Use an essential oil diffuser

Putting a few drops of your favorite essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser helps your home smell better, and can also offer an array of benefits for your mind and body.

Make your own aromatherapy inhaler

Put up to 15 drops of the desired essential oils into a small bowl. Place a wick into the bowl to soak up the oil. Once the essential oil is absorbed, place the wick into the inhaler tube and close the cover. This inhaler can be used several times a day and is excellent for instant and on-demand aromatherapy.

Direct palm inhalation

This method offers quick and easy access to the benefits of the essential oil. This should only be used with essential oils that can be safely applied to the skin.

Put 1-2 drops of essential oil in the palm of your hand. Rub your palms together and inhale deeply. Be sure to keep away from eyes, as essential oils can and will be irritating if you don’t.

Steam inhalation

This is an effective way to receive the aromatherapeutic benefits of an essential oil.

• You will need a bowl (ideally ceramic, glass, or metal), a towel, and hot water
• Heat up some water in a teapot or pan
• Fill your bowl about halfway with hot water
• Add 1 to 2 drops of desired essential oil
• Put bowl on counter
• Close your eyes and put your face over the bowl
• If the temperature is comfortable, put the towel over your head and take some deep breaths for a minute or two. (Use caution and don’t use more than 2 drops per steam)
• Do up to 3-5 times per day if needed

Some simple topical essential oil usage suggestions:

Natural perfume oil – Mix approximately 20 drops of your favorite essential oils (4% dilution) into a carrier oil of your choice. Apply to pulse points as desired.

Aromatherapy massage – Remember that essential oils are extremely concentrated. A 2-3% dilution should work well for a healthy adult. This means using 10-18 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

Aromatic bath – Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a teaspoon of carrier oil and pour into a bath. Be aware that some oils are strong, and that just because they smell good doesn’t mean they are great for the bathtub. Cinnamon and thyme are two such examples. Always do your homework!

3. INTERNAL

The third category of essential oil usage is internal. Do not use essential oils internally. While it is true that a few essential oils are used in the food and flavor industry, we do not recommend using essential oils internally unless under direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner who is properly educated in the safety and risks of doing so.

1. Quality. One of the most important things to note when it comes to using essential oils is that quality varies drastically on the market. In order to receive any real aromatherapeutic benefits, it is important to use only pure, unadulterated essential oils. There is no regulatory body ensuring that all essential oils on the market are truly pure. Essential oils can often be adulterated with less expensive chemical isolates, synthetic oils, or vegetable oils to extend the oil and increase profit margin. This is where knowing your supplier is helpful. By sourcing your essential oil from a supplier who has done their due diligence to ensure essential oil purity through 3rd party GC/MS testing, as well as suppliers who work directly with a global network of farmers and distillers, you will have the best chance of getting a truly pure essential oil — and all its accompanying benefits.

2. Chemical composition of the oil. As mentioned above, essential oils can be made up of anywhere from a few to dozens of chemical components, collectively making up an oil’s unique therapeutic and aromatic profile. Some chemical components are known skin irritants or can even cause possible drug interactions. Being aware of this beforehand can give clues to safe usage. These essential oils may still be used, but at a much lower dilution in topical or aromatic use.

3. Method of application. Note that aromatic usage of essential oils is the lowest risk for potential irritation. However, always use caution and pay attention to any known safety considerations.

4. Dilution used. Most topical applications of essential oils will be approximately 1-5% dilutions. As dilution percentages increase, so does the risk of skin irritation.

5. Integrity of skin. Damaged, inflamed or already irritated skin may have increased sensitivity to essential oils. Be sure to properly dilute essential oils before using topically.

6. Age of user. Infants and young children are more sensitive to essential oils than a healthy adult. As a result, essential oils should be avoided or used only in a highly diluted form for these and other sensitive groups. The elderly, people with sensitive skin, or those with medical conditions should also use caution when considering essential oils.

1. Essential oils are volatile. This means they are prone to oxidation and sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. As essential oils oxidize and degrade, they not only lose their therapeutic value, but pose an increased risk of skin irritation. It is important to keep essential oils in dark glass and to store them away from light and heat. Certain essential oils, like citrus, are more sensitive to these elements than other and will degrade more rapidly.

2. Do not use essential oils internally.

3. Keep essential oils out of the reach of pets and children.

4. Do not use photosensitizing essential oils topically for 24 hours prior to going into the sun or a tanning booth where UV exposure is possible.

5. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have medical conditions, consult a health care professional before using essential oils.

6. Always dilute essential oils before topical use.

7. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

8. Take the time to educate yourself on the essential oils you choose to use and enjoy!