The essential oil you select will be based on the reason for use. Do you need it to improve your mood? Or are you looking to treat burns? There isn't a specific list of the essential oils used to treat what health issues. For instance, the essential oils of chamomile and lavender Basil, Frankincense, and chamomile are typically found to be calming and can help ease anxiety, bergamot and peppermint oils are stimulating and can aid those who suffer from depression, the results are dependent on the individual. Therefore, you must be diligent about researching and speaking with aromatherapists who are certified or other professionals who have training on the use of essential oils.
An excellent place to start is to purchase an aromatherapy book that is therapeutic. There are a lot of excellent books to choose from and you'll find the one that meets your requirements.
Make sure you pay careful attention to the warnings given for each essential oil and its application method. We offer some suggestions as well as examples within this section, however, it is essential that you dilute your oils correctly and take note of your own reactions, and be aware of the negative effects.
How do I use essential oils?
Essential oils enter your body in three ways: applied to the skin, breathed in, or ingested. Within each of the three options, there are numerous ways to apply them. For instance, you can apply essential oils to the skin using the use of baths, sprays, and compresses, or by massaging them into your skin.
What is the best method of applying essential oils?
The method used to apply the oil is dependent on the effect you want to achieve along with the specific essential oil chosen. Some essential oils can cause irritation on the skin due to their chemical composition. They will require more diluted or may be best taken inhalational.
Once you've bought an essential oil the method of application will depend on the condition that needs to be treated as well as the desired result. A few tips:
- Wound care typically involves applying topical treatments.
- Mood effects could be treated by either applying topical or inhalation. Inhalation for fast action could be preferred.
- Three baths require absorption via inhalation as well as topical absorption.
Here are a few recommended Oils:
Take note: If you're not sure of the best method to apply essential oils, talk to an aromatherapist who is certified.
What can I do to inhale essential oils?
Diffuser
Essential oils are placed into this container, often with water (be sure to follow the instructions) or by heating them until they melt. This is a great method of adding the smell of essential oils to space for instance or to include lavender if you are looking to improve your relaxation during the course or yoga class. Essential oils should not burn directly since the chemical structure of essential oils is drastically changed by burning (Buckle 2003).
Steam
Drops of essential oils are placed in a bowl of steaming water. It quickly evaporates the oil. Cover your head, and then over the bowl of water containing the essential oil drop(s), and then breathe deeply. This method is extremely simple and powerful. The use of more than 2 drops can cause a lot of stress. It is crucial to ensure that your eyes are closed while applying this method. The use of eucalyptus essential oils is beneficial for sinus infections and upper respiratory tract infections. Be aware that this should not be used with kids younger than seven years old. Children older than 7, years old can wear swimming goggles to shield their eyes.
Spray
Essential oils are put in a water-based solution shaken and then sprayed into the air to neutralize the smell of a room or create a mood. For instance, you could spray a water-based solution of citrus or pine oils to increase holiday spirit or a mixture of peppermint oil to increase alertness. It is also possible to utilize a solution of water and your preferred essential oil to use as cleaning your yoga mat. It is crucial for you to shake the bottle prior to spraying to ensure that you spray the solution, not only water.
