Two of the questions I’m asked the most is about how I use my essential oils and why I use them. Many products we use and consume in this day and time are chock-full of artificial chemicals, carcinogens, and have mile long lists of horrific side effects.  About two years ago my journey with essential oils began when I was searching for lavender oil in my local GNC for anxiety.   I’ve chosen to introduce these oils into my family because I am constantly looking for ways that my family can live a more natural lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for modern medicine when absolutely needed, but if I have an option to take an Advil or use my peppermint essential oil, I’m going to head towards the natural route.  I notice a big difference in my children’s sleep when lavender or chamomile oil is applied, boo-boo’s heal faster, and my tension headaches respond faster and better to my DoTerra touch peppermint roller.  These are amazing alternatives to simple ailments and disorders that work great for my family and they can for yours, too. 🙂

If you are one of the many that are curious as to how you can use essential oils, I’ve listed below the different oils that I use daily and how I apply them to my life.

Start your day off right!

The way our day starts out usually determines how we spend the rest of it.  I know just as well as anyone of those sleepless nights full of cuddles and (well, let’s be honest) frustration of keeping a tiny human feeling safe and comfy while keeping our sanity and running on low sleep.  Though they are meant to be our “reset button,” mornings can be groggy and full of discomfort, especially when we’re maybe not morning people ourselves. *Cough me cough*.  What I’ve recently added to my morning routine is simple peppermint and orange essential oils.   Right before I drink my first cup of coffee, I rub diluted peppermint and orange oil on the back of my neck, my wrists, and pulse points.  This concoction really aids to awaken my senses and promote a happy and cheerful mood.  Putting this in the diffuser is amazing too, especially when you add lemon or grapefruit! These oils are great because they work for some of us with tight budgets. Peppermint and orange oils are inexpensive, effective, and easy “starter” oils. I challenge you to add this to your morning routine and see how peppermint and orange essential oil can help you create a fresh start to your day!

They’re great for boo-boo’s!

If you have little ones running around, or if you’re just clumsy like me, I’m sure that bumps, scrapes, and bruises are no strangers to you at all. Instead of grabbing a petroleum based ointment, try using some melaleuca or lavender diluted in solid coconut oil or even aloe vera gel  to soothe, clean, and promote a speedy healing. I’ve used these mixtures many times for many reasons and they never fail me!  A few months ago I burned my hand with hot boiling water while making tea.  Shortly after applied lavender and coconut oil; I recall immediately feeling relief.  To this day, I have no scar.  I always tell my 2 ½ year old son that oils are God’s natural medicine and he knows exactly what to ask for when an accident happens, kisses and oils!

ADD/ADHD

When I was a child, I was diagnosed with ADD and put on medication.  Though, the medication did help me concentrate, there were so many negative side effects that my parents had no choice but to get me off of them.    Many parents today are switching to essential oils to naturally help their children’s ADD/ADHD.  I have found that vetiver, frankincense, peppermint, ylang-ylang, and many others work. You may have to play around and see which ones work best for your family.  My personal favorite is diffusing a mixture of frankincense and lavender.  This blend helps by sedating and promoting a peaceful mood.

Spring Cleaning!

Spring is here, the Easter bunny is out, and the smell fresh flowers and vinegar is in the air!  Harsh chemicals can cause damage to your goods and your body. Unless I absolutely have to use a harsh chemical to clean, which is rare, I always look for the natural alternative.  I combine white vinegar, witch hazel, water, and essential oils like grapefruit, lemon, basil, and melaleuca for my antibacterial counter-top cleaner.  It’s amazing and really helps to get stubborn stuck on food off of my counter.  Your favorite essential oil combined with either vodka or witch hazel and water in a glass spray bottle becomes a beautiful air refresher.  Cut scraps of fabric and place in a jar with vinegar and lavender oil for homemade dryer sheets that really work!  the possibilities are endless so I encourage you to experiment.  Also, if you’re not big on creating your own cleaner, but you still wish to go the natural route then definitely try this company. They have natural cleaners they ship to you at an amazing discounted price!

Night time soothing

I’m sure the familiar feeling of not being able to sleep is no stranger to anyone!  We all have those nights when restlessness takes over and gets the best of us.  A few drops of lavender and patchouli in the diffuser by my bed and I notice a huge difference! Oh, and I never go to bed without my diffusing bracelet loaded up with peppermint and lavender.  I personally notice that I sleep deeper and wake up in a much better mood the following morning.  There are many different blends you can choose from or create to infuse into your bedtime routine. You won’t regret it!

Tummy ache

I would feel guilty if I didn’t tell you about this one!  When I first started  using oils, my husband was very skeptical and wasn’t “all for it,” he just let me do my thing and went about his own business.  Well, we were having a game night at our family’s house when my cousin, who also uses essential oils, was telling us about her brother’s experience with food poisoning while he was with her.  She told us that he was sick for hours when she introduced her Digestive blend of oils to his aid.  After using, he immediately felt relief!  So I made sure to purchase the same oil she had.  With the most prompt opportunity I had, I directed Josh to rub these oils on his abdomen and take one drop internally.  Within moments he was feeling like himself again.  That’s when my husband decided to drop his skepticism and embrace a more natural approach to wellness.  These are great to dilute and use on little ones, too when tummy aches approach. Yay!!

These are the many ways that I incorporate essential oils into my family’s daily life.  I encourage you to try essential oils and see for yourself the amazing outcomes and uses. If you have no idea where to start, you can purchase a simple and inexpensive starter kit HERE.

Thank you so much for taking your time to read my post.  Please leave comments and questions if you have any! (:

From love, Christa. ♥