I was never too interested in essential oils, but so many of my friends use them here, I’m around them constantly. The first time I became interested in essential oils was when I was at a friend’s Christmas party last year, and she was diffusing a Christmas oil that smelled so good! Then when I was hospitalized recently, my friend brought me some essential oil rollerball mixes that really uplifted my spirits, being confined to the most uncomfortable hospital bed of all time for 8 long days. That same friend conducted a fun workshop on “Essential oils for self-care” last weekend that I attended.
We first watched a short movie about pili (a cousin of frankincense and also called Manila elemi), which is a native tree in the Philippines whose resin is used in essential oils, perfumes, and skincare products; the tree’s nut is also considered a superfood. The purpose of the workshop was to create oil blends that facilitated self-care. I liked that they stressed not to replace essential oils for doctor instructions, because I have some friends that eschew all medicine for their kids in favor of essential oils.
They provided us with witch hazel, sunflower oil, distilled water, and containers to create five different products: 1) Emotions roller (happy, energy, or calm); 2) Mermaid hair spray; 3) face wash; 4) face serum; and 5) face and body mist (if you want the recipes I can post them). My kids had an absolute blast smelling all the different oils and mixing them together. Olive asked to come to another workshop if there is one again in the future!
The Young Living starter kit in the first picture comes with 11 essential oils and a diffuser for almost $200 here in the Philippines, which I think is a big investment. The other big essential oil company is Doterra, but you can also purchase essential oils individually (Doterra and Young Living have multi-level marketing programs).
I do believe certain oils have therapeutic properties, but mostly I just love the way some of them smell and can elevate moods. I would love to incorporate some into my life.
Do you use essential oils? Which ones are your favorites?
pear / 1565 posts
I do! I don’t buy from the MLMs; I buy Plant Therapy’s Kid Safe line. I mostly do the immunity boost for the girls, and germ destroyer when they’re sick. I also have a breathing one for stuffy noses, and also a lavender blend for night time.
I think oils get a bad rep b/c people are not educated in how to use them safely, and there might be products out there that really are not made from pure/good ingredients.
pomelo / 5621 posts
I was using lavender in a diffuser at night when the baby was still in our room. I found it did nothing to help sleep but I loved the smell. Then my diffuser broke and I haven’t used any in months.
From what I’ve read/heard it is worth it to spend money on quality oils. That sounds like a fun class!
guest
I also don’t buy from MLMs which has stopped me from learning more about essential oils as most of the classes running I find are linked to them. And would definitely like the recipes for the products you made!