How do I use essential oils?

How do I use essential oils?

Aside from using essential oils to make homemade household cleaners (which I strongly recommend), there are three ways to use essential oils for your body: aromatically, topically, and internally.

AROMATICALLY:

The inhalation of essential oils heightens the senses and can trigger numerous desired responses in the body. Aside from using EOs for household cleaners, this is the way my family mostly uses oils. Below are several techniques when using essential oils aromatically:

1. Direct inhalation – simply open the bottles and smell them.
2. Diffuse the oils using a Young Living diffuser, which disperses the oil in a micro-fine vapor into the air. The Young Living diffuser will not heat the oils (thus ensuring full benefits) as extreme heat can damage important constituents in the oil. Diffusing oils can purify the air and contribute to a cleaner air quality. With the average American spending almost 90% of their time indoors, promoting better air quality is key! To use your diffuser, please read the manual that came with it. Ensure you are using the correct type of water. Add your water, then essential oils (anywhere from 3-8 drops). Diffuse and enjoy!

TOPICALLY:

Applying essential oils directly onto the skin where indicated allows us to target specific body parts. Combine essential oils with a carrier oil (learn more about carrier oils HERE) to dilute the oils and increase absorption. Dilution may also protect against possible skin sensitivities, so when in doubt, dilute! Essential oils are extremely potent! 10 ml roller bottles work well to mix up your essential oils with a carrier oil, but there are plenty of fun alternatives available. I typically stick to 20 drops of essential oils, or less (especially with children), when using the 10 ml roller bottles. A little goes a long way, so always do your research and start out small.

A few good places to apply essential oils topically are:

• Wrists
• Behind ears
• Temples
• Neck
• Crown of head
• Upper back
• Along spine
• Abdomen
• Over vital organs
• Soles and top of feet
• Ankle

To apply topically on any of these areas, follow these simple steps:

1. Carefully tip the oil bottle and drop 2-3 drops in the palm of the hand or directly on the desired application area. Make sure to check the bottle for dilution instructions first.
2. If dropping oil in your hand, rub palms together in a circular motion and then massage oil onto the desired point of application. If applying directly to the desired area, use your hand to massage the oil in a circular motion into the skin. Repeat if desired.
3. If using a roller bottle, roll onto desired application area. Shake the bottle before use.

Always Remember: Never put essential oils in your ears or eyes. Essential oils are very potent, and some may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, immediately apply a carrier oil (not water) to the area to dilute, then wipe away with a towel. Please read label directions for each individual oil before using and, when in doubt, dilute!

INTERNALLY:

Although controversial, many people do ingest Young Living’s essential oils. While I occasionally ingest oils if they are ingredients in YL-manufactured supplements and did ingest EOs more in the past, I now rely on herbs for most of my herbal support. I no longer suggest ingesting EOs regularly and do not recommend it at all for children. Whatever you decide, remember that safety is key. Essential oils are extremely potent and a little goes a very long way!

Suggested internal consumption methods:

1. Although not technically ingestion, add 1 drop of essential oil to your oil pulling regimen. I use 1-2 tablespoons of raw, cold-pressed organic coconut oil mixed with 1 drop of Clove Vitality.
2. Add culinary oils to your meals when cooking. To prevent too much oil being added, start by using a toothpick dipped in the bottle, then mixed in a fatty oil (like olive oil or coconut oil) before adding it to your cooking. This can be a great trick in a pinch, especially if you need lemon juice for a recipe and are out.
3. Add 1-2 drops onto a tablespoon of honey and swallow.

One last thing to keep in mind when ingesting oils is that some oils have been known to interact with prescription drugs.  For safety, please consult with your prescribing physician before ingesting oils.

Young Living essential oils are pure, which makes them powerful and effective. Safety is always key. For the responsible use of essential oils, read the complete label on each bottle and follow the safety guidelines. More tips and information can be found in the Essential Oils Desk Reference. Another generic essential oils resource I refer to is The Healing Power of Essential Oils by Dr. Eric Zielinski.

Statements regarding essential oils have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and suggestions on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care provider before using these products.

When you are ready to join me on this incredible journey of natural wellness, I will be here to support you wholeheartedly. I feel passionate about holistic living and want to help as many families as possible enjoy it as well. Simply click on the link below to get started.

CLICK HERE