A Simple Guide on How to Use Essential Oils
"The earth has music for those who listen" - William Shakesphere
I started using essential oils at the age of 13 years old.
My mother was completing a Massage and Aromatherapy Certificate at the time. She would invite me into class with her once per week to practice her massage therapy techniques. Naturally, the therapeutic properties of pure essential oils played a major role in the program.
Never would I have thought this would have been the start of the usage of essential oils in our home for decades. Every evening, before bed, my mother would gently massage the bottom of our feet with calming essential oils. When we were sick, whether it was a headache or sore tummy, she would dilute the perfect blend of essential oils into a carrier oil and massage our temples or back or belly in a soft, relaxing circular motion. These are fond memories of mine and practices I plan to always carry through with my own family.
It’s not secret that plant-based derivatives have been used for centuries as a form of alternative medicine and can very much help to better support your overall health posture. If you've made the decision to integrate essential oils into your life and need a 1-2-3 basic guide on how to use them, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I will explain the three simple ways (with examples) to use essential oils safely and with caution:
aromatic usage
Aromatic: This technique calls for deep breathing to smell the essential oil. Your nose will use it's olfactory sensors to experience the essential oil's aromatic compound. While most experienced essential oilers will use diffusers, those without can simply place 1-2 drops in the palm of their hands, rub together, place about 1-inch from the nose, and gently + deeply inhale for the same results.
Other examples include:
Cotton Balls: Drop oils onto a cotton ball and place around the room
Essential Oil Bottle: Raise the bottle close to your nose and gently inhale
Spray Bottle: Combine water and oils in a small glass spray bottle and mist around the room
topical usage
Topical: This technique incorporates high-quality grade essential oils with the soothing motions of a human touch. Diluted with a carrier oil, essential oils can, slowly and carefully, be massaged into the skin for quick absorption and effective results. It is with this technique that aromatherapy has grown rapidly in the industry especially when studied in alignment with reflexology.
To enjoy this method, massage along:
temples + neck +shoulder + back for tension
pulse points (base of ears, bottom of wrists) for emotional support
reflexology points (bottoms of feet or hands) for targeted support
spine + lower back + upper arms + legs for aches and pains
abdomen for menstrual cramps, nausea and digestion
internal usage
Internal: While this technique offers a hint of controversy, it can be very safe and most effective when exercised with the right resources. Using only certified pure tested grade essential oils in controlled amounts, essential oils can be taken internally for quick absorption.
To use this method:
one drop under the tongue
one drop on your finger, swiped on the roof of your mouth
one to two drops in a veggie cap, swallow with water
one to two drops in honey and ingest alone or stirred into a cup of warm water
Note: Essential oil brands that have been tested for quality and approved by Health Canada for internal use will be labelled accordingly with proper dosage. Read the bottle. If there is no direction for internal use, you can rest assured it may not be a candidate for internal use. Essential oils are powerful plant chemicals. If used incorrectly or irresponsibly, they can interfere with health conditions and/or medications.
want to learn more?
Looking to understand the benefits of different types of essential oils?
Request a complimentary 1 to 1.5-hour Wellness Consultation with me OR host a class with your closest friends and family to learn the top ten essential oils and all of their uses.