We are so excited about this new essential oils kit from doTERRA, created specially for your yoga practice. If you’re new to essential oils and want to learn more, we’ve simplified everything for you here in this article.
If you love doing yoga you’ll probably be interested in accessories to compliment and expand your spiritual practice. Perhaps you’ve chosen a particular yoga mat that you really like, and set up a space in your home with candles and crystals.
We love the idea of incorporating essential oils into your yoga practice, or even just for a quick self-care check-in during the day.
The doTERRA Yoga Collection includes three oils, called Anchor, Align and Arise.
According to doTERRA, “Anchor, Align, and Arise are the perfect blends to enhance your life and yoga practice. These blends provide aromas to steady, center, and enlighten your spirit through every breath while strengthening and stretching your body.”
You can diffuse one of these oil blends while you do yoga,
Inhale while you’re in a stationary pose like mountain pose, child’s pose or savasana,
Or even just dab a little on your wrist to grab a quiet moment during your day.
YOGA COLLECTION DETAILS
The Anchor Steadying Blend:
Contains Lavender, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Black Pepper, and Patchouli in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil
Supports feelings of completeness, calmness, and courage and brings a firm trust in yourself so you can approach your practice and life with calming strength, and a solid connection to yourself and your innate wisdom.
Ideal for the following poses: Seated Meditation, Seated Twist, and Bhu Mudra (one hand on the heart, the other on the Earth).
The Align Centering Blend:
Contains Bergamot, Coriander, Marjoram, Peppermint, Jasmine, and Rose essential oils in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil
Encourages harmony and calm progress, you to trust in yourself and stay open to all possibilities.
Ideal for the following poses: Warrior II, Triangle, and Gate pose.
The Arise Enlightening Blend:
Contains Grapefruit, Lemon, Osmanthus, Melissa, and Siberian Fir in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil
Helps to instill feelings of happiness, clarity, and courage. Supports your stability as well as your freedom, inspiring moments of reaching for your highest potential.
Ideal for the following poses: standing arms high, standing side stretch, and Half Moon.
WHERE TO BUY THE YOGA KIT
If you’re interested in getting your own yoga essentials oils kit, order them here from our shop, or sign up for a wholesale account here to save money on oils (and earn commissions!).
I took a photo of my kit so you can see how beautiful it is! I can’t wait for you to get yours in the mail :) Click here to buy yours now.
Having jumped on the essential oil bandwagon 3 years ago, I still remember what it’s like at the beginning. doTERRA, along with rival companies like Young Living, offers hundreds of oils and a whole heap of other essential oil-based products, supplements, and of course diffusers.
Where are you supposed to start? How can you get the most from your essential oils, without putting a gaping whole it your wallet? Essential oils aren’t cheap, so you really want to make sure you’re making the right oil choices, rather than just taking an aromatic stab in the dark.
These days, it’s fair to say that we’re very much up with the play when it comes to essential oils. We’ve spent the big bucks on oils (and made them back tenfold) and we now know what works best and what’s not really worth the money. We’ve definitely got our go-to doTERRA oils and other products, and I thought I’d share those with you right this very second.
Our favorite doTERRA oils and products
As doTERRA affiliates, we always make a point of trying out all the oils and products that doTERRA produces – it would hardly be fair otherwise! The benefit of this is that we know exactly what we like, and what we don’t like…and chances are this information can help you as you sit down to make your next doTERRA oils order. Here’s what we use almost every day in our household.
Lavender essential oil
Of course this oil had to be on the list! Lavender is easily the most versatile of all the doTERRA oils – it smells amazing, it’s gentle (unlike “hot” oils like oregano or peppermint), and it can be used on both humans and pets! Here’s what we use lavender for:
diffusing in the bedroom of our 3 month little girl, Isla, as she naps during the day – but a VERY DILUTED concentration! Lavender is one of the safest oils to use with infants, as it doesn’t irritate their respiratory tracts, but we’re always very careful with it anyway. The lavender soothes her and helps her sleep better, and the diffuser helps to alleviate the dryness of the air and enable her to breathe better.
dabbing under our noses when we’re stressed or putting a drop or two on our pillows to help us sleep better through the night
diffusing in the living room to make the place smell a whole lot nicer, relax us while we work, and neutralize smells from all the nutritious cooking we do!
On Guard essential oil
We like doTERRA’s On Guard oil for two reasons: it smells fricken amazing (making it a nice oil blend to put in the diffuser) and it’s loaded with potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial essential oils – trust me, I’ve done the research. We use it:
while traveling, especially flying, as a hand sanitizer and as a way to boost our immune system and protect us from all the colds and illness that flies about in public places!
at home in bathrooms and other damp areas that might have a risk of mold
whenever we feel a cold or sore throat coming on – a dab or two on the neck and behind the ears does the trick!
Melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil
The quintessential “first aid” oil, the potent antimicrobial agents in tea tree have made it a go-to antiseptic agent for centuries – and why mess with a good thing? We’ve always got a bottle or five of this stuff on hand for anything that needs sanitizing – be it a toilet bowl, shallow wound or graze, or questionable surfaces in and around the house. I’ve even put it in a spray bottle with some water and used it to kill mildew on grape and squash leaves!
Frankincense oil roll on
I’ve recently started using frankincense essential oil a lot after I did some research on it and discovered it’s anti-inflammatory, pro-immunity, and anti-oxidative powers…they’re pretty impressive! I’ll use it on knee joints that are a bit sore, questionable developments on my face, and on any moles that I think might be up to no good – frankincense essential oil has been shown to kill cancer cells, making it a good failsafe for any parts of the skin that seem inclined towards melanoma.
doTERRA MicroPlex VMz
I was actually pretty impressed when I read the list of ingredients in doTERRA’s MicroPlex VMz – while some of their products can contain certain things we neither need nor want, this one seems very much top quality. I pop 2 to 4 per day as a broad-spectrum multivitamin, and I certainly feel like it fills in all the nutritional gaps in my otherwise bulletproof diet. I especially like that it doesn’t have carrageenan as a filler – more of that, please!
doTERRA TerraZyme
As I mention a lot (probably a bit too much, if I’m honest), we eat a ridiculously nutrient dense diet – sort of like a hybrid Paleo and Primal way of eating, with certain biohacks thrown in for good measure. But I don’t always feel 100%, and I’m beginning to suspect that maybe my digestion isn’t as good as it should be – meaning I’m not absorbing all the nutrients that I’m putting my stomach.
With this in mind, I’ve been taking 2 TerraZyme capsules with each meal, and while the results aren’t exactly spectacular (I’m not THAT sick!), I definitely feel like I’m digesting my food more efficiently and getting more goodness from what I eat. TerraZyme has decent concentrations of all the major digestive enzyme strains, and it has the added bonus of betaine HCL, which directly stimulates stomach acid production – a very good thing!
doTERRA PB Assist
Even the healthiest of people need a good probiotic to ensure their gut is in ship shape, and as such I usually make a point of taking one at least every other day with a meal. I like doTERRA’s PB Assist as their enteric coating seems quite strong – meaning the live bacterial cultures actually have a chance of making it through your harsh stomach acid intact, ready to make their new home in your gut! I also like that it doubles as a prebiotic, which ensures that the good bacteria you’re feeding your gut with can get settled in and start thriving faster – prebiotics are a type of fiber that acts as food for gut bacteria.
Ready to get started? Find out how to get the most from essential oils AND make money doing it by clicking here.
In today’s climate change-savvy world, we’re constantly on the lookout for outdoor air pollution. Cars and trucks spewing clouds of particulates have us shaking our heads in disgust, factory smoke stacks have us up in arms, and don’t even think about lighting a fire! But all the while, there’s been a quiet offender much closer to home…inside our homes, to be exact. It turns out that in many cases, indoor air quality is many times worse than the air outside.
Indoor air pollutants are everywhere
The sad truth is that, no matter how health-conscious we are, our houses are absolutely jam-packed full of potential air pollutants. Here’s a very quick run-down of all the things in and around your home that may be lowering the quality of your indoor air, and possibly making you sick:
Mold. Ah yes, our old arch-nemesis mold. Mold is a sneaky little blighter, lurking where you least expect it and colonizing any areas where there’s poor ventilation or high moisture content. Mold can contribute to chronic respiratory problems, sneezing, allergies, asthma, and low-level inflammation. Do not underestimate the polluting power of mold.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You may have heard me harp on about VOCs in the past – I’m definitely not a fan! In essence, VOCs are toxic gases that are released from certain solids or liquids, with top offenders including paints, varnishes, glues, adhesives, cleaning products, building materials, and furniture. Even the pillow you rest your head on at night could be loaded with VOCs, which then seep into your skin and get sucked into lungs to wreak havoc on your health.
Radon. This compound sounds like something straight from a crappy sci-fi film, and in fact that guess isn’t too far off the mark. Radon is an odorless radioactive gas that can be emitted by certain rock formations under your home and in some building materials. Radon can contribute to lung cancer, and may be responsible for tens of thousands of deaths every year.
Carbon monoxide. Yet another odorless, colorless gas, carbon monoxide is emitted via the combustion of fossil fuels. In the home, carbon monoxide can be emitted by anything from cigarettes to faulty furnaces and certain cooking appliances. Carbon monoxide is infamous for causing countless deaths across the globe, mainly on account of the fact that there’s really know way to tell whether it’s lurking in your personal airspace or not.
There’s plenty of other sources of pollution in your household or office, particularly with regards to cleaners, air-fresheners, detergents, and basically anything that isn’t natural. And if you’ve got carpet, be prepared to breathe in a heady mix of dead microorganisms, skin flakes, and a bunch other unmentionables that are better left outside of your nasal passages.
How to improve air quality with indoor plants
Sure, you can spend hundreds, perhaps thousands, on fancy schmancy air purifiers and filters…but let’s be honest, you’d rather save that money for your next tropical vacay, or perhaps a pair of overpriced leather boots. I don’t judge. So how, then, do you get crisp, toxin-free air without forking out a small fortune? Why, indoor plants or course!
But I’m not just talking about any old plants. Back in the 80’s, NASA went to great lengths to determine how to purify the air in their satellite facilities and spacecraft. The result was a series of very convenient studies which showed that certain indoor plant species are a cut above the rest when it comes to removing pollutants from the air and cleaning things up nicely. Based on their findings and those of subsequent studies, here’s the best indoor plants for improving your air quality at home or in the office.
Philodendron domesticum
Also known as spadeleaf or burgundy philodendron, this luscious little indoor plant was shown by NASA studies to effectively remove large concentrations of formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from indoor air. Liivi’s grandma has philodendrons growing ALL OVER her house, so we took a couple of cuttings, shoved them in some soil, and soon had 2 very healthy individuals growing in our own home. I took one of them to work to cleanse the air around my desk, and it had soon sent out 3 meter-long shoots in every direction! If you have a very un-green thumb, this is the plant for you.
Aloe vera
Believe it or not, this super handy succulent is the gold standard when it comes to improving air quality in and around the home. Aloe vera is even better at removing formaldehyde from the air than philodendron varieties, and has the added bonus of being a must-have first aid plant for burns, blisters, and sun damage.
Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant)
In a 2014 study that examined the pollutant-removing abilities of 12 indoor plants, Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant) turned out to be the most effective in removing the VOC toluene. We’ve got a couple of these plants around the house, and I can confirm that they’re wonderfully easy to keep healthy and they look super cool.
Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant)
We’ve gone from snake to spider, and things are looking mighty fine in the indoor air department! The same study that was all about the toluene removal of snake plant also found that spider plant was the most efficient at removing ethylbenzene (another carcinogenic VOC) out of 12 different indoor plants. This is another easy one to look after, but if I’m honest it doesn’t look quite as cool as snake plant.
Yucca
There’s plenty of different species that belong to the Yucca family, but if you go to buy one for your home it’ll likely be Yucca elephantipes. Whatever the species, yuccas are a great choice for improving your indoor air quality provided you have enough light infiltration to help them grow big and healthy. Interestingly, I couldn’t actually find any scientific evidence to verify the claims about yucca, but we have a large yucca growing in our hallway and the air always seems fresh and clean out there. If nothing else, it’s a great ornamental plant!
The best setup for your indoor plants
One thing that many of the studies noted was that there’s a certain formula for success when setting up your indoor plants to improve air quality. Here’s a quick summary of how to maximize the air-purifying potential of your indoor plants:
Plant leaves can only absorb so many toxins from the air, so if you’re worried about indoor air pollution, buy more plants or allow your existing plants to grow bigger by transferring them to a bigger pot. Greater leaf surface area means more toxin removal.
It’s best to cover the soil around your indoor plant with a sterilized medium like sand or clean gravel. This is due to the fact that exposed soil can harbor mold and other potential organic contaminants.
The NASA study noted that “a combination of activated carbon and plant roots have demonstrated the greatest potential for removing large volumes of volatile organics along with smoke and possible radon from closed systems.” Now, growing plants in straight activated carbon (aka charcoal) is tricky, but I’ve talked to plenty of people who have had success growing their indoor plants in a moist medium of 50/50 activated charcoal and soil. Give it a go, and if it works your indoor air quality will soar!
Personally, I think the biggest thing is to keep your plants healthy and ensure that you’ve got at least a couple of plants for each large living space. Smaller rooms like bathrooms and bedrooms may only require one plant to keep the air nice and fresh.
Other ways to improve indoor air quality
It’s fair to say that investing in some good indoor plants is the best move you’ll ever make for improving the air quality in your home or office, but there’s plenty of other things you can do besides. Here’s just a few.
Essential oil diffusers
Diffusing certain essential oils fulfills multiple air quality functions within the home. Firstly, essential oils are hands-down the best way to make your home smell ah-may-zing, and they do this without exposing your lungs to harmful chemicals…the same can’t be said for conventional air fresheners. Secondly, certain essential oils have powerful anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, meaning they can be used to kill off airborne mold and other organic toxins. I often pop 3-4 drops of doTERRA’s onguard essential oil, or sometimes lemon essential oil, into the diffuser and set it going for 2 hours in our bathroom to ensure we don’t suffer from any mold issues.
Beeswax candles
Burning regular paraffin or soybean oil candles in your home is one of the worst things you can do for your health. If we walk into somebody’s house and they’re burning these types of candles, we usually either step back outside or sneakily put the candles out while they’re not looking and pretend it was the wind! Studies show that these candles actually release a toxic mix of VOCs and other harmful compounds into the air.
The solution, then, is to invest in beeswax candles instead. They may cost more, but they burn for longer, smell far nicer, and provide a net benefit for your indoor air quality. Pure beeswax candles burn with no smoke and release negative ions into the air, which bind to airborne toxins and contribute to their removal.
Salt lamps
While there’s a notable lack of scientific evidence, there’s no shortage of anecdotal evidence suggesting that salt lamps are good for improving indoor air quality. They’re composed of Himalayan salt crystals that, similar to beeswax candles, emit negative ions into the air when heated slightly. In addition, the light they produce is a warm orange color, which incidentally is the only light spectrum that won’t interfere with your melatonin production. For this reason, salt lamps make a great night light for babies or kiddies, as it won’t keep them awake and it cleanses the air.
Got any air-purifying techniques that I’ve missed? Or have you experimented with different indoor plants and seen great results? Let us know in the comments below!
In case you hadn’t already noticed, we’re big on essential oils. We use them for anything from fighting off colds to cleaning around the house. It’s fair to say that there’s a doTERRA essential oil for almost any ailment, and in the right hands essential oils can really be a powerful therapeutic tool. Today, my focus is going to be on doTERRA’s frankincense essential oil, easily one of our top five most-used essential oils. Stay tuned for more reviews on our favorite oils, as we examine the scientific evidence for their effectiveness and how they help us on a personal level.
Frankincense essential oil uses
Frankincense essential oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic…meaning it can be used for a wide range of applications in and around the home. Here’s a quick overview of the more popular uses for doTERRA’s frankincense essential oil.
Relieve indigestion
Frankincense essential oil can help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as gas, bloating, tummy aches, constipation, IBS and cramps. Frankincense essential oil acts similar to a digestive enzyme, speeding up the process by which your gastrointestinal system breaks down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. You can simply rub frankincense oil straight on your stomach to get the benefits, or, if you’re planning on taking it internally, make sure you use only 100% therapeutic-grade essential oil. If you’re using doTERRA frankincense essential oil, it meets this important criterion so you’re good to go.
Treat skin problems
For whatever reason, anecdotal evidence suggests that frankincense essential oil can speed up the healing of superficial wounds and visibly reduce scarring over time. It can be used to treat eczema (just make sure you mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba to reduce potential sensitivities), stretch marks, blemishes, and acne. Remember: a little goes a long way, so just a drop or two mixed with a carrier oil should be enough for each application.
Relieve joint and muscle pain
This is where the anti-inflammatory powers of frankincense really come into their own. Frankincense has been used to effectively relieve joint pain, muscle pain, and areas of swelling from blunt trauma injuries. Usually just rubbing a drop of doTERRA frankincense essential oil along with a small amount of carrier oil on the affected area is the most effective way of treating the inflammation and pain, but for faster relief try putting a drop of frankincense on a warm, moist towel and leave it on the affected area until it cools.
Reduce wrinkles and signs of aging
Frankincense essential oil is an astringent, meaning it causes the skin cells to contract and appear smoother and younger. This means that applying frankincense to your skin, along with a moisturizing carrier oil like jojoba or coconut, can not only reduce the development of wrinkles, it can actually make your skin appear younger. Essentially the same as what a toner and moisturizer would do, but without the chemicals and nasty side effects.
Alleviate stress
The aroma of frankincense oil is amazingly soothing, make it a great companion to lavender essential oil for relieving stress and relaxing your mind and body. The best way to whip up an anti-stress remedy with doTERRA frankincense essential oil is to simply put 3-4 drops in your diffuser and allow the aromatics to spread throughout your home. If you haven’t yet invested in a diffuser, sprinkle 2-3 drops in a hot bath and soak away your worries for 20 blissful minutes.
The science behind frankincense oil benefits
It’s one thing to read about all the anecdotal success that people have had with frankincense essential oil, but what about the cold, hard facts? I’ve reviewed the scientific literature, and here’s what I found.
Frankincense oil fights cancer
Happily, the claim that frankincense can actually inhibit the development of cancer is very much true. There’s countless articles in the literature demonstrating frankincense essential oils ability to kill tumor cells and induce cancer cell death. In addition to fighting breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, frankincense has also been shown to alleviate bladder cancer via oxidative stress.
Frankincense oil and immunity
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of evidence to back up this claim, however what research has been completed suggests that frankincense essential oil exhibits “lymphoproliferative activity“. This means that it supports your lymphatic system, a critical part of a healthy functioning immune system.
Frankincense oil and microbes
There’s plenty of research showing the antimicrobial prowess of frankincense essential oil (which comes from the genus Boswellia, FYI). As this study indicated, frankincense essential oils were particularly effective against the fungal strains B. carteri, B. papyrifera and C. albicans. Another article indicated that frankincense may also be effective against B. cereus and E. coli.
Frankincense oil and inflammation
They weren’t lying when they said that frankincense is anti-inflammatory. This 2006 study tested frankincense’s anti-inflammatory effects on mice, and the results were favorable. Another study in the same year indicated that frankincense species are effective in treating a range of chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative bronchitis. Another study found much the same thing, concluding that frankincense can be used to treat inflammatory diseases and inflammatory pain.
Our personal experience with frankincense essential oil
We probably bust open a bottle of doTERRA frankincense essential oil 2-3 times a week. I use frankincense oil on the bottom of my feet after my bi-weekly sprint sessions, as I used to have plantar fasciitis and it reduces post-workout inflammation. I also use frankincense on a mole or two on my stomach that I don’t want to turn into melanomas, and I often mix it in with some coconut oil and lavender essential oil to create a soothing aftershave, or even a beard oil when I’m giving my razor the cold shoulder. Liivi likes to diffuse frankincense when she’s feeling uptight or stressed, and rubs some on her adenoids when she feels a sore throat coming on.
If you’re keen on getting your hands on some wonderful therapeutic-grade frankincense essential oil, or you’d like to learn more, click here.
You’re all about taking your health into your own hands, using diet and healthy remedies to keep diseases and health problems at bay. But what about your dog? Why shouldn’t they enjoy a healthy, vet-free life? Luckily, for many of your beloved pooch’s ailments and health problems, theres an essential oil solution waiting just around the corner.
Are essential oils safe for dogs?
The simple answer is: yes. But only when you’ve done your research, and you know which oils are ok to use (see below), how to use those oils, and in what quantities. Where many people trip up is recognizing just how potent essential oils really are. It’s important to remember that just one drop of essential oil is many thousands of times stronger than a leaf or stem from the original plant it was made from. Practice caution when using essential oils for dogs, just as you would do with yourself and your family.
Why you should use doTERRA essential oils on your dog
Nobody’s forcing you to use essential oils on your furry friend, but there’s a whole lot of reasons why you should give it a try! Essential oils are literally tiny bottles of home remedies just waiting to be unleashed (pun unintended). They contain a wide range of healing properties, and because they’re so powerful they can really work wonders on your dog. We’ve used and promoted doTERRA essential oils for the past 5 years, and are happy to give them our seal of approval – they’re high quality and have never let us (or our dog!) down. More importantly, they’re therapeutic grade, which means they’re safe to use on (and sometimes in) the body – unlike many of the cheaper oils, which are only safe to use via aromatherapy (diffuser).
Here’s a few reasons why you should use doTERRA essential oils for dogs:
Just one essential oil can provide many different natural remedies. Lavender essential oil, for example, can reduce inflammation, speed healing, prevent infection, and relax a stressed pawed companion. All in one tiny bottle. Imagine what you could do with 6, or even 10 different essential oils!
Essential oils are non-toxic…when used in the right amounts, that is. We’re trying to avoid having your dog go to the vet and being prescribed liver-destroying anti-inflammatory drugs or gut-ruining antibiotics, so essential oils provide a great non-toxic alternative to conventional treatments.
Essential oils are simple to use. If you’re familiar with using essential oils on yourself and your family, it’s an absolute breeze to use them on your dog as well. And if you haven’t used them before – no worries! Just read on for some easy actionable tips.
Using doTERRA essential oils to help and heal your dog
Because there’s just so darn many essential oils out there (we have at least 100 different kinds languishing around our home!), this post would be a very long one indeed if I was to go through EVERY SINGLE ONE. Luckily, certain oils are jack of all trades, and can be used to solve any number of complaints from your pooch. Here’s some of the most popular essential oils for dogs, that can be used to make effective home remedies for your beloved pooch.
Lavender essential oil for dogs
Just quietly, lavender is my fave. Lavender essential oil is easily the most versatile oil we have at our disposal, helping to calm frayed nerves, help us sleep, soothe inflamed cuts and wounds, reduce inflammation at sites of injury or arthritis, and fight off infection. How many dog meds do you know that can do all those things, and without any side effects as well? Lavender essential oil is:
antibacterial
calming
anti-itch (especially with bug and tick bites, and also with healing wounds)
antihistamine (reduces symptoms of allergies)
pain-alleviating
anti-inflammatory
Based on the above abilities of lavender essential oil, it’s fair to say that this is one of the most important essential oil for dogs! Lavender essential oil even has strong anti-mutagenic qualities, making it a proven method of fighting canine cancer.
Because lavender is one of the gentler essential oils, you dog likely won’t be bothered when you apply it to their wounds/bites/aches/pains. To promote milder healing and relaxation, you can also use lavender in a diffuser.
Helichrysum essential oil for dogs
We’ve used helichrysum essential oil on our pup’s injuries countless times, and it seems to work wonders. I myself have used it on a sore lower back and lower leg injury, so I know that it works. Be warned, though – helichrysum is expensive (just another reason to buy it wholesale!), but that being said a little goes a very long way. You usually only need to use around one drop, mixed in with a carrier oil, to provide pain relief and healing for your pooch. Helichrysum is:
If you can get over the price, helichrysum is a must have for all your dog’s aches and pains, and is particularly effective for more troubling injuries. doTERRA’s helichrysum essential oil speeds healing of scars and bruises, soothes irritating skin conditions, and alleviates pain.
Roman chamomile essential oil
Roman chamomile is one of the most widely used essential oils for dogs, and for good reason. It’s second only to lavender in terms of it’s versatility, and its essential oil can be used for a range of problems associated with your dog, including:
pain relief (analgesic)
relaxation (calms a stressed or restless dog)
treatment of cramps and other central nervous system issues (anti-spasmodic)
Roman chamomile essential oil is also a strong anti-oxidant, meaning it could be a good defense for your dog against cancer and other mutagenic diseases.
Thyme essential oil for dogs
Thyme is another must-have for your dog’s medicine cabinet. It is a strong anti-inflammatory, making it a great choice for achy joints and muscles, and arthritic pooches. Thyme essential oil is also great for fighting off infection, and for treating internal parasites. Thyme essential oil is:
Because thyme essential oil is quite a strong brew, consider using it in conjunction with a carrier oil like coconut oil to ensure your furry friend doesn’t get any irritation.
Cedarwood essential oil for dogs
I’ve included cedarwood essential oil not only for its antiseptic and circulation-stimulating properties, but also due to its ability to repel fleas. Some of the conventional anti-flea products are downright harmful to your dog’s health, so it’s worth considering cedarwood as a natural alternative. Cedarwood essential oil is:
You can make a cedarwood anti-flea spray by mixing up a small solution of water and several drops of cedarwood essential oil (add more cedarwood for a stronger brew) and using a brush to expose your dog’s skin. Then spray the solution directly onto the skin, avoiding the eyes and ears. For the head area, simply put some of the cedarwood solution on your hands and rub it into all the furry bits – but still make sure not to get too close to the eyes or ears!
How to use doTERRA essential oils on your dog
The best practice is always to apply the essential oils directly to external areas of your dog. One to two drops is usually more than enough for a specific ailment, and I almost always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil to ensure it doesn’t irritate my wee furry friend. If you’re planning on using essential oils internally, I need to stress that you really need to do your research, and always make sure you use therapeutic grade (like doTERRA’s range) essential oils.
That’s it for now! Have you used essential oils on your dog before? How did it turn out?
You knew you wanted to take charge of your family’s health when you first began learning about natural remedies. You probably even knew it wouldn’t be easy.
But you had no idea you’d be so overwhelmed and confused by how much there is to learn and all the conflicting opinions.
We’ve been there. I get it. Here’s the thing, though: we didn’t really have the extra time or dollars needed to research and invest in all those wonderful DIY remedies and essential oil concoctions. This meant it took waaayyyy too long to get where we wanted to be, health-wise.
We did our best with what we had, but it was hard work. And that’s why I want to make it easier for you.
What if I told you someone had already put together a complete package to get you up to speed on using natural remedies – one that’s already carefully vetted for you (saving you time) – at a price that’s way too low to miss (saving you money)?
Well, look no further, because it’s here!
Introducing The Herbs and Essential Oils Super Bundle!
The Herbs and Essential Oils Super Bundle combines everything you need (and then some) in one fabulous package, for the most affordable price ever. (Seriously, just wait until I tell you the price.)
This year’s edition of the Herbs and Essential Oils Super Bundle includes 16 ebooks and printables and 10 full eCourses!
These top-quality resources cover everything you need to give you the skills and confidence to start using natural remedies in your home.
Whats included in the herbs & essential oils super bundle?
You’ll get a complete library to help you:
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Discover the cancer-sugar connection and take back control of your health
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Liven up your meals and get major health benefits by using the right herbs
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So, you’ve seen the amazing health and wellness benefits that essential oils can bring into your life. Excellent. You’ve signed up as a wellness advocate with the likes of doTERRA or Young Living, are buying oils on a regular basis, and use them daily. Awesome. Perhaps you’re just buying oils occasionally, when you’re favorites run out. That’s cool too!
But what about diffusers? They’re typically a larger investment than single oils, and you’ve heard that a lot of diffusers don’t really cut the mustard. You want a diffuser that’ll stand the test of time, fill your home with wonderful aromatics, and above all not break the budget. It’s a hard bargain you drive, but a commendable one.
This post is all about helping you reach an informed decision about which diffuser is best for your needs. While I’ll admit up front that I’m a doTERRA advocate (because they’re so darn awesome!), I’m making a point of being as impartial as possible and reviewing a wide range of diffusers from different companies.
Common types of diffusers
There’s plenty of confusion out there when it comes to diffusers, and part of that is because of the wide range of types that are available on the market. Ultimately, however, there’s 4 main varieties of essential oil diffuser:
ultrasonic diffusers
nebulizing diffusers
heat diffusers
evaporative diffusers
From the experiences we’ve had and the preliminary research I’ve conducted, I personally wouldn’t recommend using heat diffusers or evaporative diffusers. From most accounts, they aren’t as effective at spreading the essential oils throughout a space, and in some cases (as with the heat diffusers) the essential oil may be denatured by the process. Feel free to make your own conclusions on this one, however.
Whether you choose to invest in nebulizing or ultrasonic diffusers is up to you. Here’s a few pros and cons for each:
nebulizing diffusers are perhaps the most effective diffusers at covering a large area. The essential oils attach directly to the unit, so there’s no water required, and they can fill a room much more quickly than ultrasonic diffusers. However, they do tend to cost a little more than ultrasonic diffusers, and you’ll go through your oils quicker.
ultrasonic diffusers are generally cheaper than nebulizing diffusers and double as a humidifier, which is useful for those cold, dry winter months or if you’re sleeping in a room with low relative humidity. Many of them do tend to have lights that you can’t turn off, which isn’t great for melatonin, and they’re not quite as strong as the nebulizing diffusers.
Purespa ultrasonic essential oil diffuser
This is one classy ultrasonic diffuser. It’s relatively compact, looks good, and is BPA free. Here’s the pros and cons of the Purespa Deluxe Ultrasonic Diffuser:
Pros
Large 120 ml tank, which means it can be left on for up to 10 hours. That’s considerably longer than most other diffusers, which typically range between 2 and 6 hours.
The LED lights can be completely switched off! This makes it a great choice for having in your bedroom as you sleep.
Easy to clean and refill
It looks pretty darn sexy, if I’m honest.
Cons
Many people have reported that the diffuser went downhill after a month. Some have said that it becomes noisy or inefficient after that time, but it’s worth noting that the company who makes them seems to have good customer service, and they typically replace the unit no questions asked.
The touch-sensitive on/off switch can be difficult to operate for some people.
It’s a little noisier than some other ultrasonic humidifiers. Not super noisy, but the slight whirr may annoy some people.
The lights continuously toggle through a series of colors rather than remaining on one, which might put off some people.
Overall, the Purespa Deluxe diffuser deserves much of the hype it receives. The fact that the some of the units degraded after a month might worry me, but that was only for a very small minority of the purchasers and that’s likely to happen to many diffusers, no matter how good the quality is. I really like that it can go completely dark, which to me makes it a great diffuser+humidifier combo at night.
Cost: $40-$50 on Amazon (there’s a less fancy, but equally effective, version of the Purespa diffuser for $10 less than the deluxe version)
Trillia MINA III Aromatherapy Nebulizer diffuser
The future is here, and it looks like the Trillia Mina III Nebulizing essential oil diffuser. It’s a ridiculously long name for a super-sleek yet down-to-earth diffuser that packs a serious punch. If you’re ok with spending a bit more money, this could be the right diffuser for you.
Pros
Looks fantastic, either in the natural wood finish or the sleek white version
For a nebulizing diffuser, it’s one of the most quiet I’ve found. The pump is rated at a super low 5 db noise level, so it’s almost as quiet as an ultrasonic diffuser
The nebulizer and high performance air pump mean it can service up to 800 square feet of your home! That’s actually pretty impressive.
Your essential oils are completely encased in glass, meaning there’s no potential for plastic degradation as with some ultrasonic diffusers
Cons
It’s a whole lot more expensive than your average diffuser
It’s still a little noisier than some of the higher quality ultrasonic diffusers
Shuts off automatically when the oil runs out, but the light stays on until it is manually switched off. Kind of unnecessary.
I’m actually hard-pressed to find much wrong with the Trillia Mina III. I love that the essential oil is completely encased in glass, because I simply can’t bring myself to fully trust plastic diffusers. This means that you can diffuse citrus essential oils without any concern of plastic breakdown, as is the case with some other diffusers. I’m also impressed with how much coverage this thing has – some people have even reported that it can diffuse effectively over 1000 square feet. This means that, while it’s more expensive than other diffusers, it does the job of 3 or 4 cheaper diffusers. Kind of a no-brainer, really.
Cost: $99 on Amazon.
Urpower ultrasonic essential oil diffuser
Easily one of the most popular diffusers available, the Urpower Essential Oil Diffuser has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from a whopping 12,000 reviews on Amazon. It’s hard to argue with those statistics. At the time of writing this post, it’s also one of the cheapest diffusers we’ve come across, at a measly $20.
Pros
Two mist settings, meaning you can up the ante when you need more essential oil action around the home or if you’re using it in different-sized rooms
Super quiet, perhaps the most quiet ultrasonic unit I’ve come across
Small and compact, making it a good travel companion
Considerably more affordable than most other high-quality diffusers.
Cons
It can be hard to twist off the top of the unit to fill up the reservoir.
Only operates for up to 6 hours
While the LED lights can be turned off at night, the small “on” indicator light can’t. Not great for sleeping.
If you’re looking for a solid choice at a low price, you could do worse than the Urpower Essential Oil Diffuser. You’re not going to get as much coverage as the Trillia Mina III, nor as long an operation time (like the Purespa Deluxe), but I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any first time essential oil users.
Cost: $20 on Amazon (currently on special)
Innogear ultrasonic essential oil diffuser
Look the same as the Urpower diffuser? That’s because it is! Exact same product, different name. The Innogear essential oil diffuser is also going for $20 right now, so it’s really just down to the name.
doTERRA ultrasonic petal diffuser
The doTERRA petal diffuser is simple and straightforward. It lacks many of the finer points that other diffusers offer, and is admittedly a lot less aesthetically pleasing, but I don’t mind that – not every diffuser needs to be a work of art! This was my very first diffuser, and it continues to work without a hitch 3 years later – it’s even travelled with me across several continents, so that’s saying something!
Pros
Simple and reliable. I’ve never had any issues with this product
Reasonably quiet, although does have a slight tinkling sound occasionally
Mist reach of up to 330 square feet, which is more than many other ultrasonic diffusers
Cons
The LED light can be switched off, but there’s still a small light behind the “on” indicator that can’t be switched off. This does create some light, which can be annoying for sleeping.
A bit “uglier” than some other ultrasonic units
Could do with a slightly longer operation time
Ultimately, the doTERRA petal diffuser is still a good first choice for those starting out with essential oils. I can personally say that these things just keep on going, so there’s no doubt to its quality. It is, however, a bit more expensive than many of the other ultrasonic contenders.
Cost: Currently $58.60 on Amazon. Note that it can be bought wholesale for $47 if you’re a doTERRA Wellness Advocate.
doTERRA ultrasonic lotus diffuser
I haven’t tried the doTERRA lotus essential oil diffuser yet but based on preliminary reviews wouldn’t recommend it. It’s horribly overpriced, and as far as effectiveness it’s about the same as most other standard diffusers. You’re better off investing in the Trillia Mina III, which is still $20 cheaper and works far more effectively.
Pros
Looks nice, and has a relatively unique design
Doesn’t take up much surface area
Cons
Ridiculously overpriced for what it is: a standard essential oil diffuser.
Cost: $120 on Amazon.
Young Living ultrasonic diffuser
The Young Living Rose Home Diffuser is essentially just a more expensive version of the doTERRA petal diffuser. It has all the usual features that most ultrasonic units provide, and is a solid yet unexciting choice for your first diffuser.
Pros
Looks nice-ish, if you like roses!
Cons
Super expensive, for what you get: a standard ultrasonic diffuser
Has been known to break down after 6 months
Has a smaller coverage than the doTERRA petal diffuser
Overall, it doesn’t really make sense to buy this unit (or the Young Living “Dewdrop” diffuser, for that matter) when you have so many other, more reasonably-priced diffusers available.
Cost: $75 on Amazon.
Which essential oil diffuser is best?
It’s difficult to say which is the king (or queen) of diffusers, as there’s just so many different kinds out there. I have, however, reviewed a good range of diffuser types over varying price ranges, so this gives you a good idea of how the market is segmented. Based on my own experiences with these diffusers and other people’s reviews, here’s my two picks.
Best ultrasonic essential oil diffuser: the Purespa Deluxe Ultrasonic Diffuser. For what is still a reasonable price of around $40, you get a top-quality diffuser that has an impressive operation time of 10 hours and with lights that can be completely turned off to help you sleep. It’s only shortcoming is a slightly smaller coverage than the doTERRA petal diffuser.
Best nebulizing essential oil diffuser: while I only reviewed one nebulizing diffuser, the Trillia Mina III Nebulizing diffuser is the obvious choice for top-quality essential oil aromatherapy. I love that it’s made from hand-blown glass, that it doesn’t contain any nasty plastic, and that it can diffuse over a huge area. In this way, it replaces up to 4 ultrasonic essential oil diffusers. The price may deter some buyers, but if you’re looking for quality, this is a great choice.
What essential oil diffuser to you use? Would you recommend any specific diffuser to the team here at Thrive Primal? We’d love to know how you got on with your diffuser purchasing experience!
In our previous post, we explored what exactly it is that makes a good essential oil and why they’re so darn fantastic. We also took a walk through the doTERRA wellness advocate and LRP programs, and how to go about getting the most from your oils.
In this article, I’m going to examine some of the many uses for essential oils, from joint pain to eczema. By the end of the article, you’ll have dramatically improved your knowledge of how to use different essential oils to solve everyday illnesses and ailments, and you’ll be that much more excited to get your hands on these wondrous elixirs of health!
Remember, however, that we’re not doctors – if you’re ever in doubt about something, consult a professional first!
Using essential oils to treat coughs
Coughs are a common enough occurrence around the home, especially during the winter months. But rather than knocking back nasty chemical-laden cough syrups or formulas, why not make up your own anti-cough essential oil formula? Here’s some of the most effective essential oils proven to treat coughs and other respiratory problems:
Frankincense – a strong anti-inflammatory oil that helps to clear the lungs and nasal passages and regulate breathing
Eucalyptus – helps to break down mucus in the lungs and alleviate inflammation in the respiratory system
Tea tree – can treat bacterial and viral infection associated with coughs
Lemon – long used as a potent weapon against colds and flu, lemon essential oil can fight the cause of your cough and boost your immune system
Peppermint – this essential oil is dynamite against dry coughs, and is a decongestant as well
Because the cause of your problem is located in your respiratory tract, the best way to use these essential oils to treat the cough is to use a diffuser. doTERRA has an excellent petal diffuser which you can buy through our store that we use every day, or you can grab a well-regarded diffuser on Amazon. Otherwise, make up a balm by adding a few drops of one or a few of the above essential oils to 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Rub the balm on the neck and chest (wherever the cough is bothering you) a few times a day.
Using essential oils to treat cramps
I’ve been known to wake up in the night with a teeth-grinding, often shriek-emitting cramp in one of both of my calves. Added to that regular feet and jaw cramps, and that’s a whole trifecta of pain right there! Do you suffer from these sorts of muscle cramps as well, or perhaps even menstrual cramps? Either way, you’ll agree that they’re not nice. Here’s a few easy solutions, essential oil styles:
If it’s general muscle cramps that you suffer from, mix up some coconut oil with a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender or helichrysum essential oil. Rub it on as soon as the cramp hits, or in advance if you have a sneaking suspicion that there’s cramps in your future.
If you regularly have problems with menstrual cramps, clary sage, cypress, lavender and ylang ylang are all effective ways to naturally balance hormones, increase circulation, reduce stress, and ultimately alleviate cramping. Use a carrier oil (such as coconut or castor) to rub in 2-3 drops of these essential oils onto your lower abdomen and groin. For even better results, use a warm compress after applying the oils to really get them working deep into your lady bits.
Using essential oils to treat diarrhea
You’d be surprised by how often this comes up! And rather than rushing to the drug store to stock up on Immodium if you’ve got a bad case of the runs, do your health a favor and give these essential oils a try first:
Peppermint essential oil – this can lower bowel inflammation and prevent the formation of loose poop
Ginger essential oil – in addition to it’s anti-fart (not the scientific term!) and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is also a great natural anti-diarrhetic.
Geranium essential oil – this is an age-old natural remedy for diarrhea and other issues of the gastrointestinal tract, and by all accounts it works wonders!
While it might seem logical, ingesting essential oils is generally considered rather dangerous. Instead, apply them topically by mixing with a carrier oil and rubbing directly onto your abdomen – with the aid of the carrier oils, the essential oils will still be able to penetrate your GI tract and work their wonders.
Using essential oils to treat earaches
Earaches can quickly make your day a whole lot less enjoyable. Essential oils make a convenient, effective way to treat earaches, but only when they’re used correctly. Because the ears are so sensitive, make sure you don’t let any essential oil get inside your ear canal. I’ll talk about how to use essential oils safely around the ears, but first here’s some of the more popular essential oils for treating earache:
lavender essential oil
chamomile essential oil
tea tree essential oil
eucalyptus essential oil
rosemary essential oil
Probably my favorite way of treating earaches with essential oils, and one of the safer methods, is to use a hot compress. Simply soak a cloth in hot water for a minute or two, wring out the excess water, then place 2-4 drops of essential oil (lavender and chamomile are a great mix) onto the cloth and hold it against your ear for 10 minutes, or until the cloth cools. Another way to treat earache is to place a small amount of carrier oil in your hand, mix in 2-3 drops of one or several of the above essential oils, and gently apply to the backs of your ears.
Using essential oils to treat infections
If there’s one area that essential oils particularly excel in, it’s infections. They have long been used to treat both external (i.e. superficial) and internal infections – ranging from grazes to bacterial overgrowth and yeast infections. In this section, I’ll talk specifically about treating external infections, as things like yeast infection are a whole different ball game. Here’s my top picks for anti-microbial essential oils:
Tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil – this is my go-to for anything infection-related. Tea tree oil has potent antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, making it a great all-rounder for treating almost any infection under the sun. I prefer to mix a couple of drops of tea tree with a small amount of coconut oil to dilute it and ensure it doesn’t irritate the area of application. If I ever get a graze, cut or surface wound that looks like it has the potential to get infected, I clean the area with water then immediately apply tea tree and coconut oil. You can also use tea tree to effectively treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
Lavender essential oil – second only to tea tree, lavender oil is another great treatment for infection. It not only has good antibacterial and anti-viral properties, but also smells amazing and helps to alleviate stress and anxiety, which often come hand in hand with an injury. Because it’s a bit more mellow, you can apply lavender directly to the area of concern, however I still generally mix it with a carrier oil.
Oregano essential oil – this stuff is seriously potent, and is the sworn enemy of any unwanted visitors to your body. It has been shown to effectively treat staph infections, along with a wide range of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. Remember that oregano is a hot oil, meaning it can easily irritate the skin if you don’t dilute it with a carrier oil. It’s also good to remember that a little oregano essential oil goes a long way!
Using essential oils to treat yeast infections
I’ve talked at length about treating bacterial overgrowths and yeast infections like Candida in my book The Paleo Guide to Beating Candida Naturally. It goes through changes you can make to your diet, lifestyle, and outlook to kick Candida and keep it where it belongs – including using essential oils to give it the boot. If you’re looking for some quick tips on how to use essential oils to improve your yeast infection woes, however, this may be of use:
Oregano essential oil – as discussed, this is a potent anti-microbial oil, and can work wonders against Candida and other yeast infections.
Thyme essential oil – the volatile oils in thyme have been repeatedly shown by studies to provide an effective anti-parasitic and anti-fungal treatment.
Tea tree essential oil – as above, tea tree works just as well against internal infection as it does against external infection.
I’ve taken oregano and thyme essential oils internally to treat parasites without any ill effect, but I wouldn’t recommend that anyone else do this without expert guidance. Your best bet is to mix together 2-3 drops of all these oils and a carrier oil like coconut, and rub it onto your lower abdomen and around (not in!) your lady area at least twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Again, you can use a hot compress to allow the oils to penetrate deeper and give that pesky yeast infection the old heave ho.
Using essential oils to treat joint pain
Here at Thrive Primal, we always advocate using diet and lifestyle as your first defense against sickness and ill health…including joint pain. If you’re suffering from chronic joint pain, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis, chances are your body is responding poorly to something you’re eating or excess stress you’re exposing yourself two. Often both.
But often there are times when that just isn’t enough. Or perhaps you’ve just come off your bike at high speed, kneed the corner of a cupboard, or literally fell out of bed and landed on your hip. Whatever the reasons, here’s the essential oil solutions:
Ginger essential oil – contains active natural compounds that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a great oil for alleviating the pain and symptoms of joint inflammation.
Frankincense essential oil – no surprise to see this versatile oil here – it’s ridiculously anti-inflammatory and helps to prevent the breakdown of cartilage.
Myrrh essential oil – combined with it’s old friend frankincense, myrrh makes an effective and time-tested treatment for arthritis and other forms of joint inflammation.
As usual, the two best methods to use these oils safely and effectively is either topical application or aromatically. If you suffer from chronic joint pain, diffusing a mix of frankincense, myrrh and lavender essential oil will help to soothe your mind and ease the inflammation in your joints. If you’re seeking to ease intense or localized pain in your joints, however, your best bet is to rub a few drops of any or all of these oils into the affected area along with a carrier oil like coconut or castor oil.
Using essential oils to treat skin problems
This topic actually merits it’s own post, as there’s just so many skin conditions out there and so many essential oil-based solutions! But to get you started, here’s a few of the more popular essential oils and their uses for maintaining healthy skin and healing unhealthy skin:
Lavender essential oil – surprise, surprise, it’s lavender again! Just as this essential oil can soothe your mind and disinfect your cuts and scrapes, it can also soothe irritated skin. Mixing it with a moisturizing oil like coconut or argan oil can provide an excellent soothing ointment to apply to irritated skin and rashes.
Geranium essential oil – geranium helps to regulate your skin’s oil production. This means that if you’re suffering from acne or even dry skin, geranium essential oil might be a good addition to your daily moisturizer.
Chamomile essential oil – this oil is kind of like a jack of all trades – it can be used to treat acne, eczema, cracked skin, inflammation, and overly sensitive skin.
Frankincense essential oil – forget anti-aging creams: frankincense contains high concentrations of free radical-fighting compounds that help to maintain skin elasticity and prevent pigmentation – two of the leading signs of aging in the skin.
Getting your hands on these essential oils
If you’re serious about making essential oils a part of your life, your best bet is to sign up with a company like doTERRA or Young Living. We use doTERRA, and are always really happy with the quality of the oils. You can read more about doTERRA here. To sign up, or simply to buy oils through the regular online retail store, we’ve provided a series of easy steps in this post.
Did I miss anything out? Do you have a go-to essential oil that you can’t be without? Have you noticed whether they’ve made a big difference in your life, or helped you recover from something monumental? Comment away, people!
