Frequently Asked Questions

Essential Oils
Young Living
Usage

What is an essential oil?

We are glad you asked! Click here to learn more.

What are the most popular essential oils?

There are so many essential oils to choose from and just like every snowflake is different so are each of us. Young Living has put together a collection of Everyday Oils as well as you may want to take a look at the Healthy Connections Team members favorite oils on their individual pages.

What is the shelve life of essential oils?

Young Living’s essential oils do not expire and will maintain their integrity, efficacy, and beneficial properties virtually indefinitely, provided they are stored properly in a dark-glass bottle, upright and tightly sealed, out of sunlight, and in cool temperatures.

Are essential oils still effective and safe to use if they have been left in the heat?

UV exposure will cause the greatest damage to the constituents of essential oils, and heat and light combined will affect them even more quickly. If a package is delivered and sitting on the porch for several hours (or even a few days), but the oils are not directly exposed to UV light, the efficacy of the oils will not be compromised. If the oil is hot, cool it before using. Prolonged exposure to light will cause the oil constituents to change or diminish.

Is it possible to be allergic to essential oils?

Essential oils do not generally contain the proteins responsible for allergic reactions, which minimizes the likelihood of an allergic reaction. However, individual sensitivities do vary, and people can still experience sensitivities to essential oils. When using a new essential oil, dilution and a skin spot test is a good idea to ensure that you do not experience any sensitivity to that particular oil.

Can essential oils interact with prescription medications?

If you have a disease or medical condition, or if you are using a prescription medication, it is recommended that you consult with a health advisor who has experience with EOs prior to using an EO. Seek the advice of the prescribing physician and a pharmacist about potential interactions between the medication(s) and the essential oil(s).

Are Young Living products FDA approved?

The ingredients in our dietary supplements and foods are approved by the FDA for consumption. The ingredients in our cosmetics are approved by the FDA for cosmetic use. The FDA has not approved Young Living's products, but the ingredients used in our products.

Does Young Living use pesticides?

We do not use pesticides at our Young Living farms or our partner farms. Both our farm practices and finished products are held to strict standards, and with the measures we have in place, we feel confident that we offer our members the best, purest products available.

How do I purchase Young Living essential oils?

You may purchase products at retail prices or become a wholesale member. A wholesale member is under no obligation to sell products or to purchase every month. Connect with a Healthy Connections Team member to discuss your best options depending upon what product(s) you are interested in purchasing. They will be able to share with you how to receive the best value.

How many drops are in a Young Living 5-ml and 15-ml bottle of essential oil?

There are approximately 85 drops (1 teaspoon) in a 5-ml bottle and approximately 250 drops (1 tablespoon) in a 15-ml bottle.

How much do I use when cooking with Young Living Vitality essential oils?

You can add essential oils in your favorite recipes that call for dried herbs, spices, or fruit juices. Keep in mind that essential oils have a much stronger flavor than dried herbs and spices, so a much smaller amount is generally sufficient. We recommend starting out with small amounts of oil, and then increasing the amount according to your own taste. Also, remember that essential oils have highly volatile constituents and can be changed or altered during the cooking process, so it is best to avoid exposing them to extreme heat. This can be prevented by lowering your stovetop temperature, using essential oils in conjunction with extra virgin olive oil, or by adding oils after the dish has been removed from heat.These ratios can also provide a guideline for how much essential oil to use in substitutions:• Juice or zest of 1 citrus fruit = 10–15 drops of oil• 1 liquid tablespoon or more = ½–1 drop of oil• Less than 1 tablespoon = 1 toothpick swirl of oil

How often can essential oils be applied? How much do I use?

Proper usage is indicated on each Young Living EO label. Please follow label instructions. The idea of “if a little is good, a lot is better” is not always correct. Essential oils are very potent and powerful– start low and go slow. In most cases 1-2 drops are adequate and using more may waste product. Depending on the EO you can gradually build up to 3-4 uses per day if desired. Excessive use of essential oils may increase the risk for adverse reactions of sensitivity.

What is a carrier oil, what does it do, and why should I use it?

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil that can be used to dilute EO. YL V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex is an excellent carrier oil for all applications. Carrier oils ensure that EOs applied topically are comfortable. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the EO, and prevents waste due to excessive application. Vegetable shortening, butter, margarine or petroleum derivatives (petrolatum jelly) should never be used as carrier oils. Some consumers choose to avoid olive oil as a carrier oil because of its strong aroma and thick viscosity.

Can essential oils be used on children?

Many EOs are appropriate for use with children, and they should be diluted prior to use. Some YL products are pre-diluted with carrier oil as indicated on product label and are intended for direct application on children (such as the KidScents line). Children generally respond well to essential oils, and use of a carrier oil is recommended. For example, 1-2 drops of EO such as SleepyIze, RutaVala, Gentle Baby and Peace & Calming may be diluted in carrier oil and applied to the bottom of the feet.

Can essential oils be used during pregnancy or while nursing?

There are many gentle essential oils such as lavender that should not be a problem, but as with any medical condition it is strongly recommended that, prior to use of essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in EO usage. It is generally recommended to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sage (Salvian officinalis), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils.

Are essential oils safe to use on or around animals?

YL offers Animal Scents™ products that are designed for use with animals, including an Animal Scents oil collection. Many people successfully use Young Living products with their animals. The general idea is to start slow and low…for example on a smaller dog, you would start with a drop of essential oil on your hand and let it almost dissipate before petting the dog. Remember that animals have a stronger sense of smell than we do, so avoid high contact near their face. Many times our animals benefit from their humans acting as a diffuser; we apply it on ourselves and allow the animal to approach us. Talk to your vet about essential oils around your pets as for example, some have concerns that cats may not have the enzymes to process certain essential oils.

Can essential oils be applied to sensitive areas?

YL recommends that you avoid contact with EOs and sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, genitals and mucous membranes. If you choose to use the oil in any sensitive area, dilute 1 drop of the essential oil to 5-10 drops of V-6 carrier oil.

What do I do if I experience skin discomfort or irritation from an essential oil?

If discomfort or irritation occurs, stop using the EO, and apply V-6 or other carrier oil to the affected area. Never use water in an attempt to flush the oil off the skin, as this may increase discomfort. If a rash occurs this may be a sign of detoxification; drink adequate water to encourage the release and removal of body toxins. Toxins present in petrochemical based soaps and skin care products, detergents and perfumes may trigger some of the detoxification reactions. Consider discontinuation of these agents if a reaction occurs. Before using the EO again, perform a patch test (see above) and dilute with carrier oil as needed. Water drives oil into the skin and the eyes. If EO gets in your eye, flush with V-6 carrier oil to alleviate any discomfort. Discomfort should be alleviated within minutes. If eye discomfort does not subside within 5 minutes, please seek medical attention. Be aware that some documents suggest diluting the oil with water. YL suggests that you dilute with carrier oil to ensure that discomfort is alleviated as quickly as possible.

What is a hot oil? …and What is a patch test?

"Hot oils” are oils that, when applied to the skin, can cause a hot or burning sensation. YL recommends using a patch test procedure prior to first use. To perform a patch test, apply 1-2 drops of EO to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1-2 hours for any noticeable reaction; usually reactions occur within 5-10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or if you develop a rash, add V-6 carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Examples of “hot” oils include cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, peppermint, oregano, and thyme.

How does exposure to the sun affect essential oil use?

Some EOs, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. All YL EOs and oil blends that contain these compounds are labeled with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12 to 48 hours after applying. Caution should always be used when starting to use a new oil: use patch testing, dilute and apply the oil to skin that is protected from sun/UV exposure to reduce the risk of sensitivity. YL beauty and cosmetic products are formulated to remove sunU sensitizing agents to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity.