Basic Essential Oil Use
Essential
oils are extremely easy and safe to use at home. You may simply use an aromatherapy diffuser to enjoy their wonderful aromas,
or you may wish to use them for their cosmetic and medicinal qualities. Whatever essential oil use you try, there are many
ways in which you can experience the benefits of their smoothing and healing properties.
Essential oil bottles have
a little plastic thing in the neck. It is called an orifice reducer. It allows you to get one drop out at a time.
Hold the bottle in your
right hand and let the essential oil drip into the palm of your left hand, and then you can rub it wherever you intended.
Don’t try to get a drop on one or two fingers, it will just run all over the edge and you will loose it.
Do not ever touch
the orifice reducer. It is designed to funnel the essential
oil back into the bottle. So if you touch it the oils and dirt from your hands will go into the bottle and may cause the oil
to go bad. Believe me I know!
Before using a new essential oil always test a small area of skin before
applying all over. Put less than a drop on the inside of the elbow. If it feels
hot or stings then dilute it by rubbing on a vegetable oil such as olive oil. Do not try to wash it off with water, which
will only cause it to spread.
Be sure to read all safety
precautions before you begin your essential oil use.
Methods of Application
Inhalation
Essential
oils are well known for their ability to enhance your mood, improve mediation and purify the air. Here are several suggestions
you can use in your home or workplace:
Put
a drop or two of your chosen essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball and tuck it into an air vent or fan to refresh the air
and to protect against airborne bacteria.
Use
an aromatherapy diffuser. There are a lot of really pretty candle aromatherapy oil burners, I have used them myself, but it
is better to use a cold air aromatherapy diffuser. High heat can damage some of the delicate compounds of the essential oils.
Put
a few drops on a terra cotta aromatherapy diffuser. Hang one in your car, closet or room.
If
you need a more direct approach in order to clear you lungs or sinuses you can make an aromatherapy steam treatment by adding
a few drops of oil to a bowel of hot water. Place your face over the bowel and drape a large towel over your head and the
bowel.
Add
a few drops of a refreshing essential oil to a spray bottle with distilled water. You can spray around the room or you can
spray your face for a quick pick-me-up. Just remember to shake the bottle real well first.
The
most simple essential oils use is to put several drops into the palms of your hand, rub your hands together then raise them
slowly to your face as you breath naturally. Then cup your hands over your nose and mouth and breath deeply. If you suddenly
breathe deeply it might be too strong and unpleasant.
Direct application
Essential
oils may be applied topically to promote soothing and wellness of body and spirit. Essential oils have an unmatched ability
to penetrate and disperse within minutes though out the body. Try it yourself, have someone else rub a few drops of peppermint
oil to the bottom of your feet and see how long it takes until you can taste it.
One
of the most effective ways of essential oil use is to apply them to the bottoms of the feet. Just make sure the feet are clean.
The reason being:
The
pores on the bottom of the feet are large,
The
skin is less sensitive
The
feet have so many nerve endings
The
feet have reflex points.
The
easiest way of aromatherapy use is to add a few drops of an essential oil to the puddle of fragrance free lotion or massage
oil in the palm of your hand before you start to massage.
You can make your own
ointments by adding healing essential oils to an organic cream base.
Create
your own massage oil blend by adding your favorite essential oil to olive oil or another fragrance free massage oil.
Use
with a warm compress, apply essential oil or massage oil blend and then cover the area with hot moist towels and let it sit
for 5 to 7 minutes. If it becomes hot or uncomfortable then remove the compress and massage in olive oil.
If
you add essential oils to your bath you get the benefits of inhalation and direct application to your skin. Simply add your
essential oil to a fragrance free shower or bath gel, bath oil or bath salts.
Dietary Supplement
All essential oils that
are labeled as Safe For Consumptions can be taken as a dietary supplement to promote physical well-being. Essential oils should
be diluted in oil-soluble liquids such as vegetable oil, rice milk or honey.
