Essential oils come from the life-blood of plants. When plants are harvested, they are distilled or cold-pressed to extract the essential oil. This leaves the dry herb, which only has 3% of the "nutrition" left in it.

Most of the "power" of the plant stays in the oil, which we can use to support our bodies. They are highly concentrated aromatic essences and come exclusively from specific parts of plants like the leaves, flower, fruit peel, tree resin.

My top 5 oils for new users:

Peppermint - Lavender - Lemon - Frankincense - Melaleuca

Why Do We Use Essential Oils?

Boost the immune system
Can ease tension and other symptoms
Aid in restful sleep
Manage inflammation
Many are anti-fungal/anti-viral
Emotional balance

Peppermint oil

Anti-inflammatory
Warming/Cooling
Relieves muscle pain
Expectorant
Stimulating
Used topically to ease muscle and headache tension
Used aromatically for focus
Used internally for digestive discomfort and breath freshner

Lanvender oil

Sedative
Astringent
Anti-depressant
Antihistamine
Soothing
Antibacterial
Sleep or nervousness issues

Lemon Oil

Antiseptic
Diuretic
Antioxidant
Antibacterial
Disinfectant
Used in cooking, drink, cleaning products, aromatically

Frankincense Oil

Immunity booster
Anti-inflammatory
Antidepressant
Restorative
Used for wound healing, depression, back pain, allergies, meditation, aromatically

Melaleuca Oil

Antiseptic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiviral
Used commonly on cuts and wounds, acne, sore throat, rashes, aromatically for colds and flu

How to Use Essential Oils

There are several ways to use essential oils safely and effectively. You can inhale their beautiful aroma, take the oils internally, or rub them onto your skin. (Not all oils are recommended for each use, so be sure to read your label to see which of these uses is recommended for the oil you have in mind.)

Breathing In and Diffusing

Ingesting Essential Oils

Applying Essential Oils to the Skin

Watch the full segment on CBS channel 12 HERE!