How to Use Essential Oils
More and more, essential oils are being used as a medicine, and so naturally, people are wanting to know how to use essential oils. The following is a list of some different methods that can be employed for essential oil therapy and for realizing the benefits that these beautiful plant energies have to offer.
Please Note: The dosages that follow are for adults only. Essential Oils can be used for children, but only in very small dosages, and some essential oils are not suitable for children at all. Please Consult an Aromatherapist and/or Read Up on Dosages for Children.
Essential Oil can be inhaled directly from the bottle, but since essential oils are volatile substances that evaporate when exposed to air, it is preferred to dab a bit on a tissue or use a nebulizing diffuser.
Add 5 drops of essential oil to a pot of steaming water. Carefully cover your head with a towel and hover your face over the steaming water, inhaling the medicinal aroma molecules. This method is great for alleviating congestion.
Dilute your essential oils in carrier oil and massage it over the affected area. Refer to the chart below for dilution ratios.
Use 6-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Massage 3-4 drops of the prepared formula into freshly cleaned, damp skin and enjoy the glow!!
Place 4-5 drops into a handful of bath salt and disperse, or add 4-5 drops to an ounce of vodka, light cream or whole milk, and then disperse in the bath. This is a great way to effectuate rapid absorption of essential oil. The combination of warmth and water open the pores and invite the essential oils into the body.
Soak in warm running water for a few minutes to open pores, then place 2-3 drops of non-irritating essential oil directly on shoulders and/or behind the knees and distribute over wet body, and rinse if desired.
Fill a large bowl to about 2/3 with filtered water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring, and apply to the area in need. Dip, wring, and apply as many times as desired. Leave the compress in place for at least 5 minutes.
Follow diffusor manufacturers instructions, (we recommend a nebulizing diffusor) but typically add about 8-20 drops and start the unit. Use this method for general mood enhancement, to neutralize airborne pollutants and for healing sinus and respiratory infections. We use and recommend the diffusers offered by Organic Aromas.
Add 15 drops per 2oz distilled water and spray as desired.
Drop 1-2 drops of essential oil in the palm of one hand, rub both palms together briefly, pay attention to the sensations in the palms, and let the healing energy flow.
Related Article: How Essential Oils Work