From cleaning to cooking, sleeping to sports, essential oils have the power to improve whole-life wellness. The best way to access the benefits in those little amber bottles? Use essential oils correctly.
Even the most experienced oil aficionado can use the occasional EO refresher. And while this list of 10 essential oil mistakes isn’t carved in stone, consider it solid advice.
Not all essential oils are created the same—quality and purity varies greatly among companies. If you want to ensure you’re getting the highest quality oils, go with the trusted industry leader. Yep, that’s us! Young Living’s Seed to Seal® quality commitment means we’re super strict on what ingredients we allow in our products and how we source the botanicals for our essential oils. We test the water, the soil, and the air on our farms to safeguard the process and protect our products. If it doesn’t meet our superior standard, we walk away.
If you’re as into knowing just what’s inside your bottle of Bergamot oil as we are, here are a few things you can do:
If you’re not using essential oils in your personal care routine, you’re missing out on some major perks. Plus, pampering yourself is easier than you think! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Sure, some berries are edible, but unless you picked them from the garden or grocery store, it’s best to proceed with caution before popping random berries in your mouth. The same holds true for essential oils.
While you can flavor your favorite beverage with fresh lemon juice, you don’t always have fresh citrus on hand. Lucky for lemon—and lime and tangerine—lovers, our Vitality™ line of essential oils is an easy way to add a burst of flavor to your beverages. Use Black Pepper, Ginger, or Coriander Vitality oils to spice up your cooking or infuse your next batch of baked goods with a little Cinnamon Bark Vitality. You’re welcome!
While you can apply many essential oils directly to the skin without dilution, some are considered “hot” oils. For example, Peppermint feels great as part of a post-workout massage, but without proper dilution, the sensation can be very intense. The same holds true of other “hot” essential oils. Here are a few things to remember when tackling these trickier oils:
Essential oils are fantastically fragrant, so it’s a given we’d want to add them to our lotion, laundry, and linen sprays. Who doesn’t love surrounding themselves with clean, cozy, comforting smells?
Unfortunately, some of those clean, cozy smells come from some very colorful oils that can stain skin and clothes. Good news—we’ve got your back! We want you to look as great as your essential oils smell, and a Blue Tansy-hued face paired with a Jasmine-spotted jumper is not going to cut it. Check out this post to learn which essential oils stain.
Want to sidestep unsightly stains on linens and laundry? Avoid doing the following when dealing with darker oils:
YL tip: Although some essential oils stain, others help remove everyday stains. Check out our DIY stain remover stick powered by pure essential oils!
When we say “causes photosensitivity,” we’re not saying you’ll suddenly dislike selfies. We’re talking about how some essential oils, especially citrus, contain compounds known as furanocoumarins—say that 10 times fast—that greatly increase UV sensitivity. And while most photosensitizing oils are citrus, others can contain compounds or mixes of compounds that have the same effect as furanocoumarins. Those aren’t sun safe either.
Venturing outside? Always check your oil bottle’s label before application. If it has a photosensitivity warning, it’s a no before you go. Here are some easy tips to help reduce the risk of reactions:
We love our little humans! They might be sticky, messy, and cranky, but the moment they reach for us, we become putty in their tiny hands.
We want our children to live happy, healthy lives. Essential oils and oil-infused products can play a vital role in creating an environment where children feel safe and secure. Whether you’re quieting your little one at bedtime with the soothing scent of Peace & Calming® or soothing your toddler’s sun-kissed skin with LavaDerm™ After-Sun Spray, oils are essential to a family’s whole-life wellness.
When it comes to kids, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
Sure, things can get pretty lit with candles, but diffusers are hands down the best air fresheners. You get bright, fresh scents without harmful or synthetic compounds. Save those fake fruits and flowers for display only. Ready to make the switch? Try these ideas:
Our furry friends are like family, so it’s natural to want to share our essential oil obsession with them. But just like you have different oil rules depending on your children’s ages, there are different rules for using essential oils around pets. Here are some basic guidelines:
Have a pet that peeps rather than purrs? Check out this helpful infographic. For more in-depth information, please visit our blog post.
Remember, animals can’t tell us if something is working. As a pet owner, please exercise caution and always defer to your veterinarian.*
It’s time to say goodbye to harsh chemical-based cleaning products and hello to a toxin-free home! Tidy up—naturally—with a few of these tips and tricks:
Still have a few questions about how to use essential oils? We have answers! We can also tell you everything you ever wanted to know about aromatherapy. Hint: essential oils are pros at promoting overall well-being.