It seems like I’m often writing a post for my blog in my head, but then my thoughts don’t seem to get put down in writing. It has now been 5 months since I received my first order of essential oils in the mail.

first book i read on essential oils

The first thing I did with my oils was experiment with something I had read about called the “oils of joy”. I took the essential oils I had just purchased that were on the list of “oils of joy” – geranium, myrrh, frankincense, lemon and peppermint – and put a drop of each of these oils in the palm of our hands (my adult kids and some friends). The book says to then rub your hands together to warm up the oils and then cup your hands over your nose and mouth and breath deep. We all laughed at my little experiment—who knows if it was the oils that enhanced our time together or not, but we sure had a good laugh and fun time trying it out, plus we all smelled delightful afterwards.

In this past 5 months of experimenting and learning about essential oils I have seen them stop a cold or flu. I’ve seen the oils help others with a sore throat and cough have amazing results healing in just a couple days (me included). I’ve seen people’s headaches go away after massaging oils into their neck and temples. I’ve seen lavender take away the pain from a burn or blister and heal them quickly. One friend had a painful spider bite and the pain went away minutes after applying lavender oil on the bite.

I now look forward to putting oils on after my shower, or massaging oils into my feet, which is so relaxing. I love the smell of my bedroom when I walk in. I enjoy soaking my feet in Epsom salts and lavender oil when they’re sore. I’ve noticed my fingernails and toenails getting stronger and healthier–they were brittle and cracked easily and had ridges on them, my toenails especially. The daily applying of natural oils to my body and feet has thankfully helped in ways I didn’t even expect.

The more I read and learn about essential oils the more I want to share them with others. I’m still learning. I’m seeing that you get to know the oils and which ones you like and which ones work best for you. For example, for years I’ve had an itchy patch on my lower back from time to time. Before I realized what essential oils were, I knew that putting tea tree oil on this spot would help it go away. I have now learned that lavender does the same thing as tea tree oil. I don’t really like the smell of tea tree so much, but I love the smell of lavender. So now I use lavender for any skin rash or a pimple or burn. I’ve been using up my tea tree oil in my air freshener spray, as it is a powerful air purifier.

 In the past my attitude about natural cleaning products or toiletries was that they didn’t work and that chemical cleaners were stronger and would do a better job. I’ve discovered that is not true. I’ve been using laundry soap with essential oils, tooth paste with tea tree and peppermint essential oils (no toxic fluoride), breath spray with peppermint essential oil, hand soap and body soap with essential oils, shampoo with essential oils and room sprays with essential oils.

When I read that you could use essential oils as a bug repellent, I began spraying my house plants with my “odors” recipe spray. It took away the sticky white stuff that was growing on some of my plants.

My laundry smells like it did when my mother dried our clothes outdoors on the clothesline, my teeth feel cleaner using my essential oil toothpaste, and I just love knowing that I don’t have to wash the shampoo out of my hair as fast as I can to get the harmful chemicals off quickly. Instead I enjoy the wonderful smell that fills the shower. And that reminds me of another perk I’ve discovered–mold hasn’t been growing in the shower like before. I don’t need to use toxic mold removers or bleach anymore.

I sometimes think it would have been nice to have learned about essential oils sooner, but I’m enjoying learning about them now. I’m also seeing how healthy eating, using herbs and natural products, getting fresh air and exercise, making time to relax and meditate, etc., all work together to help our bodies be healthier and ourselves happier. I’m enjoying my journey learning about all these things and sharing what I’m learning with others.