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I love essential oils. I love the fact that when you use essential oils you are treating the alignment that you want to treat and only that alignment. Often when healthcare providers prescribe medications they come with side effects. I first stated using essential oils to help my youngest daughter fall asleep. My daughter was 7 or 8, she’s 20 now. I’m a nurse and know the side effects that over-the-counter sleep aids could cause. There was no way I was going to have her put on prescription sleep medications. In walks essential oils. Our very first essential oil was lavender. The very first night, Hope reported sleeping better and she woke up when I needed her to. I was hooked.
I struggled for the first few years with how to actually use essential oils. I didn’t want to use them “wrong.” Great news there is no “wrong” way to use essential oils. Today, I’m going to break it down for you. First, a little history related to essential oils.
Essential oils have been around for health, wellness and healing for centuries. Our ancestors knew the power of nature. They were able to distill the potent liquids from the plants, capturing the essence of their botanical source. I know that when you first start out it can seem overwhelming. How do you even use them?
This guide is for you! I’m going to break down the three primary ways to incorporate essential oils into your life, along with some important safety tips to keep in mind.
1. Inhale the Benefits
This is the most basic and easiest way to use essential oils. When you inhale an essential oil, the molecules can enter the bloodstream with in minutes. The way the essential oils enter your bloodstream through the lungs and the olfactory system. This is why certain scents can instantly evoke a feeling of calm, energy, or nostalgia. Inhalation is considered one of the fastest and most effective methods for essential oils to enter the body, especially when compared to topical application.
How to Use Them Aromatically:
- Diffuser: An essential oil diffuser is a device that disperses a fine mist of water and essential oil into the air. This is a fantastic way to fill a room with a pleasant scent and reap the benefits of the oil. Simply add water to the fill line and a few drops of your chosen essential oil (start with 3-5 drops). I love blending essential oils to come up with great new scents.
- Direct Inhalation: For a quick, personal boost, simply open the bottle and take a few deep breaths directly from the a few inches away. There are two different ways you can do this. First, you can hold the bottle a few inches from your nose and breath in hold and exhale. My favorite is putting 1-2 drops in the palm of my hand rub them together, hold my hands a few inches away from my nose, inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat. This is an instant calm for me.
Popular Oils for Aromatic Use:
- Lavender: Calming, promotes relaxation and sleep.
- Lemon: Uplifting, a great mood booster.
- Peppermint: Energizing, helps with focus and can soothe headaches.
- Eucalyptus: Invigorating, great for clearing airways.
2. Directly on the Skin
Applying essential oils to your skin allows them to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This method is excellent for targeting specific areas, like a sore muscle or a patch of dry skin. It’s crucial to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and should almost always be diluted before topical use.
How to Use Them Topically:
- Dilution is Key: A “carrier oil” is a plant-based oil used to dilute essential oils. Common carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil. The typical dilution ratio for adults is 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Massage: Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into the desired area. This is great for muscle aches, tension, or for a relaxing full-body massage.
- Roll-ons: Pre-diluted roll-on bottles are a convenient way to apply essential oils directly to your pulse points (wrists, temples, neck) for a quick boost. You can make your own by filling a roll-on bottle with carrier oil and a few drops of essential oil.
- In Your Bath: Add a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil, then add the mixture to your bathwater. The carrier oil helps disperse the essential oil so it doesn’t just sit on top of the water.
Popular Oils for Topical Use:
- Frankincense: Rejuvenating, great for skin health.
- Tea Tree: Cleansing, beneficial for skin blemishes and irritations.
- Peppermint: Cooling, perfect for soothing sore muscles or a tired head.
- Lavender: Soothing, can calm irritated skin.
3. Cleaning and Freshening
One benefit of essential oils is they offer a fantastic way to create a non-toxic cleaning solution. Great when your kids want to help or if you have animals that wander around the house. Essential oils also make your house smell great. Their natural properties make them effective alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners.
How to Use Them in Your Home:
- All-Purpose Cleaner: In a spray bottle, mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 10-15 drops of essential oil (lemon, tea tree, or a blend works well). Use it to wipe down countertops and surfaces. My favorite all-purpose cleaner is Young Living’s Thieves collection
- Room Freshener Spray: Combine water with 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and spritz it in the air to eliminate odors. Use alcohol instead of water and it makes a great fabric freshener.
- Laundry Booster: Add a few drops of essential oil to a wool dryer ball to naturally scent your clothes as they dry. Great alternative to drier sheets.
Popular Oils for Household Use:
- Lemon: Natural degreaser, a fresh and clean scent.
- Tea Tree: Powerful cleansing properties.
- Thieves: A blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary known for their powerful cleaning and purifying properties.
Important Safety First!
While essential oils are natural, they are also highly potent. Always keep these safety guidelines in mind:
- Dilute, Dilute, Dilute! Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin.
- Patch Test: Before using a new oil topically, apply a small, diluted amount to a discreet area of skin (like your inner arm) and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.
- Keep Away from Eyes and Sensitive Areas: Avoid applying essential oils near your eyes, inside your ears, or on other sensitive mucous membranes.
- Quality Matters: Choose a reputable brand that provides pure, unadulterated essential oils. Look for words like “100% pure” and “therapeutic grade” like Young Living
- Consult a Professional: If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a pre-existing medical condition, consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
Essential oils are a wonderful way to connect with nature’s power and bring a little more wellness and joy into your daily routine. By starting with these simple methods and keeping safety at the forefront, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking their full potential.
Disclaimer: Young Living Disclosure
I am an independent distributor with Young Living. The statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any income or commissions I earn through Young Living are based on my personal sales and the sales of others in my organization. If you click on my links or choose to purchase through me, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my business!
