My favorite Oils and how to use them!

Sometimes when just starting with oils, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many oils. Which ones should you start with, how do you use them? Here is a quick guide of some of my top oils, what they are good for, and ways to use them. Enjoy!

1. Lemon: Cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces, naturally cleanses the body and aids in digestion, supports healthy respiratory function, promotes a positive mood! My favorite ways to use lemon are putting a few drops in my drinking water and using lemon in my homemade cleaning products. It is also MAGICAL as an adhesive remove. I also use lemon essential oil to clean pots and pans with burnt on food. Also a great de-greaser!

2. Lavender: Skin healing, promotes sleep, help with anxiety and blood pressure, helps ease feelings of tension. There has also been research that Lavender Essential Oil can help reduce some of the symptoms of Diabetes and Alzheimers disease! My favorite ways to use lavender are by putting it on my feet at night to help put me to sleep, diffuse in the evening to relax, use on minor burns and skin irritation, make a homemade after-sun spray. I also make a pillow spray out of Lavender, Frankincense, and water that helps put me right to sleep! If you are interested in making your own lavender, there is a great post HERE that explains in detail how you can make your own! I've never actually tried it, but if you do it on your own please let me know how it goes!

3. Frankincense: Builds immunity, reduces inflammation, heals age spots, supports brain and may help fight cancer. My favorite ways to use Frankincense essential oil include putting a drop in with my skin care lotion to help reduce spots, putting it on my feet when I'm getting sick, I use it in my pillow spray with lavender and water, diffuse it to relieve stress.

4. Peppermint: Supports digestion, improves focus, boosts energy, headache and muscle pain relief. Peppermint has cooling properties and boosts energy, which is why it is so beneficial! My favorite ways to use Peppermint essential oil are to diffuse it with Wild Orange essential oil for a little pick-me-up in the afternoon, put a drop of peppermint in my water to regain focus and energize, massage into my temples and neck area when I get a headache, rub on my belly with Ginger essential oil and orange essential oil when I'm having indigestion. I also sometimes will put a drop of peppermint and ginger in my water to help with indigestion.

5. Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil): Natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, cleanses and rejuvenates the skin, reduces bad odors, promotes healthy immune function, protects against seasonal and environmental threats. My favorite ways to use Melaleuca essential oil include putting a drop in my face lotion 3 times a week to help maintain clear skin. Diffuse with lemon and lime to eliminate odors. Mix with water, lemon, eucalyptus, and alcohol for a homemade air freshener spray. Mix with lavender, frankincense, and fractionated coconut oil to make an aftershave to help with razor burn. It's also great to apply to nails to keep them healthy looking!

6. Ginger: Reduces inflammation, supports joints, improves digestion and relieves nausea. One of my favorite ways to use Ginger is to simply put it in hot water after dinner for a nice digestive tea. I also use ginger to help with indigestion by combining with peppermint and orange and rubbing over my abdomen. Finally, ginger is great to help relieve nausea by diffusing or rubbing on hands and breathing in.

7. Clove: Anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic and antioxidant protection. Also helps with clean teeth and gums and supports cardiovascular health! A few of my favorite ways to use clove include diffusing it with orange, cinnamon, and eucalyptus to help protect against seasonal threats. I also like to add to water for a quick homemade mouthwash. Clove is also fantastic to diffuse with orange and cassia for a nice holiday aroma.

8. Eucalyptus: Improves respiratory issues like bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies. Also helps clear the mind, helps with relaxation, and promotes feelings of clear breathing. My favorite ways to use Eucalyptus include diffusing it to help relax in the evening. Diffuse with melaleuca and lemon to help eliminate odors. I also like to use as a bug spray by blending with lavender, lemongrass, water, and witch hazel. Another great way to use Eucalyptus is something I like doing to help with congestion....I'll boil some water and pour it into a heatproof bowl...then I'll add Eucalyptus and lean over the bowl with a cloth draped over my head to form a sort of tent...inhale through my mouth and nose until the water cools...this really helps to relieve congestion...great for allergies or when your sick!

9. Orange: Powerful cleanser and purifying agent, protects against seasonal and environmental threats, provides antioxidants, and uplifts the mood and body! My favorite ways to use Orange include diffusing it with Peppermint for an uplifting boost mid-day. Combining it with Peppermint on my hands and breathing in to wake me up in the morning. Adding to my water to boost flavor and an immune boost. It's also great to diffuse with Clove and Cassia for a cozy holiday feel.

10. Rosemary: Can naturally thicken hair so it is great to add to homemade shampoos. Also, it improves brain function and memory so it’s great to used when working, reading or studying.

11. Oregano: Powerful anti-microbial properties, can kill fungus and help you kick a cold fast!!! My favorite ways to use Oregano are by using it for a hand sanitizer (Combine 10 drops of oregano oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil. Rub it into your hands as a natural hand sanitizer.). I also like to use it as a mouthwash by adding a few drops in a glass of water and swishing. It's also great to add flavor in cooking! I like to add it to my marinara sauce. (Because Oregano is so strong, you may want to put the drop first on a spoon and then use a toothpick to slowly add oil to the recipe to your liking!)

12. Grapefruit: Bright and cheery, grapefruit essential oil is very uplifting! Also supports metabolism and cellulite reduction. My favorite ways to use Grapefruit essential oil are by putting a drop or 2 in my water to boost metabolism (and it tastes great!) or to rub between my hands, cup hands around nose and take a big nose breath in! Smells great and really enhances my mood!

13. On Guard: On Guard is doTERRA's proprietary protective blend. It supports healthy immune and respiratory function, Protects against environmental threats, supports the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, and promotes healthy circulation. My favorite ways to use On Guard include mixing it with vinegar and water for a natural all-purpose cleaner. Diffuse it to prevent sickness or to help support immunity in the house. Add to my water when I need an immune boost. Put on the bottoms of my feet when I feel like I'm getting sick.

14. Breathe: Breathe is doTERRA's proprietary respiratory blend. Helps to maintain feelings of clear airways and easy breathing, promotes a restful nights sleep, and helps minimize the effects of seasonal threats. The main way I use Breathe is by rubbing a drop between my hands and breathing in when I'm feeling stuffed up...especially in the evening before bed! It's also great to diffuse when you have a cold. I also like to rub on my chest and feet at nighttime when I have a head-cold.

****The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.