10 Ways To Use Essential Oils

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Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns. 

The Healthy Place team has been receiving enthusiastic feedback on our new line of essential oils by Amrita Aromatherapy! Our desire was to deliver a therapeutic quality product that would please our customers. It seems we have been successful.

Many customers are unsure of the proper ways to use essential oils. This article is meant to give some information on different methods of use.

Topical Application

Because the molecular structure of essential oils is very small, they are easily absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream. This allows your body to direct them to the needed area for internal beneficial effects. Some oils may be applied directly onto the skin, but others should be diluted with a carrier oil or natural lotion.

• Dilution: There are only two oils that can be safely applied to the skin without dilution. These are lavender and tea tree. All other oils should be diluted to a ratio of approximately 2%. This equals 48 drops of essential oil per 4 ounce bottle of carrier oil. You can mix enough for a single application by mixing 2 drops essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

Dilution Rates

• 2% dilution equals 2 drops essential oil per teaspoon (5ml) carrier oil
• 3% dilution equals 3 drops essential oil per teaspoon (5 ml) carrier oil
• 4% dilution equals 4 drops essential oil per teaspoon (5 ml) carrier oil
• 5% dilution equals 5 drops essential oil per teaspoon (5 ml) carrier oil

Carrier Oils include: almond, avocado, jojoba, olive and coconut. Carrier oils are also absorbed through the skin so make sure you use a pure, organic oil.

Diffusion

There are several different types of diffusers. This method works well to cleanse the air from contagions, set an atmosphere, soothe anxiety and frazzled nerves and address specific health needs.

• Nebulizing Diffusers are considered the best method of diffusion. They do not heat the oil, possibly changing its chemistry. The oils are disbursed into the air in a fine mist and stay airborne for a long time.
• Ceramic Diffusers are attractive and create a pleasing atmosphere.
• Plug-In Diffusers are easy to use and can be quickly moved anywhere. The oil is dropped onto a small cardboard pad and placed inside the diffuser. Gentle heat releases the oil into the air. I have used them with an extension cord to diffuse oils inside a closet to freshen clothing and linens. They are also great in the children’s room. They don’t get hot enough to cause a burn and you don’t have to worry about them getting pulled over.
• Plug-In Car Diffusers work in the same manner described above, except they plug into the your car’s charger. Because of the small, confined space you want to be sparing with the amount of oil you apply.

Direct Inhalation

This is a method I use whenever I am in public. It is especially effective when you are in a crowd or on a plane and someone nearby is coughing and sneezing. I keep several small bottles of anti-viral oils in my purse specifically for this purpose.

• Apply several drops of oil into the palm of your hand and rub together. Cup your hand over your nose and mouth and inhale deeply. The oils coat the inside of your nasal passages and help prevent unwanted invaders.
• It works well with babies and children too! Just mix the oils in your hands and cover their nose and mouth while they breathe.
• You can also open a bottle of essential oil, place it under your nose and breathe deeply.

Steam Inhalation

Use this method of inhalation when you have congestion or a sinus infection. It delivers the medicinal properties of the oil and provides moisture to loosen mucus and congestion.

• Boil some pure water. Pour into a heat safe bowl.
• Add 4 to 6 drops of essential oils to about three inches of water. You can use a purchased blend, a single oil, or mix your own blend.
• Place a towel over your head and hold your face in the steam rising off the water. Breathe deeply through your nose.
• Make sure you close your eyes!

Massage

Mixing essential oils with a massage oil is deeply relaxing and, depending on your choice of oils, very therapeutic. It can be used to help the body detox, relieve aches and pains, and provide a release from tension and anxiety.

• To make a massage oil: Dilute using no more than a 2% dilution in a carrier oil. Jojoba and hazelnut work well for massage. This equals 48 drops of essential oil per 4 ounce bottle of carrier oil.

Aromatic Bath

This is an effective way to relieve muscle aches and help the body relax. Using this method the essential oil is able to act through both inhalation and absorption by the skin.

• Essential oils do not dissolve in water. This could cause undiluted oils to come in contact with the skin, possibly causing irritation. This problem can be avoided by using a dispersing agent.
• Dispersing Agents include:  1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, milk, honey or liquid soap. Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) also work as a dispersing agent. Salts also promote detoxification and work to relieve muscle aches and pain.
• Add five to ten drops of essential oil to the dispersing agent and then to bath just before you get in.
• SAFETY:  Essentials oils are safe and therapeutic but some oils should not be used in a bath. They include peppermint, citrus oils such as lemon or sweet orange, and also the spice oils such as clove and cinnamon.

Foot Bath

Foot baths make use of essential oils by relaxing the body and relieving the pain of sore and aching feet.

• Fill a basin with warm water, add two to four drops of your favorite essential oil to one teaspoon of a carrier oil, and optionally add 1/2 cup epsom salts.
• SAFETY: Same as aromatic bath

Compresses

A compress works well to use essential oils to treat a problem locally. They are great for sprains, insect bites, headaches, infected wounds, etc.

• Use hot water for muscular aches, arthritis, infections, menstrual cramps.
• Use cold water for sprains, migraines, bruises.
• Add 2 drops of oil per 1/4 cup of water. Mix the water to disperse the oil. Moisten a natural fiber cloth in the water and apply to the problem area. Leave for an hour if possible.
• An ice pack may be placed on top of a cool compress.
• Wrapping a warm compress in flannel or wool cloth will help retain the heat.

Wound Wash

Use this to cleanse or irrigate a wound using a squeeze bottle. It can also be poured over the wound if a squeeze bottle isn’t available.

• Mix 2 teaspoons tea tree or rosemary or lavender essential oil with 1 1/4 cups distilled or clean water. Repeat if necessary.

Home Cleaning

Many years ago I learned about the harsh chemicals found in cleaning products and decided to make my own. I have been successfully using vinegar and essential oils for most household cleaning. We’ll be posting articles on this in the near future.

I hope this gave you some ideas about ways you can incorporate essential oils, or aromatherapy, into your life. Essential oils are powerful, fascinating, and fun!

The Healthy Place has been increasing our selection of essential oils. We are also working to provide educational materials to help you learn more about ways to utilize their powerful therapeutic possibilities. We are excited about how this area of our store is growing! Stop in and check it out.

Download our free Essential Oil Dilution Chart

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*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”

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