The 7 best ways to use essential oils
1) INHALATIONS:
This is the use of essential oils on hot compress, in diffusers, or in hot water for inhalation. Standard dose is 10 drops. Best for respiratory and sinus, headaches. Caution: prolonged inhalation of concentrated essential oils can cause headaches, vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and lethargy.
2) BATHS:
The best way to use essential oils in the bath is to mix 5 - 10 drops with 1/2 to 1 cup of salt or emulsifier such as milk or sesame oil. Aromatic bath salts disperse the oils safely into the water, and milk and sesame oil emulsify the essential oil so that it disperses. Without salts or an emulsifier, drops of essential oils will float on the water and then get directly on the skin. Combined with the heat of the water, this can cause dermotoxicity, especially if the oils are of a heating nature. Oils that should be avoided in the bath include spicy oils such as cinnamon, oregano, and tulsi; phototoxic oils such as citruses, especially bergamot; and those with specific irritant potential such as lemongrass. Our oils that are generally considered mild and safe for bathing are Lavender, Patchouli, Rose Geranium oil, Tea Tree, Benchmark Thyme. Aromatic baths are excellent for skin problems, circulatory problems, respiratory symptoms, stress and nervous tension, insomnia, muscular and menstrual pains. Caution: overuse of essential oils in the bath can cause irritation.
3) COMPRESSES:
10 drops oil in 4 oz hot water, soak cloth, wrap. Good for bruises, wounds, muscular aches and pains, dysmenorrhea, skin problems.
4) FACIAL STEAM:
1 - 5 drops on hot water in a pot, cover head with a towel, steam face. Excellent for opening sinuses, headaches, skin treatment.
5) MASSAGE AND DIRECT APPLICATION:
Some people use Tea Tree, Lavender or Patchouli essential oil neat (usually in tiny amounts and even then nowhere near sensitive areas eg. eyes) However pure essential oils are about 70 times more concentrated than the whole plant so it is always advisable to dilute them especially when using close to sensitive areas eg.eyes. Dilutions are typically 2% - 10%. For adults, a 2.5% dilution is recommended for most purposes. For children under 12, 1% is generally safe. A 2.5% blend for a 1 ounce bottle of carrier oil (or Aloe Vera Gel) is 15 drops of essential oil. 1% blend = 6 drops per oz 2% blend = 12 drops per oz 3% blend = 18 drops per oz 5% blend = 30 drops per oz 10% blend = 60 drops per oz
6) DIRECT PALM INHALATION:
Caution: This method of use should only be done with oils that can be safely applied to the skin. (If in doubt put on a hankie or tissue and inhale from that) Apply 1-2 drops of oil to the palms, rub together gently and inhale deeply. This is an excellent method of use for a quick and easy exposure to the anti-microbial and other therapeutic uses of essential oils.
7) DIFFUSERS:
There are various types of diffusers on the market, with different advantages and disadvantages.
Candle diffusers:
Usually a heat resistant vessel for water and essential oils, and a heat resistant platform that holds the vessel over a small candle. Advantages: very simple to use; provides light background fragrancing Disadvantages: does not produce strong concentration for therapeutic benefits.
Electric heat diffusers:
Small absorbent pads are placed inside of a heating chamber with ventilation that allows the aromatic compounds to evaporate into the surrounding air. Advantages: easy to use; minimal maintenance; can diffuse thicker oils. Disadvantages: heat damages some aromatic compounds.
Cool air nebulizing diffusers:
A system that uses air pressure generated by a compressing unit to vaporize the essential oils. A glass nebulizing bulb serves as a condenser, allowing only the finest particles of the essential oil to escape into the air. Advantages: strong diffusion maximizes therapeutic benefits in respiratory conditions. Disadvantages: diffusers need to be cleaned regularly. More viscous oils cannot be diffused (such as sandalwood oil or ylang ylang oil).
Timers: Electric heat and cool air nebulizers can be purchased with timers, to produce intermittent diffusion. This reduces the amount of oil consumed, and prevents over-saturation in a room.
