Deliciously Organic

Organic, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Paleo Recipes and Thyroid Health

Do Essential Oils Really Work?

Do essential oils really work? Whenever we’re thinking about putting something on or in our bodies, it’s good to be skeptical and check out all the ingredients and available facts.Do essential oils really work? Whenever we’re thinking about putting something on or in our bodies, it’s good to be skeptical and check out all the ingredients and available facts.

Before we had giant pharmaceutical companies producing all kinds of medicines (and the Food and Drug Administration regulating them), people used solutions directly extracted from plants and other natural resources to promote better health. Unfortunately, some people also grossly oversold “miracle cures” or peddled products with blatantly misleading or incorrect labels – hence the clichéd “Snake Oil Salesman”.

As with all the things I put on my skin or in my body, I did my homework and consulted with wise people I trust to ensure I get the high-quality products I pay for.

I personally don’t think essential oils should ever take the place of a nutrient-dense diet, but I think well-made oils from a reputable source can be a fabulous tool to use alongside diet, lifestyle, detox, etc. to help aid the body in recovery and promote better health.

It’s been a priority of mine to create my own all-natural first aid kit for the family and I’ve found that essential oils can be a wonderful addition.

Do essential oils really work? Whenever we’re thinking about putting something on or in our bodies, it’s good to be skeptical and check out all the ingredients and available facts.
So, let’s look at a few of the basics. . .

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the aromatic compounds found in plants and are distilled or cold-pressed into a hyperconcentrated form. They in each and every plant. Aside from therapeutic uses, they are often used in house cleaners, to flavor foods, massage oils, bug spray, body care, make-up, etc. so even if you’ve never purchased a bottle of essential oil, you’ve probably used them in your home.

How do These Plant-Based Oils Work?

Each oil contains different chemical compounds that work differently in the body. For example, frankincense is high in monoterpenes which help reprogram miswritten information in cellular memory, clove essential oil is rich in phenols which clean the receptor sites of the cells, and lemongrass is rice in aldehydes which can help reduce inflammation.

Here are some interesting studies on different essential oils:

Inhaling lavender oil can help reduce cortisol levels.
Placing a drop of peppermint oil on the tongue before a workout can increase exercise performance.
Vanderbilt Medical Center found that diffusing citrus oils in the ER reduced stress for the doctors, nurses and patients.
Diffusing lavender can reduce PMS emotional symptoms.

I encourage you to do your own homework. There are tens of thousands of research articles explaining the benefits of pure essential oils.

To help further your research, I recommend a few resources that help me understand how to use the oils.

The book, The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple by David Stewart is a fabulous resource. This book helped me understand the chemical properties of essential oils and how they work in the body. I’ve also found the site NAHA very helpful.

After much research, I decided to take the plunge and use essential oils for me and my family. My friend Season Johnson taught me how to properly use them. I admire Season – she’s a fellow Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and has done a ton of research when it comes to finding the purest detox therapies and essential oils to help her son with his health issues. 

Here are some of my favorite combinations and uses for essential oils:

For headaches – I apply Frankincense, Basil and Soothing Blend to the back of my neck and temples.
To support the immune system – I rub a few drops of Melaleuca, Lemon and Frankincense on my feet.
For an upset stomach – I rub a few drops of Digestive Blend on my stomach.
When I need to be focused – I diffuse Citrus Bliss or Wild Orange in a diffuser (I keep one at my desk and love it!)
For a peaceful night’s sleep – I rub a few drops of  Calming blend and Lavender on my feet before going to bed.
For first aid – I use a drop of Clove and Lavender and rub it directly onto the occasional cut or scrape.
For thyroid support – Here’s a post I wrote on this topic.

As I read and researched on my own, I agreed with Season and decided to choose doTERRA essential oils. I think they offer some of the purist oils available and I admire that they publish all of their 3rd-party test results so I can make sure for myself that the oils I’m using for my family are completely pure. They also sustainably source all of their oils, and provide long-term jobs for those growing, harvesting and distilling the oils.

Where do you purchase doTERRA essential oils?

You can purchase on the doTERRA site, and they’ll be shipped directly to your home. I decided to become a wholesale member because I wanted to save money as I built up my all-natural medicine cabinet for me and my family. If you’re interested in learning more about this process, click here for more information.
30 Practical Ways to Use Essential Oils

I also teach a class alongside Season Johnson NTP, about essential oils and how they can support your overall health. Click on the picture below to read more about the class being offered and to register.

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61 Comments

  2. Adrienne

    January 30, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    This came at a perfect time for me - thanks! Just used lavender oil before bed for the first time last night. A little in a small diffuser and some on my feet. I am curious to read/learn more ~ and also cautious when it comes to jumping on those ol' bandwagons!
    Reply to this comment

  4. Dayla

    January 30, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    I was curious if you diluted the essential oils you use for yourself. I've seen that you should for kids, but I've seen differing opinions for adults. Thanks for the info you gave on how you use the oils! Although I am new to essential oils, they have been helpful for my children when they have been sick this winter!
    Reply to this comment

  5. Ashley Fields

    January 30, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    I've never used essential oils but would consider doing so in the future. Are there ones that have the same effects as the patchouli, lavender and eucalyptus oils? I can't stand the smell of lavender or patchouli and I have family members with allergies to eucalyptus. Thank you!
    Reply to this comment

  6. Criwta

    January 31, 2015 at 9:27 am

    keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another, this is why when you research which oils to use for a symptom there are usually several options or combination of options...I say this so that you don't automatically think that oils are bogus when one doesn't work, sometimes you need to try a different one. Also, in response to diluting oils question, this is individual...some people are more sensitive than others and some areas of the body are more sensitive than others...for example oregano oil...used on my fingers or toes I don't need to dilute and it doesn't burn, but face or underarms, definitely use caution and dilute because it will burn. I will say that oregano oil is by far my favorite even though the smell is intense because I've had some skin issues that I have been to a dermatology for and have had had surgical procedures done on and I used oregano oil on the same thing and it eliminated the problem far more cheaply and without weird drugs or invasive procedures. It's great for getting rid of warts and skin tags. Another site to check out for finding out which oils to use for which symptom is everythingessential.me it is based on doterra products, but you can use other brands so if it suggests oregano you can go to mountain rose and get their oregano oil or whichever brand you prefer. My first exposure to essential oils was through doterra. I also love their on guard blend. I do agree that they are expensive. Whichever brand you choose just make sure it is pure and good quality.
    Reply to this comment

  7. Deliciously Organic

    January 31, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    I like that the company I purchase my oils from sources their oils where the plant is indigenous/native from. They grow, distill and then ship off for 3rd party testing. They make sure there is no lead, pesticides, nothing but the plant material, no extenders, and nothing synthetic. This was very important to me as I spent many years detoxing from heavy metals to reverse my autoimmune disease and I also have a hard time filtering chemicals/synthetic ingredients. If you'd like to some more info about the oils I trust and use for my family, please email us over at: info@deliciouslyorganic.net
    Reply to this comment

  8. Deliciously Organic

    January 31, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    Some oils are actually safe to ingest. These oils will have nutritional/supplement info on the bottle. Of course, it's important to read and understand which oils can be used for specific needs. I'll have to check out the book you recommend. Thanks!
    Reply to this comment

  9. Jill

    January 31, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    I really wish everyone would understand what Carrie is saying. She isn't saying YOU must use what I use, or you must buy them because I do. I have friends who use from some of the leading essential oil companies, and friends who sell both....and both sides have had wonderful results. What Carrie wants to do is put the information out there so you can choose for yourself, because people have asked her what she uses personally. That's what blogs are for. Anyone who has followed her blog for a while knows that she's trying to help people, not sell them something or sway someone toward one company. In this day and age, there's so much information out there, we all will be better off to take responsibility for our own health and well-being. I have not yet invested in oils, but I'm weighing all the information. I don't know Carrie personally, although I wish she was close enough to hang out with because she's the kind of friend I would love to develop recipes with and share info with. I believe she makes every effort to be objective, but in the long run, we ALL have to find our own path. That's why we're all looking. Thanks, Carrie - I have never felt swayed one way or the other by your posts, because I know that isn't what you're about, but yours is one of the first blogs I discovered when I started following a healthier way of life, and I'm all the better for it!
    Reply to this comment

  12. Rachael @ Love Yourself Green

    February 1, 2015 at 4:30 pm

    I've been skeptical in the past about natural alternatives and treatments - they really didn't 'work' on me in the past when I tried them. They DO work now, though. What's the difference? My theory is that back then, I was too full of toxic junk to even see the benefits of the natural things I tried. Now, I'm totally detoxed and I can use any natural remedy and be confident that it'll work great for me! My body was just far too sick before!! ;)
    Reply to this comment

  14. Ann

    February 3, 2015 at 7:45 am

    I just made your Seed Crackers from your Grain Free Family cookbook and loved them!! However it was not easy to prepare. One, 4 cups of sunflower seeds plus the peppers was too much for my 4 cups processor so I had to take out some and process in smaller batches and then mix all of it together in a bowl; second there was no way all of the mixture fit into my prepared baking sheet to make 1/8" so I had to use two baking sheets and third I had those pans in the oven for nine hours and all though very tasty they definitely were not cripsy they were very moist in some sections. Any suggestions! Love the cookbook!!
    Reply to this comment

  16. Binta

    February 5, 2015 at 12:42 am

    Hi Carrie, I really enjoy your blog and have got a lot of valuable info and recipes from you - thank you! What I'd like to know about Essential Oils, is are they safe and good to take internally? Are there some that should not be taken internally? Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to EO's?
    Reply to this comment

    • Deliciously Organic

      February 6, 2015 at 5:47 am

      I'm not sure how it works for all brands, but the therapeutic grade oils I use that have a supplement label on the bottle are all safe to ingest. There is a book I use daily to know which oils are best used for which symptoms, but due to FDA regulations, I'm not allowed to share that info on my site. Please email us over at: info@deliciouslyorganic.net for info about resources. Thanks!
      Reply to this comment

  21. Debbie

    March 18, 2016 at 8:39 pm

    Hey Carrie, I'm wondering if you could answer a question for me. I use a diffuser at night, and I turn it on an hour before I go to bed. Do you run this all night, or should it be shut off. Thanks
    Reply to this comment

  22. kg

    August 11, 2016 at 5:22 am

    I would like more information if you or others could provide on how to support thyroid condition (not sure how it was brought on), and offer information on how to rid vertigo after having it for four months now.
    Reply to this comment

    • Deliciously Organic

      August 16, 2016 at 10:49 am

      Here's a link to an online (and free!) class I teach alongside Season Johnson NTP - https://app.webinarjam.net/register/21771/01e0c62bff (if you can't make any of the times listed, go ahead and register and we'll send you a replay link in about 24 hours along with a few educational emails about how to use essential oils for thyroid support!)
      Reply to this comment

  25. Deb

    October 20, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    I have been using Breathe for my asthma...apply two drops at night and in the morning..opens up my bronchial tubes and my breathing has improved so much that I only use a rescue inhaler as needed. This is an amazing find thank you Vanessa and DoTerra! Essential Oils...they really do work!
    Reply to this comment

  27. Brittany

    April 8, 2017 at 11:17 am

    I am very interested in using essential oils. I have had different problems for most of my life. I have a stomach disorder and get an upset stomach often, but I also was diagnosed with Manic depressive bipolar disorder. I would much rather do something natural then pump my body with harmful medications. I've done some research and essential oils seem like a good idea to help (I know it won't cure my ailments). Do you believe it would help?
    Reply to this comment

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