Let's get to the truth about essential oils and my story. Being a natural minded girl, you're probably thinking I'm going all in with essential oils and think they're the greatest thing ever, but that's not the case, at least, not the whole case. I'm not going to tell you they're safe because they're natural and they're going to cure every disease and malady you come across.
They're not some type of miracle in a little bottle, though they do work so well for some people they consider them as such. Probably not what you were expecting to hear, but stay with me.
Essential oils are natural and can be very powerful, but they also need to be used responsibly, and with proper research.
Disclaimer: Heads up, I’m not a doctor, certified herbalist or medical professional. These statements haven’t been approved or evaluated by the FDA and none of this should be considered treatment or diagnosis, it is for informational purposes only.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Plant Therapy.
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What is an essential oil
An essential oil is the natural oil found in a plant that is extracted by distilling it, either by steam or water. It's a very concentrated form of the plant or herb.
Why I stopped using essential oils
Bet ya didn't see that coming. When I first heard of essential oils I was really excited. I'd already been disillusioned by modern medicine and found healing for my stomach acid and ulcers by turning to natural remedies and whole unprocessed foods.
I found out about essential oils and signed up with a MLM (multi-level marketing) company. I was eager to learn about using the oils for my health and that of my family. I followed the advice given to me by people with the company and those who had been using the essential oils for years with the same company.
I tried using the essential oils as suggested, by adding a drop to water or adding a drop to my coffee or hot chocolate. I had heart burn like you wouldn't believe and a burning in my gut.
I kept hearing the terms Therapeutic grade in reference to oils, especially in regard to quality and safety for ingesting, or applying neat. Neat means putting the essential oil on your skin without diluting it. Therapeutic grade isn't certified or governed, it's simply a term.
Instead, I now prefer to look at third party lab testing to indicate the purity of the oil. Just because a company uses the term therapeutic grade doesn't mean it's a bad company or oil, but on the flip side, it doesn't mean it isn't.
I'm not saying the oils by these companies aren't quality or that all of the reps for them are giving bad advice, because that's not true, but there are some that are sharing and giving dangerous advice in the use of the oils.
Essential oils can and should have a place in your natural medicine cabinet and homestead, but only when you go into it armed with knowledge based on fact and give them the proper respect they deserve.
My daughter has a blood clotting disorder, Von Willebrand's disease, and she is very limited to what she can use, even in over-the-counter medicines. I was hoping I'd be able to use herbs and essential oils.
Someone shared a post that said to use Ginger essential oil for people who were on blood thinners or had blood clotting disorders. I quickly requested the photo and information be immediately taken down due to the danger. Ginger can interfere with blood clotting so someone with clotting issues or already on blood thinners could suffer dangerous side effects by following this advice.
When the seriousness of this advice was not heeded, I could no longer in good conscious be apart of the team or company. I was seeing too much dangerous advice and when it was questioned, vague answers or the FDA is out to get us was toted. While I'm not a huge fan of the FDA and many of their decisions, not everything they do in regards to essential oils is the work of big pharma, some of it is because people, especially children, were being harmed by inaccurate use and information.
After doing more research and realizing certain oils were dangerous for children, I stopped using them. I didn't trust the advice I'd been given and until I could do my own research, I wasn't comfortable using them.
Resources
Free Essential Oil Caution Guide– know which oils are photo-sensitive, which aren't safe for children, and if an oil interacts with certain medical conditions. Get your free copy here–> Essential Oil Safety Guide and Chart
What essential oil company do I use now? So glad you asked.
I recently found Plant Therapy and fell in love when I placed my first order. They staff certified aromatherapists (meaning people who are actually trained in the use of essential oils) and they place a KidSafe label on all of their oils that are indeed safe to use with children.
After seeing their dedication to safety and that they have third party lab reports listed on each essential oil as well as certified organic in many of the varieties. I reached out to them to ask if they'd give a special deal to Pioneering Today and MelissaKNorris.com readers and listeners.
They said yes and shipped me the set they were offering so I could try it out as well. Big thank you to Plant Therapy for being a sponsor and offering a great deal.
The also have a line of KidSafe oils and blends that were formulated by world renowned essential oil safety expert, Robert Tisserand. For ease of use they even have a KidSafe Wellness Roll-On Set
Some of my favorite and most used essential oils are Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint all combined for you in this special starter kit
How I use essential oils
But after I'd had time to dig in and do more research, and to let my emotions calm down a bit, I started using essential oils again. Because they are pretty amazing and do have their spot in my natural medicine cabinet, beauty routine, and even cleaning products.
Topically– this is the method I use on a daily basis, with one oil or another. If I'm coming down with a cold I'll use immune boosting oil blends.
For my beauty routine my favorite is Frankincense . I will use it with jojoba oil as my nightly moisturizer.
Warning: I never use an oil neat, and no, contrary to someone saying if you have a reaction to using an oil neat it simply means the quality of the oil was bad. When you use an oil neat, or undiluted, you are running the risk of skin reactions, but secondly, and perhaps more important, using an oil neat can lead to systemic toxicity. Systemic toxicity doesn't always show up immediately-source
In Homemade Products– I use essential oils in homemade soaps, salves, lotion bars and lip balms. Peppermint is one of my favorites for lip balms and hand creams, but I use lavender in soaps and relaxing bath salts.
Note: Peppermint needs to be diluted well as it will burn the skin if applied neat or at too high a ratio and is also not considered a kid safe oil. Please see our free download guide for a list of essential oils and there cautions with use.
For cleaning– lemon essential oil works amazing well at getting gunk or labels off of glass. But be very careful using it on plastic or easily damaged surfaces. It's quite acidic.
Diffusing and/or Aromatherapy– this is using the scent of an essential oil to help your body both physically and emotionally. Usually in the form of either stimulating or calming, depending upon the desired result.
I use a drop of lavender essential oil straight on my pillow case every other night.
Instead of using synthetic fragrances, which can often contain volatile or carcinogenic properties, essential oils are a great way to fragrance a room or as a perfume.
Roll-on Bottles-You can put 2 teaspoons of carrier oil in a roll-on bottle and add your favorite essential oils for a perfume or medicinal use. I have a lavender one and also a Melaluca aka Tea Tree oil roll-on after we had a set of hair bugs visit our family last week.
For a clean summer scent I love using lemon or lavender with lime in the diffuser.
This is my newest diffuser and I love the different light settings or not using one at all.
What is the Live Pioneering Today Show
Knowing the proper dilution rate is also important for safety and Plant Therapy has that listed on their bottles of essential oils. They created this handy Dilution Rate Chart that you can get as a magnet or as a free download. Click here to access
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I have been using Plant Therapy since last year and love their products! Thanks for a great review and sound advice about the use of essential oils!
Thanks Bekah, I wish I’d found them long ago. 🙂
I initially got sucked into an MLM EO venture, and much like yourself, found I disagreed with much of what they ‘taught’. I have since found more reliable resources and still feel comfortable using oils. I still encourage use of oils. I do not encourage internal use unless under supervision of a naturopath. I do use some oils neat, but most get diluted. It is a learning curve, and I encourage everyone to do their due diligence. Don’t get sucked in to the MLM marketing. Make sure you have several reliable resources of information.
I am so glad you are sharing this information! I LOVE Plant Therapy and have been using them for years! Essential oils have been a blessing to my family but like you, I did tons of research to learn how to use them properly and I get so frustrated when I hear misguided MLM reps give dangerous advice with the best of intentions. .
Tonya, I wish I’d found about them sooner, so glad to hear you enjoy them!
I use EOs for some things, too. On occasion, I have taken some internally, and apply some topically or diffuse as needed, although I tend to dilute a whole lot more than most people would suggest, no matter what method i use.
The never take internally/it’s okay to take internally discussion has merit on both sides. Lots of drama on both sides, too, which can make it tough to wade through and discover the truth. Whenever possible, I tend to start with the least invasive approach first and then graduate to more invasive if the situation is not an emergency. With EOs, that progression for me is diffusing, apply topically, take internally. I see EOs as medicine and treat them with the same caution i do pharmaceuticals. Each has its place in my medicinal toolbox.
I have used two different brands, one from an MLM, one not. I have not yet tried Plant Therapy. Thanks for mentioning them.
Thanks for sharing your experience Megan. I agree, least invasive first for sure.
Plant Therapy is located not far from me ( our only “real size” town within 100 miles). Not only do they make wonderful products, they are a great company. They have donated thousands of dollars to local nonprofits, and they helped us with our adult summer reading program at our local public library. I started out with another EO company, but now I am buying locally and supporting a company that is proving itself to be a great asset to our area in so many ways!
MaryBeth, thanks so much for letting me know that!
This is really good, thanks for the post. I bought some oils at a friend’s party last year, but have been slow to use them because my husband was skeptical. I liked having the options for aromatherapy, diffusing, and cleaning. But he often has good instincts so I’ve been reluctant to use them much. I don’t like what feels like blind enthusiasm I see in some of my acquaintances and on Facebook.
Thanks for guidance toward a more wise and balanced approach!
Hey Alicia,
I’m so glad you found this helpful and glad you heeded the cautious approach.
Thank you for taking the time to share your wealth of knowledge with us!! Such a blessing! I am glad you found Plant Therapy. I have met the original owner/founder and she is amazing!! She is extremely educated regarding essential oils and natural remedies. She sold the company to her daughter and son-in-law. I love that the company is so diligent about making sure they provide a safe product and yet it is still affordable. You can’t beat their customer service either! I just thought it wouldn’t hurt for you to hear another person vouch for them. (I know you already love the company, but still!!). I live in Idaho so its a bonus to buy from another Idahoan company. Thanks again for your efforts to enlighten the rest of us!
PS- please share your Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! Guessing you cook by experience and “eye-balling” it but just a general guideline would be awesome. You talked about it in the podcast so I came looking for one-
I came across you YouTube video while watching some other videos about Young Living EO. I struggle to know where to get sound information. It can all be so overwhelming. My daughters and I are currently sick and have been using eucalyptus and lemon the last day. Diffusing it and applying it topically diluted. My girls are only 3 and 15 months. ?
I would love some recommendations.
I would recommend looking at Plant Therapy’s kidsafe blends. This is a great kid safe set http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-7602004-12658673?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planttherapy.com%2Ftop-6-kidsafe-set%3Fv%3D1384&cjsku=680912012577
Thank you for saving me from both a poor experience and from being caught up in a MLM. I had joined the same day I found you on YouTube and heard your story. I have decided to take a step back and get myself properly educated about oils and determine what my needs are from them. This is a better course of action for me rather than to jump in with both feet; hot and ready to do this oils thing. I cancelled my membership, my refund is on it’s way. I have decided I will order a basic oil such as lavender for my diffuser as a safe starter to the world of oils.
Hi Barbara, I think taking your time and education is key. I do believe essential oils are a great thing, just when used with research. 🙂 Best of luck!
I am looking for a difuser, atomizing, Made in USA. Any suagonizing,
Loved your presentation about essential oils.
And I do have another question: i want to have the smell of do in the shower, but cannot find the right way to do it. I used Epson salt in a small tea holder, with so drops, but there is not enough smell. Thanks
I am currently a member of one of the MLMs, mostly so that I can get the oils at the wholesale cost. I’m not interested in trying to recruit others or sell oils, and don’t really plan to in the future. When a friend complains about a health issue, I make a roller bottle blend targeted for their ailments for them to try, and that’s about as much as I do to market the use of oils. I found your video on youtube and was intrigued by what you said, as I too think that the oils need to be treated with respect, and not as casually as I’ve seen posted all over Facebook. When I first started, I did use them internally in a daily casual manner (putting a drop in drinks just for flavoring, or taking some in a capsule to try to boost my metabolism) after about a month of this, my digestive track made me well aware that it wasn’t happy. Those issues vanished when I stopped the casual internal intake. Now, I take them internally as a final resort, specifically when I know I’m coming down with a cold and I want to nip that in the bud.
Anyway, I do have a question for you, you mention in both the video and above that Ginger can affect the blood’s ability to clot, but when I checked your chart of precautions, there is no mention of those things with Ginger. I was discussing the Ginger to my mom, as my father takes Warfarin, but when I checked your chart (which I had printed out), I didn’t see the same precaution on it… which drove me back to your blog to find out if I had misheard/misread what you had to say about it. So, I’m a little confused… could you help clarify? Thanks!
Hi Beth,
You’re right, that caution didn’t get on the Ginger in the caution guide. I’ll get that added in. But yes, Ginger should not be used if you’re on a blood thinner or have clotting issues. Thanks for letting me know that!
I’ll get it updated and do another check and send out the updated version this week.
I am a wellness advocate for doTERRA Int’l. I take most of these oils internally and make sure to DILUTE the hot oils. To use these oils on children, I would recommend using them on the bottoms of their feet.
I am very impressed how much you researched all the safety guide lines. doTERRA has guide lines also that I share with everyone. Most EO’s out there have fillers that are not good!
Just make sure your EO’s do not have fillers in them.
Thank you for the video!
Kathy
I have just begun learning about and using essential oils. I am often asked by friends what to use on children, I also have a grandson who is 2! I would absolutely love to print out your charts to give me a quick reference of what is safe.
Thank you for bringing safety to me attention I definitely learned a lot. I look forward to having you send athe download
I’m just Starting to learn about essential oils. I have a 2 year old grandson and several friends with little kids that often asked me what to use. I would really appreciate you sending me The download of the charts so that I have that reference.
Thank you for sharing so much valuable information.I look forward to following you and learning more!
Susan, if you click the link above listed in the resource section for the chart, you just need to put in your email and name and it will send to you automatically.
Hi Melissa. Being a beginner, This video was an absolute eye opener to me. Thank you.
I read that Tumeric – as well as Nirole essential oils have a positive impact for epelepsy treatment, but I don’t know how to use them for this condition and can one use it together with prescription medicine? Do you have any advise on this?
Hey Melissa, why did you decide to go with Plant Therapy vs. the MLM oils? Was there a quality issue I should be aware of? :’-(
Hi Jennifer, not a quality issue, but a price issue (I just want to buy an oil when I need it for a low price without having to sign up for anything) and above the price issue, the safety and use information I was given. I like Plant Therapy because it clearly has stated on the bottle if it’s kidsafe, they have certified organic oils on oils I want organic, and they hire certified aromatherapists, plus, they’ve partnered with Robert Tisserand (whose research and judgement on essential oils I trust because it’s science backed with studies) to help formulate their kid oils. I guess that’s more than a few reasons, lol. That being said, some folks are really happy with MLM’s, I just had too many personal conflicts with my experience.
I watched your video tonight about the truth about essential oils. I was excited to see you were offering a free essential oils safety guide. However when I downloaded it I noticed there was missing information. Some of the oils it does not state the age the oil is appropriate for. At first I was assuming it meant for all since it was blank. But then noticed some actually said all. So now not sure what the blank ones mean. Second I I was surprised with the fact that you were saying how there are people out there giving bad information that could hurt someone when you are doing the same thing. I am new to oiling but one of the first things I learned was that wintergreen oil can NOT be ingested because it is poisonous. However on your safety sheet you put avoid using internally if you have GERD. Everyone should avoid using internally because it is not intended for internal use and can be poisonous. Also I have been hesitant to try essential oils internally but have recently tried peppermint oil in water just prior to seeing this video and I did not have the same experience as you. I feel that had I seen this prior to internal use I might not have tried it where it has been very useful/ helpful to me.
Hi Dana,
First off I will say it’s a free guide and not an exhaustive document but meant as a place for you to start with your own research and compiled from my own research. If it doesn’t have an age stated then you’ll want to do your own research on that particular oil. In regards to Wintergreen essential oil you may find this article interesting from Robert Tisserand, I personally don’t take any oils internally, especially in water, and still stand by that. We each make our own decision, but the research I’ve seen shows using essential oils in water over time can cause damage, and quite serious damage at that. I have updated a warning on the Wintergreen along with another link to the sources section at the bottom of the chart. http://roberttisserand.com/2012/03/wintergreen-oil-safety/
I stumbled upon your presentation via you tube and then came here to this wonderful site. I am moving away from a MLM company because I felt that the prices were way to high. I have to say I was almost afraid to leave the company because I know they had good product. So my search to find good oils at a lower price has been a bit confusing. I had looked at plant therapy and you highlighted some things that really gave me more confidence with them. Thank you!!! I noticed that you advertise Eden’s Garden. This is another company I have been looking at. I would appreciate any insight you can give me on this company. I look forward to following you and seeing more. OH! and what a delight to know you are a follower of Jesus!
Hi Carol,
You probably saw an ad on the site for Eden’s Garden. I personally use Plant Therapy and haven’t tried Eden’s Garden. I’ve been so happy with Plant Therapy’s pricing and safety measures I haven’t looked at another company after finding them. 🙂 And yay to another sister in Christ!
I saw your video about essential oils. I have been using DOTERRA essential oils for more than a year with excellent results. I don’t know the source of the oils you use but I have a testimony that DOTERRA oils are top quality and they are good for our body and a great natural substitute of pharmaceitical medicine.
While the purity of oils is important, it doesn’t matter which brand when we’re talking about with interactions and the danger to your esophagus and liver it’s the compounds and concentration of the plant in the oil form, regardless of brand.
Are Co2 extracted oils better than steamed distilled extracted oils?
I just wanted to post that I sincerely appreciate your promotion of Plant Therapy and sharing your experiences with the fears that essentials oils can foster when there are unsafe oils on the market and a proliferation of unsafe usage. I was terrified to use essential oils for these reasons for years. Since I heard about Plant Therapy from you, I’ve dove right in with renewed interest to research and become more aware that there are some amazing companies like Plant Therapy out there that can be trusted. I’ve been using their oils exclusively since 2017 and can’t sing their praises enough. My essential oils journal that includes details (cautions/usage/benefits/etc) about each oil along with my recipes that have completely transformed my cleaning supplies, medicinal arsenal, and beauty products use the trusted information published by Plant Therapy. They are my go to for checking all things oils as I have come to trust them all because of your recommendation! I appreciate how your knowledge of, experience with, and recommendation for partnering with Plant Therapy has been so beneficial for my family! Thank you for all you do! Please know it truly makes a difference!
I’m so happy to hear this Sonya! Big hugs to you and I’m so glad you found confidence to use them the informed safe way too. 🙂
Hi! Thanks for all the info and cautionary advise. Yes, even natural needs to be used safely and responsibly!
You mentioned your daughter has von Willebrands – so what essential oils can she use or perhaps the shorter list is what oils can she NOT use? Thanks!
do you have any eo or remedy that is effective for von willebrands?
No, I haven’t found anything that helps the clot become stronger.
Hello my mom was using peppermint topically and is on blood thinners and her numbers were all messed up you are 100% correct in using caution! Thank you for this post I found it helpful. My son has Addison’s Disease and I requested your safety list. He is 19 but I do diffuse the oils in our home and in his room and I want to be safe about it. I love that Plant Therapy is more affordable and would you say that they are just as good as Young Living or Doterra?
Thank you for the info! I have a question about the essential oil safety guide. It’s unclear to me under the “ages” column what the “all” classifier means – does this mean it is safe or it is unsafe for all? I can’t tell if ‘inhale:all’ means it’s safe to diffuse around all ages or not? Please clarify so I can use accordingly, it’s such a great resource!
I just recently discovered you Melissa and it was my research on essential oils that brought me here. I had started picking up on the fact that many of the homesteaders I was following were in MLM with a particular essential oil company and that for many of them it was their largest source of income. This really disillusioned me. The last straw was when one of them essentially tried to recruit from their podcast. You have been a breath of fresh air! I appreciate so much your research and honesty! (I have a degree in Biology so it is all about the science for me!) I do not use EO but may try a few after reading your blog and doing more of my own research as well. Now I’ve bought you book on garden planning and the accompanying planner! Lol! Looking at a few of your classes too! I just gave your podcast that I have been listening to for awhile now a 5 star rating! Your podcasts are so diverse! I wanted you to know your independent research into EO is what sold me on you. Thank you for being so thorough!
I agree with you