How to use Essential Oils

There are a variety of ways to use essential oils. You might even be able to come up with a few on your own.

Just remember to be alert for signs of sensitivity whenever introducing a new oil to your regimen. And of course, avoid consuming the oils!

Use a method of administration that works for your situation:

1. Inhale the scent directly.

This is the easiest way to get started. Place a couple of drops of the essential oil on a tissue or paper towel.

Hold the tissue close to your face and inhale through your nose.

2. Bath.

Just 5 drops in one ounce of carrier oil, such as almond oil, can be added to your bath water.

Ensure that you’re choosing an appropriate essential oil.

3. Inhale via steam.

Boil two cups of water and then transfer the water to a bowl. Add approximately five drops of essential oil to the water.

Keep the bowl close to you and enjoy the scent. Stop if you experience any discomfort.

4. The room method.

Follow the previous method, but use 10 drops of essential oil. Place the bowl near the center of the room.

The goal is to fill the room with the aroma of the essential oil.


5. Massage.

Add 10-20 drops of essential oil to 1/8 cup of carrier oil. Almond or jojoba oil are acceptable carrier oils.

Ideally, have a partner massage the oil into your skin. Stay away from the eyes and mucous membranes.

6. Other.

Essential oils can be used to make many household products, such as soap, shampoo, lotions, and shower gel.

Try all the different methods and see which work the best for you. There’s no method that’s been shown to be universally superior to another.

Keep an open mind and do your own little experiment. You’ll likely find one method that you prefer over the others.


“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.”

- Hippocrates


Aromatherapy Devices

You might be wondering if there is a better way of enjoying your essential oils than applying your mixtures to a tissue or a hot bowl of water.

You’re in luck! Most of them are relatively inexpensive, too.

There are several devices that can be used to enjoy your essential oils more conveniently:

1. Diffusers.

You don’t need a carrier oil with a diffuser. Just add water to the diffuser and then add your essential oils.

The ultrasonic action releases the mixture into the air.

Diffusers come in a variety of sizes. Most are sufficient for a large room for up to 8 hours.

• Some diffusers have an elegant appearance and include various color-changing mode.

Ensure that you examine your options and find a diffuser that matches your tastes and décor.

2. Nebulizer.

This is a special type of diffuser. It works very quickly and uses a highly pressurized air stream to break the essential oils into tiny particles and inject them into the air.

Nebulizers are more expensive, but more effective than conventional diffusers.

3. Heaters.

You’ve undoubtedly noticed how the smell of hot chocolate-chip cookies can fill your household, yet the smell seems to vanish when the cookies cool.

There are heaters designed specifically to heat your aromatherapy oils. These work slowly but effectively.

• There are even aromatherapy heater-alarm clocks! It can be used to provide calming scents at bedtime or when it’s time to wake up.



“Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains.”

- Diane Ackerman


Essential Oils Therapy Recipes

There are enough aromatherapy recipes to keep you busy for a lifetime. Again, keep an open mind and try a new recipe or two each week.

You’ll soon notice that certain oils appeal to you while others clearly do not. Over time, you’ll develop a catalog of recipes that work well for you.

Here are just a few to try.

Anxiety reduction bath oil:

• 9 drops of sandalwood
• 6 drops of orange
• 20 drops of lavender
• 2 fluid ounces of jojoba
• This mixture can be stored in a glass bottle.

This recipe is enough for 8 baths! Avoid using it all at once!

Depression reducing massage oil:

• 2 drops rose
• 6 drops sandalwood
• 2 drops orange
• 1 fluid ounce of almond oil
• Feel free to double or triple the recipe. Remember that a little goes a long way.

The remainder can be stored in a glass container. Protect from light.

Sleep peacefully blend:

• 10 drops of roman chamomile
• 5 drops of bergamot
• 5 drops of clary sage
• Add 1 or 2 drops to a tissue and place inside your pillowcase.

Romance diffuser blend:

• 3 drops of orange oil
• 2 drops of Ylang Ylang oil

Add these to your diffuser of choice, following the instructions for your diffuser.

There are an endless number of recipes online. Do a little research and find a few blends that intrigue you.

A word of warning, you’ll always seem to be missing one key ingredient! Find a local source of essential oils and you’ll always be prepared.


“To be honest, I didn't really understand how involved putting a fragrance together could be - or would be. Once I made the choice to actually do it, I just went for it. I just dove in and have really learned a lot about putting a scent together. It's kind of exciting.”

Faith Hill


Conclusion

Aromatherapy has been around since at least the time of the Egyptians.

The development of steam distillation took this science to another level overnight. In modern times, scientific studies have shown the efficacy of aromatherapy in the treatment of many disorders and symptoms.

Before using aromatherapy, it’s important to understand the safety implications. Anything that has the ability to heal can also potentially cause harm.

Treat aromatherapy like any other drug, because that’s precisely what it is. Avoid experimenting until you have a solid understanding of aromatherapy in general.

You now have a low-level understanding of aromatherapy and the benefits.

You can acquire the necessary supplies to get started, but continue to learn more about aromatherapy.

There are entire books written on single aromatherapy topics. Keep learning.

Related reading: What Is Aromatherapy