quick reference - NEW (members only section)

Essential oils will be added as they are referenced on the website or blogs. This is a work in progress. Use this as a quick reference for safe and effective use of essential oils in your daily life. Essential oils are listed in alphabetical order.

Some of the essential oils include references to the main constituents. If you are interested in learning more about the science of essential oils -- how and why they work to support our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing -- click here to download your copy of Dr. David Hill's Essential Oil Chemistry Handbook.

Please note that the information shared within has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

B

bergamot  (A - T - I)

​Bergamot is a unique citrus that is both calming and uplifting to the spirit. It is cleansing and purifying to the skin. Limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, terpinene, and β-pinene are the primary constituents of Bergamot.
  • Add one or two drops of Bergamot to your favorite skin cleanser
  • Shower with Bergamot and experience its cleansing-purifying benefits while inhaling pure calm
  • Make your own Earl Grey tea by adding just a drop to a freshly brewed cup of black tea
 As a citrus, Bergamot is photosensitive. Please avoid sunlight and UV rays in exposed areas of the skin for at least 12 hours after topical use.

black pepper  (A - T - I)

​ High in beta-caryophyllene.
  • Provides antioxidant and digestive support when used internally
  • Internal use can support healthy circulation
​Enhances food flavor while providing health benefits:
  • 1 drop in a dish serving 6-8 people (combine with fat or liquid in a ramekin before adding to recipe)
  • See cooking tips in our food section

C

  caraway (A - T -I)

​ High in Carvone and Limonene.
  • Supports healthy digestion.​
  • Promotes fresh breath.
  • Carvone showed soothing properties on the nervous system.
  • Limonene, a main constituent, can be soothing to the colon​.
​
​Using internally for a boost of flavor and health benefits:
  • May help ease flatulence.
  • Can help reduce appetite and managing weight when combined with exercise.
  • Cook with caraway and be sure to use sparingly. See cooking tips in our food section.

cardamom (A - T - I)

The "Queen of Spices" is valued worldwide for its flavor, in helping with Digestion and Respiratory function and to cool both mood and skin.

Use internally to
  • Help maintain overall gastrointestinal health when taken internally
  • Soothe the Digestive system
  • Promote clear breathing and Respiratory health
  • Spice for cooking and baking with health benefits; ask me about my favorite recipe featuring Cardamom

Aromatically, diffuse or inhale Cardamom for a sense of openness. Some find that cardamom can help with clear, objective thinking.

cassia (A - T - I)

Cassia, not to be confused with Cinnamon, may used i​nternally to support healthy Digestion, Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Immune function. It is a warming oil that dates back to biblical times. It offers a strong, uplifting aroma. Pronounced: CASH-ee-ah.

Here are a few great ways to use Cassia:
  • Internally, take 1-2 drops to promote the health of the circulatory, cardiovascular, and immune systems
  • Combine 1-2 drops along with Lemon essential oil in a glass of water (room temperature or warm) to aid digestion or ward off hunger or sweet cravings 
  • Topically, dilute 1:1 with fractionated coconut oil for a warm massage for a warming sensation or add a drop or two to a soaking bath or foot bath
  • In cold winter climates, add a drop of Cassia or Cinnamon to your hands before applying gloves or mittens for extra warmth

Safety note: Cassia is considered a hot oil. It should always be well diluted when applied topically.

cinnamon (A - T - I)

Cinnamon, when used internally, supports healthy metabolic and immune function. It  naturally repels insects and may be most familiar for its warm, sweet, spice flavor profile for adding to  baked goods, entrées, and warm or cool beverages.

Due to its high content of cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamon should be diluted with a carrier oil when applied to the skin and only one to two drops are needed for internal benefits.

The ways to use Cinnamon in your daily life are endless. These are just a few:
  • Add 2 drops to a veggie capsule to maintain a healthy immune system
  • Place 1 drop of Cinnamon essential oil in warm water or tea; drink slowly to soothe your irritated throat 
  • Nightly, add 1 drop to 2-ounces of water and gargle for an effective mouth rinse
  • Add a drop or two to your bath or dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to create a warming massage for cold, achy joints when you are feeling chilled
Safety note: Cinnamon is considered a hot oil and should always be diluted when applied topically.

cumin (A - T - I)

Cumin, of all the doTERRA essential oils, is where you can find the highest concentration of cuminal, more commonly referred to as cuminaldehyde. Cuminaldehyde is known to exhibit several benefits related to circulatory, cell function, and may possibly help support and maintain healthy blood metabolism. It can also be used to develop flavors that are distinctive to Indian, Middle Eastern, and other cuisines.

​Click here to visit doTERRA's Science Blog and search Cuminal to learn more about research and studies related to cumin essential oil.

Availability: Sorry, this single essential oil is only available as part of the reoccuring Sunsational Flavors Kit promotion

Safety note: Cumin essential oil is photosensitive. Avoid sunlight or UV rays to exposed areas for up to 12 hours after applying product.  

E

eucalyptus (A - T,  sensitive)

The main chemical components of Eucalyptus radiata are eucalyptol and α-terpineol, making it an ideal oil to promote feelings of clear breathing and open airways. It offers a calming aroma to assist with relaxation and clearing the mind while it creates a soothing, tension-releasing massage experience when applied topically.

Aromatically inhale from the bottle or add 3-4 drops to the diffuser of choice or humidifier for respiratory support. Inhale a drop from the palm of your hand and apply any residuals to areas of concern such as lungs, chest, throat.

Topically apply neat or, for young or sensitive skin, dilute (1:1) with a carrier oil.

Find out how to get pure Eucalyptus and support our healthy lifestyle community, click here.

F

  frankincense (A - T - I)

The king of essential oils and of the most versatile. Some say, "When in doubt, Frank it out!"
Frankincense is steam distilled resin from three Boswellia species of carterii, sacra, papyrifera, and frereana. Combined, they produce the world's finest therapeutic grade essential oil. The main constituents in Frankincense are α-pinene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and α-thujene -- for you, this means high levels of support  for a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

Use Frankincense internally to
  • Build and maintain the Immune system
  • Promote Cellular function and regeneration
  • Support healthy Digestive function
How to use: 1-2 drops in capsule, under the tongue, or thumb to roof of mouth and press for 30-seconds.
​You may also add to food or beverage.

Topically, apply a drop or two of Frankincense to
  • Reduce signs of aging, appearance of scars, lighten skin hyper pigmentation, and stretch marks
  • Support tissue restoration associated with skin irritation or wounds
  • Ease joint discomfort and stimulate relief (massage 2-3 drops to the desired area)
  • Support healthy Inflammatory response (may also be used internally for a more systemic benefit)

Aromatically, inhale straight from the bottle, a drop in your hands (rub together and inhale), or diffuse into the air and share the benefits of Frankincense.
  • Promotes feelings of relaxation
  • Soothing and helpful when seeking emotional balance
  • Helps with focus and concentration (problem solving, study time, prayer, meditation)
Learn more about Frankincense Boswellia in this Living Magazine article.

G

 geranium (A - T - I)

Geranium is known for its ability to positively affect Emotional balance, Skin, and Hair.

Aromatically, some find it helps to release negativity and restore feelings of peace, well-being, and hope. It may be used to ease tension and stress and overall balance emotions and lift the spirit.

Chemistry
doTERRA's Geranium offers high (levels (35-45%) of the constituent citronellol which
  • Support cellular function and response
  • Promote  healthy blood flow
  • May help the skin and scalp look clean and healthy with topical application
  • ​Topical application may also be used to keep pesky insects at bay

How to use Geranium:
  • Use Geranium oil in an aromatherapy steam facial to beautify skin
  • Add a drop to your moisturizer for a smoothing effect
  • Geranium essential oil is great for both dry and oily hair
  • Apply a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner bottle, or make your own deep hair conditioner
  • Diffuse Geranium oil aromatically for a calming effect
  • Ask Joan about how to use Geranium in dessert  and beverage recipes

 ginger (A - T - I)

 grapefruit (A - T - I)

J

juniper berry (A - T - I )

L

lavender (A - T - I )

Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and balancing properties. It supports the immune system, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. Lavender helps ease feelings of anxiousness, tension, and can be particularly calming during times of stress. It evokes feelings of self-awareness and relaxation and encourages mental clarity and focus.

Chemistry of Lavender (in the order of highest % least to least) and the associated benefits:
  • Linalyl acetate helps promote Calming
  • Linalool is Soothing
  • Octomene for Cleansing
Linalyl acetate and Linalool are both found in the chemical compound group known as esters, which are typically characterized by their calming properties.

How to use Lavender:
  • Soothe occasional skin irritations (scrapes, cuts, bug bites or bee stings, minor burn, sunburn)
  • Use internally to reduce anxious feelings, tension, and promote peaceful sleep; add a drop or two to capsule, drop under the tongue, or drink in a warm tea 
  • Use aromatically to reduce anxious or tense feelings; diffuse in diffuser, add a drop to your pillow or bed linens, inhale straight from bottle or from a drop in the hand
  • Enhance beverages, baked goods, and any recipe that calls for the delicate  floral flavors of Lavender

 lemon (A - T - I )

 lime (A - T - I )

M

myrrh  (A - T - I )

Myrrh is in the burseraceae botanical family and is steam distilled from the resin of the tree or shrub. It has been used throughout history as a health aid, perfume or incense, and it was used in embalming and religious ceremonies. Myrrh oil offers powerful cleansing properties, especially for the mouth and throat. It supports healthy skin and digestive and nervous system function.
​
  • Aromatically, Myrrh has a hot, smoky, herbaceous aroma and may be used to promote awareness and is uplifting; diffuse to help create an inspired, balanced atmosphere
  • Topically, use Myrrh daily to support oral hygiene and healthy gums and may provide soothing benefits to the mouth, gums, and throat; add a drop to 1) your toothpaste prior to brushing,  2) 2 oz. of water for a gargle, or 3) your oil pulling solution
  • Use Myrrh topically to enhance your facial moisturizer or cleanser; it is soothing to the skin, may help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and bring a youthful glow to your skin
  • Myrrh, when it's pure and tested for consuming like ours, may be used internally

Get in touch with Joan if you would like to know how she uses myrrh as a secret ingredient in holiday recipes and in her popular oil pulling solution for oral hygiene and Healthy Gums. 

Chemically, Myrrh is high in sesquiterpene ethers and contains hundreds of different compounds making it  ​incredibly diverse oil. The three main contsituents found in doTERRA's myrrh are: 15–45% Curzerene (antioxidant), 15–45% Furanoeudesma-1,3- diene (calming aroma), and 1–20% Lindestrene (powerful cleansing)

O

 wild orange (A - T - I )

Wild orange essential oil is uplifting to the mind and body and supports healthy immune and nervous system function. It is a powerful cleanser (internal, topical, and on surfaces) and purifying agent. Limonene (80-97%) and Mycene (0.5-5%) are the main constituents of wild orange. It's classified with the monoterpene alkenes which are well-known for their antioxidant properties.

P

patchouli (A - T - I )

​Patchouli is a bushy herb from the mint family with stems reaching two or three feet in height and bearing small, pink-white flowers. Easily recognized for its rich, musky-sweet fragrance. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaf of the plant.
​
  • Aromatically, the earthy aroma contributes to a grounded, Balanced atmosphere
  • Topically, promotes a smooth, glowing complexion when applied to skin
  • After a long day of work, combine Patchouli oil with Peppermint oil and apply to the forehead, temples, or back of the neck
  • Apply 1-2 drops to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, or problem skin areas, or add to your favorite moisturizer
  • Apply to the bottoms of feet for grounding, balance, body connection and acceptance -- may combine with Vetiver to take it (centering) to another level

S

spearmint  (A - T - I, sensitive)

​ High in Carvone and limonene.
  • Promotes digestion and helps reduce occasional stomach upset when used internally
  • Incorporate into effective work and study habits for an uplifting benefit
  • Cleanses the mouth and promotes fresh breath​
​Use internally for a boost in flavor and health benefits:
  • Add a drop or two to any dessert, drink, salad, or entrée for flavoring and to promote digestion
  • For occasional stomach upsets, add one to two drops of Spearmint oil to water and drink

star anise (A - T - I, sensitive)

​Steam distilled from the eight-follicled fruit of the star anise tree, Star Anise oil is currently used in the doTERRA DigestZen® blend. A perfect oil to support healthy Digestion in its own right, Star Anise is full of fresh licorice-like flavor and aromas.

Internally it helps to soothe the mood and supports a healthy Cardiovascular system. Star Anise is a wonderful warm spice.

Aromatically, Star Anise blends extremely well with floral and wood oils for an emotionally balancing experience.

Star Anise is considered by some to be the essential oil of empowered femininity.

Availability: Sorry, this single essential oil is only available as an ingredient (DigestZen) and with promotions like the Harmony Collection. Please get in touch with me for an alternative -- each essential oil is unique and special -- and yet, there's always another essential oil with similar qualities.

T

tangerine (A - T - I )

​ Tangerine's main chemical constituent is limonene.
  • Internal use supports healthy digestion and metabolism
  • Cleansing and purifying
  • Take internally to support a healthy immune system
  • Creates an inspiring environment​
Add Tangerine to any recipe for its tangy, sweet, fresh:
  • Add a drop or two to any beverage, dessert, salad dressing, or entrée for flavoring and to support immunity and healthy digestion and metabolic function
Are you stuck in writers block or in need of a creative boost? Diffuse Tangerine for a natural charge to your creative batteries!
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joanlucci@gmail.com or joan@KidsCampLive.com
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