Essential oils have been getting a lot of recognition lately, and at first, I didn’t get the hype. But the more I read, the more it brought me back to those nights when I would be slathered with “El vix or el vaporru” by my abuela at the first sign of a cold. Sometimes my mom would boil some hot water with Vicks and all I would have to do is smell it for a few minutes, and at an instant I could feel the effects of the steam. I swear “El vix” is blessed with agua bendita ( holy water) ; because of its versatile and healing properties. One of the reasons why it’s so healing, is because Eucalyptus essential oil is one of the key ingredients.

So now, I understand how powerful these oils can be too.

I started using Essential Oils when one of my friends introduced me to them when we were studying at the library. I was a little skeptical at first, but I would see her carry her oils everywhere in school; so, I was intrigued. The first one she introduced me to was peppermint. The more I used it, the more clarity, focus, and alertness it brought while I studied. Overtime, it also helped me reduce my coffee consumption and reduce the jitteriness I would get from overloading on caffeine on long study nights.

Tip 1: Do your research

Before you purchase an oil, you want to research the source of the oil and ingredients in them, especially the blended oils that combine several oils. Many essential oils sold at stores are heavily contaminated and made with a combination of synthetic chemicals. Rule of thumb: The cheaper the oils, the worse they are. My two favorite brands are Doterra and Young Living Essential Oils. Both of them sell oils that are pure, safe, and effective. Also take into consideration that safe is different for every person. If you have allergies or very sensitive skin, it is best to consult with your primary care physician before using them topically. Everyone has a different biochemistry, so what works for you; may not work for someone else.

Tip 2: Find an oil that can do all 3

There are 3 main ways you can use oils, you can apply it to your skin, inhale them by using a diffuser, or ingest them (it depends on the oil). A great oil that can be used in all 3 forms is my favorite; peppermint. When I diffuse peppermint in my water diffuser, it brings clarity in my breathing and helps freshen and clear the air , when I use it topically I can focus better and it also helps reduce muscle tension or helps alleviate muscle cramps after a hard workout . When I have an upset stomach, adding 1-2 drops of peppermint and Lemon essential oil is my secret hack.

My Top 5 Oils:

  1. Peppermint is my key oil for clarity and focus.
  2. Doterra’s Deep Blue Blend always helps with muscle soreness. The blend consists of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus. When applying directly on the skin, you should blend it with a carrier oil like grapeseed oil or avocado oil, to reduce the chance of skin irritation. I like combining it with grapeseed oil
  3. Eucalyptus  is the oil they use at the wet sauna at my gym and it always helps me breathe better.
  4. I love diffusing lemon/citrus blend to uplift my mood in the morning,  or I make my own toxin-free cleaner at home by using water, vinegar, and 15-20 drops of lemon oil .
  5. Tea Tree Oil is great for its antibacterial properties that can help disinfect wounds, scrapes and even heal bug bites. I love to take a tea tree roller whenever I go hiking.

*These are just my tips/tricks from my personal experience, and this is not intended to be medical advice.