Getting to it, essential oils have been made to seem a little quirky voodoo and less than appealing to normal society for many years. 

However, in more recent years, the industry as a whole is under condemnation by the medical community for many reasons, like that people are not adept enough to care for their wellness in their own home. But if doctors would take a more cooperative relationship with their patients and learn about functional ways to take care of their patients, we could bridge this gap in wellness sooner than later.

I originally wrote all this information down to teach a class, and the more I got into it, I realized this was an important topic that needed to be discussed beyond my class. 

Essential oils are not hard, they are not crazy, and you do not need to be an expert to use them.

That being said, you must be realistic about the way they work. Looking at them scientifically, not just as a way to perfume or find a quick fix.

First, using a quality essential oil is a must. The only advice I’m going to give you is to be wise because not all essential oils are created equal. I’m not here to sell you on mine, but I do want you to think twice before you pick up an essential oil at your local supermarket, the farmers' market, Amazon, or even the best selling company on the Internet. There is science, and I implore you to take a strong look at the sustainable practices behind the company you are looking at to partner with. 

Second, don't discount a network marketing company. In doTERRA‘s case, you pay the price you pay because of quality, purity, and the known fact that you are creating economies in Third World countries where many of these essential oils are being grown, harvested, and sustainably produced.

So, are you ready to go sleuthing with me? Get your Sherlock Holmes necessities together and let’s get to work.  

15 Things You Didn’t Know About Essential Oils

1. Essential oils aren't typical oils at all, since they do not contain any fatty acids (which is what makes an oil technically an oil).

2. Essential oils exist in plants to help them be more resistant to disease and insect irritation.

3. At least 77% of essential oils on the market are estimated to be synthetic and roughly 21% of essential oils on the market are adulterated with fillers and/or toxic chemicals (according to Organix). To stay safe look for these things:

• Certified either organic or pure therapeutic grade.
• A botanical name.  For example, peppermint should be mentha piperita.
• Medicinal grade essential oils, which are metabolized by the body just like other nutrients. 

4. Essential oils are absorbed in 30 seconds. 

5. Essential oils are found in every cell within 20 minutes for a normal adult. In children, these results are faster.

6. Essential oil molecules have the ability to penetrate cell membranes and diffuse throughout the skin, tissues, and blood quickly. They can also pass through the "blood brain barrier" to support neurological activity quickly.

7. Essential oils are lipid soluble, meaning they dissolve in fats or oils.

8. Because they are volatile and do not themselves contain fats, they leave no oily residue. Want to put this to a test? Put a single drop of plain oil on a piece of white paper and let it dry. If it leaves behind an "oil ring," it is likely not a pure essential oil. Dark oils like vetiver, myrrh, blue tansy and the citrus oil of lime will have a hue to it but not a residual oil ring.

9. Essential oils often contain potent antioxidants just as vegetables and fruit do.

10. Antioxidants are known to fight against free radical damage (which is linked to cell mutations, cellular oxidation, aging, and a sluggish immune system), essential oils also carry the ability to support cells and clean receptor sites on cells making them healthy, which is why they are so potent in supporting the immune system. 

11. Many essential oils have demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties. In vitro testing (done in test tubes) and in vivo testing (in the body) test an oil’s efficacy against various strains of bacteria. 

12. Essential oils, such as bergamot, have been studied for their ability to support important bodily functions such as the secretion of neurotransmitters, antibodies, endorphins, hormones, and enzymes. 

13. Because essential oils cannot be patented, many pharmaceutical drugs have been created by copying the natural phytochemicals found in essential oils. For instance, aspirin was created by scientists studying the nature of the bark of the birch tree. 

14.  doTERRA's Peppermint is equivalent to 28-cups of peppermint tea.

15.  Humans are a complex combination of body, mind, and spirit. Essential oils can help to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well being and oils even have the ability to affect all three simultaneously. 

What essential oils fact surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments below!

OXO