Methods For Using Essential Oils
Inhalation:
There are three traditional uses of Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Inhalation, Topical Application, and Ingestion. Essential oils are highly aromatic and therefore many of the benefits can be obtained by simply inhaling them. This can be done by breathing in the fragrance from the bottle, or they can be diffused into the room. Essential oils, when diffused, can be the best air filtration system in the world. Most essential oils can be used undiluted in a diffuser or oil lamp (sometimes called a 'burner') safely. A diffuser passes a continuous stream of air over your oil source - often simply straight from the bottle - creating a fine evaporated mist without heating. A candle lamp incorporates a small bowl over a tea candle. The bowl is first filled with a small amount of water, into which a few drops of essential oils are placed. The oils are evaporated through the gentle heating of the water by the candle.
To inhale essential oils you can place 2 mor more drops into the palm of your left hand and rub clockwise with the flat palm of your right hand. Cup your hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply. You can also add several drops to a bowl of hot water and inhavle the steaming vapors that rise from the bowl. You can rub 2 or more drops on your chest, neck, upper sternum, wrists or under the nose and ears (make sure the particular oil is safe to apply directly to skin).
Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules that create odors, rather than just masking them.
Diffused essential oils
• Reduces bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.
• Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind.
• Purify by removing metallic particles and toxins from the air
• Increase atmospheric oxygen
• Increase ozone and negative ions in the house, which inhibits bacterial growth
• Destroy odors from mold, cigarettes, and animals
• Fill the air with a fresh, herbal aromatic scent
If you do not have a diffuser you can add essential oils to cedar chips and make your own potpourri, put oils on a cotton ball and place in your car or home air vents, or dampen a cloth, apply essential oils to it, and place it near the intake duct of your heating and cooling system.
GO SLOW, START WITH A SMALL AMOUNT! You will know when you've had enough - we tend to n otice a distaste for the smell or even a mild headache coming on if the concentration of certain oils in the air has gotten too high. Inhalation is often effective for mood-altering effects of essential oils; Rosemary for mental 'stimulation', Lavender for relaxation, etc. This is the direct effect of essential oil components on the lymbic system (see About Aromatherapy). One may certainly blend essential oils in a diffuser or burner, adding a couple drops of each oil desired. Often a nice result can be had from mixing a brighter or sweeter oil (Rosemary, Basil, Orange) with one more earthy and grounding (Patchouli, Frankincense, Cedar). The effects are very personal - if you don't like the smell of a particular essential oil or combination of oils, there's probably a reason and they're just not for you! Your intake could be too high or the oil(s) may not be compatible with your body chemistry at that time.
Topical Application:
Perhaps even more common than inhalation, topical application is the preferred method of use for many essential oils. However, MOST essential oils require significant dilution as they can cause skin irritation. Lavender Oil and Chamomile Oil are two essential oils that can be applied 'neat' or without dilution; others, such as Cinnamon Oil and Oregano Oil should not be applied topically in most cases - they may be applied once highly diluted to the bottoms of the feet. A VERY small amount should be tested first. Carrier oils, such as vegetable mixing oil, extend essential oils and provide more efficient use.
The interesting thing about topical application is that essential oils tend to pass through the skin fairly readily, as they are lipotropic (fat soluble) and their molecular structure is fairly small. Essential oils can pass into the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. In this manner, their possible effects can be targeted - if one has digestive trouble, rubbing Peppermint Oil diluted in a carrier oil (a pure vegetable or nut oil) into the abdomen may help. In the same way, rubbing Chamomile Oil or Lavender Oil into the solar plexus (bottom tip of the sternum) may help relieve tension.
When starting an essential oil application, always apply the oil first to the bottom of the feet. This allows the body to become acclimated to the oil, minimizing the chance of a reaction. The Vita Flex foot charts identify areas for best application.
Ingestion:
Finally, some essential oils are ingested, usually either in water or in capsules. As this technique is rare, and not really considered effective in most cases, we strongly suggest one refrains from trying it unless noted specifically for that oil by a knowledgeable source.
Safely Using of Essential Oils:
Essential Oils are very powerful components of plants - they have the capability of being harmful if improperly used. Essential Oils can be very helpful for some cases, supportive in others, and have little to no effect in others. They are not intended to treat or cure serious medical conditions; there is no substitute for a consultation with a competent physician for any matters regarding your health, or anyone else. If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breast feeding, it is critical you consult your physician before using any essential oil. ALMOST ALL ESSENTIAL OILS MUST BE DILUTED PRIOR TO TOPICAL APPLICATION to the range of 1% to 3% in your chosen carrier (or 'base') oil - Lavender and Chamomile Oils being notable exceptions.