Discover the Power of Essential Oils
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used aromatic plant extracts for wellness, beauty, and daily living. Today, essential oils offer a natural way to support your health and enhance your lifestyle.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated, aromatic compounds extracted from plants - their flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, bark, or fruit rinds. They contain the "essence" of the plant, capturing its natural fragrance and beneficial properties.
These volatile oils have been used for centuries by ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Indian, and Greek cultures for perfume, medicine, and religious ceremonies. Today, they're used in aromatherapy, personal care, cooking, and natural home solutions.
Did you know? It takes 3 bushels of lavender to produce just one 15mL bottle of Lavender essential oil, and 45 lemons to produce one 15mL bottle of Lemon oil!
How Are They Made?
Steam Distillation
The most common method. Pressurized steam passes through plant material, releasing the aromatic compounds which are then condensed and collected.
Cold Pressing
Used for citrus oils. The fruit peel is punctured and pressed to extract the oil without heat, preserving delicate compounds.
CO2 Extraction
A modern method using pressurized carbon dioxide. Produces high-quality oils without heat damage to sensitive compounds.
Why Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils offer natural support for many aspects of daily life, from physical wellness to emotional balance.
Physical Wellness
Support your body naturally - from healthy digestion and respiratory function to soothing muscles after exercise.
Emotional Balance
Uplift your mood, promote relaxation, ease tension, and create a peaceful atmosphere for better sleep.
Natural Home
Clean surfaces naturally, purify the air, repel bugs, and create a fresh, inviting environment without harsh chemicals.
Skin & Beauty
Enhance your skincare routine with oils that support a healthy complexion and promote radiant, youthful-looking skin.
Three Ways to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used aromatically, topically, or internally depending on the oil and your desired benefit.
Aromatic
Inhale the aroma through diffusion or direct inhalation. Scent molecules travel from olfactory nerves directly to the brain's emotional center.
- Add 3-4 drops to a diffuser to fill your space
- Place a drop in your palms, cup over nose, and breathe deeply
- Add to wool dryer balls for naturally scented laundry
Topical
Apply to skin for localized benefits. Essential oils penetrate the skin easily. Dilute with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil.
- Apply diluted oil to temples for tension relief
- Add to lotion for enhanced skincare benefits
- Massage into muscles after physical activity
Internal
Some essential oils can be taken internally for digestive support and other benefits. Only use oils labeled for internal use.
- Add a drop of Lemon to water for flavor and cleansing
- Take in a veggie capsule for digestive support
- Add to recipes for natural flavoring
5 Essential Oils Every Home Should Have
These versatile oils are the perfect starting point for anyone new to essential oils. Each one has dozens of uses!
Lavender
The Relaxation Oil
Calming, restful sleep, skin irritations, tension relief. Apply to temples for relaxation or diffuse at bedtime.
Lemon
The Cleansing Oil
Cleaning surfaces, purifying air, uplifting mood, adding to water. doTERRA's top-selling oil for good reason!
Peppermint
The Energizing Oil
Cooling sensation, supports digestion, respiratory support, mental clarity. The menthol creates an invigorating experience.
Frankincense
The King of Oils
Cellular health, immune support, healthy skin, feelings of peace. Apply to back of neck each morning.
Tea Tree
The Purifying Oil
Skin care, purifying properties, immune support, cleansing surfaces. Over 92 different beneficial compounds!
Using Essential Oils Safely
Essential oils are powerful and highly concentrated - a little goes a long way. Following proper usage guidelines ensures you get the most benefit while staying safe.
When starting out, determine the uses and benefits of each oil, follow label instructions, and consult a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.
Always Dilute for Topical Use
Mix essential oils with a carrier oil (like Fractionated Coconut Oil) before applying to skin. This prevents sensitivity and helps spread the oil.
Do a Patch Test First
Apply a small diluted amount to your forearm and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction before broader use.
Citrus Oils & Sunlight
Some citrus oils are photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight on skin for 12 hours after topical application of Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, or Grapefruit.
Extra Care for Children
Children are more sensitive to essential oils. Always dilute more heavily, start with the feet, and use aromatic diffusion for babies under 2.
Not All Essential Oils Are Equal
The essential oil market has no universal quality standard, which means purity varies dramatically between brands. Many products labeled "essential oil" are diluted, synthetic, or contain harmful additives. When choosing oils for your family, look for rigorous third-party testing, transparent sourcing, and a commitment to purity.
Learn Why We Choose doTERRAReady to Start Your Essential Oil Journey?
Join thousands who have discovered the natural power of essential oils. We're here to guide you every step of the way.