Essential oils
Are essential oils the same as oils?
Essential oils are called oils, but when you use them you quickly realise that they are neither oily nor greasy.
Essential oils are volatile organic compounds, i.e. natural extracts from plants. They evaporate without leaving any residue, are fat-soluble, but do not contain any fats themselves. This allows them to penetrate deep into our body cells and unfold their positive effect.
How are essential oils made?
Only about 10% of all plants in our world produce essential oils. They are extracted from the roots, the seeds, the stems, the barks, the skins of the fruits or the flowers. In an elaborate process, the essential oils are then extracted either by steam distillation or cold pressing to obtain and finally extract the volatile compounds that escape as a result.
At the end of the extraction process, the essential oils are 50-70% stronger than the plant itself, as the active ingredients are found in high concentration in the oils.
Why do plants produce essential oils?
Essential oils are to plants what the immune and hormonal systems are to us humans. They produce essential oils to protect against sun damage and extreme temperatures, thus driving away insects and at the same time attracting pollinators. In addition, essential oils support the plant in times when there is only a small amount of nutrients in the soil and protect it from microbial infestation.
What are the effects of essential oils?
Essential oils are the hormone and immune system of plants. For this reason, the oils have many different healing properties for us.
Depending on the plant, they have a relaxing, stimulating, invigorating, antispasmodic, refreshing, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory or concentration-enhancing effect.
How are essential oils used?
There are many different ways to benefit from the many positive properties of oils. Our body can absorb the essential oils through the skin, the mucous membrane or the sense of smell. Therefore, depending on the oil, they can be used aromatically, internally or externally.
Aromatically
A cold water diffuser is best suited to distribute the oil particles in the air, as no sensitive molecules are destroyed by heat.
The oils then reach our limbic system via our sense of smell, our bloodstream via the lungs and work internally in our whole body.
Another possibility is to rub 1-2 drops into the palms of the hands and then inhale the aroma deeply.
Internally
Due to their purity and quality, many dōTerra oils can also be taken internally, e.g. to support digestion, the immune system or the nervous system. If necessary, put 1-2 drops directly under the tongue, in a glass of water, as a special spice in your food or fill the oils into an empty capsule to take them.
Externally
To allow the body to absorb the essential oils through the skin, you can apply a few drops directly or mixed with a carrier oil (e.g. fractionated coconut oil by dōTerra) to the affected area or pulse points and massage it in. This way they are absorbed very quickly, act locally and enter our bloodstream at the same time, allowing our whole body to benefit.
For children and elderly people, we advise you to dilute the oils more.
What are the benefits of essential oils?
Ätherische Öle fördern das Wohlbefinden:
Spirit
Physical activity
Immune system
Diet
Threats
Body systems
The 10 most important oils that no household should be without
In this slider you will find what we think are the 10 most important oils and what they do. We add a new oil to our list every week.
Soon we will launch our own, detailed dōTerra oil library, where you will get the full overview directly. Stay informed with our newsletter.
These oils are all included in the Home Essential Kit, making it as easy as possible to get started with essential oils.
Disclaimer:
Although essential oils have long been used, it is important to remember that essential oils cannot be considered a substitute for medical treatment. Before using the oils, you should always consult your doctor, especially if you have a medical problem or are pregnant. Also, care should be taken when taking them internally as they can be toxic in large doses.
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