How to Use Essential Oils

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Essential oils do not replace care that works to correct the underlying cause of any symptom, instead they are best used as a tool to provide symptom relief during the healing process without impeding our body's healing activities. Since the distillation process isolates and concentrates what is safe for ingestion in the whole herb and isolation and concentration increases potency even when added to water or juices there is one cardinal rule when using essential oils that must NEVER be broken. Improper use of essential oils will lead to toxicity and tissue damage.

NEVER INGEST ESSENTIAL OILS!

The most frequently asked question about essential oils is 'are they safe to use?'.

The answer? Yes and no. As with all natural remedies, less is best and proceed with caution.

These highly concentrated aromatics enter through our olfactory system (the nose and sinus passages) and the skin, leading directly to the brain and our bloodstream. This allows the plant properties to cause changes both emotionally and physiologically within our bodies.

However, essential oils also have to be detoxed by our liver and kidneys, and some are hard to process. Even using larger amounts of less potent essential oils can be harmful to children, people with compromised liver or kidney health, animals, and pregnant women. When in doubt seek out the guidance of an experienced and competent practitioner.

All that said, Essential oils can be safely used in the following ways.

Cleaning

Essential oils may be combined with distilled water, vinegar and other natural cleaning solvents to increase the cleaning power. Some of the best oils to use for cleaning are Lavender, Tea Tree, and Citrus Oils. A few drops added to the cleaning liquid and shaken before each use provides excellent cleaning and disinfecting power.

Topically

With a few exceptions, applying essential oils to the skin requires a carrier oil to prevent damage to the skin by the caustic properties of the oils. Only lavender oil and, in very minute quantities, tea tree oil may be applied neat, or directly to the skin, without causing damage. Add 3-5 drops of essential oils to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil to correctly dilute the potency of the oil for topical use. Once combined with the carrier oil, they may be massaged directly into the skin or used for reflexology.

Other Ways to Use Essential Oils

Inhalation via a steam bath allows the oils to permeate the tissues without causing damage. Add about 5 drops to a large bowl of steaming hot water. Then lean over the bowl and cover your head and the bowl with towel creating a steam tent . Inhale deeply for no more than 10 minutes at a time. This can be repeated several times per hour as needed and is especially effective with Eucalyptus oil for respiratory and sinus ailment relief.

Aromatherapy Baths can provide relaxation, relief from sore muscles and serve as a larger steam bath for respiratory and sinus ailments. Run a bath as hot as you can stand it. Add 4- 10 drops of essential oil into a tub full of bathwater. Close up the bathroom and draw the shower curtain around the bath to keep the steam contained. Climb into the bath , soak for up to 30 minutes breathing deeply for at least 10 minutes. This can be repeated several times per day if needed. A word of caution, if you have sensitive skin don't add more than 6 drops. You can gradually increase the dose up to 10 drops.

Compresses can be applied using wither cold or hot water. To make a compress, add 2 or 3 drops essential oils to 3 cups of hot or ice water then soak a cloth in the water and wring it out. Lay the cloth directly on the affected area for about 15 minutes. Hot compress will cool quickly and must be replace more frequently.

Diffusion or Vaporization is the best way to utilize essential oils in their raw form. This method helps to cleanse the air in your home of pathogens, molds, and stale energy. Add 4 drops of your favorite essential oil to water or light carrier oil in a diffuser bowl. The oil can diffuse by osmosis, without heat, by simply allowing the mixture to sit in the open. The oils will evaporate with the carrier and diffuse or vaporize into the air without any other action needed. Essential oils can also be dispersed into the air by heat diffusion in which the diffuser bowl is placed over or in contact with a heat source. The heat speeds the evaporation process and diffuses the oils into the air.

Other Tips

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier of some kind. This can be a hydrosol,witch hazel extract, or alcohol, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil or other natural oil. Avoid vegetable oils as they are lower quality and degrade the essential oils.

Always avoid mucous membranes like the eyes and mouth unless you are under the care of a practitioner. These oils can be very caustic and can cause serious chemical burns.

Research the oil's properties before use to make sure it isn't contraindicated for your health.

1% Dilution: 5-6 drops per ounce of carrier is appropriate for preparations such as massage, where a lot of product is being used on the skin.

2% Dilution: 10-12 drops per ounce of carrier is appropriate for aromatherapy applications and body care recipes.