Essential Oils: Part 1: General Health

A few weeks ago I mentioned that we were making some holistic changes to get healthier. I shared last week about our new eating plan, and today I’m excited to share about essential oils – another topic that I’m passionate about. I figured before diving into oils for fertility, I would start with a general overview of oils. I realize there are a lot of people who already know this and use oils, but I know at the same time there are people who are not familiar with them and so today I’m sticking with the basics.

Essential Oils are the volatile liquids that are extracted from flowers, herbs, trees, and other plant materials. Although many people like them for their smell (like lavender), there are many more benefits including for medicinal and healing purposes and include emotional and physical well-being. They are very high in antifungal and antibacterial properties. All oils are very highly concentrated and it usually takes just a drop or two to receive the benefit of the oil.

How long have they been around? There are 188 references in the bible to oils. Oils were used for healing and anointing the sick, so they go all they way back to being used in the Old Testament.

What are the main ways they are used?

  • Digested/Internal – Oils can be place in a capsule and taken orally
  • Diffused/Aromatic – Oils can be diffused with distilled water
  • Topically – Oils can be applied to the skin

So what does all this mean? I love the 2nd picture below. There is no more need for advil, midol, tums, etc – I just use oils now. They really can help with anything from allergies, stretch marks, bug bites, sunburn, cold, fever, headache, aches and pains, emotions, mood, cleaning, germs, skin treatment, air freshener, mouthwash, kill mold, acne, hair loss, massage oil, congestion, insomnia, toothaches, improve memory…. basically you name it and you can use an oil for it!

I’m sharing this in hopes it encourages someone who loves to stay healthy holistically and avoid medicines, pills, and chemicals. I started out with the starter kit and have slowly added more oils including ones for fertility that I will be sharing more about soon. I’m still in the learning stages, but so thankful that the oils were introduced to me and I’m excited to use them with our babies when they are here! I would love to tell you why I chose Young Living or how to purchase them — I get the wholesale price if anyone is interested! Please feel free to comment or email with questions. Happy oiling!

The 11 Essential Oils that come in the Young Living Starter Kit

 Starter Kit OilsEveryday oils vs OTC web version

 OTC Medicine vs Essential Oils

Every day uses for Young Living Essential Oils

Essential Oil Everyday Uses

I am not a medical doctor. The opinions expressed reflect my personal experiences and my personal opinions. 

36 Comments
  • Megan Davis
    Posted at 06:28h, 16 July Reply

    This is great! I have been amazed by the success of oils!

  • jennifer prod
    Posted at 08:18h, 16 July Reply

    188 references in the bible to oils? who knew? i don’t know anything about oils, but i’ve been hearing about them more and more on fertility websites, and so i’m excited to learn! post soon!

  • Elisha
    Posted at 08:20h, 16 July Reply

    I tried the oils for migraines but they didn’t work :/

  • Morgan
    Posted at 08:49h, 16 July Reply

    I LOVE my oils. They have helped me tremendously in so many different ways and I had used many on my abdomen during my last miscarriage for recovery after surgery- they are Amazing!! However, sometimes they just don’t work 100% but for me even if it doesn’t relieve a headache or ache and pain, I love applying it and it’s just relaxing! Love me some oils!!

  • Katie
    Posted at 09:55h, 16 July Reply

    So interesting, Caroline! Thanks for sharing!! I have a friend who keeps referencing this on FB and my curiosity is piqued! Will definitely look into this! I’m curious as to how they aid fertility??? xo friend!

  • Stacie
    Posted at 10:08h, 16 July Reply

    Love this post! My sister got me interested in essential oils, and though I don’t use them very much yet, I have used some in the past for headaches and they work wonderfully! I plan to use them more. Keep these posts coming! 🙂

  • Jojo
    Posted at 10:09h, 16 July Reply

    My experience with the lavender oil during acupuncture was amazing!

  • Tania // Run to Radiance
    Posted at 10:18h, 16 July Reply

    I love YL oils!! My favorite is the deep relief roll on- so good for sore muscles and headaches. And it smells awesome!

  • Sara
    Posted at 10:42h, 16 July Reply

    Its so funny you would post this because I just started looking into oils a few days ago. I actually started bc I was using a soak to relieve sore muscles and when I was looking at the ingredients it contained 2 essential oils. That spurred on my research and a purchased a few at whole foods over the weekend. The frustrating thing has been finding information on the best way to actually use the oils (esp for fertility). I look forward to more of these posts!

  • Lauren
    Posted at 18:05h, 16 July Reply

    Been actually getting more interested in these lately! Would love more info. Ordered my first sample last week (peppermint) and interested to learn more!

  • PPIW
    Posted at 19:34h, 16 July Reply

    I love essential oils! I found a fabulous little company (Plant Therapy) that has just as high a quality oil as YL (or doTerra), but tons cheaper with no purchase requirements, etc. Just a heads up if you’re ever looking to restock your stash or save money!

  • Kelly
    Posted at 20:00h, 16 July Reply

    I just started using oils too!

  • Candace
    Posted at 20:21h, 16 July Reply

    I’m a fan of oils, as well! I use Edens Gardens – just kinda what I found and liked. I’ve heard a lot about YL but never have gotten to try them. I’m sure they’re wonderful! I love using oils when I clean my house. It really does make the chore of steam mopping the kitchen floor so much better when I get to inhale my favorite scents.

  • dspence
    Posted at 08:18h, 17 July Reply

    I just my YL oils last week and have already used: Purification topically to clear up bugbites on Little Buddy, Valor rubbed on the big toe to put Little Buddy to sleep, Valor + Frankincense (diffused) to help treat R’s depression, Peppermint + Lavender + Lemon to treat a headache for me, and Peppermint + Frankincense + Grapefruit (diffused) to reduce my sugar cravings. As soon as Little K gets home, I will be using Valor topically to treat her ADHD and Frankincense to clear up her wart. I am loving it! Thanks so much for posting these cheat sheets – great resource!

  • Caitlin | belong with wildflowers
    Posted at 08:26h, 17 July Reply

    This post is so great! I saved it for later when I do another ‘Link Love’ post about living green — hope that’s okay! 🙂

    I adore essential oils + am always looking for new ways to use them in my life. This post is so helpful!

  • Emily @ EatLoveProcreate
    Posted at 09:34h, 17 July Reply

    I totally believe EO’s can be powerful stuff. This Young Living stuff is blowing up lately…been seeing it everywhere and people are going crazy for it!

  • Amy
    Posted at 09:34h, 17 July Reply

    Thanks for the information! I think it is time for me to starting looking into essential oils!

  • Ursula
    Posted at 10:05h, 17 July Reply

    I didn’t know anything about essential oils so I’m so glad you posted this! My mom bought me one years ago and I obviously have not been using it to it’s full advantage. I love the idea of using hollistic remedies instead of popping pills, especially for the simple things like a headache or muscle aches.

  • Susannah
    Posted at 12:34h, 17 July Reply

    I really want to get into oils – especially for my labor and for Nate’s allergies! 🙂

  • Victoria
    Posted at 13:53h, 17 July Reply

    Absolutely agree! Love my essential oils. Started using them in Jan. 2013, solely for the purposes of helping with infertility. They haven’t me get pregnant, but I soon discovered them helpful for many other things. If I struggle to sleep, if I stressed out, and I wouldn’t give up my oil infused baths for anything! Highly recommend them!

  • Tiffany (A Touch of Grace)
    Posted at 15:38h, 17 July Reply

    I’m so behind in the oils area. I have used lavender on my daughter to help her sleep in the past though. You and Kelli both are slowly convincing me. 🙂

  • Jaclyn
    Posted at 16:25h, 17 July Reply

    I’ve wondered about these in the past year – thanks for sharing – please keep us updated about your experience! And I NEVER thought about the correlation with scripture – great point! xoxo

  • Mia @ MakeMeUpMia
    Posted at 16:39h, 17 July Reply

    I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the oils, I am ALL for natural too. I keep saying I’m going to get some to try, I need to just do it!

  • Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom
    Posted at 16:52h, 17 July Reply

    I love essential oils and I’ve been using them for a few years. Although I never considered what you mentioned on how oils are referenced in the Bible. How cool!

    I use my oils for headaches, bath remedies, and I also make my own mosquito repellent using oils!

    Thanks so much for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    xoxo

  • Kelli B
    Posted at 23:05h, 17 July Reply

    OH my gosh I love that second photo! I haven’t seen that yet! Love love love my essential oils and learning about them with you. So cool that we started at the same time. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Caroline!

  • Susen Malkowski Kuchta
    Posted at 08:33h, 18 July Reply

    I have been interested in learning more about essential oils and your post helps. I pinned for future, thanks for sharing!

  • Megan
    Posted at 23:08h, 21 July Reply

    Sounds interesting! I’ve used tea tree and lavender oil topically for things like healing poison oak, and inhaled eucalyptus oil in steam to help with upper respiratory infection, but I haven’t tried it for infertility. I’ll have to do some research!

  • Kim
    Posted at 09:34h, 23 July Reply

    I’ve been considering essential oils for years since I first started making lifestyle changes to take care of myself. For some reason, vitamins and supplements and a healthy dietary plan are habits for me now, but I haven’t adopted oils yet. I’d actually love to hear more about it and learn about the starter kit! Have you found them helpful for sleep or headaches at all? (coming over here from Jack of All Trades and so glad I clicked through!)

  • Bridget
    Posted at 19:19h, 23 July Reply

    I bought my Basic young living kit about a month ago and absolutely love them and they do really work! 🙂

  • Angela
    Posted at 13:47h, 25 July Reply

    I am super interested by essential oils, but haven’t quite looked into the details yet. Hoping to soon! I would love to hear more about your experiences with them!

  • Emma
    Posted at 14:35h, 25 July Reply

    Hi from ICLW! I really want to jump on this essential oil bandwagon. I just haven’t had the time to look into it. Thank you so much for the info 🙂

  • Cindy Hasko
    Posted at 01:01h, 31 January Reply

    Awesome! And cool Bible fact.

  • Hannah Diane
    Posted at 08:43h, 01 May Reply

    I love, love my oils!!

  • Rosemond Cates
    Posted at 09:20h, 01 May Reply

    Nice! Pinning!

  • Rita @ How Fantastic
    Posted at 10:03h, 01 May Reply

    I’ve become such a fan of essential oils lately. This post was filled with super thoughtful information. Pinning for later 🙂

  • Jessica
    Posted at 14:33h, 01 May Reply

    I’m just starting to get into essential oils. I have Thieves and Peppermint right now. I like them a lot!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

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