Have you been curious about how your oils work with your body?
I am taking you to Science School and will dive deep into HOW your oils work with your body systems. I am often asked, “what essential oils should I use to help with…?” I like to help people think about the larger picture by helping them determine which body system they are trying to support.
When most people make the decision to bring these little brown bottles into their home, they are ready to make a change.
Let’s talk about how the oils work regarding each of your body systems. First, what is a body system?
But first, I want to tell you about my favorite essential oil resource for anyone looking to learn more about essential oils and how to use them.
The Modern Essential Oils Handbook is the perfect resource to using essential oils effectively.
Body systems are the groups of organs and tissues that work collectively to accomplish tasks that keep the body running optimally.
You have 11 major body systems:
- Integumentary
- Skeletal
- Muscular
- Nervous
- Endocrine
- Cardiovascular
- Lymphatic
- Respiratory
- Digestive
- Urinary
- Reproductive
When we are proactively assuming a holistic or whole-body, approach then we are using a prevention mindset and focusing on the root cause and supporting the entire body. All body systems are interconnected and work synergistically together to create overall well-being. Let’s dive in and explore how these systems work and how we can use our dōTERRA products to live that healthy lifestyle we are all so looking forward to!
Disclaimer - Any serious medical condition should always be taken up with a qualified medical professional.
Cardiovascular System
The first system of the body that we are going to explore is the Cardiovascular System.
The Cardiovascular System is made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
The heart works as a pump that pushes blood to the organs, tissues, and cells of the body. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and removes carbon dioxide and waste products made by these cells.
How do your oils work with this system?
When you apply oils topically, they are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream within 30 seconds! Your oils can permeate cells and tissues within the body for targeted support within 14 to 20 minutes.
Here is a Heart Healthy roller blend to support your Cardiovascular system:
- 10 drops Ylang Ylang
- 3 drops Copaiba
- 3 drops Lemongrass
- 5 drops Cypress
- 5 drops Frankincense
- 5 drops Marjoram
Top with a carrier oil and apply over the heart, wrists, and bottoms of the feet daily.
A little proactive support for our cardiovascular system is important. Making sure we get proper rest is equally important!
To wind down before bed, try adding a few drops of Lavender and Frankincense to 1 cup Epsom salts and dissolve in a hot bath.
I also really enjoy these sleepytime diffuser recipes:
- 1 drop each of Cedarwood, Patchouli, Balance, Vetiver, Roman Chamomile
- 5 drops Serenity, 3 drops Wild Orange
- 3 drops Adaptiv, 3 drops Breathe, 2 drops Lavender
EXERCISE
We all know that moving our body is important not only for our emotional health but also for our heart health.
Daily movement can reduce body weight, reduce blood pressure, reduce bad (LDL and total) cholesterol, as well as increase good (HDL) cholesterol...and make your butt look good.
If that hasn’t motivated you to lace up your sneakers and just go for a short walk each day, it does wonders for reducing stress and improving mental health! I know we could all use a lot of that right about now!
Whether exercise is already a ritual for you, or you are just committing to moving your body a few minutes per day a few times per week, you are going to want to get your hands on some Deep Blue Rub.
When applied to the skin the Deep Blue rub provides a comforting sensation of cooling and warmth to sore and strained muscles.
You may also want to grab some AromaTouch (Massage Blend) for those achy joints and sore muscles. This blend makes a wonderful addition to Epsom salts and a hot bath after strenuous exercise.
Digestive System
The digestive system is made up of the GI Tract (gastrointestinal tract), liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Your Digestive System is responsible for moving food and liquid through the GI tract, breaking food and liquid into smaller parts, moving the nutrients from the food and liquid to where they are needed, and removing waste. The digestive process is controlled through the help of nerves and hormones.
dōTERRA knows just how important the gut is to our overall health and they offer many products to help assist this part of the body.
DigestZen (Digestive Blend) is one of the products that I hear so many people have success with. The combination of Ginger, Rhizome Root, Peppermint, Caraway Seed, Coriander See, Anise Seed, Tarragon Plant, and Fennel Seed work in synchronicity to soothe an upset tummy and bring the digestive system back into balance.
TerraZyme, dōTERRA’s Digestive Enzyme Complex is a blend of active whole-food enzymes that are often deficient in cooked or processed foods. TerraZyme is meant to be taken with food to help aid the body in the digestion process.
PB Assist+ is dōTERRA’s probiotic. This proprietary formula of prebiotic fiber as well as six strains of probiotic microorganisms housed together in a unique double-layer veggie capsule make it super easy to support your gut with all the healthy bacteria. This double layer system is designed to protect the probiotic cultures from stomach acid and assure delivery to the intestines and colon.
DigestTab Chewable tablets, natural calcium carbonate tablet is infused with DigestZen Digestive Blend to deliver digestive support as well as the ability to neutralize stomach acid balance.
Enteric Coated Peppermint, this delivery method of Peppermint allows the Peppermint to penetrate deep into the lower GI to support any digestion upset in the lower bowls.
dōTERRA recently surprised us with some new products and one of my favorites is the Fiber.
According to the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, most people only get half the amount of fiber they need (even with a healthy diet!) dōTERRA Fiber was created as a convenient way to supplement your fiber intake. In fact, one serving provides 6 grams of soluble and insoluble fiber, CPTG Lemon essential oil, natural Vitamin C, and a unique prebiotic blend.
Essential oils can be extremely supportive to supporting your hormones, but there are a few other tips you can utilize too!
- Consume healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, grass-fed/organic butter or ghee)
- Watch your caffeine intake (I know, annoying but necessary)
- Sleep well (7-8 hours minimum)
- Gentle workouts daily (move for 30 minutes a day)
- Support your digestive system (your gut and liver are both vital to your hormone health)
- Stay proactive with supplementing your body (take your Lifelong Vitality Supplements)
- Use your oils!
Endocrine System
The Endocrine is a massively important body system, since it is responsible for almost every cell, organ, and function in the body. The Endocrine System is made up of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenals, pancreas, and ovaries (for women) or testes (for men).
The Thyroid is a major part of your Endocrine System, so let’s start with discussing the health of it.
Here is a Healthy Thyroid blend (in a 10ml roller)
- 20 drops Frankincense
- 20 drops Myrrh
- 20 drops Lemongrass
- 20 drops Lavender
- 20 drops Peppermint
Top with fractionated coconut oil and shake and apply over thyroid daily.
Since women feel the fluctuation of hormones throughout the month, dōTERRA has some incredible oils to support you.
Clary Calm: a specially formulated blend of 12 essential oils, can be applied topically for a soothing effect on the abdomen. Other oils such as Lavender, Clary Sage, and Rose are also helpful.
If you are in the time of life where you are experiencing Menopausal symptoms, these can also be soothed with essential oils. Rose, Jasmine, Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, and Clary Sage all offer benefits during perimenopause and menopause.
Men’s hormones can play a major role in their emotions (hey anger, stress, shutting down) low energy, or low/no libido. Oils can support their Endocrine System too!
Men’s Hormone Blend (in a 10ml roller):
- 8 drops Frankincense
- 5 drops Rosemary
- 5 drops Ylang Ylang
- 3 drops DDR Prime
- 3 drops Console
Top with a carrier oil, shake and apply topically down the spine.
Integumentary System
This system consists of the skin, hair, and nails which all act as your first line of defense protecting your internal organs and tissues from external threats. Your skin protects internal organs, guards against infection, regulates temperature and hydration through perspiration, as well as stores water, fat, and glucose. The skin also excretes waste, generates Vitamin D when exposed to UV light, and secretes melanin to protect against sunburn. It can also form new cells to repair cuts and abrasions. Using your oils topically on your skin, hair and nails is an incredible, natural, way to support this system.
Skin Favorites:
- Frankincense (hello, anti-aging)
- Immortelle
- Tea Tree
- Turmeric
- Lavender
Nail Favorites:
- Myrrh
- Frankincense
- Sandalwood
- Lavender
Hair Favorites:
- Tea Tree
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Lavender
Now that we know how important our skin is we need to be sure we are doing our best to keep it healthy. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and protecting skin from sun damage are all great habits for keeping the skin healthy.
Yarrow | Pom Body Serum is uniquely crafted by doTERRA for optimizing the health of your skin. I love adding a few pumps of Yarrow | Pom Body Serum to my Body Lotion and rubbing it on post-shower to keep my skin in good condition.
By now we are all aware of the importance of reducing our toxic load which means incorporating as many “clean” products as we can into our lives. dōTERRA has graciously formulated many of these products using natural ingredients that we can feel good about.
dōTERRA Salon Essentials Protecting Shampoo and Smoothing Conditioner are two products that I cannot go without. This hair-boosting duo works together to protect your scalp and hair by enriching it with essential oils, gentle cleansers, and botanical ingredients.
Currently doTERRA has two hair care lines; in 2021 they came out with an updated formula to the Salon Essentials line. You can read all about the newest hair care products here, New doTERRA Hair Care Review | 2021 Formula Update. This line also offers a leave in conditioner that is phenomenal.
You can also add a drop or two of Tea Tree or Rosemary to your Shampoo for a deep clean on your scalp!
My all-time favorite hair care product is the Root to Tip Serum.
Immune System and Lymphatic System
The Immune System and the Lymphatic System work synergistically to protect the body from harmful pathogens and disease.
What is it?
These systems include white blood cells, bone marrow, the spleen, tonsils, adenoids, appendix, thymus, lymph, and lymph nodes. When our immune system is working properly, it is able to identify a threat and engage in a series of responses designed to eliminate the pathogen from entering targeted cells and tissues.
Lifestyle choices can either strengthen or weaken the immune response.
Nutrition is an important factor in having a healthy immune system because cells need vital nutrients to safeguard the body.
Did you know, your essential oils have a chemical footprint similar to the human body, therefore, they have the unique ability to help the immune system bring itself to balance? Essential oils are fat-soluble (lipophilic) so they are able to penetrate the cell membrane and back up your immune system when you are feeling a bit run down.
Best oils for Immune Support:
Oregano, Thyme, Arborvitae, Rose, Stronger, AromaTouch, Tea Tree, Frankincense, and On Guard
By now I am sure that you are not only familiar but in love with our On Guard Protective Blend. Especially at this time of year, this blend is a must have in every home! dōTERRA On Guard includes oil powerhouses such as Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary.
A recent study performed by dōTERRA scientists measured the effects of OnGuard on human cells. Four different white blood cell co-cultures and one skin cell co-culture were exposed to On Guard and changes in cellular activity were measured using biomarker analysis. The data concluded that On Guard may regulate many important pathways regarding a healthy inflammatory response, wound healing, cellular health as well as immune response.
This line includes On Guard Cleaner Concentrate, Foaming Hand Wash, Laundry Detergent, Mouthwash, Toothpaste, Protecting Throat Drops, and Sanitizing Mist.
Our Lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that work to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into the bloodstream. This system helps to maintain fluid levels in the body, absorb fats from the digestive tract, protect the body from foreign invaders as well as transport and remove waste and abnormal cells from the lymph.
To keep our lymphatic system healthy, we should avoid toxic chemicals, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, engage in regular exercise, and maintain a healthy diet.
Another activity to support the lymphatic system that we can do is called dry brushing. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, therefore, aiding in the ridding of toxins. The coarse bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up promoting sweat and the removal of toxins.
To dry brush, use a natural fiber brush with a long handle. For added benefits, you can grab your Cypress or Grapefruit essential oil and drop a few drops on the brush before you begin.
Simple Steps:
Start at your feet and move up your body.
Brush your skin using wide, circular, clockwise motions.
Use light pressure in areas where your skin is thin and harder pressure on thicker skin, like the soles of your feet.
Brush your arms after you have brushed your feet, legs, and mid-section. You should brush upward towards your armpits.
After dry brushing, take a cool shower to help remove the dry skin.
After your shower, dry off and then consider adding dōTERRA Spa lotion or Body Butter.
Muscular System
The Muscular System consists of 650 muscles in 3 main categories: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
The Muscular System is controlled by the nervous system by two pathways: somatic and autonomic. Skeletal muscles are muscles connected to the skeleton and are somatic (or voluntary). Autonomic (or involuntary) muscles include both smooth and cardiac muscles.
These muscles never stop working to perform the functions of the body. You don’t have to think about your heart beating, continuing to blink, or your lungs breathing.
The muscular system is constantly in motion to support critical body functions. Essential oils can work with muscles and connective tissue as well as support muscle function on a cellular level.
Minor issues can be supported with the topical or internal application of oils and for more serious issues, oils can be used in conjunction with professional medical care.
A favorite Muscular Support blend (in a 10ml roller)
- Turmeric
- Marjoram
- Frankincense
- Lemongrass
- Copaiba
5-10 drops of each oil, topped with Fractionated Coconut oil. Shake and apply topically where you need some support.
Deep Blue Essential Oil
This essential oil blend is composed of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, German Chamomile, Helichrysum, and Osmanthus. This blend can be applied topically to provide a soothing and cooling sensation that is ideal for a comforting massage.
Many TOP athletes and exercise enthusiasts utilize Deep Blue to relax the body and soothe the muscles after strenuous activity.
If you have little ones Deep Blue is also great for use to assist a growing child during growth spurts. Combine Deep Blue with a few drops of Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage into the child’s legs before bedtime.
The BEST complimenting oil to Deep Blue is AromaTouch our Massage Blend!
This blend was formulated to lessen tension and provide comforting and relaxing effects. With essential oils like Cypress, Peppermint, Marjoram, Basil, Grapefruit, and Lavender this combination provides such a calming and tranquil atmosphere.
When we experience emotional strain or experience anxious feelings or stress, it can often lead to tension in our muscles. I know personally that I carry a lot of my tension in my neck, jaw, and shoulders.
AromaTouch is a wonderful option to apply topically to soothe tight muscles.
PastTense is one of my personal favorites but sometimes might be overlooked. Also known as Tension Blend, this blend is helpful at grounding and balancing emotions. Its cooling aroma can ease feelings of stress and promote calm feelings.
PastTense is a proprietary blend made by doTERRA of Wintergreen, Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense, Cilantro, Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Basil, and Rosemary. These essential oils all come together to make the perfect blend to apply to shoulders, neck, and back in times of stress. PastTense can also be applied to the temples for alleviating tension in the head.
Be sure to dilute this blend for sensitive skin.
Skeletal System
The body’s skeletal structure comprises the framework for which all organs and tissues depend upon for proper placement and coordination. Our bones need blood and oxygen to metabolize nutrients and produce waste.
The skeletal system is in constant use, therefore undergoes perpetual repair and rejuvenation. This also means it is susceptible to damage. Proper pH balance in the body is beneficial to a healthy skeletal system (AKA Drink your water).
When there is an injury in the skeletal system, the use of essential oils can expedite in supporting the repair process and recovery time.
Wintergreen and Birch are good examples of oils that can be used to relieve and resolve skeletal issues. Additionally, Lemongrass supports the healing of connective tissue.
Fun fact: the skeletal system accounts for about 20% of the body’s overall weight!
dōTERRA Bone Nutrient Essential Complex is a blend of vitamins and minerals that are essential for developing and maintaining healthy bone mass and density. This supplement is formulated with bioavailable forms of natural nutrients that include vitamins C and D, as well as calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals that support healthy bone density.
Bone Nutrient Complex is marketed toward women because women are at a higher risk for bone loss especially after menopause but the bone loss also occurs in men so use is encouraged for everyone!
Science school can be A LOT of information but once you understand the brilliance of your body you will see how perfectly you were made and why your oils work so seamlessly to support every cell in your body!
Nervous System
The Nervous System is your body’s communication channel. The nerves send and receive messages that allow you to think, feel, process sensory information, and control movement. Your nervous system is also responsible for emotions. Learning to manage negative emotions can help balance the nervous system.
Essential oils can help calm the body, generate a positive mood, and support a healthy nervous system.
They help with homeostasis, circulation, brain function, and even help with neurons transmitting and receiving messages to be more efficient thanks to their regenerative and soothing properties.
Some essential oils traditionally used to balance or calm the nervous system include Lavender, Bergamot, Cilantro, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Basil, Copaiba, Vetiver, and Wild Orange.
These are extremely helpful if you have a hard time focusing, tend to get emotional spikes throughout the day, or want to be more intentional with your thoughts and feelings.
Copaiba Essential Oil
Copaiba exhibits massive benefits on the body, specifically the nervous system.
Copaiba is obtained by steam distillation of the resin collected from four different Copaifera trees. The primary chemical constituent of Copaiba is beta-caryophyllene which is a bicyclic sesquiterpene. Scientific research has discovered that beta-caryophyllene has a lot to offer and benefits the body overall and may support a healthy nervous system.
Relaxed emotions
Reduced temporary inflammation
Better focus, sleep, and immune function
Sounds like a good idea to take a Copaiba softgel or a drop or two of Copaiba daily to support your body and brain as a whole.
Copaiba often gets compared to CBD but offers a MUCH safer option with better results. Check out this podcast to dive deeper: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/podcast-episode-19-cbd-vs-copaiba
Urinary Tract
The UT consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra and the principal function is to maintain the volume and composition of body fluids. The urinary system maintains adequate fluid volumes, pH and chemical balances, and electrolyte levels. Urine is formed in the kidneys by a blood filtration process and carries the waste as well as excess fluid to the ureters and eventually to the bladder where it is stored until it is expelled from the body via urination.
Unfortunately, most people are in a constant state of dehydration which takes a toll on overall health but especially impacts kidney health. (This is your reminder to stop what you are doing and grab your water bottle!) In addition to making sure you are consuming enough water, there are essential oils that are helpful in aiding the body to rid itself of discomfort or fun bugs that can wreak havoc on your urinary tract.
Quick tip of the day: Drink half of your weight in ounces of water per day. (Example: if you weigh 160 lbs, aim for at least 80 oz of water)
Several essential oils support the urinary system naturally. Lemon and Juniper Berry both act as diuretics. Lemongrass decongests the urinary tract and fights infection. Cypress resolves excess water/fluid retention.
Struggling with bedwetting? Combine 1 drop of Juniper Berry and 1 drop of Cypress in your palm and apply topically across the lower abdomen as needed or 3+ times per day for chronic issues.
Pro tip: Potty training or struggling to go? Drop a drop of Peppermint essential oil into the toilet bowl to get things moving.
Respiratory System
Your respiratory system is a collection of organs that make breathing possible.
Breathing is an important filtration process for the body. This process of inhaling, warming, filtering, controlling the humidity of, and exhaling air. When we breathe in, thousands of oxygen molecules travel through our nose and mouth, down the larynx and trachea, and into the lungs. Tiny appendages called cilia in our lungs secrete mucus as they move back and forth carrying dust, germs out of the lungs. It is then expelled by sneezing, coughing, spitting, and/or swallowing. Carbon dioxide is a waste product that is expelled from the body as we exhale.
The breathing process is a basic yet important function of the body and is often taken for granted. That is until something goes wrong! Respiratory conditions include anything that affects the lungs, bronchial tubes, upper respiratory tract, trachea, pleural cavity, or even nerves and muscles used for breathing.
Favorite Respiratory Support Blend (in a 10ml roller)
- 10 drops Frankincense
- 8 drops Douglas Fir
- 8 drops Breathe
- 5 drops Lime
Top with a carrier oil and rollover front and back of lungs as needed.
Simple things like candles, waxes, air fresheners, and cleaners all contain fragrances that are highly toxic to the air we breathe.
There are so many essential oils that can support our respiratory system. dōTERRA Breathe (Respiratory Blend) is a blend of Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara. The blend maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing. Breathe will also minimize the effects of seasonal threats. Apply topically to the chest, back, or bottom of the feet and/or diffuse at nighttime to promote restful sleep (especially if someone you know snores!)
If you are a fan of Breathe, then you may want to check out Breathe Respiratory drops as well as the Breathe Vapor Stick.
DIY (temporary) Cough Syrup
- ½ Cup Honey
- 8 drops Peppermint
- 8 drops Lemon
- 8 drops Lavender
- 8 drops Frankincense
- 3 drops Clove
- 3 drops Wild Orange
- 1 drop Cinnamon
Mix and take 1 teaspoon every 3 hours as needed
A great resource for you to learn more about essential oils and the body is a book titled, Symphony of the Cells. This book will dive deeper into the specific body systems and how essentials allow for a focused to different aliments.
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