MY ESSENTIAL OILS STORY
What is an “essential oil”? This was my exact question 3 years ago when I was talking to my friend about my son’s injury. He was 9 year’s old at the time and played baseball almost year round. He managed to almost snap the tendon that attaches the shin bone to the patella, due to overuse. This was caused by Sinding Larsen Johansson syndrome, which is is an inflammation of the bone at the bottom of the kneecap. I came to find out that this is a common ailment during growth spurts in kids and teens. What alarmed me the most was that he also had a quarter sized cyst under the kneecap, that had formed likely due to friction or stress under the bone. It was significantly adding the pain and discomfort he felt, and not allowing his tendon to heal.
My biggest concern was that cyst. The Dr. suggested we tackle one thing at a time, and figure it out once the tendon and patella have fully healed. Even as I verbally agreed with him, I was planning the extensive google search string in my head. I needed to figure out how to get rid of that cyst, so that my boy wasn’t going to have to sit out longer than necessary. That’s how us sports moms tend to think–it’s hard to have our kid sit in the sidelines. I didn’t want to rush the process, but I knew I couldn’t sit and just wait and either.
Baseball season turned into football season, and there he sat. Hopping on one leg and reeling with armpit pain from those pesky crutches.
It was around this time that I was talking to my friend. Her son went to school with mine, and we kept in touch periodically. I hadn’t seen her in a long while and when I asked her how she was doing, she told me she’s been out of pocket for some time as she was dealing with auto-immune disease. In almost the same breath she mentioned how she’s much better now, and that essential oils had helped her regain her strength and begin her recovery journey. At this point I had only heard of aromatherapy, and I figured essential oils were good for fragrance. I had never heard of the healing properties of essential oils, but listened to her testimony carefully. I was mesmerized as she shared her story of how these oils had changed her life. So I put my google search into action.
If essential oils could make the symptoms of a debilitating condition like hers weaken, then maybe, just maybe they can help my boy. They had worked for her so well over the years that she became a Wellness Advocate, so she can share essential oils with others. Not long after I was looking for any and all information I could find on essential oils.
After much research, I found that oregano essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is an antioxidant. It sounded odd to me because I only ever thought of oregano as something I add to my spaghetti sauce. My friend confirmed that oregano oil is amazing for so many things, so I placed an order through her.
Once the cast was removed and the brace was put on, I started to apply the oregano oil onto my son’s kneecap. This went on every single day for 4 weeks.
I had no idea of knowing whether it was working or not. I had faith, and I stayed consistent.
Finally, the day arrived to remove the brace and get cleared to start physical therapy. The Dr. was pleased that the tendon had healed itself and reattached to the bone. The cast and brace were successful!
Immediately I asked about the quarter sized cyst that he told me 8 weeks prior. He took a look at the X-Ray and with a confused look said that it was gone. Completely gone. A cyst that was about half the size of the knee bone itself, had totally disappeared. I could’ve hugged that man.
I was SO excited. IT WORKED! The essential oil worked, and no further treatment was needed.
Since then, I have discovered a myriad of uses for essential oils, and am well on my way to using them for almost everything in my home. From cleaning, to healing, to discomfort, to immunity boosting, to cooking, and on and on! I have made my own blends, and love finding blends that others have made up online. The possibilities are limitless.
HOW DID I USE THE OREGANO OIL?
This is exactly what I did:
I added 10 drops of DoTerra Oregano Essential Oil to a roller bottle , and topped it off with fractionated coconut oil. I rolled this directly onto his knee every morning before school, after school, and before bed.
It is important to dilute this particular oil with a carrier oil.
Oregano is considered a ‘hot’ oil, meaning it can sting if applied directly to the skin.
Fractionated coconut oil has had the enzymes that cause the oil to solidify in cooler temperatures removed. It is always in liquid form. Because I wanted to easily roll the oil onto his knee, I used the fractionated oil. I could’ve used regular coconut oil just as well by rubbing a small amount between the palms of my hands to liquify it, add a few drops of the oregano oil and dab directly. Using a pre-made roller bottle was just much easier.
Jojoba, grape seed, sweet almond, or extra virgin olive oil are also excellent options.
WHERE YOU GET YOUR OILS IS IMPORTANT
Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA. This means that any company can claim anything they want on their labels, and that’s why I would never buy my oils from a retail store or on Amazon. I buy my oils exclusively from doTerra, here’s why:
Quality. The essential oil industry as a whole is growing, and growing fast. With any significant growth in any industry you are going to have people who only see dollar signs and want to capitalize on the want and need of the consumer. They will pursue this at any cost.
The little sealed caps that come on doTerra bottles can be purchased through any oil supply company for pennies. It is very easy to take off the cap/ring and either dilute or replace the oil with a cheaper brand, and then put on a new cap and seal, and sell it for profit. Amazon or other online retailers have very little control over quality.
Support. There’s a lot to learn when you get started with essential oils. It is ideal to get started withing the community and with support so you can use them safely and correctly. The community and information provided by your rep (me!) is invaluable!
When you enroll with a doTerra rep you have access to free resources and education from the company itself. DoTerra reps are also doTerra users! We are always learning, and can offer you our wisdom for FREE!
Want to know how to get started with essential oils, go HERE!
Essential oil changed my life! But I do know that I had lots of questions at the beginning of my journey, and having someone around to answer them was key. I am always personally available to answer any of your questions.
CONTACT ME:
Barbara is the mom behind the blog. She began writing in 2012 as the creator of Hello Life, a craft & lifestyle blog. As life evolved, and her kids became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. Like many of today’s mamas, she loves being creative, cooking, and fashion, and when there are a few minutes to spare, a good book. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.