How to Use Essential Oils

How to Use Essential Oils

Hope Johnson
5 minute read

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[Updated April 7, 2023] 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, unless otherwise specified. 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.

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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.

steam inhalation

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.

massage oil

Dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil and massage the blend over the affected area (see chart below). Dilution ratios vary for specific purposes, some of them are listed here:

Infants: Use 1% dilution and be mindful about which essential oils are used. Please refer to my article, Essential Oils for Babies and Children.

Children aged 5 to 12, you can start at 1% and increase up to 10%. Again, please refer to my article, Essential Oils for Babies and Children. Once a child is able to communicate if the oil is too strong for them or if they don't like the aroma, dilution ratios can be increased accordingly. (Some essential oils are considered very safe and can be applied to the soles of the feet without any dilution, such as Hawaiian SandalwoodVetiver, and Cape Chamomile. Please do not administer essential oils to children in concentrations that are not appealing to them.)

Sensitive individuals, and for application to the genitals or anus, we recommend a dilution ratio of 1%. That ratio can be increased up to 2.5% if 1% is well tolerated, but essential oils are so concentrated that they can be very effective at 1% dilution ratio.

Rash or Hives: 2.5% to 5% Dilution Ratio

General massage for adults: 10%-20% Dilution Ratio. 

Pain Relief: 10%-20% Dilution Ratio. 

Using essential oils should be a pleasant and uplifting experience. Sensory upliftment is a large part of what makes essential oils effective. 

essential oil dilution ratios

Use this chart to calculate dilution ratios. Contact us if you would like us to make a blend or dilution for you. We also supply carrier oils and blending accessories.

1oz Carrier Oil
1% = 6 drops
2.5 % = 15 drops (1/2ml)
5 % = 30 drops (1ml)
10 % = 60 drops (2ml)
20 % = 120 drops (4ml) 
 2oz Carrier Oil
1% = 12 drops
2.5 % = 30 drops (1ml)
5 % = 60 drops (2ml)
10 % = 120 drops (4ml)
20% = 240 drops (8ml)
4oz Carrier Oil
1% = 24 drops
2.5 % = 60 drops (2ml)
5 % = 120 drops (4ml)
10 % = 240 drops (8ml)
20 % = 480 drops (16ml)

8oz Carrier Oil
1% = 48 drops
2.5 % = 120 drops (4ml)
5 % = 240 drops (8ml)
10 % = 480 drops (16ml)
20% = 960 drops (32ml)

skincare

Use 6-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (1-2% dilution ratio). Massage 3-4 drops of the prepared formula into freshly cleaned, damp skin and enjoy the glow!!

essential oils for bath

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. (Note: for small children use 1-2 drops and refer to my article Essential Oils for Babies and Children regarding which essential oils to use.)

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.

essential oils for shower

For adults and children 12 and up, soak in warm running water for a few minutes to open pores, then place 2-3 drops of essential oil directly on palms and distribute over the body from toes to shoulders, and rinse if desired. The shower method is not recommended for young children.

essential oil compress

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 it out, and apply the washcloth to the affected area. Leave the compress in place for at least 5 minutes. Dip, wring, and re-apply as many times as desired. 

nebulizing diffuser

Diffuser:

I recommend a nebulizing diffuser. Follow the diffuser manufacturer's instructions, but typically add about 8-20 drops and start the unit. Use this method for general and specific essential oil therapy, mood enhancement, to neutralize airborne pollutants, and to clear sinus and respiratory infections. We use and recommend the diffusers offered by Organic Aromas.

spray mist

Room Deodorizer / Auric Purification and Balancing:

Add 15 drops per 2oz distilled water and spray as desired.

healing work

Healing Work:

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.

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