When first starting out with essential oils there tends to be a lot of confusion on whether or not you can apply the oils directly to your skin. Some articles you will read says you have to use a carrier oil with all essential oils, while others say a carrier oil is only needed for “hot oils”.

As a beginner essential oil user you are now wondering what is a “carrier oil” and what are “hot oils”?

Hey everyone! Amy here and I want to share some information that all new essential oil users should know. Remember, I am not a doctor and am only sharing from my own personal experiences.

I know when I first started using essential oils I thought all essential oils were too concentrated to apply directly to the skin. But I soon discovered that was not always the case. There is a list of oils that are considered “Hot Oils” which, for most people, tend to cause a hot or warming sensation when applied directly to the skin.

An example of Young Living’s essential oils that are considered hot oils would be Lemongrass, Cinnamon, Thyme, Clove, Oregano and Thieves. Peppermint is sometimes also considered to be a hot oil for some people as well.

Carrier oils are vegetable oils used to dilute essential oils so that it can be used topically. The most common carrier oils that are used are olive oil, fractionated coconut oil, or grapeseed oil. Young living also sells V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex that can be sued for all applications.

By using carrier oils the essential oils can be applied topically and comfortably to the skin. But by diluting the essential doesn’t it cause the effect of the essential oil to be diluted as well? Surprisingly, no it does not!

In my own personal experience, by diluting the essential oils I am able to use more “hot oils” at one time, allowing me to gain the benefits of multiple oils. Also, by diluting the oils it allows the essential oil to last longer by preventing excessive application.

That being said, according to Young Living’s website there are some items that should NEVER be used as a carrier oil. Margarine, butter, shortening, petroleum derivatives (such as baby oil, mineral oil and petroleum jelly) should never be used.

I hope this has helped you get a better understanding on whether or not you should apply an essential oil topically or not. When in doubt then ask your doctor!

Today, I want to share my love of a few specific oils. As I was packing leave I had to decide which of my oils I would bring with me and it was a very difficult decision because I usually keep all of my oils either with me or very close. The oils that made the cut are:
Cedarwood (helps my body & brain relax before bedtime)
Lavender (countless uses)
Stress Away (self explanatory… especially not knowing who my seatmate would be on the airplane)
Peace & Calming II (soothing & comforting)
Oregano (great for supporting the immune system when confronting all sorts of new germs)
Thieves (amazing all around oil, but especially when experiencing new environments & unknown cleanliness)
White Angelica (a new oil & a new favorite… relaxing for me)
Peppermint (already used it when my head was not feeling great and when I was getting a little dizzy from traveling)
Panaway (relieves pressure in my back)

Plus my favorite rollers:
Breathe Again (premade blend from Young Living… helps clear my airways due to seasonal or location changes)
Deep Relief (also premade by Young Living… helps relieve discomfort when I’m feeling sore)
Immunity Booster (made by me to boost my immune system function)
Sore No More (made by me to help relax knots relax out of my muscles)

I have already used several of my oils and I’m sure I’ll continue to use them daily!

(Everyone in the group automatically gets 1 entry each night.)

For an extra entry into tonight’s drawing you have 2 options:
1) What is your favorite oil to use & what do you use it for?
2) If you don’t use oils yet, what are you hoping to use them for?