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Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from the roots, leaves, seeds, or flowers of plants. They contain the true essence of the plant they come from and are highly concentrated, which gives them their therapeutic benefits. Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. When inhaled directly or diffused in the air, they enter the lungs and interact with the limbic region of the brain which controls emotions. Overall, essential oils harness the natural healing power of plants in a highly potent form.
Essential oils are aromatic compounds extracted from plants that capture the plant’s essence and beneficial properties. They are highly concentrated, making them very potent. dōTERRA essential oils are gently and carefully distilled from plants that have been patiently harvested at the perfect moment to extract the maximum benefits. The many uses of essential oils include aromatherapy, personal care, household cleaning, and natural wellness applications.
When inhaled or applied topically, essential oils provide phytochemicals that interact with the body’s systems to promote wellness. dōTERRA is one of the top brands because there is a third way you can use their oils. You can take them internally! Unlike many other essential oil brands, dōTERRA is directly from the source, making them Certified Pure Tested Grade and safe to ingest. I personally would only internally take dōTERRA’s essential oils and products because they go through extensive testing to make sure it is 100% pure oil! No fillers or additives. You can read more about how they source their products through co-impact sourcing and a charity called Healing Hands here!
In this article, we will be exploring the top 20 dōTERRA essential oils and providing tips on how to safely use them for optimal health and well-being. From lavender to frankincense, we will cover the key benefits of these top-selling essential oils! First, let’s go over the basic ways to use essential oils.
Using Essential Oils Aromatically
One of the most effective ways to use essential oils is through aromatherapy and inhalation. When inhaled, the tiny molecules of essential oils are carried to the brain and body through the bloodstream and olfactory nerves. It only takes about 22 seconds for the oils to reach the brain after inhalation. The oils are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, where they interact directly with the limbic system, which controls emotions, behavior, motivation, and memory. Essential oils can also reach the presynaptic cleft of neurons, influencing the release of neurotransmitters and hormones.
When absorbed into the bloodstream, the phytochemicals in pure essential oils, like dōTERRA, travel throughout the body providing benefits to various systems and helping bring the body back into balance. Overall, aromatherapy allows essential oils to reach the brain and central nervous system quickly to provide both psychological and physical benefits through their aroma and absorption.
Inhaling essential oils not only provides psychological benefits but physical ones as well. Certain essential oils can help open airways, act as expectorants to loosen mucus or provide relief from headaches when inhaled. The aromatic use of essential oils is an easy, effective delivery method. For example, inhaling peppermint essential oil can provide an instant boost in energy, and mental focus, and relieve headaches. Applying a drop to the palms, rubbing hands together, and inhaling deeply brings fast relief without any extensive setup. Overall, inhalation and aromatherapy offer a simple way to leverage the power of essential oils for both mind and body wellness.
Topically
Topical application is another highly effective method for leveraging the benefits of essential oils. When applied to the skin, it takes only 2-3 minutes for the oil to reach the bloodstream. From there, the phytochemicals travel throughout the body and can affect every cell in the body within 20 minutes of application! One of the advantages of topical use is that essential oils metabolize and leave the body relatively quickly, within about 2 1⁄2 hours.
This means they should be reapplied every 2-3 hours if you want to maintain the benefits. Frequent reapplication is key – applying oils more often can be a game changer in terms of results. For example, I burned myself with hot oil the other day. I did NOT run my hand under cold water and instead put Lavender on it to soothe the pain. I continued to reapply it to keep it from scarring. The oils don’t build up in the body but instead, provide a steady stream of phytochemicals right where they are needed.
When using essential oils topically, it’s always best to do a patch test on a small area of skin first to check for any irritation. Be sure to follow all dilution recommendations on the label or from the manufacturer. Certain oils like cinnamon and oregano are “hot” and require dilution with a carrier oil before applying to larger areas of skin. It’s also important to avoid sensitive areas such as eyes and mucous membranes. Doing a quick test and following usage guidelines helps ensure safe, effective topical use of these powerful plant extracts.
Internally
While most essential oils should not be ingested, the dōTERRA brand stands out as a line that is safe and effective for internal use. dōTERRA sources their plants from ideal growing locations instead of selecting the cheapest sources. This ensures the plants are grown under optimal conditions to produce the highest quality oils. This also provides jobs and growth in developing countries (read more about this here)! Additionally, dōTERRA oils undergo rigorous testing for purity. When a dōTERRA oil is labeled as “Peppermint” for example, you can be sure it contains only pure peppermint extract and no added fillers. This makes dōTERRA oils safe for ingestion when following recommended dosages.
dōTERRA also has an internal Medical Advisory Board made up of experienced healthcare professionals who evaluate the oils for safety and efficacy. This board helps formulate ingestion guidelines that are specific to each oil. Having oversight from medical doctors and experts provides assurance that dōTERRA oils are not only pure, but recommended for supporting health when taken as directed. Those interested can learn more about dōTERRA’s rigorous testing and industry-leading standards by exploring resources on sourcing and the science behind it here. When pure essential oils meet extensive internal oversight, as with dōTERRA, they can be a safe supplemental addition to an overall healthy lifestyle.
Top 20 Essential Oils With Benefits
- Lavender – Relaxing, sleep aid, stress reducer. Soothes skin irritation and eases headaches. Great for burns.
- Lemon – Immunity support, detoxifier, mood enhancer. Provides an energizing citrus aroma.
- Peppermint – Energizing, improves focus/clarity, headache/nausea relief. Opens airways and aids digestion.
- Frankincense – Anti-inflammatory, immune booster, wound healer. Promotes cellular health and eases anxiety. “King of Oils”
- Oregano – Powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic. Supports immune and gut health.
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca) – Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal. Helps clear skin and treat toenail fungus.
- On Guard – Immunity booster, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant. Supports respiratory/immune health.
- Digest Zen – Aids digestion, reduces gas and bloating. Soothes stomach upset and nausea.
- Breathe – Opens airways, acts as decongestant. Eases breathing and boosts respiratory immunity.
- Deep Blue – Soothes sore muscles/joints, reduces stiffness and achiness. Cooling and comforting.
- Cinnamon – Antimicrobial, antioxidant, blood sugar regulation. Supports digestion and immune health.
- Eucalyptus – Decongestant, pain reliever, antimicrobial. Opens airways and boosts immunity.
- Rosemary – Improves memory/focus, antioxidant, antimicrobial. Stimulates hair growth.
- Clary Sage – Supports hormonal balance, aids depression, reduces inflammation and spasms.
- Ginger – Powerful anti-nausea and digestion aid. Reduces stomach upset, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Commonly used for nausea, motion sickness, and digestive complaints.
- Clove – Powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, numbing agent. Dental and gum health.
- Thyme – Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal. Supports respiratory and immune health.
- Grapefruit – Uplifting aroma, immunity booster, aids metabolism/weight loss.
- Copaiba – Powerful anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular support, immune booster, digestive aid, clears skin, improves mood, and eases anxiety.
- Helichrysum – Anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, cell regenerator. Heals skin and reduces scarring/bruising.
There are so many powerful and beautiful smelling essential oils; it’s hard to narrow it down to only the top 20! Through many surveys and recommendations, this is the list of the top essential oils used every day by many people like you! People who are tired of breathing in chemicals through home cleaning and freshening supplies and consuming “medicines” that only provide band-aids. People who believe in the natural and holistic power of plants!
As we’ve explored, essential oils can provide a wide range of benefits for both mind and body wellness. From lavender for relaxation to peppermint for focus, the diverse phytochemicals in these plant extracts support overall health. Many essential oils have been shown to aid with conditions like ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, sleep disorders, weakened immunity, and more. The various aromatherapy, topical, and internal application methods allow you to leverage essential oils for whatever health needs you may have.
If you are interested in incorporating any of the oils mentioned in this article into your wellness routine, be sure to check them out here! The Healthy Start Kit has the Top 10 essential oils mentioned above, plus my favorite diffuser!! I also added the other 10 oils. Feel free to adjust the cart as needed! For any questions, please email hello@lovet.one.
Remember to always source 100% pure, high-quality oils and follow dilution and safety guidelines for optimal results. To continue your essential oil education, follow me on Instagram and Facebook and join my community of wellness enthusiasts. Let’s connect to learn more about how essential oils can become your go-to natural health and well-being solution.