How to Use 
Essential Oils

Using Essential Oils Aromatically

The most commonly used method of using essential oils these days is through the practice of Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils to improve the health of the body, mind and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health through a medicinal therapy that is considered both an art and a science used for thousands of years.

Aromatherapy has a vast number of uses such as fighting bacteria, virus or fungus, improving sleep, reducing stress, managing pain, improving digestion, and soothing sore joints

Aromatherapy can be administered in nearly as many methods as there are applications

Diffusing: 

​Using a diffuser for essential oils is an excellent way to spread their benefits through a large area. Good diffusers use cool air or ultrasonic vibrations to disperse essential oil molecules into the air where they can remain for up to several hours to be inhaled and enjoyed. This process does not affect the structure of the oil (rather than denaturing an oil through heat dispersion).

Humidifying Diffuser:

​A humidifier diffuses essential oils in the same method as a diffuser but also provides the benefits of a humidifier to your space. It is best to use humidifiers designed specifically for use with essential oils.

Steam:

Add essential oils to steaming water to be inhaled. This can be done using a pot of water and a towel to create a tent for your head, or you can add a few drops of essential oil to the tub to inhale while you shower.

Direct Inhalation:

The benefits of essential oils can also be gained by simply inhaling the oil directly from the bottle. Just hold the bottle a couple inches below your nose and inhale.

Indirect Inhalation: 

​Another method for diffusing essential oils is by simply applying them to an object such as a cloth and allowing them to passively diffuse into the air. This is useful if you want the aroma to only affect a small area such as around your body.

Fan:

​Some diffusers employ the use of a fan to distribute essential oil aroma. But this can also be used in combination with indirect inhalation by placing a cloth or other object containing drops of essential oil to spread the aroma into a larger area.

Using Essential Oils 
​Topically 

The unique molecular structure of essential oils causes them to be rapidly absorbed by the skin. This makes the topical use of essential oils very effective, taking only about 20 minutes to reach every cell in the body. Using essential oils directly on the skin can cause itchiness or a rash for some people, particularly those with sensitive skin, so come caution is required. Before applying any new essential oil to your skin, do a patch test. Always start with a drop of diluted oil. If there is no reaction, try a drop of undiluted oil. Only test one oil at a time so you can pinpoint the cause of any negative reaction. However, we usually recommend always using diluted oils just to play on the safe side.

Using essential oils directly on skin can cause itchiness and rash for some people

Diluting Oils

Because of the risk of skin irritation, we recommend using essential oils that have been diluted by using a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. This can decrease the likelihood of a skin reaction and allow you to spread the oil over a wider area increasing the rate of absorption.  When diluting essential oils a good rule of thumb to follow is to add 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil for adult use, and 1-2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil for children.

How to use Essential Oils topically:

Direct Application: Use a diluted essential oil directly to the area of concern on the body.

Massage: Massage diluted essential oil throughout your body, always working towards the heart.

Reflex Points: Apply diluted essential oils in drops to reflex points of the hands, feet and head.

Feet: Applying essential oils to the feet is an excellent method of topical use because they contain thick, less sensitive skin.

Top Tips for Topical Use:

It’s best to layer oils rather than blend them when using two or more oils topically. Apply one oil, then wait at least five minutes before applying the other over top. Or you can apply a pre-blended oil mix made by a professional.

Sensitivities to essential oils can be developed after prolonged use, particularly when applied to the same area of the body. Try to alternate the essential oils that you use as well as the location of application.

Some oils such as citrus oils, can cause a sensitivity to the sun after topical use, and it is best just to avoid the topical use of these essential oils.

Using Essential Oils 
​Internally

The use of essential oils for ingestion is best approached with even more caution than topical use, and is best done with the assistance of a health care professional. While some people believe it is completely safe and beneficial, others folks do disagree. Not all oils can be used internally. Some of those include arborvitae, birch, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, white fir, and wintergreen The FDA has listed certain essential oils as safe for internal use, but these still come with precautions. Some professionals believe that ingesting essential oils is hard on the liver and digestive system, while others have great results using internal treatments. However, essential oils should never be given internally to children. Once you have consulted an essential oil professional, continue to take precautions when using essential oils internally. Because of the hot debate behind We do not assume any liability for your actions if you do choose to 

Ingesting essential oils should only be done after consulting a health care professional. 

Less is More

Similarly to when you try a new oil topically, you should start with just one drop of oil when using internally. Then when you are ready to try more, increase the frequency rather than amount. By using one drop an hour a part, rather than many drop at once, you are giving your liver the chance to break the oil down.

Be Careful

Some essential oils require extra care and more limitations than others so be sure to do your research. You should also never consume more than 10 drops of any essential oil per day. Some people should also entirely avoid ingesting essential oils in any context. Those that are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with other health concerns, particularly those pertaining to the liver, should avoid internal use of essential oils. Remember, always consult a medical professional before ingesting 

Three Methods to Ingesting

If you've done your research and are ready to try ingesting essential oils for their multitude of benefits here are the three most common ways you can do so. Remember, we are not providing any medical advice simply providing you with information and do not assume any liability for the actions of our readers. 

Cooking

If you would like to experience essential oils internally in a safer manner, try using some in your cooking. Adding a drop or two to your raw cooking recipes can spread incredible flavour. Because the total concentration of oil is so low, it is quite safe to ingest, however proper caution should still be observed. Be sure to only apply essential oils to recipes that are not cooked since heat can alter the molecular structure of the oil.

Drinking

Applying a drop or two of essential oils such as peppermint or lemon to water, milk or nut milk can help to support digestion or energy. Remember that water and oils do not mix so use with caution and mix carefully as the oil will float to the top.

Supplements

You can use essential oils as a dietary supplement by adding a few drops to a small amount of food to ingest or by putting them within empty vitamin capsules to swallow.

Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils are an incredible arsenal of life altering compounds! With all the different ways to use essential oils: diffusing, applying topically (after diluting) or some other way, EOs can really make an impact on yoru day-to-day. From relief from headaches, insomnia and anxiety, to treatment of certain skin conditions, the benefits are nearly endless. If you want to learn more about the many benefits of essential oils, check out this article to learn more about the benefits! 

Want to Learn More?

Want to learn more about essential oils? There are so many different oils, treatments, brands and blends, it can be a little overwhelming! We want to take some of the guesswork out of essential oils and provide informative, supported information for you to learn from. And the best place to start is by checking out our comprehensive guide to essential oils here!