Guide to using
Essential Oils
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that carry the plant’s unique aroma or flavor. They are also called volatile oils.
How are essential
Oils made
Essential oils are extracted from plants through the process of distillation, plants can also be cold pressed to
produce these essential oils.
How do I choose a method to apply essential oils?
Essential oils are extracted from The application method chosen depends on the desired effect and the essential oil selected. For example, some essential oils are irritating to the skin because of their chemistry. These would need more dilution or might better be used by inhalation.
How can I inhale
essential oils?
With a Diffuser.
Essential oils are placed in this device, sometimes with water (be sure to read the directions), and sometimes
with heat so they evaporate. This is a good way to add the scent of an essential oil to a room, for example to add
lavender if you want to enhance relaxation at home.
Through dry evaporation.
Several drops of essential oil are placed on a cotton ball or tissue and allowed to evaporate into the air. If you
want an intense dose, sniff the cotton ball. If a milder, more constant exposure is desired, simply keep the cotton
ball in your immediate vicinity (for example, leave it sitting on your desk next to your computer).
By steaming.
Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water, allowing the heat to quickly disperse the aroma. Cover your head with a towel, creating a tent over the bowl, and inhale deeply. This method delivers a strong and immediate effect, so limit usage to 1-2 drops to avoid overpowering sensations. Keep your eyes closed during inhalation to prevent irritation. Eucalyptus essential oil, in particular, can provide soothing relief for upper respiratory and sinus congestion.
Note: This is not recommended for children younger than 7 years old. Children older than 7 can use swimming goggles to protect their eyes.
Spraying
Drops of essential oils are placed in a water-based solution, shaken, and sprayed in the air in order to deodorize a room or set a mood. An example might be spraying an aqueous solution of Lemongrass oils to stimulate alertness or for cleaning. It is important to shake the bottle before spraying in order to spray the solution and not just water.
How do I apply essential oils topically?
1
Essential oils can be applied to the skin using a variety of techniques. It is important to note that most essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin without being diluted.
2
greater concentration than 3-5%.
3
That means if you have one teaspoon (5cc) of carrier, you would add 3 drops of pure essential oil. This would make a 3% solution that could be used on a portion of the body.
For massage or for application over large areas of the body, a 1% solution (meaning, one drop of essential oil in one teaspoon of carrier) is generally a safe concentration.
For infants, using a 0.25% solution is recommended (.5% for toddlers). Common carrier oils are olive oil, avocado oil,
coconut oil, almond oil, in general, vegetable oils.
You apply via carrier oil by massage, cold or hot compress, in case of essential oils used for oral hygiene (mix with
water and spit after gargling).