In the midst of life’s challenges, I stumbled upon a path that would change the course of my family’s well-being forever. This is the story of my journey to using essential oils, a journey marked by skepticism, transformation, and a newfound appreciation for holistic health.

My family had been grappling with health issues, with an insidious genetic condition casting its shadow over us. Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disease, had taken root in my husband, and soon after, my son and daughter also fell victim to its grip. The relentless progression of this disease made our lives a daily battle, and the conventional medications prescribed by doctors brought with them a barrage of debilitating side effects.

Amidst this turmoil, a persistent friend consistently urged me to try essential oils. My initial reaction was one of skepticism and dismissal. I thought it was all a bunch of nonsense, a fad that wouldn’t make a difference in our lives. Little did I know that the path to healing often begins with an open mind.

It was my own health crisis that eventually changed my perspective. Severe pain from fibroids left me in agony, and my doctor’s grim ultimatum echoed in my ears: either undergo a hysterectomy or continue to suffer. I was not ready to face such a life-altering decision. At that moment, my friend, who had been advocating for essential oils, approached me with a different proposition. She offered me a few bottles to try, with one simple promise: she wanted me to feel better. What did I have to lose? It wasn’t costing me a thing.

To my surprise, these essential oils became a lifeline. They didn’t miraculously cure my condition, but they offered respite, allowing me to postpone the inevitable hysterectomy for over eight years. It was a revelation – a natural solution that allowed me to maintain a semblance of normalcy in the face of chronic pain.

But the journey didn’t end there. Using essential oils set me on a path of discovery about the harmful chemicals lurking in cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care items I had been using for years. The more I learned, the more I realized I needed to make changes in the products I brought into our home.

This newfound awareness led me to explore the ingredients in our food, prompting a shift towards organic gardening, canning, and backyard homesteading. The journey didn’t just change the products I used; it transformed my entire lifestyle and outlook on health and wellness. I even use essential oils on my dogs.

I firmly believe that there is room for both conventional medicine and naturopathy in our lives. I’m not a medical professional, and I make it clear that my experiences with essential oils are personal and not intended to treat or cure any medical conditions.

For over 1o years I use dYoung Living oils because they were really the only essential oil company that was truly pure and organic and also did rigorus testing. times have changes and more essential oil companies have evolved. In 2024 I found Simply Earth oils. They have a number on each bottle where you can look up the testing. I will eventually be testing out a few more companies as well.

In the end, my journey with essential oils has been a testament to the power of open-mindedness, holistic wellness, and the importance of taking control of our own health. It’s a journey that has brought healing, transformation, and a newfound appreciation for the natural world’s offerings – one that continues to unfold, offering hope and a healthier future for my family.

I also want to mention there is A LOT of misinformation out there about essentials oils and Google will be your own worst enemy. Just don’t do it lol.

Do Scented Candles, Incense, and Air Fresheners Cause Cancer, Allergies, and Asthma?

I used to love scented candles. I used several types of wax warmers and more. That was till I learned that these all come some hidden health risks. These types of products are known to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, phthalates, and cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. Many of the chemicals emitted by these products have been linked to hormone disruption, allergies, asthma, and even cancerous mutations in DNA.

In one recent study, scented candles were found to act as potent sources of VOC emissions, whether they were lit or not, and when lit, formaldehyde had the highest emission concentration. Incense sticks and air fresheners have also been shown to contribute to poor indoor air quality, including the release of benzene.The Daily Mail further reported:

In 2013, after a study of more than 2,000 pregnant women, the International Journal of Public Health reported that women who used air fresheners in their homes were significantly more likely to have babies that suffered from wheezing and lung infections. One study that followed 14,000 children from before and after birth found they had higher levels of diarrhea and earache, while their mothers had raised risks of headaches and depression, all linked to the frequent use of air fresheners and aerosols during pregnancy and early childhood. A 2007 study also found that using air fresheners as little as once a week can raise the risk of asthma in adults. The same report found that the risk of developing asthma was up to 50 percent higher in people who had been exposed to air-freshener sprays.”

Why Did I Choose Young Living

Choosing to incorporate essential oils into my family’s wellness routine was not a decision I took lightly. In fact, it took me a good six months to even consider using essential oils, as I initially regarded them as somewhat hokey or unproven. However, as I delved deeper into my research, I found that there was more to these natural remedies than met the eye. My journey eventually led me to Young Living, a choice that was rooted in transparency, authenticity, and a deep commitment to improving the well-being of my loved ones.

Young Living stood out as the one essential oil company that welcomed me with open arms to visit their lavender farm and distillery in Utah. This commitment to transparency resonated with me, as it allowed me to witness firsthand the authenticity and purity of their products. Unlike other companies that turned me away, Young Living allowed me to see for myself how their essential oils were cultivated and distilled, ensuring that they met the highest standards.

One of the aspects that drew me to Young Living was their unique approach to essential oils. Their products don’t come with an expiration date, which spoke volumes about the quality and longevity of their oils. I also appreciated the fact that many of their oils can be ingested, offering a versatile range of options for incorporating them into our daily lives. Moreover, Young Living’s commitment to using pesticide-free plants in their essential oil production gave me peace of mind about the purity and safety of their products.

You see, my grandmother used to plant peppermint in her garden and she would pluck a leaf off and put it straight in her mouth or in her tea. You should be able to do this with your oils. The FDA says you only have to have 5-10% pure oil to be considered pure. That means you could be ingesting a lot of chemicals with other brands if you are not carefully doing your own homework.

I am so thankful that more and more oil companies are changing their standards.

I’d like to note that since my initial journey, Young Living has made it even more convenient for individuals to access their essential oils. You don’t have to be a consultant to obtain their products; anyone can now order as a customer. I understand that Young Living oils can be expensive. It’s because they have to pay their downlines and completely understand. What a wonderful way for someone to create an income.

However as I said above Simply Earth isn’t an MLM so they pass the savings on to the customer without skimping on quality. I am very thankful that my oily journey led me to my new found love for backyard homesteading.

If you have any questions about essential oils or are curious about how they can enhance your well-being, feel free to ask. I’m here to offer information and support, no matter which brand you ultimately decide to explore.