Essential oils are aromatic volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. They do not oxidize over time, unlike the cooking oils purchased at the grocery store, and are antibacterial. They were recorded as being used as early as 4500 B.C. for rituals and medicinal purposes. Despite the role essential oils have played historically in Egyptian and Hebrew cultures, their general use in everyday life was lost.
Study of essential oils began again around the turn of the 20th century. Interest was sparked by a French physician using them on wounded soldiers to kill bacteria and promote healing during World War I, and a French cosmetic chemist later hailed as the father of aroma therapy.
The essential oils available through this web site are 100% therapeutic-grade pure oils. They can be diffused into the air, applied to the skin, or consumed as a dietary supplement. Each has had various properties attributed to it. We hope you will find this site informative and helpful.
The information contained in this web site is for educational purposes. It is not intended for prescribing, diagnosing, or treating any condition of the body, and is not a substitute for professional medical counsel. Favorite Oils and its operators are not responsible for such use.
WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL?
Plants contain complex and powerful substances known as essential oils. These are aromatic liquids derived from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. These distinctive components defend plants from insects, harsh environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Referred to as the essence of the plant, pure essential oils not only protect the plant but also determine its aroma.
Essential oils have been used throughout time dating back to 4500 BC. From perfumes and pleasant aromas to embalming and medicinal purposes, essential oils were used in everyday life for centuries. In modern days, research shows that pure essential oils can provide similar benefits to humans and animals that they give to plants.
IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY
Many oils, touted as essential oils, are derived with harsh chemicals, diluted, or copied and produced in a lab. Cheap copies bring cheap results and have the potential to be toxic. Therefore, it is imperative to take great care in choosing high-quality essential oils.
Young Living offers pure, unadulterated essential oils. In-house and independent laboratory testing shows that Young Living essential oils meet high industry standards that qualify them as "therapeutic grade." This means that health professionals choose them for promoting health and wellness.
From healthy plants to proper distillation and bottling, every oil is put through a series of rigorous test before it is deemed qualified to bear the Young Living label.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS
There are three basic ways to use essential oils: inhalation, topical application, and internal consumption. Read the Safety Guidelines and Tips prior to the use of any essential oil.
Inhalation:
The inhalation of essential oils heightens the senses and can trigger numerous desired responses in the body. You may simply smell the oil or you may breathe it in the air as disbursed by a diffuser. The Young Living diffuser broadcasts the oil as a micro-fine vapor into the air using an air pump; there is no heat to damage the oils reducing their benefits.
Topical Application:
Apply essential oils directly onto the skin where indicated. See the Application Chart for safety and dilution recommendations. Dilution may protect against possible skin sensitivities. Essential oils may be diluted with the Young Living V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex or a pure vegetable oil such as olive or almond before applying.
Internal Consumption:
Research indicates that some oils are more effective when taken orally. Only pure essential oils, proven safe and labeled as dietary supplements, should be used internally. Dilution and dosage is dependent on the age, size and health constitution of the individual. Follow the recommended dosage on the individual product labels to ensure safety or seek the advise of a health professional before administering oils internally.
Methods: Drops of oil may be placed into an empty capsule and swallowed with water. Add a drop or two to a glass of water or rice milk and drink. Put a drop or two on a piece of bread, or add to other food.
When applying a new oil, test one drop on a small patch of skin such as the underside of the forearm. Skin sensitivity is highly individual. If the skin feels hot or turns red, apply a dilution oil (as above) to the area. This is more effective than washing with water.
Use only one new oil or oil blend at a time to determine how your body responds. Wait half an hour before applying another new oil.
Pure citrus oils may compound the effects of sun exposure for up to 48 hours in some instances.
Cosmetics, personal care products, and cleaners with synthetic ingredients penetrate the dermal layers of the skin. Avoid applying essential oils to these areas, as the oils may take those chemicals deeper into the skin, fatty tissue or the bloodstream.
Limit the diffusion of unfamiliar essential oils to 10 minutes a day, and increase the time diffused after their effects are determined. Consider also the size of the room and potency of the oil used.
See individual bottle label directions or check with a health professional before using essential oils if you have a serious medical condition or if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant. During pregnancy do not use wild tansy, clary sage, sage, fennel, wintergreen, or hyssop.
Consult your health care professional about any serious disease or injury. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances for health conditions that require professional attention.
