Let’s Talk Reference Books

“How do you know so much about essential oils?!”

It’s a question I’m asked OFTEN, in personal conversations, class settings, and vendor events. It’s a compliment, but also a question with an easy answer: I have reference books and I know how to use them!

Reference books are how we become “experts,” not because we have necessary read and memorized each one cover to cover, but we do know our tools well enough to be able to quickly and easily access information. Over time, you will commit a lot of information to memory, especially for things you encounter often, but even having used YLEOs for more than ten years, I pull down my desk reference on a regular basis.

My oil library extensive and ever growing and I purchase most from Growing Healthy Homes and Life Science Publishers. Just jump on either of those websites and start browsing and believe me, you’ll have a cart full before long!

I’m a firm believer that every new oiler should have a good, reliable third-party reference book (see those two sites mentioned above!). These books give you power and independence, and the ability to take responsibility for your health by learning how to use your oils.

It is important make sure that your texts are strictly about Young Living oils. Just like you would not use a Toyota owner’s manual to learn about your Ford truck, we do not use other companies’ reference books to learn how to properly use our Young Living oils. Everything from distillation processes, purity, and testing, to proper dilution and how to apply differ based on schools of thought and philosophies. The titles and websites mentioned here are FULL of books and references exclusive to Young Living oils.

Two titles to start with: 
– The Essential Oils Desk Reference, 8th edition (Life Science Publishing) is basically your EO “bible” – an extensively detailed book of knowledge, education, protocols, and personal oil usage. There is a smaller, condensed pocket reference if that fits your budget better. (The pocket one also makes a great gift for your new members or to loan out if you want to provide someone with a reliable book.)
– D. Gary Young – World Leader in Essential Oils. This book was written by Mary Young and is Gary’s biography and life work. If you want to know the heart of Young Living, where your oils come from, and gain a full appreciation for the risks, lengths, and extremes Gary went to put essential oils in our hands, get your hands on this one. This can be purchased from your Virtual Office, and can even be added to your Essential Rewards order. 
– (Don’t forget about the Essential Oils Magazine that comes in the Premium Starter Kit. This is a quarterly publication and can be purchased in your V.O.)

Next, if you are a mom or dad, have pets, own livestock, or are building a Young Living downline, you may also wish to have these titles handy:
– Gentle Babies, by Debra Raybern (our Royal Crown Diamond; Growing Healthy Homes)  A fabulous reference for those of you who want to know the details for what, why, and how to use on your children. 
– Essential Oils Desk Reference for Animals, first edition (Life Science Publishing)

These four books will give you a really good start in building your library and being able to answer questions honestly and accurately. Building a library collection of your own means that you have immediate access to information, and are able to research for yourself.

When we can’t actually ask a question on social media or online due to a compliance issue (we can’t use language that would diagnose, treat, prescribe, or cure a medical issue), we CAN turn to the personal usage guides in our reference books and find the answer!

If you are a leader or are wanting to build a downline, you’ll find yourself answering lots of questions from your members and having references allows you to do that well. It’s also encouraged to direct your members to purchase books and learn to use them as well.

References give you CONFIDENCE with your oils!!!

So my challenge for you this week is to browse either one of those websites. Build a wishlist, purchase one or two if you are able, and start learning how to using them to guide you in your oil use.

What’s your favorite reference book? Here are some others of mine!

• Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple – Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D, D.N.M.
• A Doctor’s Guide to Essential Rewards – Dr. Olivier Wenker, MD, DEAA
• Essentials: 50 Answers to Common Questions about Essential Oils – Dr. Lindsey Elmore, PHARMD, BCPS
• Healing Oils of the Bible – Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D, D.N.M.

The information presented is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, cure, prevent, or treat any health condition and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with a professional health care provider. This information applies solely to Young Living products and should not be used in conjunction with other brands of essential oils. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Young Living.