Essential oils can be an excellent addition to kick up your favorite dishes, desserts, and drinks. Not only do they add fresh flavor at the ready, but they provide a host of wellness benefits that you just can't get with fresh herbs. And it's cost-efficient because a little drop (sometimes less) can go a long way and it won't go to waste getting brown in the fridge.
Did You Know?
Companies only have to have 5% "essential oil" in the bottle you purchase in order to label it as "100% pure essential oil." The remainder of the bottle's ingredients could be fillers such as alcohol, carrier oils, and other synthetic or toxic chemicals.
That oil could be Grade D (or what's known in the aromatherapy world as "trash water") or extracted with toxic chemicals to produce a higher yield.
The crops could have been planted in soil that has been treated with herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals for years, and the crops to make your oil could be regularly treated with toxic pesticides as well.
Those synthetic chemicals and toxins can end up in your bloodstream, even if you're just using the essential oil as a home fragrance oil, creating a host of health problems for you and future generations to come.
Does any of that sound like something you'd want to put in your mouth? (Or on your body...or even something you'd want to inhale?) It's so important to know what's in the bottle and where your oils have come from. Don't worry, calling the company you're interested in using will help you make an informed decision before you put anything in (or on) your body.
Questions to Ask Your Essential Oil Company
Does the label specifically say not to ingest the oil or indicate that it may be harmful if swallowed? (This is indicative of impure contents within the bottle.)
Where do the crops come from?
Does the company have a part in how the farms are operated? What standards are they held to?
How clean was the soil before planting and have the crops been treated with pesticides of any kind?
What is the process they use in distilling or extracting the oils?
How does this process impact the wellness benefits of their oils?
Are there ever any chemicals used in the process or added afterward?
Does the company purchase their oils pre-distilled?
What is the in-house testing process the oils go through?
Is there any third-party testing the oils go through?
Can I visit the farms, distilleries, or testing facilities to view any of the processes for myself?
Be aware of what you're putting in or on your body and what you're inhaling. There are so many different companies out there selling something they've labeled as "essential oils," but there is a HUGE difference in the quality and chemical constituents (and, therefore, the active wellness benefits) among them all.
There's a reason Young Living is the only brand we trust for our home (after years of trying other brands) and that this company has been the leader in the essential oil field for over 29 years. Check out more about Young Living's 3 Pillars of Seed to Seal here.
Tips for Ingesting Essential Oils Safely
Only use essential oils specifically labeled as safe to ingest. You can also check with reference guides for oils that are listed as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) for consumption.
Start low and slow when adding to your recipes
Refer to the dilution ratio that is appropriate for your age / body size.
Always avoid plastic dishes when using essential oils.
Hot oils, such as Oregano Vitality or Cinnamon Bark Vitality, should be diluted further (you can always add more of the essential oil later, if you'd like) and used with caution as there can be a strong warming sensation.
Using vegetable capsules is a great way to ingest oils without tasting them for those who may be sensitive to certain scents or flavors. You can also mix oils into things like rice or almond milk.
When adding oils to your water, always shake well before each drink. Essential oils and water do not mix.
Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel cups or water bottles only.
When you're ready to grab your own Young Living oils and toxin-free products, I'm here with the support, resources, and community you need to cut through the overwhelm of information out there on the internet and easily incorporate them into your lifestyle to meet and exceed your personal wellness goals.
Let's be real - taking care of your wellness can feel like a solo mission. But, don't worry - we're here to be your wellness warriors, cheering you on every step of the way! We're not just here to give you answers, we're here to build lasting friendships and watch you blossom into the best version of yourself.
We're all about paying it forward and that's why we're sharing our wellness secrets with you. Now, it's your turn to feel more confident as you make the best choices for you and your family.
Start by snagging your free digital guide, "7 Delicious Meals in 20 Minutes or Less"Â below or click the link here to learn more about why we're so passionate about helping YOU to become an even more educated consumer. Let's do this wellness thing together!
