Essential oils interact with the body through the respiratory system and also absorbed through the skin. There is also a benefit in just surrounding yourself with the energetic value of the oil.
There are many ways to use essential oils:
Bath
Essential oils can be used in a bath both for therapy and pleasure! Be careful not to use an oil that is sensitising or irritating on the skin. Before adding the essential oils added directly to the bath, you need to dilute the essential oils in a tablespoon of vegetable oil, or a teaspoon of honey, or half a cup of milk (Honey and milk are excellent emulsifiers and will help the aromatherapy essential oil to disperse in the water). The safest oils for everyone to use in the bath are Lavender and Chamomile because of their gentle non-irritant qualities. If you want to experiment with others, watch out for oils that may be photosensitising when in direct contact with the skin. Remember that the oil is not dispersed and diluted in the water. Use up to six drops of your chosen essential oil or blend. Run the bath as usual, and add the mixture (Essential oils diluted by vegetable oil / honey / milk / solubilizer) to the water. Keep the bathroom door closed to ensure that the aroma does not disperse. Swish the water around vigorously before getting in.
Chest Rub
There are many essential oils which have a clearing effect and are recommended to support the respiratory system. Among these are Eucalyptus, Fir, Rosemary, and Spike Lavender. Prepare a blend of 6 drops of essential oil in 15ml of vegetable oil and rub on the chest and upper back.
Compress
A compress is a clean, damp, folded cloth that has been infused with essential oils and is then applied to the problem area. A compress can be either cold or warm, depending on the purpose. Fill a small bowl with water, add 2-5 drops of essential oil. Stir briskly, soak the cloth, wring, and apply. Repeat this procedure as needed.
Diffusers
You can completely transform the character of a room in just a few minutes using a few drops of a favourite essential oil in the diffusers. Aromatherapy diffusers are also ideal for cleansing and purifying the air. Aromatherapy diffusers disperse essential oils into the room in a number of different ways. The preferred method does not heat the essential oil, but uses a fan to pass cool air through a pad which has been impregnated with the essential oil. You can use 4-8 drops of essential oil on the pad. Use 3-5 drops with warming diffusers. Refresh as needed.
Direct Application
Some essential oils, like lavender and tea tree, can be applied directly to the skin to soothe minor insect bites, scratches and burns.
Foot and Hand Bath
When your feet feel good, you feel good all over - and the feet are a very important area in aromatherapy. This is both because of their reflex points that affect every area of the body, and because the skin on the feet absorbs essential oils rapidly. The value of foot baths has been recognised for hundreds of years. They are a wonderful way to pamper yourself, and are very practical in situations where a full aromatherapy bath is not possible; for example for the disabled and elderly or for people who only have a shower in their flat. Hand baths can be soothing for people with aching joints. Use 2-4 drops of your chosen essential oil in a bowl of water. Cool water revives, and warm water relaxes.
Inhalation and Steam Inhalation
Sprinkle a few drops of an aromatherapy oil onto a handkerchief or tissue, and inhale as required. Alternatively add three drops of your essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Cover your head with a large towel, close your eyes, put your face above the water and inhale deeply. Repeat as required.
Internal use
Essential oils can be used internally, but this should not be done without proper knowledge. The French system of aromatherapy is based around using essential oils as 'medicines', but in that country being an 'aromatherapist' requires a qualification similar to being a medical doctor. So we recommend that you do not take essential oils internally without recommendation from a properly qualified therapist.
Massage
Aromatherapy massage is one of the best ways to experience aromatherapy essential oils, combining as it does the benefit of touch and the therapeutic effect of the essential oils. Massage relaxes muscles and improves circulation and lymph flow, soothes physical tension and relieves mental stress. Essential oils should always be diluted in a good quality carrier oil before applying to skin. The normal dilution is about 6 drops of essential oil to 15ml of carrier oil. Sensitive skin may require half this concentration, or even less. You may enjoy creating your own massage oil by combining approximately 2ml (30-40 drops) of your favorites Essential Oils with 100ml of Oshadhi Organic Vegetable Oil such as sweet almond, hazelnut, or sunflower.
Mouthwash
The antiseptic and antibacterial effect of aromatherapy essential oils can be perfect for freshening the breath and to help maintain healthy gums, etc. Simply add a few drops of an essential oil (diluted) to a cup of water, and swill around the mouth. Do not swallow.
Sauna
To refresh the sauna and to enjoy the therapeutic effects of the essential oil, mix five drops of your chosen essential oil in one cup of water and pour over the hot rocks.
Scented Pillow
One or two drops of an aromatherapy oil on a pillow case or on a tissue inside the pillow case is a wonderful way to enjoy the soothing and therapeutic effect of the essential oils. Take care not to get the oil in your eyes!
Essential Oils at Work
You can sniff oils directly from the bottle, or use a roller ball as required. The fragrance will have a direct effect, and also the associative memory will help you stay focussed and relaxed.
Essential Oils on the Road
Your favourite Essential Oils help to make any hotel room a little more like home.
In any case, it is good to consult with an aromatherapist and / or refer to “Safe use of Essential Oils” before using it.
