Many are aware of the benefits of essential oils, but are unaware of how to properly use them. Here are a few tips to help you get the most benefit from your oils and decrease any potential negative reaction.
Always ask permission before applying essential oils. Not only is it common courtesy, but many people have sensitivities to certain plants or carrier oils. Be sure to check for any sensitivities by reading all of the oils in the blend before applying it to anyone. This is especially important if using oils in a group setting (such as a yoga or meditation class) as the mere scent of the oil can trigger a reaction in someone across the room.
Always use a carrier oil. Essential oils are NOT food extracts. They are significantly stronger. When it comes to essential oils, less is more. On average, one drop of essential oil equals one ounce of plant product. Start small. I usually recommend about a dime size amount of carrier oil with 1-2 drops of essential oil to start. You can always increase the amount (to no more than 5 drops at a time) when you know how your body will react.
Carrier Oil- A carrier oil will not only reduce the chance of a negative reaction, such as a burn or rash on the skin, but will allow you to treat a larger area. For example, if you placed 2 drops of peppermint oil on your neck for a headache, it wouldn't stretch very far. Adding a carrier oil would allow you to cover your entire neck and hair line, increasing absorption, and therefore the benefit, of the oil. The molecules of essential oil are very small. Essential oils tend to evaporate quickly into the air. Using a carrier oil allows the essential oil to be absorbed into the body before it has a chance to evaporate. If you do experience a negative reaction, do NOT apply water to the area, but add more carrier oil. Essential oils should not be stored in a carrier oil, but added to the carrier oil just prior to use to maintain the quality, and prolong the life, of the essential oil.
Favorite Carrier Oils:
Almond
Coconut
Grape seed
Olive
Aromatic Application- Because the particles of the essential oils are so small, simply smelling them can be enough to get the oils into your blood stream and reap the benefits. To do this, place one drop of essential oil on the palm of your hand. Rub your palms together. Cup both hands over your nose and mouth and take several deep breaths. Many have also had success smelling the oil straight from the bottle.
Topical Application- In most cases, essential oil can be diluted and applied where needed. In the case of children and those with sensitive skin, it is best to apply the diluted oil to the feet. Studies done in both Germany and Austria demonstrated that essential oils can be detected in the mouth just 20 minutes after application to the feet. For this reason, there is rarely any benefit to taking essential oils internally. While a drop of clove oil on a canker sore can bring relief, I do not condone the use taking essential oils internally. (For more information on the dangers of taking essential oils internally, click here.) If in doubt, apply to the feet. The feet have the largest pores of the body and are able to absorb the oils more quickly. Less is more. Start with a small dose and slowly increase it to determine a healthy dose for you.
Remember when your grandmother told you to apply your perfume on your wrist and behind your ears? This originated with essential oils. There are large veins on both locations. By applying oils to those veins, the oils are absorbed into the blood stream almost immediately.
What do essential oils do? ALL essential oils are antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic and antiseptic. Some more so than others, but all essential oils have these qualities. Essential oils are able to penetrate the cell wall, in effect cleansing the entire body. Essential oils also increase circulation, oxygenate the body and help to cleanse the body of harmful toxins helping the body to achieve homeostasis and heal itself.
Storage: Essential oils should be stored in a dark place. This can be something as simple as a medicine cabinet or a shoe box. While there is no need for essential oils to be refrigerated, they should be kept out of direct sunlight or extreme heat to prolong their shelf life. If you are using high quality oils and keep them in a dark place at room temperature they will last you a very long time.
A Few Other Uses:
*Place a drop or two on your vacuum bag to purify the air. (I love lemon!)
*Place a few drops on a cotton ball and set it over your heating vent or hang from your fan.
*Add a drop to your face wash. (Grapefruit is a personal favorite of mine for a natural astringent)
*Add a drop to your shampoo.
*Add a few drops to your bath (2-3 drops is usually plenty).
*Plug up your shower and add a few drops of oil for a healing steam effect.
*Diffuse oils in your wax warmer. Simply dump out the wax, fill the well with water, and add a few drops of oil.
*Place a drop on your pillow at bedtime.
*Put a few drops on the cardboard tube of your toilet paper roll to freshen your bathroom.
I hope this has been helpful. If you have any additional questions, feel free to comment below, email me at SereneSoleReflexology@gmail.com or join me on my B.E. Essential Oils Facebook page!
***Footnote: This blog is intended for informational purposes only. It is in no way meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you have questions concerning your health, please talk to your health care provider.***
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