Tag Archives: Essential Oils

How to Use Essential Oils: Copaiba

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Copaiba essential oil, tapped from the resin of Copaifera trees native to the Amazon rainforest, is prized for its mild, woody aroma and gentle yet powerful benefits. Unlike strong-smelling resins such as frankincense or myrrh, copaiba has a soft, sweet scent that makes it easy to blend with other oils. Traditionally used in South American herbal practices, the resin and oil have long been valued for soothing the body and calming the mind. Diffused, it creates a grounding environment that encourages relaxation and emotional balance.

One of copaiba’s most notable features is its high content of beta-caryophyllene, a compound also found in black pepper, which interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This makes copaiba unique among essential oils, as it can support a sense of calm and help the body respond more naturally to stress. It is often used in massage oils or diluted topical blends to comfort tired muscles and joints. Because of its gentle profile, copaiba is considered a versatile oil that can be used daily for both physical and emotional support.

Did You Know? Copaiba resin has been tapped and used in the Amazon basin since at least the 16th century, when European explorers recorded its use by indigenous peoples. Today, it is sometimes called the “Amazon’s liquid gold” because of its wide range of uses and sustainable harvesting process. Rather than cutting down the tree, harvesters carefully tap the trunk to collect resin, allowing the same tree to provide oil for decades without harm.

The Indigo Bloom

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From fields of Morocco, bright blossoms grow,
A yellow flower with a cobalt glow.
Its oil turns blue when distilled with care,
A calming gift, both precious and rare.

Rich in chamazulene, soothing the skin,
It cools irritation from deep within.
Used in blends for its gentle repair,
It eases redness with tender care.

Inhale the scent, a fruity delight,
With herbal tones both calming and light.
It comforts the mind, releasing the stress,
A tranquil embrace, restoring rest.

Blue Tansy uplifts, yet steadies the soul,
Balancing moods, it helps make us whole.
A single drop in a diffuser’s stream,
Turns troubled thoughts to a softer dream.

Blended with oils like lavender’s grace,
Or frankincense lending its grounding base,
It magnifies power in synergy’s way,
Strengthening blends both night and day.

From ancient soils to bottles we hold,
Its story is timeless, quietly bold.
Blue Tansy whispers in vibrant hue,
A healing treasure, forever true.

How to Use Essential Oils: Coffee

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Coffee essential oil, cold-pressed from roasted coffee beans, is known for its bold, roasted aroma that instantly awakens the senses. Just like a freshly brewed cup, this oil carries a warm, rich scent that can energize and uplift the mood. Diffused, it creates a cozy environment perfect for mornings, study sessions, or creative work. Its aroma has been linked to feelings of alertness and comfort, making it a unique addition to diffuser blends.

In addition to its energizing fragrance, coffee essential oil contains antioxidants that can support healthy-looking skin when used in diluted topical blends. Some people use it in massage oils or body scrubs for its invigorating effect on both skin and spirit. Paired with vanilla, cocoa, or spice oils like cinnamon, coffee essential oil adds depth and richness to blends for both personal care and home fragrance.

Did You Know? Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world, second only to crude oil. While most people enjoy it as a beverage, coffee essential oil is a relatively new addition to aromatherapy, prized for its ability to capture the comforting scent of coffee in a concentrated form without caffeine.

Top Essential Oil Leader

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Dr. Russell J. Osguthorpe, M.D., has dedicated more than 30 years to the healthcare field, beginning with his medical education at McGill University, followed by a pediatrics residency at The Children’s Hospital in Denver and a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at Washington University in St. Louis. These years of rigorous training laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to patient care and advancing medical science. His early career was defined by service in children’s hospitals and clinics, where he specialized in diagnosing and treating complex infectious diseases, often caring for the most vulnerable patients.

For two decades, Dr. Osguthorpe played a key leadership role within Intermountain Healthcare, one of the nation’s most respected health systems. There, he served as Pediatric Medical Director and Department Chair at a tertiary care hospital, overseeing care delivery and building large multi-specialty practices. His leadership style emphasized collaboration, safety, and innovation, helping improve both outcomes and systems of care. During this period, he became widely respected as both a compassionate clinician and an effective administrator capable of guiding large medical teams through change.

In addition to his clinical and leadership duties, Dr. Osguthorpe has invested in academic medicine. He continues to serve as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah, where he has contributed to the training of future physicians and published research in pediatric infectious diseases. His studies on antimicrobial therapy in infants, cost and outcomes for febrile infant care, and case-based pediatric medicine reflect his dedication to evidence-based practice. These scholarly contributions demonstrate his dual commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge for broader application.

In 2019, Dr. Osguthorpe expanded his career into the essential oils field by joining doTERRA as Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical and Scientific Initiatives. This marked the beginning of his formal work with essential oils, adding to his already extensive medical background. At doTERRA, he has led efforts to integrate essential oils into modern healthcare, directing clinical trials, overseeing laboratory research, and supporting the development of evidence-based applications for essential oils. His work helps bridge the gap between traditional medicine and complementary approaches, aiming to validate and expand the role of essential oils in supporting wellness.

Today, Dr. Osguthorpe’s 30-plus years in healthcare encompass a unique blend of clinical expertise, hospital leadership, academic research, and integrative health innovation. Through his role at doTERRA, he continues to shape the future of healthcare by promoting a whole-person approach that includes both conventional medical practices and the use of essential oils. His vision focuses on empowering patients, enhancing preventive care, and fostering research that supports safer, more natural ways to improve health outcomes.

A Seed of Secrets and The Rest of the Story

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It began in silence — tucked away in tombs beneath the Egyptian sands. Not gold, not frankincense, not even papyrus, but something far humbler: a handful of small, round seeds. These seeds were placed with care beside royalty, not as decoration but as preservation, perhaps even protection. The ancients didn’t have journals full of reasons. They simply knew, as if by instinct, that this seed mattered.

As empires rose and fell, that same seed followed quietly. The Greeks gave it a name. The Romans gave it a recipe. Centuries later, it wandered its way into Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India, and Latin America — adapted in cuisines, stories, and old-world traditions. It was found in market stalls and temple incense, boiled in broths and ground into spice blends. A plant with two distinct gifts: leaf above, seed below. And somehow, both found their place in medicine and mealtime alike.

But it wasn’t until recently that science began to catch up. In laboratory settings, researchers discovered this seed’s essential oil had noteworthy properties. Studies revealed its natural compounds showed antioxidant potential, helping neutralize unstable molecules in controlled environments. Other research observed antimicrobial effects, where the oil inhibited the growth of certain bacteria and fungi on contact. In preclinical models, some scientists even noted a calming influence on mood and behavior — an observation that sparked further study into its aromatic compounds.

At Texas A&M and institutions abroad, researchers explored its bioactive profile, breaking down terpenes and alcohols like linalool and α-pinene — compounds already known for their presence in some of the world’s most calming botanicals. These were not claims for healing, but they were clues, patterns, echoes of what traditional cultures had always believed: that this tiny seed had something more to offer than just flavor.

Today, thanks to careful sourcing programs — like those supported by doTERRA’s Co-Impact Sourcing® — this plant continues its journey. It grows in nutrient-rich soil, harvested by hands that understand patience, distilled into oil by people who respect the process. It’s not mass produced. It’s crafted. And with every drop, there’s a whisper of history, a reminder that the old world may have known a few things we’re just beginning to rediscover.

And now you know the rest of the story. You’ve known it in the kitchen, tasted it in meals, and perhaps even seen its green leafy cousin on your dinner plate. But the seed — the golden round one that yields a complex, peppery oil — has another name. You may call it cilantro when it’s fresh and leafy. Or coriander when it’s round, dry, and full of mystery. Either way, its story isn’t over. Not even close.

How to Use Essential Oils: Cocoa

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Cocoa essential oil, derived from the beans of the Theobroma cacao tree, is cherished for its deep, rich, and chocolate-like aroma. Native to Central and South America, cocoa has been celebrated for centuries as both a food and a symbol of love and vitality. In essential oil form, its scent provides comfort and indulgence, often used in blends to create a warm, cozy, and uplifting atmosphere. Diffused, it can evoke feelings of happiness and relaxation, much like enjoying a piece of chocolate without the calories.

Beyond its delightful fragrance, cocoa essential oil is packed with natural compounds that contribute to its soothing and antioxidant qualities. It is sometimes used in skin-care blends for its nourishing properties, helping to support smooth, healthy-looking skin. In aromatherapy, cocoa’s rich scent can help ease stress, encourage relaxation, and even promote a more grounded emotional state. Its luxurious aroma makes it a favorite in romantic blends and self-care rituals.

Did You Know? Ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations revered cocoa as “food of the gods” and used it in rituals, drinks, and trade. Today, while most people know cocoa for chocolate, its essential oil form is less common and highly prized for natural perfumery and emotional wellness blends.

Bloom of Blue Lotus

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The Blue Lotus blooms on waters wide,
A sacred flower once Egypt’s pride.
They laid it on kings, in tombs of gold,
A symbol of life, as stories told.

Its blossoms are rare, the harvest brief,
Gathered at dawn with care and belief.
Solvent-extracted, the fragrance stays,
A floral delight with honeyed rays.

Soft notes of fruit and green combine,
A calming perfume, both sweet and fine.
A drop on the skin or wrists will show,
How peace within the spirit can grow.

Squalene within helps skin to retain,
Moisture and balance, easing the strain.
Benzyl alcohol brings scalp relief,
Supporting hair with gentle belief.

From Southeast ponds, the blossoms rise,
Picked by hand as the sun paints skies.
Harvesters work with skill and grace,
To keep each bloom in its purest place.

Rare in supply, yet treasured so true,
Blue Lotus oil is a gift to renew.
A jewel of calm, both ancient and near,
It whispers of peace for those who hear.

How to Use Essential Oils: Cinnamon Bark

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Cinnamon Bark essential oil, distilled from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, is treasured for its rich, spicy aroma that evokes warmth and comfort. Native to Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia, cinnamon has been valued for thousands of years in trade, medicine, and ritual. Its essential oil carries strong cleansing properties, making it popular in natural home sprays and cleaners. Diffused, its bold scent creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that can support a sense of energy and alertness.

Beyond its household uses, cinnamon bark oil has been studied for its powerful antimicrobial qualities, which are linked to its high cinnamaldehyde content. This makes it a favorite in DIY blends for supporting a healthy environment, especially during seasonal changes. A drop is sometimes used in recipes like spiced teas or baked goods for an extra kick of flavor, though it must be used sparingly because of its strength. In aromatherapy, its stimulating aroma can help awaken the senses and lift feelings of fatigue.

Did You Know? Cinnamon was once so prized that it was considered more valuable than gold in ancient trade. Arab traders kept its true source a secret for centuries, weaving myths that it was gathered from nests of giant birds to protect its rarity. Today, the “true” cinnamon most associated with high quality comes from Cinnamomum verum of Sri Lanka, while other species like Cinnamomum cassia are more widely available but have slightly different chemical compositions.