When Laury Raiken, Yoga teacher and health enthusiast, first heard about aromatherapy, she had her doubts. So many doubts, in fact, that it took two years of reading, research and advice from friends in order to convince her to try it. With this, she ordered her first premium starter kit from Young Living, the world-leading company in essential oils (EO's) and wellness solutions.

"I learned so much about the production of essential oils and just how important it is to choose the right company," Raiken says, "On average, each essential oil contains over 100 medicinal components---with more being discovered regularly. The key to producing therapeutic-grade essential oils, however, is to preserve as many of these delicate compounds as possible because even the smallest compounds play an important role in arriving at the final result."

According to Young Living, EO's have been used for thousands of years. They are actually quite versatile, and can be used for cosmetic, mental, and physical health benefits. EO's can even be used in homemade cleaning products, and will provide sticky countertops and dusty shelves with a purified and pleasantly-scented aftereffect. Young Living states, "Any time you hold a bottle of our powerful essential oils, you are holding the pure essence of health-promoting botanicals that can be diffused, inhaled, applied topically, incorporated into massage, or taken internally to: inspire a positive emotional state, enhance your physical wellness, purify your home, refine your skin, and create deep spiritual awareness."

Raiken emphasizes that since she began her journey with EO's, she feels as if she has significantly reduced the toxins in her home. "I am a working mom of a 5-year-old and almost-2-year-old, so time is limited. It's amazing filling up my foaming hand soap dispensers on the fly knowing there are no harmful chemicals," she says.

The realization of how effective EO's can be came to Raiken when her son, then 11 months, wouldn't go to sleep. Usually a calm and happy baby, Raiken was stumped as to why he was so restless and wound up. "I drew a bath and decided to add some lavender. [I also] made a very diluted lotion for his feet with a blend called 'peace and calming.' I massaged his feet and legs with the oil and, after 10 [previous] attempts of trying to get him to sleep, he finally calmed down and slept 9 hours," she explains.

Famously known for having calming and tranquil effects, Lavender also promotes healthy skin, hair, and concentration. Raiken describes it as the "swiss army knife of oils." She also enjoys using lemon EO. This sour yet uplifting scent helps to promote mood, concentration, and relaxation. Raiken recommends it for cleaning products.

Since then, using EO's have also helped Raiken's daughter, who struggles from sleep apnea. After two years of watching her daughter struggle to sleep, she found her calmer and was actually able to avoid a surgery because of her progress due to the oils. "There was something in our environment she was reacting to, and if it wasn't for essential oils, I would have never swapped out all my cleaning products and detergents," she says.

Keeping Raiken's experience with her son in mind, it is important to note that the FDA does not recognize EO's as a cure. They actually haven't regulated or classified the delicate oils, which means that the companies cannot make claims. Raiken compares this to vitamins, supplements, and therapeutic teas. She does, however, understand why the rules are in place. "I would hate to see someone not seek out medical treatment for something serious in hopes that essential oils will cure them," she explains, "Western medicine is in place for a reason, and I am grateful for doctors and nurses that are experts in their field."

Raiken and fellow yoga instructor, Angela Travaglini, help to make these pros and cons clear through their Facebook group: Freevive Healthy Home and Essential Oils. "My goal with our Freevive Healthy Home and Essential Oils group is to connect people with information about not only essential oils, but easy ways to reduce harmful toxins in their home and in their life," she says.

So then how do you use the oils? Raiken finds rubbing peppermint oil on her skin when she has a headache helpful, but the oils can also be put into a diffuser. They can be bought throughout many stores, and aren't too expensive. I personally use a diffuser from Radha Beauty. To use, you mix a bit of water with a couple of drops of the EO of your choosing. With the click of a button, it creates a light steam infused with the scent and spreads it throughout the room.

Raiken warns, however, that aromatherapy is not just known for what it smells like. "While some people fall in love with one scent, others would rather not be near it. Most people can recognize that the oil or blend’s therapeutic benefits are the most valuable," she says, "That’s when I remind myself: It's not about the smells. It's about the cells."

What she means by this, is that EO's are, in a sense, cells. They are derived from the plant's natural defense and protective mechanisms, and, therefore, work in our bodies as they would in nature. One drop can actually penetrate cell membranes and disperse into our bodies. Raiken describes them as "little drops of cellular wellness."

Unfortunately, these little drops are not meant for everyone. Even Young Living, Raiken's beloved EO company, provides a safety guide for new users. The guide is created by the Young Living founder, D. Gary Young, and Director of Global Education and Health Sciences, Dr. Lindsey Elmore. It includes important facts from how to handle skin sensitivity to whether or not they will affect daily medications.

While there are many pros about aromatherapy, the yoga instructor and busy mom admits that there are some cons. Primarily, not all EO's are created equally, and it takes a lot of research and education in order to find the best brand. In other words, you don't want to be stingy when it comes to essential oils. "Just like a symphony, the quality of the music is dependent on each individual instrument coming together harmoniously. So any impurity---or out of tune instrument---has a dramatic effect on the final result," Raiken concludes, "So just to be very clear: All oils are not created equal."