Essentially Fran

02/22/2026

You don’t have a sleep problem, but you might have a safety problem.

Last night I tucked myself into bed like an 6-year-old… and my nervous system exhaled.

Warm bath with Serenity.
Adaptiv diffusing.
Lavender honey tea.
Matthew McConaughey reading me a bedtime story.
Jammies warming in the towel warmer. Fuzzy slippers.
Soft music while I brushed my teeth.
A real wind-down. A real landing.

My inner child felt so safe. And my body slept.

Here’s what most people don’t realize:
Sleep isn’t something you force.
It’s something your nervous system allows
when it finally feels safe enough to let go.

It’s the ultimate surrender.

We try to scroll ourselves to sleep.
Push through exhaustion.
Crash into bed overstimulated and wired.
Then wonder why our brains won’t turn off.

But the body doesn’t sleep when it feels on guard. It sleeps when it feels held. Warm.
Cared for. Safe.

A bedtime routine can help create safety on purpose, just like we do for kids.

Tonight, ask yourself: What would make my nervous system feel tucked in?

And if you wake up, that’s okay. Getting frustrated and freaking out only makes it worse.

Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are safe and even resting with your eyes closed is still rest.

Take the pressure off. Remind your body that either way, it’s going to be okay. See what happens.

I am also a huge fan of the Serenity stick on my feet and taking 2 Serenity softgels 30 minutes before bed.

What helps you relax? Share with us below. ⬇️

02/22/2026

02/20/2026

Aromatouch Hand Technique

Are you typing or using a mouse or stylist all day? 🌿💆‍♀️ Give your hands a little love 💕

This technique is especially beautiful for older adults 👵👴 or anyone who doesn’t get much physical contact in their daily life 🤲💫

It involves 5 easy, specific movements ✋ designed to help relaxation.

The whole thing takes about 5 minutes ⏳, and while it’s straightforward to learn 📖, the impact can be powerful because of the power of human touch.

My favorite oil for this technique is Balance 🌳⚖️ — it feels grounding and calming and moisturizing all at once 🌲✨

You can find step-by-step instructions here:

🔗 https://www.doterra.com/US/en/aromatouch-hand-techniqu

02/18/2026

Chronic stress keeps the body in a state of hypervigilance, and for many of us, clients that “stuck on” feeling becomes the baseline.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis controls the body’s response to stress. When over-activated, it can dysregulate cortisol levels, disrupt sleep, impact mood, and contribute to emotional exhaustion.

Certain essential oils help interrupt this cycle, offering subtle, nervous system-safe support through the olfactory pathway.

🧠 Copaiba: Contains beta-caryophyllene, a cannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system to support mood, inflammation regulation, and calm.
🧠 Frankincense: Known to modulate the HPA axis and support emotional regulation via the limbic system.
🧠 Lavender: Shown in clinical studies to reduce cortisol levels and support parasympathetic nervous system activation.

✨ Try diffusing before or after stressful situations, applying diluted oils to pulse points, or using breathwork + aroma as a co-regulation tool.

Regulation begins with safety and scent can be one of the most gentle, effective ways to help the body feel it.

😁 If you would like to learn more, join me for a free commUNITY - Intro to Aroma - class. Details at www.EssentiallyFran.com/Events

*thanks to Dr Danielle Daniel for the share 💕

02/17/2026

STOP SCROLLING — Your hair doesn’t need “more shampoo”… it needs a SMARTER WASH.

Oily roots • Flat hair • Tired lengths • Buildup? This is the fix (doTERRA-first, science-backed, and actually doable).

Daily showers can make hair look tired, flat, oily, and “over-processed” — even without coloring or daily heat.

Here’s the truth: washing isn’t the enemy — harsh washing is.

The real damage usually comes from a combo of strong cleansers + hot water + friction (towel/brush) + heat styling + product buildup.

Your scalp may get oily fast, but your lengths can still be dry and dull.

✅ STEP 1 — Start with doTERRA Shampoo (gentle pH balanced)

Rule of thumb (easy + safe):

🧴 250 mL (8 oz) shampoo bottle: start with 10–15 total drops (not 10–15 of each 😄)
🌿 Sensitive scalp: start with 6–8 total drops
🔁 Mix well / shake before each use as oils may settle

✨ Best oils to add to shampoo for oily scalp + volume - pick 2

• Tea Tree (doTERRA Melaleuca) – best all-around for oily/“funky” scalp, buildup, flakes.
• Rosemary – great for scalp “circulation feel” + hair looks fuller over time (not instant growth magic).
• Peppermint – “clean scalp” sensation, helps hair feel lighter/airier (can irritate if overdone).
• Lavender – calms scalp reactivity; good if you’re washing daily.
• Cedarwood – often helpful for oily scalp balance (nice with rosemary).
• Geranium – classic “sebum balance” oil (use few drops, strong).
• Clary Sage – another “oil-balance” option (use few drops; strong).
• Eucalyptus – good for congested, scaly scalp (use few drops)
• Lemongrass – excellent for oily scalp/odor (use few drops, strong)
• Copaiba – calming option if your scalp gets itchy/irritated easily.

✅ Pick ONE blend (don’t overcomplicate)

1) “Scalp-Fresh” (oily roots, gym sweat, scalp smell)
🌿 Peppermint x 3
🌿 Tea Tree x 4
🌿 Rosemary x 3

2) “Volume & Bounce” (flat hair, heavy roots)
🌿 Rosemary x 3
🍊 Wild Orange x 4
🌲 Cedarwood x 3
🌿 Peppermint x 2

3) “Calm & Shine” (dry ends, frizz, irritated scalp feel)
💜 Lavender 6
🧡 Frankincense 4
🌸 Geranium 3
🌲 Cedarwood 2

🧠 STEP 2 — Dermatologist & Pro-stylist Approach:

✅ Shampoo the scalp (where oil and buildup live) — not the full length every time.
✅ Conditioner goes to mid-length → ends — not the roots (unless hair is very dry/curly).
✅ Be gentle when wet: wide-tooth comb, don’t rip through knots.
✅ Drying matters: wrap/squeeze, don’t aggressively rub. Air dry.
✅ Heat is a hidden villain: if you blow-dry or iron often, use lower heat + protectant.

🌿 STEP 3 — Finish with doTERRA again (simple upgrades)

If you prefer an “already-done-for-you” option, doTERRA’s Salon Essentials Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-In Conditioner, and Root to Tip Serum are built around a blend that includes many oils above

And yes—overall wellness shows up in hair:

Consider doTERRA LLV supplements incl wholefood nutrition & Omegas + MetaPWR Advantage (marine collagen)+ Phyto-Estrogen (hormonal support) + PB Assist (superior probiotic) and healthy routines like daily movement, stress management & hydration support the “whole-body” side of healthy hair/skin/nails.

⭐ QUICK ROUTINE (save this)

🧴 In shower: shampoo scalp only, 60 seconds gentle massage
💧 Condition: mid-length → ends, 2–3 minutes
🚿 Rinse: lukewarm then cool
🧺 Dry: squeeze/wrap (no rough towel attack)
🔥 Heat: low/medium + protectant if styling (the doTERRA Leave In Conditioner is a FABULOUS protector against heat)
🛢️ Optional 1–2x/week pre-wash or overnight: 1 tbsp Castor Oil + 1 drop Rosemary + 1 drop Lavender, apply to mid-shaft to ends and leave at least 20 min or oevernight before you shampoo

💬 Now tell us in the comments👇

What’s your #1 hair frustration: flat / frizzy / dull / oily / itchy / product buildup?

If you like posts like this, join me at Essential Living with doTERRA, a private FB group for those serious about natural solutions 🌿

02/16/2026

Sore throat Morning Immuni-Tea Recipe 🍊🌿

For 1 cup …

1 cup warm (not boiling) water
1 tsp honey ( or to taste)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 drops each of doTERRA lemon & onGuard oil

02/13/2026

Yes, please 🙌🎁💕🇨🇦

Giveaway time! Do you love 💛 Lemon, 🩷 Grapefruit, or 💚 Lime? Show us your doTERRA love by commenting which of these oils is your favourite and you could win the oil you chose plus a Bubble Salt diffuser!

To enter,

✨ Like this page
✨ Tell us which single oil is your favourite out of these choices!

This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with Instagram or Facebook. Official rules can be found at the link in our stories. No purchase necessary. Giveaway ends February 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MT. One (1) winner will be randomly chosen February 14. Open to all legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their province/territory of residence. The maximum retail value of the prize is $77.00 CAD

C'est l'heure du concours ! Préférez-vous l'huile de 💛 citron, de 🩷 pamplemousse ou de 💚 citron vert ? Démontrez votre amour pour doTERRA en nous disant quelle huile est votre favorite en commentaire et vous pourriez gagner l'huile de votre choix ainsi qu'un diffuseur Bubble Salt !

Pour participer :

✨ Aimez cette page
✨ Dites-nous en commentaire quelle est votre huile préférée parmi ces choix!

Ce concours n'est pas commandité, endossé ou associé à Instagram ou Facebook. Le règlement officiel est accessible via le lien dans nos stories. Aucun achat requis. Le concours prend fin le 14 février 2026 à 5:00 h (HR). Un (1) gagnant sera sélectionné au hasard le 14 février. Ouvert aux résidents autorisés du Canada qui ont atteint l’âge de la majorité dans leur province ou territoire de résidence. La valeur au détail approximative maximale de prix est de 77,00 $ CA

02/11/2026

Many people struggle to name, regulate, or shift their emotional states, especially in times of stress, transition, or trauma. Essential oils can serve as a simple, sensory-based entry point for emotional awareness and self-regulation.

✨ Mood Mapping is a tool that teaches clients to connect desired emotional states with specific scents. Over time, these scent-emotion pairings become anchors that the brain recognizes and responds to.

🧠 The olfactory system has a direct connection to the limbic brain (the area responsible for emotion and memory). When a scent is paired repeatedly with a feeling (like calm, focus, or courage), the brain begins to associate the two. That’s neuroplasticity in action.

💡 How to introduce or explore mood mapping:

+ Start by identifying 3–4 emotional states the client wants to cultivate
(focus, calm, courage, clarity, etc.)

+ Pair each state with an essential oil that supports that feeling

🪻 Calm → Lavender or Magnolia

🌿 Focus → Peppermint or Rosemary

🍋‍🟩Courage → Bergamot or Clary Sage

🍊Clarity → Wild Orange or Frankincense

+ Teach simple scent rituals they can do at home:

✅ Inhale from palms during transitions

✅ Use a roller blend during morning routines

✅ Diffuse the focus oil while doing homework or work tasks

This practice gives you or clients agency and a way to shift state without needing to talk it through or rely solely on cognitive strategies.

02/09/2026

In any setting, the oils you use aren’t just background scent; they’re part of the ecosystem around you, your children and pets, and our planet 🌎

That’s why purity isn’t a trend - a non-negotiable.

🧠 The brain responds differently to pure vs. synthetic oils.

Adulterated oils often contain chemical fillers, synthetic fragrances, or diluted compounds that can trigger headaches, allergic reactions, or even worsen emotional symptoms.

📊 A 2022 study found that over 80% of essential oils sold online were adulterated or misrepresented—meaning the majority of products on the market are not what they claim to be. In clinical care or in your home, that’s a liability.

Therapeutic-grade oils should be:

🌿Ethically sourced

🌿Rigorously third-party tested (look for GC/MS reports)

🌿Free from pesticides, solvents, or synthetic additives

🌿Transparent about origin and composition

In mental health and integrative practices, safety isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and neurological. What you diffuse, apply, or recommend is part of a client’s healing experience.

✨ If you’re a therapist or practitioner, always vet your oils the way you’d vet any other therapeutic tool. The nervous system can’t be fooled by fragrance—it only responds to the real thing 🌿🌹

Comment the word PURE if the grade essential oils matters to you !

02/04/2026

01/30/2026

🧴✨ HAIR LOSS IS NOT “ONE PROBLEM” — THERE ARE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES.

And the right approach starts with figuring out which one you have.

Hair loss affects so many women and men. My hope is that this post—plus everyone’s experiences in the comments—helps all of us find what truly works.

🌿 1) A DOTERRA “SCALP ROUTINE” (TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY LOOK)

Hair “loss” can come from genetics, stress, hormones, or scalp irritation. That’s why the first goal is to calm and support the scalp environment:

✅ A) The basic rule: Dilute

The scalp can be sensitive. Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil is a smart idea.

A practical favorite: doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil (commonly used as a carrier).

✅ 😎 Adding to shampoo (easy method)

The safest approach:

Put shampoo in your palm → add 1 drop of your chosen oil → mix → apply to the scalp.
This helps prevent “I dumped too much in the bottle and irritated my scalp.”

✅ C) “Scalp oil” (night routine / 2–3× per week)

Dilute in a carrier oil, apply a small amount to the scalp, and massage for 1–2 minutes.

Stand-out oils (available in doTERRA):

• Rosemary 🌿
• Lavender 🪻
• Cedarwood 🌳
• Peppermint 🌿

These oils are also used in doTERRA hair products like Salon Essentials / Root to Tip Serum—that’s where the “hair-focused” routine idea comes from.

✅ D) One-step option (for women who want ready-made)

• doTERRA Salon Essentials Root to Tip Serum
• doTERRA Protecting Shampoo / Conditioner / Leave-In Conditioner

Not calling these “miracles”—but they’re practical for consistency, scalp comfort, and a shinier/healthier-looking feel.

🔬 2) THE SCIENCE SIDE: WHAT ACTUALLY HELPS “STOP” HAIR LOSS?

① Pattern thinning (female pattern / genetic thinning)

Often shows up as widening part, overall thinning, or more scalp showing over time.

Most evidence-backed options (discuss with a dermatologist):

• Minoxidil (topical)
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices
• Clinical procedures: PRP, and in some cases microneedling combinations
• Advanced: Hair transplant (usually best when paired with a plan to protect existing hair)

🎯 Reality: For true genetic thinning, oils alone are usually not enough. Best results often come from routine + proven treatment + patience (3–6 months).

② Telogen effluvium (stress / postpartum / “shock shedding”)

Common triggers for women: postpartum, major stress, illness, surgery, rapid weight loss, low iron, thyroid issues.

In this type, the root usually isn’t “dead.” When the trigger is addressed, regrowth often happens over time.
Scalp care can support, but the main job is finding the cause.

③ Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss — immune related)

Patchy hair loss on scalp or brows.

Modern treatments (including JAK inhibitors) exist, but this is dermatologist-managed.
Instead of trying to “cover it up” at home, early medical evaluation makes a big difference.

🚫 3) MONEY-WASTERS (COMMON TRAPS)

• “Today I used this, tomorrow that” → hair cycles are slow; you usually need 8–12 weeks of consistency

• Frequent heat styling, tight ponytails/buns (traction), harsh bleaching → breakage increases and can look like shedding

• Ignoring dandruff/dermatitis → scalp inflammation can worsen shedding

✅ MINI CHECKLIST: WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

📌 Rapid increase within 2–3 weeks
📌 Patchy hair loss
📌 Scalp pain/burning/crusting/bleeding
📌 Eyebrow/eyelash loss
📌 New medication started / suspected thyroid or iron issues

💬 NOW YOUR TURN:

Comment below👇

1. Which type does yours feel like: pattern thinning, stress/postpartum shedding, or patchy?

2. What’s the #1 thing you tried that helped most?

3. If you want, share your routine and we’ll simplify it together.

👥 We share practical posts like this every week. Invite friends who want this kind of info.

🔥

01/18/2026

If you have pain, you MUST watch this👀

Dr. Laura Ricci is a physical therapist and chronic pain suffurer who shares the distilled gems of knowledge and concrete solutions in this fascinating conversation / presentation. Thank you, Laura!

Grab your pen and paper and some tissues as you're finally going to be seen and heard if you've been dismissed when trying to find solutions to chronic pain. 🙌💞

https://vimeo.com/1154824999/07602d3e51?fl=pl&fe=sh =4m7s&end=49m10s

This is "CE 2026 - Pain is a Pathway - Discussion on Chronic Pain with Dr. Laura Ricci" by Discover Essentials on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos…