Article: How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can enter your body in three ways – via the skin, via vapors that are inhaled, or by ingestion. Obviously because of this there are many ways to use essential oils for health and mood benefits...some are faster than others, some require dilution and some don't. All require a pro-active skin patch test to rule out allergies first.
Be aware that there are pure essential oils, in their undiluted state, some of which are organically grown and processed. There are pure essential oil blends, in which undiluted essential oils are mixed together for a synergistic effect or a fragrance effect.
Then there are essential oils already diluted in a carrier oil and ready for use. These come in organic and non-organic formulations.
Finally, there are oil blends that come diluted in a carrier oil and ready for use, and these also come in organic and non-organic forms.
Choosing an application method
Choosing the best application method for the essential oil selected depends on the desired effect. For example, some essential oil compounds can be irritating to the skin because of their chemical makeup. These types of oils would need dilution with a carrier oil or might even be better used by the vapor inhalation method.
For example:
* Use the topical method for most wounds.
* You can have a mood effect by using the inhalation or topical methods. Inhalation will be preferred for faster effect. In this case, the essance is diluted by the surrounding air.
* Essential Oil baths involve two methods: inhalation and skin absorption, as the vapors are released into the air from the hot water and the skin aborbs the compound through soaking. Obviously the essential oil has been diluted in the bath water in this case..
Note: If you are not sure about which application method to use, call a professional aromatherapist. And be sure to conduct a skin patch test before using any carrier oil or essential oil.
Using Essential Oils in Bath or Shower:
Choose an oil or oil blend effective for the issue you are seeking to improve. Add 10 - 20 drops of it in undiluted form or a few cap-fulls of the diluted form to a warm bath. Make sure the water isn't too hot, as really hot water tends to dry skin out. The benefits are absorbed by the skin and through the inhalation of the fragrant vapors. You can also put a few drops of oil directly on a soft cloth or sponge and rub into tender spots and stress points.
Using Essential Oils in Compresses:
Choose an oil or oil blend effective for the issue you are seeking to heal. Add 5 - 10 drops of it to a small bowl of very warm water. Completely saturate a thick cloth, wring gently and apply with small pressure to affected area.
Using Essential Oils in a Diffuser:
Heat can send the beneficial vapors of an effective oil out across the room or even in your car. Use a specially made room diffuser or a car diffuser and place 5 - 10 drops of an oil blended with water as described by the manufacturer. You can also bring a small pot of water to a boil, add 5 - 10 drops of essential oil and remove from heat. Let the natural steam effect carry the refreshing healing vapors across your room. There are even pocket sized diffusers that you can take with you to work.
Using Essential Oils as an Inhalant:
1 - 2 drops on a dry cloth or hanky will create a nice natural inhaler when placed over nose and breathing deeply. You can also do this at home with a sink full of hot water and 3 - 5 drops of oil. Lean over the sink and place a large towel over your head and shoulders to keep in the vapours; breathe deeply.
Using Essential Oils in Carrier Oils for Massage Therapy:
Add 15 - 30 drops of one or more essential oils to at least 1 oz of the carrier oil of your choice. See our article on carrier oils here. Pure undiluted essential oils can irritate your skin and must be mixed with a carrier oil if they are to be applied to your skin.
Using Essential Oils for Body Care:
For your Hair and Scalp: 8 - 10 drops of an essential oil for every ounce of hair care product. Your hair care product should already be an organic chemical free type, preferably scent free to avoid allergen issues. Essential oils can be used to remedy problems like dandruff and oily scalp.
For your Skin: 10 drops of essential oil or oil blend to one ounce skin care oil(s) or natural toner.
For Fragrance:
5 drops of oil per tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented body mist. Create your own signature fragrance and enhase your mood as well!
