Aromatherapy - Introduction - Using Essential Oils

Using Essential Oils

Essential oils are fairly versatile, simple, and fun to use. There are a number of ways to incorporate essential oils into your life. Once you begin to buy essential oils, you will discover different ways to use them. Some common uses follow and are intended as guidelines only. All essential oils should be used with care.

Around the Home

There are many ways that you can use essential oils around the home. Add a few drops to your vacuum cleaner bag to add a nice zip to the cleaning. Place a few drops in old pot-pourri to revive it temporarily. To freshen a room, add up to 10 drops of oil to a cup of steaming hot water, and let it diffuse into the air.

For general household freshening, you may add a few drops of oil to the trash can, or place a few drops on a tissue to scent your linens.

Massage

Massage is a very relaxing way of releasing toxins from your cells and helps essential oils enter the bloodstream. Grapeseed oil is the most versatile vegetable carrier oil to use for massage.

An aromatherapy massage promotes circulation and can either relax or stimulate, depending on your mood and the oils used. Massage has a very powerful effect on the body and the emotions. When used in conjunction with essential oils, the effect of massages on the body and mind can be enhanced.

For each ounce/30mL of carrier oil used, add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. For children, or those with very sensitive skin, use only 3 to 4 drops of essential oil for each ounce of carrier oil. As a general rule while massaging, make sure you always massage towards the heart. Use long, firm strokes and be sure to warm the oil before you begin.

Baths

Aromatic bathing has been practiced for centuries, if not more. Cleopatra herself bathed in water scented with herbs. And it was Hippocrates, father of medicine, who once said: "A perfumed bath and a scented massage each day is the way to health."

Essential oils make a lovely addition to the bath and the water's warmth helps open congested pores and ease muscle stiffness and fatigue. You can either mix the essential oils in a carrier oil beforehand or simply add the oils once you enter the bath. It is advised not to use any soap or shampoo in the bath until you have soaked in the oil for ten to twenty minutes. Synthetic detergents will ruin the therapeutic properties of the oils.

Basic Bath Oil: Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to one ounce/30mL of carrier oil. Use only one teaspoonful (5mL) at a time. Keep in mind that if you are not using a carrier oil, add the essential oil just before you get in the bath. If you add them while the bath is filling, most of the oils will evaporate before you get in. If you have sensitive skin, you should dilute the oils in a carrier oil beforehand.

Inhalations

One of the most immediate ways to benefit from essential oils is through inhalation. The simplest way to breathe in oils is to place a few drops on a tissue and inhale. When you are finished, the tissue may be placed in a drawer to scent your clothing or linens. This is an excellent way to "breathe away" tension after a long day.

To relieve congested sinuses, add 2 to 3 drops essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Place your head over the bowl and inhale the vapour. Close your eyes to avoid irritation. This method is not recommended if you have asthma or any other serious respiratory conditions.

Diffusion

This is a very popular use for essential oils and allows the natural fragrance of the oil to be released into the surrounding environment. Add 4 to 6 drops of essential oil to a water-filled diffusor bowl.

Keep essential oils away from an open flame as they are flammable. Do not leave a burning diffusor unattended. Also, ensure your diffuser is filled with water at all times so it does not burn dry.

Do not diffuse essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus or rosemary around infants or pets as they are quite stimulating and potentially toxic to small pets.

Perfume

Create your own personal scent with pure essential oils by diluting a custom blend in pure base oils. Your "personal perfume" will last longest if you blend it in jojoba oil to avoid spoilage. Be as inventive as you like when creating your own fragrance.

If you create a fragrance that is not particularly becoming, add several more drops of your favourite oil to balance the blend. Consult with your aromatherapist or health specialist to create your perfect, personal, perfume. The following "recipe" will help get you started.