oils when she introduced them to me. However, this has no effect on any of the above mentioned opinions or experiences of essential oils. You can find my full disclosure policy here.