My Favorite Brand of Oils

In my last post I talked about how to identify a good oil, and I listed the 3 brands of oils that I know and recommend. I am sure there are other oil brands that are just as good, I just haven't come across them yet. 

When choosing which brand of oil you want to use, you'll probably hear a lot of different opinions. Some companies claim their oil is the only truly pure oil, or the only certified oil. Some companies offer business opportunities and income potential. It really comes down to your personal preference. 

I personally feel like the oils from Butterfly Express, doTerra, and Young Living are all good oils. I have used each of those oils. I have chosen to stick with Butterfly Express oils for these reasons: 

1. I'm not a fan of multi-level marketing companies. doTerra and Young Living are multi-level marketing companies. I have tried out a few MLM companies and found that it's really not for me. I don't like feeling pressured to ask my friends to host parties, to sign up under me and build my down-line, or to buy product so I can meet my quarterly minimum so I don't get kicked out. For me, essential oils are all about healing and balance. Bringing business and money into it like that ruins the energy of the oils for me. 

2. Butterfly Express is a family-owned business. It is run by a husband-wife team and their employees out of their warehouse in a (very) small town in Idaho. Health and wellness are their life. I recently toured the facility and was impressed with their commitment to retaining the best energy frequency of the oils. The oils are handled as much as possible so they are surrounded by good, positive energy. If anyone comes to work in a bad mood or with negative energy, they are not allowed to work with the oils until they change their energy around. They keep their overhead low so they can keep their prices low.

3. Their prices are much lower than doTerra and Young Living. Because they're not a multi-level marketing company, their prices can stay low. When you buy from a MLM company, there are a lot of people standing in line to get paid. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just not my thing. I made this comparison list to see the differences between their prices: 

doTerra and Young Living oils, for the most part, come in 15 ml bottles. Butterfly Express oils come in 10 ml bottles. It's a difference of 5 ml. (5 ml = 1 teaspoon)

4. When I energy test which oil to use, Butterfly oils come up every single time. Whether I'm using oils on my family or on a client for a foot zone, the oils in my case from doTerra never come up. They've been sitting there for over 4 years. When I energy test which oil has the highest energy frequency, Butterfly Express is the highest. A friend told me about a class she was teaching on energy testing. They put lavender oil from Butterfly, doTerra, and Young Living in unmarked bottles and had the students practice energy testing the oils to see which had the highest energy frequency. The Butterfly lavender tested the highest every time.

5. Butterfly Express promotes the use of essential oils in a way that I feel good about. Other companies suggest using their oils in ways that are contrary to what I have learned and it just doesn't feel right to me. I'm a believer in following your gut and listening to the Spirit.  

The website for Butterfly Express is http://butterflyexpress.net/. My favorite feature of the website is the Suggestions and Practical Uses list. This is my go-to list for picking out which oil to use for which ailment. I am a distributor for Butterfly Express so that I could assist my friends and family with purchasing affordable and quality essential oils. If you have any questions about oils, or specifically about Butterfly Express oils, feel free to contact me (my contact info is on the right of the screen).

Whatever brand of essential oils you choose to use, use it in health and joy! Essential oils are a wonderful tool for helping ourselves and our families. 

Essential Oils 101: What Are Essential Oils?

In the Essential Oils 101 series I'll go back to the basics of essential oils and discuss what essential oils are, how to identify a good oil, safety and precautions, ways to use oils, etc. This is the same information that I teach in my Essential Oils 101 class, for those who are unable to attend. If you're interested in hosting an Essential Oils 101 class, let me know!

As you learn about essential oils and hear the opinions of different people, you'll start to find some contradicting information. There are various schools of thought regarding essential oils. I would encourage you to spend a little time learning about the differences, then decide what you feel like is right for you.

So what are essential oils?

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils" by LaRee Westover, we learn that essential oils "contain the nutritive values and healing properties of plants in a very concentrated form. They often heal the body, mind, and spirit, while regenerating damaged tissue and bring oxygen to deprived cells. The use of essential oils also seems to improve overall immune function."

Essential oils are made by extracting the healing properties of a plant, typically through a steam distillation process. I've read that it takes 16 pounds of the fresh peppermint leaf to produce one ounce of essential oil! And that one drop of pure essential oil is equivalent to drinking 30 cups of herbal tea. That's how concentrated they are!

There are 2 categories of essential oils: Singles and Blends.

Single oils are oils like peppermint, lavender, and lemon. They are not mixed with any other oil.

Blends are a combination of single oils. The mixture of the oils results in an blend "that is more effective than if those oils had been used separately." (from "Butterfly Miracles")  Examples of a blend are Deliverance, Breezey, and Aspire (as discussed in previous posts).

What do essential oils do?

This information can be found in "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

1. Restore the body to normal energy frequency ranges to promote healing and well-being.
2. To one degree or another, all oils are antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic (some more than others).
3. Their small molecules are readily diffused into the air and absorbed into our bodies and purify the air.
4. When applied externally, they can act on internal organs. They quickly penetrate the tissues of the skin.
5. Activate capillary circulation to increase healing.
6. Improve the lymphatic system.
7. Cleansing effect on the body.
8. Powerful antioxidants.
9. Transports nutrients to cells.
10. Brings the body into a state of balance.
11. Some oils are able to cross the blood/brain barrier.

Know your oils!

There are 3 main categories of oils that are labeled "essential oils". You need to be aware of the differences between the 3 so that you choose the right kind of oil.

1. Fragrance oils: These are the oils that you'll find in stores like Bath and Body Works. Their only purpose is to smell good. They are synthetic oils and contain chemicals that you don't want on or in your body. We are learning more and more about how harmful these fragrance oils are to our bodies.

2. Flavoring oils: You will find these oils in a cooking store. They are used to flavor candies and desserts. While they are a food grade oil, they will not contain any of the healing properties desired in an essential oil. They are also made with chemicals and additives.

3. Pure oils: These oils have been properly extracted from a plant to retain their healing properties. Lately they have been called "therapeutic grade" as well. This is where you'll start to find some inconsistencies. Some oil companies claim to be the only "certified pure therapeutic grade" oil on the market. The reality is that there is no certification for essential oils. Any company can make that claim (or whoever gets the trademark first). The fact is that most essential oil companies buy their product from the same source. There are some oils labeled as "pure" but the company adds a filler oil, like coconut oil, to maximize their profits. You can tell the difference between a truly pure oil and an oil with a filler by how it feels. A truly pure essential oil does not feel oily. You can put a drop on a piece of paper or cloth and it will not leave a stain behind. An oil with a filler added to it will feel oily and will leave behind an oil stain. Not only do you not want to pay for an oil filled with other stuff, but the filler oil compromises the integrity of the essential oil and shortens its shelf life. Properly stored, a pure essential oil can have a limitless shelf life!

I like to energy test different oil companies to see where their oils are on my scale of 1-10. Oils from health food stores (like the NOW brand) test very low, around a 2. I stay away from those oils. I haven't experienced every oil on the market, but of the ones I've tried, I have my top 3 that I feel comfortable recommending:

1. Butterfly Express
2. doTerra
3. Young Living

...in that order. I'll discuss my reasons why in the next post!

Favorite Oils #4 and #5

In the previous post I listed my Top 3 Favorite Oils that I think everyone should have. In this post I'll discuss the next 2 oils that I would add to an essential oil inventory. I make sure to have these 2 oils on hand during cold and flu season. Aspire and Breezey are similar to doTerra's Breathe oil and Young Living's R.C. and Raven oil.

My favorite ways to use Aspire:

- On the feet, especially the balls of the feet (the energy point for lungs).
- Directly on the neck/chest. Use a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin and for children.
- Diffuse.
- Use with Breezey and Deliverance to really fight a cold.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeAspire should be applied diluted with a carrier oil on the chest and neck for respiratory ailments. Using ^LeAspire, with or without herbs, as a compress or poultice can be particularly effective. This blend can also be applied to the energy points on the ears and to the bottoms of the feet. ^LeAspire can be applied alternately with^LeBreezey. Although the oils in ^LeAspire are quite effective against infectious agents, ^LeDeliverance, which is strongly antiviral and antibacterial, is often applied simultaneously to aid in the fight against infection. ^LeAspire is used to open the airways and relieve the congestion in the lungs.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: ^LeAspire is especially effective used in a humidifier to decongest and clear respiratory passages and to relieve coughs and sore throats.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeAspire is used to bring relief from colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, respiratory congestion, allergy symptoms, deep pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, and flu that have settled in the lungs. ^LeBreezey is considered by some to be more effective for upper respiratory conditions and ^LeAspire for use in deeper chest complaints affecting the bronchial passages and the lungs.

Both ^LeBreezey and ^LeAspire have proven effective in eliminating snoring when diffused or applied, well diluted, to the face and chest areas. ^LeAspire is an excellent expectorant, aiding the body in the discharge of phlegm and mucus. This blend also has antispasmodic properties which help to quiet dry, hacking coughs.

The synergy of the single oils in ^LeAspire gives it the unique ability to dissolve bone spurs if applied frequently and faithfully. A bone spur creates bruising in the tissues surrounding it, especially if the person is on their feet and pressure is being applied when walking or wearing shoes. It is recommended that a carrier oil containing arnica be used when ^LeAspire is used for a bone spur. The arnica will reduce the bruising and the pain that the bone spur is causing while ^LeAspire works to remove the spur. It is recommended that treatment with ^LeAspire be continued for a few weeks after the pain is gone.

My favorite ways to use Breezey:

- On the feet, especially the balls of the feet (the energy point for lungs).
- Directly on the neck/chest. Use a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin and for children.
- Diffuse.
- Rub (diluted) on sore muscles. It has a nice warm feeling like IcyHot.
- Use with Aspire and Deliverance to really fight a cold.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeBreezey should be diluted and rubbed on the chest or back. It can also be diffused or placed on your pillow at night.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: ^LeBreezey opens bronchial and sinus passages very effectively and has been successful in alleviating snoring.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: While generally thought of as an oil for physical illness, the aroma of ^LeBreezey lifts the spirits and brings a sense of confidence and self-worth.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeBreezey, besides being very effective in times of illness, is an excellent respiratory tonic and immune stimulant. The inclusion of ravensara oil creates viral fighting and tissue rebuilding properties, especially for the lung and bronchial tissues. This blend should also be tried for colds, asthma, allergies, sinus congestion, and flu. ^LeBreezey makes an excellent muscle relaxant and pain reliever when you do not have ^LeWarmDown or ^LeDeeper handy and you have strained a muscle.

GENERAL INFORMATION: ^LeBreezey is often used alternately with ^LeAspire.

My 3 Favorite Oils

When someone asks me what oils they should start out with, I suggest my top 3 favorite oils: Peppermint, Lavender, and Deliverance. (Deliverance is a blend from Butterfly Express. It is similar to Doterra's OnGuard and Young Living's Thieves.) In my opinion, these are the 3 oils that everyone should have. Peppermint and lavender are very versatile, very affordable oils. I made these graphics so you could save them (maybe print them?) for quick reference.

My favorite ways to use Peppermint:

- On my neck and shoulders for a headache and/or sore muscles. Peppermint can get hot--dilute with a carrier oil (coconut oil, almond oil) if you have sensitive skin.

- On the bottom of the feet for a stomach ache.

- 1 or 2 drops (ONLY 1 or 2 drops) in a bath for body aches and muscle pain. Water enhances the action of the oil, so adding it to a bath may be too strong for some people. Never add peppermint to a child/baby bath.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: Peppermint oil should be diluted well before applying to the skin. Placing one drop of peppermint under the tongue and breathing past it (the peppermint oil) has been known to stop an asthma attack or clear the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Vocal performers often use this trick to dispel mucous from their throats and stimulate their vocal cords.

Peppermint is a good massage oil for stimulating circulation. Peppermint is too strong to be added to a bath. (I disagree...I love it in the bath! But it can be too strong for some people. I would not add it to a child/baby bath.)

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: Peppermint is like a rush of fresh energy into the system. It allows us to relax instead of letting anxiety build up in our body or mind. Peppermint oil is specific for people who move between highs and lows, sadness and happiness, until the ever-widening mood swings settle into lethargy, intolerance, and frustration. Just as peppermint strengthens the digestion and aids the absorption of nutrients on a physical level, it enhances our ability to "digest" new ideas and impressions.

Physical / Mental Aspects: Dr. Dembar of the University of Cincinnati discovered in a research study that inhaling peppermint oil increased the mental accuracy of the students tested by up to 28%. Peppermint oil can also be used for headaches and nerve regeneration.

Peppermint oil stimulates the mind, increasing the ability to focus and concentrate. When inhaled, it restores the sense of taste by stimulating the trigeminal nerve. Oddly, inhaling peppermint oil can also curb the appetite.

Peppermint is renowned for action on the digestive system and for use in bowel disorders. It is one of the best essential oils for nausea, vomiting, morning sickness (small amounts only), mouth or gum infections, fainting, and motion sickness.

Peppermint oil is strongly anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Peppermint oil increases circulation. All varieties of peppermint essential oil are useful for muscle pain, inflamed joints, and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties make peppermint essential oil supportive of prostate function.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Peppermint, like lavender, is soothing in small amounts and strongly stimulating in larger amounts.

CAUTIONS: Peppermint oil is stimulating to the uterus. Extreme caution, mostly as to the amount used, should be taken with peppermint oils if pregnant.

My favorite ways to use lavender:

- On the feet along the inside arch of the foot.

- In a bath at bedtime to calm down the kids.

- A few drops on a wool dryer ball in place of dryer sheets.

- Mixed with a carrier oil (coconut oil, almond oil) spread over a sunburn.

- A drop directly on a mosquito bite.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

GENERAL INFORMATION: Lavender is a universal oil that has been shown to balance the body and to work wherever there is a need. It is called 'the grandmother' of essential oils because it cares for and nurtures us through such a variety of physical and emotional stresses. If you don't know what essential oil to reach for, try lavender.

APPLICATION: There is probably no wrong way to apply or diffuse lavender.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: One of the great emotional gifts of lavender is the feeling of total and unchanging support around us. It leaves us with no room for doubt that we are loved and will be supported in life's challenges and in the process of healing. Lavender promotes faith, even in the hard times. Lavender brings balance between masculine and feminine energy and traits.

Lavender is a gentle, but effective, sedative and nervine. It can bring relief from anxiety, panic, hysteria, emotional and mental fatigue, headaches and migraines, and insomnia.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Lavender can be used for nearly all skin conditions. It can be applied to cuts, sunburns, burns, rashes, dermatitis, eczema, and insect bites. Consistent use of lavender with burns and injuries minimizes scarring. Lavender, usually as part of a blend, is often used to prevent or remedy conditions of dandruff and hair loss. Lavender is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cytophylactic, and antispasmodic, making it effective for muscle strains and sprains, cramps, and wound healing.

Lavender clears excess waste products from the lymphatic system and is an aid to digestion. Lavender is sometimes all that is needed to prevent or alleviate nausea. Mildly diuretic, lavender can be useful in alleviating edema and premenstrual water retention. Whether the root of the problem is emotional or physical, lavender is often effective in stabilizing both high or low blood pressure and regulating the pulse. Lavender, or blends containing it, is used to lessen pain and promote restful sleep. Lavender is useful for babies with thrush.

CAUTIONS: Lavender is wonderfully calming in small amounts, but can be stimulating if used in too large a quantity or too often. This is especially true with babies and small children.

My favorite ways to use Deliverance: 

- On the feet along the inside arch of the foot.

- 1 or 2 drops in a bath.

- Diffuse during cold and flu season. Whenever I feel something coming on, I start diffusing Deliverance and it either goes away, or the cold is very mild.

- 1 or 2 drops in a foot bath for athlete's foot.

From the book "Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils":

APPLICATION: ^LeDeliverance can be used in so many ways, I am sure that I will not manage to list them all here. Some common methods of use are soak the family toothbrushes in ^LeDeliverance mixed with water, place a drop on your toothbrush at least one time per day, and place on a cotton ball or in an inhaler and carry with you, inhaling frequently during the cold and flu season.

A particularly effective way to fight a very virulent illness is to apply ^LeDeliverance alternately with ^LeLifeForce. In the evening put one of these essential oils on the K1's (acupressure points on the feet) and the other on the thymus. First thing in the morning, put the oils on again, then put them in opposite positions. If ^LeDeliverance was on the thymus area the night before, it should go on the feet in the morning. This method is very effective against really nasty stuff.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: An excellent use for this blend is to diffuse it every day during the cold and flu season to eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: ^LeDeliverance is one of the most potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal combinations available. Its many uses include respiratory infections, sore throats, strep throats, dental diseases and infections, cold sores, canker sores, cuts, general infections, athlete's foot and toe nail fungus, and infection from slivers. Apply faithfully, undiluted, for warts (this takes a little time so be patient).

Frequent and consistent use of ^LeDeliverance also strengthens the immune system. ^LeDeliverance is an expectorant and helps the lymph system to drain. This is a very effective oil. Everyone should have it on hand.

GENERAL INFORMATION: ^LeDeliverance can be used, diluted, or diffused, in the home as a cleaner and air purifier to fight viruses and airborne bacteria.

Cautions: Care should also be taken to dilute well, especially if frequent use is anticipated. The clove, cinnamon, thyme, and oregano in this blend make it a possible skin irritant.

Allow Me To Introduce Myself

My name is Katie, and I love essential oils! I've been using oils for 8 years and love sharing what I have learned. There is a lot of information out there about oils (how to use them, what brand to use, etc.) and I wanted a place where I could condense that information and share what I feel is important. It's been a long time since I've used a blog (and I was never very good at it any way) so hopefully I can post the information so it's (relatively) easy to find.

I was first introduced to essential oils when I was a young mother and I herniated a disc in my back (they called it a herniation with extrusion). We didn't have health insurance and we were living paycheck to paycheck. I was in a lot of pain and didn't know what to do. A friend of my parents offered to bring his wife by who was learning a technique called foot zoning. She zoned my feet then did a Raindrop treatment on my back by dropping essential oils, one by one, down my back and rubbing the oils into my skin. I was surprised by how much it decreased my pain. She left a couple of bottles for me to use (so generous!) and I applied them to my back as I needed it for muscle tension and pain. After a few months of physical therapy and other alternative therapies, my herniated disc was healed without needing surgery.

A few years later I had the opportunity to learn foot zoning. In those classes I learned more about essential oils and I was hooked! I started to gradually build my supply of oils and learned how to use them to help my family. One of my favorite stories about how oils (and foot zoning) has helped my family happened shortly after I finished the foot zoning classes. My daughter had lactose intolerance and I would have to give her a Lactaid tablet whenever she had any milk. We were at a friend's house and they ordered pizza. I didn't have any tablets with me, and hoping that one time wouldn't hurt, I let her eat the pizza. Soon she was doubled over in pain. I had a bottle of peppermint oil in my purse, and I put a few drops on the bottoms of her feet and I zoned the area of the stomach and intestines. Within a few minutes she jumped up and ran off to play. I was so grateful to have those tools to help my daughter. (For more info on foot zoning, click here.)

I'll be adding more to this blog so check back often.You can follow me on Facebook here to be notified of updates on the blog and other oil-related news. If you have questions about oils or how to purchase them, feel free to send me a message on Facebook or by email: katie_bodily@yahoo.com.