Essential Oils: Part Three (Usage)

Well, here we go! Gathering again for day three of my five day Essential Oil Series. If you missed days one and two, don't worry!  You can find them here and here, respectively.

As promised, today's topic is sharing the three ways to use essential oils and how to decide which way is best for your specific needs.

1. Aromatic
This method is most widely used  for mood enhancement, respiratory support, and air purification.

-Diffusers

•  I use two on a regular basis and love them for different reasons. The Lotus Diffuser is exclusively sold by doTERRA and I purchased the Oil Drop Diffuser from an online aromatherapy tool website. Both are used in the same manner, by filling a well with water and a adding 3-5 drops of EO. They work by atomizing EO's into tiny ion particles that are more easily absorbed by our bodies.  This process also works to purify the air. Don't have a diffuser yet? No worries! There are other ways to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

Lotus Diffuser

Oil Drop Diffuser

-Direct Inhalation Tips

• Inhale the aroma straight from the bottle.
• Aromatherapy jewelry. I made a clay/terracotta necklace to act as my own personal diffuser. 
• Put a drop or two of EO in your hands, rub together, cup and inhale.
• Make a room spray by putting a few drops of EO in a small, glass, spray bottle with distilled water.
• Using a cotton pad or cotton ball, add EO and place near a fan, vent, or other sources of moving air.
• Make a steam tent to help with stuffiness or colds by putting a few drops of EO in a glass container of steaming water, put a towel over your head and around the container to breathe in the vapors.

2.Topical

Our skin is porous, so, of course you can expect  whatever we put on it to be absorbed into our bodies. Because of this, when EO's are applied, they travel to bloodstream quickly, in fact, within 30 seconds of application! Applying oils topically are most commonly used for localized areas of concern such as temples for a headache, on stomach for digestive trouble, and on muscles for soreness. 

Just a few benefits of topical application include relaxation, relief from pain/discomfort, immune
support.

It is important for me to include that while most EO's are mild enough to be applied neat 

(using no dilution), some oils are considered "hot" and need to be diluted before applying directly to skin.You would do this with a carrier vegetable oil such as coconut, jojoba, almond, or olive. It is always a good idea to spot test and area of skin to check for sensitivities before applying to a larger area. *Added bonus, the dilution does not hinder the effectiveness of the EO's you're applying, but actually makes the oils more effective.

* Never attempt to dilute an essential oil with water. Oil and water don't mix and the addition of it will drive the EO deeper into the tissue, causing more discomfort. This is especially helpful to know if you accidentally get an EO in your eye. In that case, dilute with a carrier vegetable oil.

** Some oils (mostly citrus) are photosensitive. If using these topically, it is best to avoid direct, prolonged sunlight or UV exposure  after use. Doing so could result in  burns.

3. Internal

I am going to say the last way I am sharing is highly controversial in the aromatherapy community. This is largely due to the lack of research present in addition with a market flooded with low quality EO's that would make consumption potentially harmful. I wholeheartedly trust doTERRA's
distillation methods and the purity of the oils they provide, so I consume EO's that are labeled GRAS (generally regarded as safe) on a daily basis. Internal consumption is useful for (but definitely not limited to) targeted wellness with the mouth, throat, digestive system, urinary tract, and metabolic support.

* Follow this link to see what Dr. Hill has to say about using EO's internally.

Whew! There is soooo much more I want to share, but to keep the information manageable I will  stop here. Tomorrow, I will share my top 10 essential oils & blends and their most common uses. 

Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on this little series! 

Heather

Disclaimer: This series has been written to provide information and to help educate others. This information was not provided to diagnose, proscribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. The information present should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling and anyone suffering from a disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified healthcare professional.