How to use Essential Oils

Methods of Applications Essential oils

can be used simply and effectively at home in a variety of ways, both for their scent and for their cosmetic and medicinal qualities. They can be used as perfumes and to revive pot pourris; they can be added to the bath and used to make individual beauty preparations. They can also be employed in the treatment of minor first aid cases and to help prevent and relieve many common complaints such as headaches, colds, period pains and aching muscles. They should always be stored in a cool place in dark bottles to protect them from photo-oxidation with as little contact with air as possible, and kept out of reach of children. (more about essential oils)
Massage. This is the method favoured by professional aromatherapists, who usually carry out a full body massage. Specific essential oils are chosen to suit the condition and temperament of the patient, and blend with a base (carrier) oil, such as sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil.
The essential oil content in a blend should usually be between 1 per cent and 3 per cent depending on the type of disorder. Massage is a relaxing and nourishing experience in itself, not least because of the unspoken communication based on touch, but it also ensures that the oils are effectively absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. For general well-being it is beneficial to practise self-massage on specific areas of the body, especially on the feet and hands. It is also useful to rub those particular parts of the body that are causing discomfort; for example, peppermint (in dilution) can be rubbed on the stomach in a clockwise direction to ease indigestion; marjoram can help to relax the neck and shoulders if they are stiff.(more info)

Skin oils and lotions. The essential oils are prepared much as they would be for a massage, except that the base oil should include the more nourishing oils such as jojoba, avocado or apricot kernel oil. The emphasis is on treating the skin itself and dealing with particular problems. A gentle circular movement of the fingers is often enough for the oils to be absorbed; it is important not to drag on the skin, especially in the delicate areas of the neck and around the eyes. Rose and neroli are good for dry or mature complexions;geranium, bergamot and lemon can help combat acne and greasy skin. A few drops of essential oil can also be mixed into a bland cream or lotion, or added to a basic face mask, which might include oatmeal, honey or clay together with the pulp of various fruits. In some conditions, such as cold sores (herpes) and athlete's foot, it is better to use an alcohol-based lotion rather than an oil or cream. This can be made by adding 6 drops of essential oil to 5ml (1tsp) of isopropyl alcohol or vodka. This mixture can be further diluted in a litre (1,3/4 pt) of boiled and cooled water for treating open cuts or sores, such as those caused by chickenpox or genital herpes.(more info)
Hot and cold compress. This is a very effective way of using essential oils to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. A hot compress can be made by filling a bowl with very hot water, then adding 4 or 5 drops of essential oil. Dip a folded piece of cotton cloth, cotton wool or a face cloth into the bowl, squeeze out the excess water and place the cloth on the affected area until it has cooled to blood heat, then repeat. Hot compresses are particularly useful for backache, rheumatism and arthritis, abscesses, earache and toothache.
Cold compresses are made in a similar way, using ice cold rather than hot water. This type of compress is useful for headaches apply to forehead or back of neck), sprains, strains and other hot, swollen conditions.

Essential oils in Hair care. The hair can also be enhanced by the use of a few drops of essential oils in the final hair rinse or added straight to a mild shampoo. An alcohol-based scalp rub can be made by adding 5ml (1tsp) of an essential oil to 100ml (3,5 fl oz) of vodka - this method can be used to condition the hair or to get rid of unwanted parasites such as lice and fleas. An excellent conditioning treatment for different types of hair can be made by adding about 3 per cent (or 60 drops) of an essential oil to a nourishing base oil such as olive oil with jojoba or sweet almond oil, massaging it into the scalp, then wrapping the hair in warm towels for an hour to two. Oils such as rosemary, West Indian bay and chamomile all help to condition and encourage healthy hair growth;lavender can be used to repel lice and fleas; while bergamot and tea tree can help to control dandruff. (more info)

Flower Waters. It is possible to make toilet or flower water at home by adding about 20 to 30 drops of essential oil to a 100ml (3'/2 fl oz) bottle of spring or de-ionized water, leaving if for a few days in the dark and then filtering it using a coffee filter paper. Although essential oils do not dissolve in water, they do impart their scent to it as well as their properties.
This method can be very helpful in the prevention and treatment of skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis and eczema, and to tone and cleanse the complexion. Almost any oil can be used, but the more traditional ones include rose, orange blossom,lavender and petitgrain; or blended flower waters can be made to suit specific complexions (more info)
Baths. One of the easiest and most pleasurable ways of using essential oils is to add 5 to 10 drops of oil to the bath water when the tub is full. Aromatic bathing has traditionally been used as an enjoyable and sensual experience, especially by the Romans, but also to treat a wide range of complaints, including irritating skin conditions, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism and arthritis. An essence such as ylang ylang can be enjoyed as a euphoric aromatic experience in itself; chamomile or lavender can help to relieve stress-related complaints such as anxiety or insomnia; rosemary or pine can help soothe aching limbs. Take care to avoid those oils that may be irritating to the skin. (more info)

Vaporizations. A delightful way to scent a room, free of the dust or smoke that can be caused by incense, is to use an oil burner or aromatic diffuser. Alternatively, a few drops of oil can be placed on a light bulb ring or added to a small bowl of water placed on a radiator. Specific oils can be chosen to create different atmospheres: frankincense and cedarwood have been used traditionally in a ritual context to create a peaceful and relaxed mood. Vaporized oils such as citronella or lemongrass also provide an excellent way of keeping insects at bay or clearing the air of unwanted smells such as cigarette smoke.
At one time, the leaves of juniper and rosemary were burned to help control epidemics and purify the air. Such coils can help keep the environment free of germs and inhibit the development of infections like the common cold or flu. An oil such as myrtle or eucalyptus can be used in the bedroom at night to relieve breathing difficulties or children's coughs. A few drops may also be put on the pillow or onto a handkerchief for use throughout the day. Always ensure that the oil burner is in a safe place and out of reach of children or pets.(more info)

Douche. This can be useful to help combat common genitourinary infections such as thrush, cystitis or pruritis. In the case of Candida or thrush, add between 5 and 10 drops of tea tree to a litre (1,3/4 pt) of warm water and shake well. This mixture can either be used in a sitz bath, bidet or put into an enema/douche pot, which can be bought from some pharmacies. Certain oils such as lavender and cypress can also aid the healing process after childbirth.

Neat Application. Generally speaking, essential oils are not applied to the skin in an undiluted form. However, there are some exceptions to the rule: lavender, for example, can be applied undiluted to burns, cuts and insect bites; tea tree to spots; and lemon to warts. Certain essential oils such as sandalwood, jasmine or rose make excellent perfumes, dabbed neat on the skin. Beware of those oils that are known to be phototoxic (discolour the skin when exposed to direct sunlight) such as bergamot; irritants such as red thyme; or skin sensitizers such as cinnamon bark.