All The Essentials

September 3, 2018 935 views add comment 0

As we all head back to work, school, and real life, I’ve been thinking about how to hit the re-set button on sleep habits, managing stress, and warding off the oncoming flu season. There has to be a better solution than coffee and clonopin. I decided to ask my friend Julianne Gehlhoff, an expert in essential oils, and wellness advocate for dōTERRA if there was another way. What she taught me was eye-opening to say the least.

Why use essential oils?

Let’s start with modern medicine. These drugs are designed to manage symptoms and often they just mask them. Prescription drugs are man made from isolated synthetic agents designed to mimic natural substances. All drugs have side effects and the misuse of prescription drugs has devastating effects. Annually, trillions of dollars are spent globally on healthcare and are we healthier because of it?

Natures medicine helps support the body by minimizing symptoms and addressing the root cause. One of the most effective forms of natural medicine is essential oils. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and other parts of the plant. Oils have been used throughout history for their health promoting properties. They can lift the mood, calm the senses and elicit powerful emotional responses. And there is so much more to oils than a fragrant scent. they can be used safely and without harmful side effect. Another benefit is they cost pennies per dose, and can reduce trips to the doctor, copays and exposure to other illnesses. So why essential oils? I use essential oils because it is empowering to take care of my family and I love to share about essential oils because I want to give people more freedom in their health choices.

What oils are best for resetting sleep patterns as we get back to real life?

Many of us are not getting enough sleep which is so important for our mental health and to keep our bodies in rhythm. There are many calming oils to help with sleep but my favorites are the dōTERRA Serenity essential oil Restful Blend, the Serenity Softgels and Vetiver essential oil. The Serenity essential oil blend promotes feelings of relaxation and a restful sleep environment, it lessens feelings of tension and calms emotions. The Serenity Softgels are taken internally to promote healthy relaxation and sleep. Vetiver essential oil is a natural sedative, it is calming and grounding. When these are all used together, it is a solid night’s sleep!

Which oils are best to help to calm anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are the body’s physiological response to overwhelming stimuli, a condition that directly challenges the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis. When we are stressed our body goes into fight or flight mode. Essential oils can help to interrupt the body’s descent into fight or flight and shift one back into homeostasis. Changing our mindset, not overreacting or over complicating a situation can reprogram how we respond to stress. I would recommend a combination of Frankincense, Copaiba and Lavender essential oils to help with anxious feelings.

Are there anti-aging benefits to any particular oil?

Yes, we actually have an anti-aging blend called Immortelle. This powerful blend of essential oils nourishes and supports skin to help sustain smoother, more radiant, and youthful looking skin. Frankincense, Sandalwood, Lavender, Myrrh and Rose are in this blend and they help to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and help to reduce contributing factors to the appearance of aging skin.

Which are the best oils for staying healthy as we move into cold and flu season?

Definitely the On Guard Protective blend. This blend and the entire line of the On Guard products has changed our lives and made my family oilers for life! We use the On Guard essential oil twice daily to help support a healthy immune system. A strong immunity combats viral and bacterial threats to the body, so using this oil consistently is key.

What makes dōTERRA unique to the market?

dōTERRA oils are pure and unadulterated. They do not contain fillers, artificial ingredients, chemicals and are free of contaminants. dōTERRA performs a multi point testing procedure on literally every batch, every drop of oil to ensure the purity. Another reason why dōTERRA is unique, they source their oils from around the world where the plants are indigenously grown. A native habitat, where the climate and soil are ideal make dōTERRA oils the safest and most beneficial oils available in the world today.

What’s the difference between using oils in a diffuser as opposed to directly on the skin?

Using oils aromatically in a diffuser or breathing them in directly from the bottle is a great way to freshen the air, open airways, and boost mood. Did you know our sense of smell plays a significant role in aromatherapy? Unlike your other senses, smell is the only one that connects directly to the limbic system of the brain. This area controls our memories, behaviors and emotions. Just like a certain song will calm you, a certain smell can evoke a relaxation response.

Oils can be diluted and applied topically to the bottoms of the feet or applied to affected areas to target specific needs. The skin on the bottoms of the feet is pretty tough and far less sensitive than other parts of the body, so there is less of a chance of a reaction. Some of the largest pores are found on the bottoms of the feet, allowing the oils to be absorbed quickly, like within 20 seconds! Some oils may not smell so good to you, but may be what your body need, so if you apply the oils to the bottoms of the feet and cover with socks, you’ll get all the benefits without the smell.

What oils do you suggest for children heading back to school?

Children are hands on learners so it is nice to let them smell the oils and decide what makes them feel good. Different scents trigger different responses, so include them in the process of choosing oils. I love our Peace Reassuring blend from the Emotional Aromatherapy Line of oils to help counteract anxious and fearful emotions and to promote feelings of peace and contentment.

During September, dōTERRA wholesale membership fee ($35) is waived if you buy one of their starter kits like the top 10 oils and diffuser, which is 20% off this month!