While essential oils can (and should) be used for occasional health issues, perhaps their most useful application is for maintaining optimal health on a daily basis. Think of oils as you would a dietary supplement; when you use supplements, you are giving your body the nutrients it needs to function properly. While there are differences from person to person in usage preference, it is generally accepted that using oils consistently is a key to getting your desired results.
Dr. David K. Hill states, “Using a variety of essential oils on a regular basis could be more significant than focusing on oil selection or specific application methods. Routine and deliberate application of essential oils can often increase and even sustain health benefits.”
Some people in the aromatherapy industry may express concern over regular daily use of essential oils—concern that oils are too potent to use frequently. We find this belief to be unfounded when oils are used safely. Although we know that more research remains to be done, the specific health benefits of regular essential oil use have already been well demonstrated, both clinically and anecdotally. Many scientific reviews and studies verify that appropriate doses of essential oils are safe and efficacious.
Incorporate essential oils into your daily life and support your body in a natural and safe way with the following considerations:
Quality. The oils you use matter. As the world leader of essential oils, doTERRA strives to ensure that only the highest quality oil is bottled for distribution. Using low-quality, altered, or synthetic essential oils dramatically increases the possibility of sensitivity or reactions, and decreases the effectiveness of the oil. When using a potent, pure oil, only a small dose will be required to deliver significant benefits. We will talk more about the appropriate dosage below.
Dosage. Just as you shouldn’t take more than the recommended dose of vitamins or minerals, essential oils are potent and a very small dose is more than sufficient. Whether used in a diffuser, on your skin, or in a Veggie Capsule, no more than a few drops are needed at a time.
Variety. Take a look at the many ways to use individual essential oils, and you’ll see that many benefits are similar. However, changing up the oils you use rather than sticking to one or two can be beneficial, just like having variety in your diet. This also allows you to discover which oils work best with your body’s chemistry for the benefits you want.
Dilution. Some oils are incredibly potent, like the phenols and aldehydes groups (Cassia, Oregano, to name a few). These are known as “hot oils” and should always be diluted. Dilution is an excellent method to use with any oil to increase the surface area and slow down absorption to prevent any possible sensitivities. Find out more about dilution ratios and carrier oils.
Age. Young children and the elderly will require special precautions when using essential oils. Their skin is typically more delicate and sensitive; in these cases, appropriate dilution modifications or essential oil substitutions for less strong oils (like Spearmint instead of Peppermint) can be made.
