Essential Oils…

My Thoughts on Essential Oils

First, I love essential oils. I’ll always use them in my home, and I’m very selective about the brands I choose—whether for scents, soaps, candles, or general health support.

That said, I do not ingest essential oils. I don’t use them in cooking, and I don’t take them for health purposes. This has been my stance since around 2013, when essential oils started trending with brands like doTERRA and Young Living taking over Instagram, blogs, and YouTube.

I still remember seeing a video of someone using a drop of lemon essential oil to dissolve those tiny clear rubber bands used in children’s hairstyles. The next morning, that same influencer put a drop of the same oil in her drinking water. My immediate thought was—if it can dissolve a rubber band, what might it do to the inside of my body?

I use essential oils safely: for fragrance in cold-water diffusers, in candles as gifts, in homemade soaps, and in cleaning solutions—the usual ways. I’m particular about the companies I buy from, and I always research how each brand recommends using their oils and how long they remain effective after opening. Due to some health sensitivities, I can’t use every scent, but most products from my trusted companies work well for me.

Unfortunately, essential oils are often misused—usually out of a lack of education or because people follow unverified advice from influencers.

Quality essential oil companies typically produce different formulations for different uses. For example, one type may be intended for cold-water diffusers, while another is specifically made for soap or candle making. These variations matter. Using the wrong type can negatively impact your health, the health of your family and friends, and even your pets.

I’m not here to promote a specific brand. My goal is simply to encourage responsible use. Do your research. Learn the purpose, safe methods of use, and whether each oil is safe for children and animals.