Essential Oils 101

Summer is (almost) over…I can’t believe it! This whole season has been a whirlwind for me personally with work and everyday life, but I couldn't be happier with where I am today. I am ready for the Fall...Who's with me!?

It’s been so long since I finally sat down to write a post and I’m so excited to do that for you all now! As I sit here with my candles going, diffuser on, and a cup of coffee in hand, I want to talk to you guys about essential oils! I have been dying to write this blog post, mainly because essential oils was one of the reasons I was inspired to start hpmainiero.com! My friends and family come to me all the time whenever they’re feeling run down or a cold coming on and ask my advice on what supplements to take and oils to use; I've been named their "witch doctor" lol! Honestly, it's always one of the greatest feelings to have them come to me for advice and knowledge on something I’m so passionate about. With that being said, I want to share this knowledge with you all and help guide you through some of my favorite oils and their uses!

Of course I have to say off the bat I am not a doctor by any means. The insight I'm sharing is strictly from personal experience and my own knowledge I’ve gained through the years of learning about essential oils. My family and I believe in these oils and we truly see the positive effects that it has on our bodies. However, you should always do your own research and consult with your doctor if you have any questions or health concerns!

I’m starting off with my favorite oils to diffuse/use daily - Lemongrass, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Tea Tree oil!

Lemongrass is an uplifting oil. I use this a lot when cleaning especially in the summer/warmer months. I use a few drops on the filter of my vacuum and it circulates throughout the entire house as I’m cleaning! Lemongrass is just so fresh and purifying.

Peppermint oil is incredible for an upset stomach - it does wonders for any cramping or muscle spasms as well. I apply directly to the skin, just a few drops, however you can also use a coconut oil, olive oil or some type of moisturizer as a barrier to prevent any irritation.

*Side note - olive oil is actually amazing for your skin as it acts as an antioxidant and soothes the skin. My family swears by it - just like in my Big Fat Greek Wedding when the dad sprays windex on everything…that’s my family with olive oil!*

I have always suffered from asthma ever since I was three years old. Every time I feel my chest getting tight or my asthma is agitated by allergies I always make sure I have endless Eucalyptus oil on deck. I diffuse Eucalyptus almost every night. Whenever I feel a cold coming on I apply directly to my chest and soles of my feet...It opens up the airways almost immediately.

Lavender is the most common oil I would say and it’s definitely the most soothing. I love diffusing this at night when I’m feeling stressed or anxious. Sometimes if I have a headache I’ll dab a little bit behind my neck, my ears, and my temples. I will also put it on the palms of my hands and just breathe in with my eyes shut for a minute or two to calm my heart rate. Lavender is also great for anyone with young babies during bedtime as a natural relaxer.

I don’t typically love the smell of Tea Tree oil, but I wanted to mention it because it’s an amazing natural remedy for any imperfections on your face. If I feel a blemish coming on I immediately put it on a small Q-tip and dab it on at night and when morning rolls around I absolutely notice a difference! There are many mixed reviews about Tea Tree oil for acne prevention, but I stand by it and will continue to use it as long as it’s helping.

Now that I’ve talked about all of my favorite oils I have to mention 3 brands because where you purchase your oils is extremely important. The quality of essential oils can absolutely vary - the 3 brands I gravitate towards are Doterra, Young Living, and Isagenix. I’ve used all 3 brands and honestly love them equally!

A lot of companies create their own blends and sell them as a single oil! Doterra has a blend called Breathe and it’s a respiratory blend which I love due to my asthma. It’s a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint ,melaleuca leaf, lemon peel, and more. I defuse this and also apply on my chest and feet whenever I’m experiencing asthmatic symptoms.

Deep blue is the next Doterra blend that I cannot live without. They also have a cream that they offer which is incredible and works wonders for tense muscles or painful joints. It’s a combination of wintergreen, peppermint, ylang ylang, blue chamomile, and more. It’s very refreshing and cooling to the skin.

Young living has one of my favorite oil blends that I’ve used for years - It was actually my very first oil called Purification. It’s an OG for me and this is one that I typically love using while cleaning. It just purifies the air as you clean! I absolutely love it - it’s a combination of citronella, lemongrass, rosemary and more.

Another blend I love is called Thieves. The moment you smell this blend you just feel healthier…Lol! It has a rich aroma - It contains clove, lemon, cinnamon, and more. It’s definitely a "spicy" scent and almost reminds me of the holidays! They have this in a spray as well and I use it on my pillow at night…Sometimes if someone is acting a little cray at home I’ll just spritz them with this around the house and say, “You need some thieves…”

Isagenix is the newest brand I’ve tried and they have not disappointed! Airway is my favorite blend from Isagenix and it’s a blend of eucalyptus, lemongrass, grapefruit, peppermint, and more. I love applying this on my chest and under my nose when I find I’m very congested. It’s such a fresh scent while soothing any respiratory issues/congestion.

Last thing I wanted to mention is a really cute gift idea for friends and family! You can purchase some roll-on containers from amazon and fill them with your favorite oils or blends. It’s so easy and such a thoughtful DIY gift! My cousin Daisy gave each of us one for Christmas and I still love it and use it to this day. All you have to do is mix some jojoba oil with any type of essential oil you love! Here is a link to the glass roll-ons and I’ll leave the Deep Blue roll-on recipe below!

Deep Blue Blend - Mix jojoba oil with a few drops of Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, and Lavender to create a muscle relaxing blend perfect to help you wind down and soothe any muscle pain.

I hope this post helped in some way whether it be introducing a new oil or new health benefit! Please feel free to reach out via Instagram DM, email, or Facebook if you’re interested in purchasing any oils - I can send you to some amazing people who will hook you up! I’ll be here diffusing oils the rest of the night now…Xo